Why Use a Fire Pit Pan?
- Component Protection: Acts as a physical heat shield between the burner flame and sensitive ignition controls, valves, or wiring below.
- Pre-Configured Simplicity vs. Customization: Factory-paired pan and burner sets ensure matched gas output, while standalone pans give you the flexibility to install custom burner styles and sizes. If you prefer an all-in-one assembly with the burner, ignition system, and gas connections pre-assembled, explore our complete gas fire pit kits.
- Built-in Weep Holes: Integrated weep holes let rainwater drain out of the pan rather than pooling around the burner. (Note: Proper overall enclosure drainage is still required below the pan).
- Media Management: Recessed drop-in and lipless pans create a contained basin, reducing the volume of fire glass or lava rock needed compared to deep, open structures.
Pan Configurations
Gas fire pit pans are available in three primary mounting styles: Drop-In, Lipless, and Flat. Choosing the right style depends on your enclosure construction, whether you prefer a visible metal flange, and how you want your fire glass or lava rock to sit within the structure.
Drop-In
Design: Built with a recessed basin and an outer mounting lip (1 1/4″ to 1 1/2″ flange) that rests directly on the top surface of the enclosure structure.
Installation: Simple to install. The pan is dropped into an opening in the top surface of the fire pit structure. The lip of the pan sits on the top, supporting the pan.
Result: Positions the burner 2 to 2 1/2 inches below the top surface for wind protection, with the stainless steel lip remaining visible as a finished architectural trim.
Lipless
Design: Recessed basin design with a rimless profile that keeps fire media contained while sitting flush inside the structure. Offers easy removal during maintenance.
Installation: Requires internal support using Z-brackets↗ or Installation Collars↗. Alternatively, set onto an interior masonry ledge.
Result: Suspends the burner below the rim for wind protection, leaving only the fire surface visible once finished.
Flat Pans
Design: Heavy-gauge flat sheet of stainless steel or aluminum without a recessed basin or lip.
Installation: Mounted onto internal structural ledges, Z-brackets, or collars, positioning the plate below the top edge so the burner is protected from wind.
Result: Allows fire media to sit flush with the top surface of the enclosure once filled, leaving the pan completely hidden from view
Brand Highlights
All manufacturers featured on our site back their burner assemblies with a lifetime warranty, reflecting the commercial-grade durability and American engineering across our catalog.
- American Fire Products: Premium 304 stainless steel drop-in and flat pans paired with ring, H, or T-burners.
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze Line: Discontinued by the manufacturer, but select sizes remain available while current stock lasts.
- HPC Fire: Made in the USA from commercial-grade stainless steel. In addition to standard round, square, and flat options, HPC features proprietary designs unavailable from other manufacturers:
- Interlink Pan System: Allows linear pans to connect end-to-end for continuous flame runs.
- Proprietary Burners & Shapes: Includes high-output Torpedo burners↗ and unique Penta burner↗ configurations.
- Custom Manufacturing: Offers custom sizing and tailored builds across their pan and burner lines.
- The Outdoor Plus: Heavy-duty American-made stainless steel and aluminum pans engineered for high performance and total build flexibility:
- Proprietary Burners: Engineered to support high-output Bullet Burners↗ and specialty layouts like Triple S configurations.
- Complete Customization: Full custom fabrication across their entire product line.
Technical & Installation Resources
For complete system sizing, safety clearances, and structural guidelines: