Grillz vs Gasmate Fire Pit: Best for Australian Backyards 2026
Updated 2026-07-12
Fire pits are one of the most popular backyard additions in Australia, extending outdoor entertaining well into autumn and winter. The choice between a wood-burning Grillz and a gas-powered Gasmate comes down to convenience versus ambiance. Wood pits deliver the crackling atmosphere and smoky warmth Aussies associate with camping and outdoor gatherings. Gas pits offer instant-on convenience with no smoke, no ash cleanup, and far fewer council restrictions in suburban areas. Both are widely available through Amazon AU and Bunnings. This comparison considers Australian fire regulations, typical backyard sizes, and year-round outdoor living conditions.
What to Look For
- 1Check your local council fire regulations first. Many suburban councils in NSW, VIC, and QLD restrict open wood fires year-round but allow gas fire pits without permits. If you live in a fire-prone area, gas may be your only legal option.
- 2Consider your backyard size. Wood-burning pits need at least 3m clearance from fences, structures, and overhanging trees. Gas pits typically require only 1-1.5m clearance due to contained flames.
- 3Think about how often you will use it. Gas pits reward frequent use — the instant convenience means you will actually use it on a Tuesday night. Wood pits are more of a weekend ritual requiring preparation time.
- 4Factor in ongoing costs. Wood costs A$10-15 per evening (hardwood from Bunnings or firewood supplier). Gas costs A$3-5 per evening. Over a winter season, gas is significantly cheaper per hour of warmth.
- 5If you entertain frequently, consider the smoke factor. Smoke drifts into outdoor dining areas and clings to clothes and hair. Gas gives warmth without driving guests indoors.
Verdict
It depends on your priority
Grillz Corten Steel Round Fire Pit 75cm with Spark Guard for budget · Gasmate Stellar Black Glass Gas Fire Pit for features
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Grillz Corten Steel Round Fire Pit 75cm with Spark Guard | Gasmate Stellar Black Glass Gas Fire Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Wood / charcoal | LPG gas (9kg bottle, sold separately) |
| Material | 3mm Corten weathering steel | Powder-coated steel with tempered glass wind guard |
| Diameter | 75cm | 60cm (square table design) |
| Weight | 18kg | 32kg |
| Heat Output | ~30kW (varies by fuel) | 10.5kW (adjustable) |
| Ignition | Manual (firelighters/kindling) | Electronic piezo ignition |
| Spark Guard | Included mesh lid | Tempered glass wind guard |
| Cooking Capable | Yes — includes grill plate | No — decorative flames only |
Pros & Cons
Grillz Corten Steel Round Fire Pit 75cm with Spark Guard
Pros
- Authentic wood-fire ambiance with crackling sounds and natural flame movement
- Corten steel develops a protective rust patina — looks better with age in Australian weather
- Doubles as a cooking surface with the included grill plate — perfect for sausages or marshmallows
- No gas bottle to refill — uses fallen branches, kindling, or hardwood from Bunnings
- Significantly cheaper upfront than comparable gas fire pits
Cons
- Produces smoke — may breach council fire regulations in suburban areas (check local rules)
- Requires 10-15 minutes to get going — no instant heat on cold nights
- Ash and ember cleanup after every use
- Total fire ban days (common in summer) mean you cannot use it at all
Gasmate Stellar Black Glass Gas Fire Pit
Pros
- Instant on/off with electronic ignition — heat in seconds on cold evenings
- Zero smoke means no council issues in most Australian suburban areas
- Adjustable flame height — dial from ambient glow to full warmth
- Glass wind guard keeps flame stable in Australian coastal breezes
- No ash, no ember, no cleanup — just turn off and cover
Cons
- A$599+ is three times the price of a comparable wood-burning pit
- Requires 9kg LPG gas bottle (~A$30 per refill, lasts 8-10 hours)
- Cannot cook on it — purely decorative and warmth-focused
- Gas hose and regulator add complexity — annual leak checks recommended
- Decorative glass beads need occasional cleaning from dust and spiders
Our Verdict
For most Australian suburban backyards, the Gasmate gas fire pit is the more practical choice — it avoids council issues, works year-round (including total fire ban days in some jurisdictions), and delivers instant warmth without smoke. However, if you have a rural or semi-rural property with generous clearance and want authentic campfire ambiance for weekend gatherings, the Grillz Corten pit delivers that atmosphere at a third of the price. Budget: Grillz. Convenience: Gasmate.
Best for Budget
Grillz Corten Steel Round Fire Pit 75cm with Spark Guard
Best for Features
Gasmate Stellar Black Glass Gas Fire Pit
Editor's Note
Australian fire pit regulations vary wildly by council. As a general rule: gas fire pits are unrestricted in most metro areas, while wood-burning pits may require notification or be outright banned in fire-prone zones. Always check your specific LGA before purchasing. The investment difference (A$189 vs A$599) often becomes irrelevant once you factor in potential fines for non-compliant wood fires — some councils issue penalties exceeding A$1,000.
Our Take
We recommend the Gasmate for anyone in a suburban area who wants hassle-free warmth on winter evenings. The Grillz earns its place for rural properties, camping-style gatherings, and anyone who values the ritual of building and tending a real fire. Both are solid products — the question is really about your lifestyle and location, not product quality.
Honourable Mentions
Outdoor Magic Cast Iron Deep Bowl Fire Pit 80cm
A heavier cast-iron option at ~A$250 that retains heat longer than steel — ideal if you want a wood burner that stays warm even after the fire dies down.
View on Amazon AUCampfire Portable Camping Fire Pit with Grill Plate
A lightweight portable option under A$100 for those who camp and want to bring their fire pit along. Not as durable for permanent backyard use.
View on Amazon AUFrequently Asked Questions
Are fire pits legal in Australian backyards?
Gas fire pits are legal in most Australian suburban areas without permits. Wood-burning fire pits are more restricted — many councils require minimum distances from boundaries (typically 3m), prohibit them during total fire ban periods, and some metro councils ban them entirely. Check your local council website or call their planning department.
Do you need a permit for a gas fire pit in Australia?
In most Australian states and territories, gas fire pits do not require a permit for residential use. However, installation must comply with AS/NZS 5601 (gas installations standard). If permanently plumbed to a gas line rather than using a portable LPG bottle, a licensed gas fitter should install it.
What is the best fuel for a fire pit in Australia?
For wood-burning pits, seasoned hardwood (ironbark, redgum, or mixed hardwood from Bunnings) provides the best heat output and longest burn time. Avoid treated timber, painted wood, or green (unseasoned) wood — these produce excessive smoke and toxic fumes. Hardwood briquettes are a cleaner-burning alternative available at most hardware stores.
How much does it cost to run a gas fire pit per hour in Australia?
A typical 10kW gas fire pit uses approximately 0.7-0.9kg of LPG per hour. With a 9kg bottle costing around A$30 to refill, that works out to roughly A$2.50-3.50 per hour of use. A full bottle provides 10-12 hours of continuous use at maximum output.
Further Reading
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