Choosing the right ignition system for your outdoor fire pit is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The ignition system affects everything from ease of use and installation complexity to long-term maintenance and cost. This comprehensive guide breaks down all five ignition systems manufactured by The Outdoor Plus, helping you make an informed decision for your luxury outdoor living space.

Understanding Fire Pit Ignition Systems

Quick Jump to Ignition Systems

- Match Lit Ignition
- Match Lit with Flame Sense
- Low Voltage Electronic Ignition
- Plug and Play Ignition System

Fire pit ignition systems control how you start and manage the flame in gas-powered fire features. Whether you're choosing a fire pit, fireplace, or fire bowl, understanding the differences between ignition systems will help you select the option that best fits your lifestyle, budget, and installation requirements.

All systems are available for:
- Liquid Propane (LP) – Uses refillable propane tanks
- Natural Gas (NG) – Connects to your home's gas line

 The 5 Ignition Systems Explained

1. Match Lit

How It Works: Manual ignition using a long lighter or match. You turn on the gas valve and light the burner manually.

Best For:
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Simple installations
- Those who prefer traditional fire lighting
- Remote locations without electrical access

Pros:
- Most affordable option
- No electrical components to fail
- Simplest installation
- Zero electrical requirements
- Timeless, reliable method

Cons:
- Requires manual lighting each time
- No remote control capability
- Less convenient for frequent use
- Requires keeping lighter/matches on hand

Price Range: Lowest cost option (e.g., Coronado 48" Match Lit: $4,798)

2. Match Lit with Flame Sense

How It Works: Manual ignition like standard match lit, but includes a flame sensor that automatically shuts off gas flow if the flame goes out unexpectedly.

Best For:
- Safety-conscious homeowners
- Windy locations
- Families with children or pets
- Those who want manual control with added protection

Pros:
- Enhanced safety with automatic shutoff
- Still budget-friendly
- No electrical wiring needed (battery-powered sensor)
- Peace of mind during use
- Prevents gas leaks if flame extinguishes

Cons:
- Still requires manual lighting
- Slightly more complex than basic match lit
- Battery maintenance required for sensor

Price Range: Mid-range pricing

3. Spark Ignition

How It Works: Push-button igniter creates a spark to light the gas, similar to a gas grill. Battery-powered, no hardwiring required.

Best For:
- Convenience seekers
- Locations without easy electrical access
- Those upgrading from match lit
- Homeowners who want one-touch operation

Pros:
- One-touch ignition convenience
- No electrical wiring required
- Battery-powered (easy installation)
- More reliable than manual lighting
- Weather-resistant operation

Cons:
- Battery replacement needed periodically
- More expensive than match lit options
- No remote control capability
- Spark mechanism can wear over time

Price Range: Mid to upper-mid range

4. Low Voltage Electronic Ignition

How It Works: Hardwired electronic ignition system using a low-voltage transformer. Often includes remote control capability and advanced flame management.

Best For:
- Tech-savvy homeowners
- Integrated smart home systems
- Those who want remote control operation
- Premium installations with electrical access

Pros:
- Remote control capability
- Consistent, reliable ignition
- Can integrate with home automation
- Professional-grade performance
- No battery changes needed
- Variable flame control (on some models)

Cons:
- Requires electrical wiring and transformer
- Professional installation recommended
- Higher upfront cost
- More complex troubleshooting if issues arise

Price Range: Upper range (e.g., Sedona & Maya available with Low Voltage)

Examples:
- Sedona Fire Bowl 27" – Available in Match Lit or Low Voltage
- Maya Fire Bowl GFRC Concrete – Available in Match Lit or Low Voltage

5. Plug and Play

How It Works: Pre-wired, ready-to-use system that plugs into a standard 110V outlet. The easiest professional-grade installation available.

Best For:
- DIY installers
- Quick installations
- Those with nearby outdoor outlets
- Homeowners who want premium features without hardwiring

Pros:
- Easiest installation of electronic systems
- Plug into standard outlet (no transformer needed)
- Remote control capable
- Professional performance
- Minimal technical knowledge required

Cons:
- Highest cost option
- Requires nearby electrical outlet
- Outlet must be weatherproof and GFCI-protected
- Cord management considerations

LP vs. NG: Which Fuel Should You Choose?

Liquid Propane (LP)

Pros:
- Portable (no gas line required)
- Higher BTU output (hotter flame)
- Works anywhere
- Easy to refill

Cons:
- Tank refills needed
- Tank storage/enclosure required
- Slightly higher fuel cost per BTU

Best For: Locations without natural gas access, portable installations, hotter flame preference

Natural Gas (NG)

Pros:
- Unlimited fuel supply
- No tank refills
- Lower long-term fuel cost
- Cleaner installation (no visible tank)

Cons:
- Requires gas line installation
- Professional installation required
- Fixed location
- Lower BTU output than LP

Best For: Permanent installations, homes with existing gas lines, convenience-focused users

## How to Choose Your Ignition System: Decision Tree

Answer These Questions:

1. Do you have electrical access near your fire pit location?
   - NO → Match Lit, Match Lit with Flame Sense, or Spark Ignition
   - YES → Continue to Question 2

2. What's your budget?
   - Budget-conscious → Match Lit or Match Lit with Flame Sense
   - Mid-range → Spark Ignition
   - Premium → Low Voltage Electronic or Plug and Play

3. How important is convenience?
   - I don't mind manual lighting → Match Lit or Match Lit with Flame Sense
   - I want one-touch operation → Spark Ignition or higher
   - I want remote control → Low Voltage Electronic or Plug and Play

4. Do you have a nearby 110V outlet?
   - YES → Plug and Play (easiest premium option)
   - NO → Low Voltage Electronic (requires hardwiring)

5. Is safety a top priority?
   - YES → Match Lit with Flame Sense (budget) or Low Voltage/Plug and Play (premium)
   - Standard safety is fine → Any system works

## Real-World Examples: System Pricing

Understanding how ignition systems affect pricing helps you budget effectively:

 Sedona Fire Bowl 27"
- Available in Match Lit or Low Voltage Electronic
- Low Voltage adds remote control capability and professional-grade ignition

 Maya Fire Bowl GFRC Concrete
- Available in Match Lit or Low Voltage Electronic

Note: The Orbit Smokeless Fire Pit is a wood-burning model and does not require an ignition system.

Installation Considerations

Match Lit & Match Lit with Flame Sense
- DIY-Friendly: Yes
- Time Required: 1-2 hours
- Tools Needed: Basic hand tools, gas line connection
- Professional Help: Optional (recommended for gas line)

Spark Ignition
- DIY-Friendly: Yes
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Tools Needed: Basic hand tools, battery installation
- Professional Help: Optional

Low Voltage Electronic
- DIY-Friendly: Advanced DIYers only
- Time Required: 4-6 hours
- Tools Needed: Electrical tools, transformer installation, wiring
- Professional Help: Highly recommended

Plug and Play
- DIY-Friendly: Yes (easiest electronic option)
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Tools Needed: Basic hand tools, weatherproof outlet
- Professional Help: Optional (outlet installation may require electrician)

 Frequently Asked Questions

Which ignition system is most reliable?
All five systems are highly reliable when properly installed and maintained. Match Lit is the simplest with fewest components to fail. Low Voltage Electronic and Plug and Play offer the most consistent ignition performance.

Can I upgrade my ignition system later?
In most cases, yes. However, upgrading from Match Lit to an electronic system may require additional wiring and components. Consult with your installer about upgrade paths.

Do electronic systems work in cold weather?
Yes. Low Voltage Electronic and Plug and Play systems are designed for year-round outdoor use and perform reliably in cold temperatures.

How long do batteries last in Spark Ignition systems?
Typically 1-2 years depending on usage frequency. Use high-quality batteries for best performance.

Which system is safest?
Match Lit with Flame Sense offers automatic gas shutoff if the flame extinguishes. Low Voltage and Plug and Play systems also include advanced safety features and flame management.

Can I use a remote control with Match Lit?
No. Remote control capability requires Low Voltage Electronic or Plug and Play systems.

 What if I don't have electrical access?
Choose Match Lit, Match Lit with Flame Sense, or Spark Ignition. All three operate without electrical wiring.

 Which system requires the least maintenance?
Match Lit requires the least maintenance (no batteries, no electrical components). Low Voltage and Plug and Play require minimal maintenance once installed.

## Making Your Decision

Choosing the right ignition system comes down to three factors:

1. Budget – Match Lit offers the lowest cost; Plug and Play is premium-priced
2. Convenience – Manual lighting vs. one-touch vs. remote control
3. Installation – DIY-friendly vs. professional installation required

Our Recommendation:
- Best Value: Match Lit with Flame Sense (safety + affordability)
- Best Convenience: Spark Ignition (one-touch without wiring)
- Best Premium Experience: Plug and Play (easiest electronic install + remote control)
- Best Smart Home Integration: Low Voltage Electronic (professional-grade control)

## Ready to Choose Your Fire Pit?

Browse our complete collection of luxury fire pits, fire bowls, and fireplaces. Each product page shows which ignition systems are available for that specific model.

Need help deciding? Schedule a consultation with our team, and we'll help you choose the perfect ignition system for your outdoor living space.

Because fire was the first luxury.

Related Resources:
- Fire Pit Accessories & Propane Enclosures
- Installation Guides & Manuals
- LP vs. NG Fuel Comparison
- Fire Glass & Media Options

This guide covers ignition systems for gas-powered fire features manufactured by The Outdoor Plus. Wood-burning models like the Orbit Smokeless Fire Pit do not require ignition systems.