Key Takeaways
- HPC Fire Pits Offer Multiple Installation Options: From complete fire pits to custom kits and ready-to-finish units, HPC provides solutions for both simple installs and fully customized outdoor designs.
- Ignition Systems Impact Safety and Convenience: Options range from manual match-lit systems to advanced electronic and app-controlled ignition, allowing homeowners to choose the right balance of control, safety, and ease of use.
- Customization Drives Performance and Aesthetics: With choices in burner style, flame height, fire media, and materials, HPC fire pits can be tailored to match both the look and heat output needed for any outdoor space.
If you are shopping for a gas fire pit, the brand you choose matters a lot. HPC Fire Inspired builds certified, customizable fire features backed by over 50 years of engineering expertise. This guide covers everything a homeowner needs to know, from product types and ignition systems to installation basics and safety.
What Is HPC Fire Inspired?
HPC Fire Inspired is a U.S.-based leader in building outdoor fire equipment, including fire pits, bowls, and other fire features, that has been operating since 1975. The company focuses on combining innovation and safety, making sure each product is backed by CSA certification and meets ISO 9001:2015 standards. They focus on providing homeowners with durable, stylish products designed to be “the hottest and most atmospheric flame on the market.”
Why Choose HPC Fire Inspired?
HPC Fire Inspired stands out by combining safety, performance, and design flexibility in every fire feature they build.
- Extremely Customizable: Homeowners can customize almost every aspect of their fire pit, including style, burner shape, and fire media type.
- Every Component is Tested for Safety: Every HPC product and component undergoes rigorous testing and certification to ensure it is safe for homeowners to use.
- Complete Fire Pits That Are Ready to Install: Unlike uncertified, piece-together fire kits, every HPC component, such as the burner, pan, and valve, is designed to work together, and fire pits can come ready-made.
Types of HPC Fire Pits and Outdoor Fire Features
HPC offers four product categories, excluding accessories, designed for different installation types and design goals. Here is a breakdown of each to help you identify which fits your project.
HPC Fire Pits
HPC fire pits are fully assembled units that include the enclosure, burner, pan, and ignition system, and are ready to install. They come in four materials to match different outdoor aesthetics and are available in both natural gas and propane configurations.
- Concrete Fire Bowls: Concrete fire pits are pre-finished in neutral tones like Gray, Burnt Sienna, and Black across series, including the Element, Serenade, and Belmont, making them a popular choice for modern patios and outdoor living spaces.
- Copper Fire Pits: Copper fire bowls are available in smooth, hammered, or oil-rubbed finishes across the Mesa, Tempe, Sedona, and Phoenix series, making them popular for homeowners who want a premium, eye-catching focal point.
- Aluminum Fire Bowls: Aluminum fire bowls are rust-resistant and mimic the look of concrete or wood grain at a lighter weight, making them a popular choice for low-maintenance deck and patio installations.
- Steel Fire Pits: Steel fire pits are crafted from durable carbon or stainless steel, built to withstand intense heat and harsh weather. Available in portable and permanent styles, many feature a powder-coated finish, offering longevity and low maintenance for any outdoor space.
All complete units feature 304 stainless steel burners and are available with multiple ignition options.
Fire Pit Kits
Fire pit kits are CSA-certified burner systems built for homeowners and contractors who want to construct a fully custom fire feature. You design and build the enclosure; HPC supplies the certified components for it.
- How It Works: The kit includes a stainless-steel burner, a pan, a gas valve assembly, and a key valve. You connect it to a gas line inside your custom-built or existing enclosure.
- Shape Options: Available in linear, round, square, and rectangular burner configurations to fit whatever enclosure dimensions you are working with.
- Advantages: You can design and match the materials used with the rest of the space, CSA-certified as a complete assembly, 304 stainless steel construction, available for natural gas or propane, and compatible with custom masonry or stone enclosures.
- Disadvantages: Requires you to build or commission a separate enclosure, which adds time and cost to the overall project.
- Best Use Cases: Custom masonry fire features, contractor-built outdoor kitchens with integrated fire elements, or any project where the enclosure dimensions are non-standard.
They are very durable, built to resist corrosion and withstand extreme weather and climate conditions, including high temperatures.
Ready-to-Finish Fire Pits
Ready-to-Finish (RTF) units are pre-engineered, unfinished enclosures that give you a faster path to a custom-looking fire pit. The structure is already built; you choose and apply the exterior finish.
- How it Works: A 22-gauge galvanized steel frame with a 1/2-inch HardiBoard shell comes assembled and ready for stone, tile, stucco, or veneer finishes of your choosing.
- Shape Options: Available in round, rectangular, octagon, and square, including a Small Tank Series with a built-in door for concealed propane storage.
- Advantages: Dramatically faster than a from-scratch masonry build, full design flexibility on the exterior, and available with electronic ignition and flame sensing for safety.
- Disadvantages: Less structural flexibility than a fully custom build, and the exterior finish work still requires time and materials.
- Best Use Cases: Homeowners who want a built-in fire pit aesthetic without having to deal with the time and effort of a full custom construction process.
By using an RTF unit, you can complete a custom-looking fire pit installation in as little as one day.
Fire and Water Features
HPC Fire and Water Features are CSA-certified poolside installations that combine a gas fire pit with a flowing water element, designed for pool deck applications where both fire and water run simultaneously.
- How It Works: The bowl connects to your pool pump. A burner flame rises from the top of the bowl while water flows independently through side scuppers into the pool, creating a stunning fire and water effect in one feature.
- Shape Options: Available in round and square shapes, with popular series including Mesa, Tempe, Sierra, Phoenix Trough, and Evolution 360.
- Advantages: Creates a true fire-on-water effect, CSA-certified, available in electronic or match-lit ignition, and integrates with existing pool pump infrastructure.
- Disadvantages: Requires a 12V electrical connection compatible with pool electrical codes, and installation must be coordinated with pool plumbing.
- Best Use Cases: In-ground pool decks where a dramatic, upscale focal point is the goal, particularly for evening entertainment spaces.
These are purpose-built for pools, require connection to an existing pool pump system, and are not standard fire pits with water just added on.
HPC Ignition Systems Explained: Match Lit vs Electronic Fire Pits
Your ignition system affects convenience, safety, BTU capacity, and cost more than anything else. HPC offers five options ranging from a basic system to full smartphone control.
Match Light (Not Certified)
Non-certified match light systems are the most basic ignition option available and are not something we recommend. They have not been tested or certified to meet safety standards, which means they may not pass local inspections and can cause safety and compliance issues.
CSA Certified Match Light
The HPC CSA-Certified Match Lit Ignition (MLFPK) requires you to insert and turn a removable key in the valve to release gas to the burner, which you must then manually light with a lighter. You can shut it off simply by turning the key to close the valve.
- Advantages: Simple and affordable, does not require electricity, and is low maintenance.
- Limitations: No flame sensing (if the unit gets blown out, the burner will still release gas), not permitted for commercial and some residential installations, maximum BTU output is 65,000.
You can shut it off simply by turning the key to close the valve.
FPPK Push Button Flame Sensing
The HPC Push Button Flame Sensing Ignition (FPPK) lets you turn the control knob to release gas, press the button to ignite the flame, and adjust the knob to set your desired flame height.
- Advantages: Does not require electricity, has full-flame sensing for safety, and has adjustable flame height.
- Limitations: Cannot be operated with a switch or remote control, limited burner sizes, maximum BTU output is 250,000.
A built-in safety feature automatically shuts off the gas if the flame goes out.
CSA Certified Match Light
The HPC Electronic ON/OFF Ignition is controlled by a wall switch, remote control, or home automation system. An igniter lights the pilot flame, and once confirmed, gas flows to the burner, and the main flame ignites.
- Advantages: Automatic ignition via wall switch or remote control, flame monitoring and auto-shutoff, compatible with smart systems and building controls.
- Limitations: Highest upfront cost, requires electrical power, flame height is not adjustable.
The system continuously monitors the flame and will automatically restart or shut off the gas if needed.
Electronic El HI/LOW Ignition
The HPC Electronic HI/LO Ignition is controlled via the HPC Fire One App, allowing you to adjust and operate your fire pit directly from your phone.
- Advantages: Automatic ignition via smartphone, variable flame height control, compatible with smart systems and building controls.
- Limitations: Highest upfront cost, requires electrical power, requires a smart device to operate.
The app also provides helpful tools, including product visualization, installation guidance, and easy control of your fire feature, all in one place.
How Much Heat Do HPC Fire Pits Produce?
HPC Fire Pits can produce up to 400,000 BTUs, depending on the model, shape, and ignition type. Match lit fire pits can produce up to 65,000 BTUs and are great for patios and enclosed outdoor areas. Fire pits with push-button ignitions can produce up to 250,000 BTUs and are best suited for large open decks and expansive spaces. Electronic ignition fire pits support the highest BTU output and are commonly used for large commercial patios.
Customization Options for HPC Fire Pits
Beyond product types and ignition, HPC gives you control over how the fire itself looks and performs, with burner style and fire media being the most customizable features.
Burner Shapes and Styles
Burners are available in round, square, linear, and rectangular shapes to fit different enclosure designs. Within those shapes, you can pick from two different types.
- Torpedo Burners: Torpedo burners use jetted brass nozzles to create a tall, lively flame that can reach 22 inches or more with a stronger heat output, producing a dynamic, campfire-like look that works well as a bold centerpiece.
- Standard Burners: Standard burners have a lower initial cost and use a drilled-port stainless steel design to produce a steady, even flame with a lower profile, offering a quieter, more controlled appearance that is ideal for relaxed settings where conversation and subtle ambiance are the focus.
Both are made from high-grade 304 stainless steel, feature a raised hub design that helps prevent water from flowing back into the gas valves, and meet safety standards for residential and commercial projects.
Fire Media Options
Fire media sits over the burner to enhance the flame's visual quality and conceal the stainless-steel components beneath. HPC offers four types to suit different design styles and aesthetics.
- Fire Glass: Tumbled reflective glass in a range of colors that creates a shimmering flame effect, best for modern and contemporary designs.
- Lava Rock: Available in small, medium, and large sizes for a natural, rustic look that distributes heat evenly across the burner surface.
- Ceramic Fire Logs: Crafted to mimic real wood logs, giving the look of a traditional wood fire without ash, smoke, or cleanup.
- River Stones: Smooth, rounded stones for a clean, minimalist aesthetic popular in Zen-inspired or spa-style outdoor spaces.
Media can be mixed and layered for a customized look and swapped out easily.
What Accessories Do You Need for an HPC Fire Pit?
The right accessories protect your fire pit and improve its performance day to day. HPC offers a range of add-ons that are worth considering.
- Covers: Available in 304 stainless steel, powder-coated aluminum, and heavy-duty vinyl to protect the burner and media from rain, debris, and UV damage when the fire pit is not in use.
- Wind Guards: Tempered glass panels on polished aluminum brackets that keep the flame steady in breezy conditions, reduce fuel consumption, and prevent unexpected flame loss. Available in round, square, linear, and rectangular configurations to match your burner shape.
- Control Systems: Options range from wall switches and remote controls to programmable timers and full smartphone app control through the HPC Fire One App (available with Hi/Lo electronic ignition). An Emergency Stop (E-Stop) control is also available for installations that require immediate gas shutoff capability.
Wind guards are the most underrated because even moderate wind will affect flame consistency and efficiency, and adding one from the start is far easier than retrofitting later.
Installation Requirements for HPC Fire Pits
Getting an HPC fire pit installed correctly depends on a few key requirements. Planning for these before purchasing prevents delays and unexpected costs.
- Safety Requirements: All HPC fire pit systems should be installed by a licensed professional to ensure compliance with local codes and to maintain CSA certification. Improper installation can void the product certification and create safety risks.
- Gas Line Requirements: Gas line sizing must be determined by a licensed plumber. Pipe diameter depends on the BTU capacity of your fire pit, the distance from the meter to the installation point, the fuel type, and what other appliances share the same line. An undersized line will reduce flame performance and can prevent proper ignition.
- Electrical Requirements: Electronic ignition systems require 120V or 24V power, and fire-and-water features require a 12V connection compatible with pool electrical codes. All electrical work should be completed by a licensed electrician.
- Clearance Requirements: Every HPC fire pit requires minimum clearances above, to the sides, and around the structure for safe airflow and proper operation.
Following these requirements from the start protects your investment, keeps your installation code-compliant, and ensures your fire pit performs as designed.
Are HPC Fire Pits Safe?
Yes, HPC fire pits are among the safest gas fire features available. HPC holds CSA certification for over 400 models, and most systems feature built-in flame sensing that automatically shuts off gas if the flame is ever lost.
Are HPC Fire Pits Worth It?
Yes, HPC fire pits and features are worth it for homeowners who want a permanent installation that passes inspection, performs reliably, and requires few service calls. CSA certification on over 400 models, fully integrated, tested components, four ignition options from manual to app-controlled, and 50-plus years of product development make HPC one of the best fire feature brands available.
Buy HPC Fire Pits at HVACDirect.com
HPC Fire Inspired products are available at HVACDirect.com, including the full lineup of complete fire pits, fire pit kits, ready-to-finish units, fire and water features, and accessories. Browse by product type or reach out to the team to find the right configuration for your space, fuel source, and budget.
