Fire Pit Pans and Trays
Types of Fire Pit Pans and Trays
Although there are many shapes and sizes, there are three types of Fire Pit Burner Pan, Drop-In, Flat, and Lipless.
Drop-In Pans
The Drop-In Fire Pit Pan has a recessed area into which the burner and any ignition system are securely fixed. Around the recessed area is a flange or lip, which varies in width depending on the brand, but is usually about 1.25 to 1.50 inches wide.
These Pans make installation very straightforward. The lip sits on the upper surface of the fire pit structure, neatly framing the burn area.
The stainless steel lip becomes a feature of the fire pit. Most Drop-In Pans are about 2 inches deep which positions the burner below the top of the fire pit, helping to protect the flame from the breeze.
Flat Pans
As the name suggests, Flat Pans do not have a recessed area. The burner is secured to a flat sheet of stainless steel or aluminum.
A Flat Fire Pit Pan needs some provision to be made in the construction of the fire pit structure upon which it can sit. This can be achieved by building a ledge of some sort, or using either ‘z’ brackets or ‘collars’ set into the inner wall of the fire pit structure.
When the fire glass/lava rock is installed the flat pan becomes completely hidden from view.
Lipless pan
Lipless Pans have the benefit of sidewalls like the Drop-In Pans which keep the fire media neatly contained.
Having no lip the pans will require the same support as the flat pans above.
A Flat Pan or Lipless Pan hidden beneath the fire media - Cabo Fire Pit in Corten Steel from The Outdoor Plus
The lip of the Drop-In Pan framing the burner - Sequoia Fire Pit from The Outdoor Plus
Why use a Fire Pit Pan?
● Fire Pit Pans provide stable support for the burner. Any ignition system other than the simple match lit, requires precise positioning in order to function properly. Pans also provides heat protection from the burner for the ignition system components and wiring.
● Electronic Ignition equipment requires a hollow space beneath the pan for cooling.
● Using a Pan or Tray in a well-designed Fire Pit will minimize the quantity of Fire Glass or other Fire Media needed, keeping costs down.
● The Pan can be easily removed to access equipment and gas connections below for maintenance.
To understand why Fire Pit Pans and Trays are essential for building a successful gas fire pit, it helps to have a clear idea of what constitutes a good fire pit structure, into which you are going to install the equipment.
Fire Pit Structure
To understand why Fire Pit Pans and Trays are essential for building a successful gas fire pit, it helps to have a clear idea of what constitutes a good fire pit structure, into which you are going to install the equipment.
Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is often overlooked in the construction of a gas fire pit.
The Industry Standard recommendation is to provide ventilation on two opposing sides of the fire pit. Each side should consist of a minimum of 18 square inches of ventilation, totaling 36 square inches. The larger the BTU rating of the burner, the more ventilation is required!
For Propane installations, the venting must be positioned as low as possible in the structure as Propane is heavier than air and if a gas leak were to occur the Propane would descend, becoming trapped within the structure.
Drainage
Drainage is often forgotten in the construction of a fire pit.
All Pans available on the Magic of Fire have drainage holes which ensures the longevity and safe use of equipment. However, this means that structure itself also requires drainage.
Venting a Fire Pit Structure is Essential
By now it should be clear why it’s not a great idea to fill a fire pit structure with cheap filler and simply place the burner on top. Doing so removes any option for upgrading ignition systems and, may cause potential issues with gas collecting within the fire pit. We should point out that drainage is also essential for the longevity of equipment and Warranty purposes.
There have been some instances where wire mesh has been used to support the burner. Only recently, we had a call at the office from a lady, whose flagstone had cracked at the side of the fire pit. Her burner was sitting on a steel mesh; over time, it had moved off-center and was far too close to the Copping Stone. The stone subsequently overheated and cracked.
None of this would have happened if the contractor had used a fire pit pan or tray.
Fire Pit Pan Gas Connection Kits
Gas Connection Kits are available for all our brands. Or you can opt for a complete fire pit kit which includes a pan, burner, gas connections, and ignition system.
