Match Lit vs. Electronic vs. Smart Plug Ignition: Which Fire Pit System Is Right for You? (2026 Guide)

Updated July 2026  |  Reading time: 7 min

You've picked the perfect spot for your new fire table. You've measured the patio. You've even started dreaming about cool evenings gathered around the flames. But there's one decision that can make or break your experience — and it has nothing to do with size, shape, or finish.

Ignition type determines how you start the fire, whether it stays lit in wind or rain, and what it takes to install the unit in your space. Choose wrong, and you'll be frustrated every time you reach for a match or find yourself relighting a burner that keeps blowing out. Choose right, and you'll enjoy effortless, reliable warmth for years.

The Outdoor Plus fire pits and tables are made to order from scratch — which means you aren't locked into a pre-built model. On every product page, you'll configure your unit by selecting size, finish, fuel type (Natural Gas or Propane), and ignition system. The guide below will help you pick the right ignition option before you start building.

The Four Ignition Types at a Glance

Before you start configuring your fire table, here's a quick overview of the four primary ignition systems available as drop-down options across The Outdoor Plus collection. Each one represents a different trade-off between cost, convenience, and installation complexity.

*Typical Cost Add = Upgrade cost above base Match Lit when configuring the same fire table model. Installation labor is additional and varies by region. All ignition types are selectable at checkout.

Match Lit Ignition: The Simplest Option

Match lit is exactly what it sounds like — you open the gas valve with a key and light the burner yourself with a long match or lighter. There's no wiring, no transformer, and no electronic components to maintain, which makes it the easiest system to install in a location without power access.

Who it's for: Budget-conscious buyers, homeowners with limited electrical access, or anyone who prefers the simplicity of a purely mechanical system.

The trade-off: You'll be lighting it manually every single time. There's no automatic safety shutoff if the flame goes out mid-use — which brings us to the next option.

Match Lit with Flame Sense: Added Safety, Same Simplicity

This system keeps the manual lighting process of standard match lit but adds a flame-sensing valve that monitors whether the burner is actually lit. If the flame goes out — from wind, rain, or running out of propane — the valve automatically cuts gas flow instead of continuing to release unburned gas.

Why this matters: It's a meaningful safety upgrade for a relatively small cost increase over basic match lit. Some local jurisdictions actually require flame-sensing as a minimum code standard, so it's worth checking with your local fire department or building department before assuming basic match lit will pass inspection.

Low Voltage Electronic Ignition: Built for Integration

Low voltage systems use a transformer to step down household power to a safer voltage for outdoor use, then deliver push-button or wall-switch ignition. Because this system requires dedicated low-voltage wiring run to the fire feature, it's most practical when you're already coordinating electrical work as part of a larger build — a new patio, a built-in outdoor kitchen, or a commercial installation where a licensed electrician is on site regardless.

Who it's for: New construction projects, homeowners already working with an electrician, commercial installations, or anyone building a permanent, integrated outdoor living space.

The trade-off: Requires professional electrical installation. You can't add this to an existing patio without trenching and wiring.

Plug & Play (110V) Ignition: Convenience Without Hardwiring

Plug & Play systems connect to a standard 110V household outlet rather than requiring dedicated low-voltage wiring, which makes them a popular middle ground — you get switch, remote, or smart-home control without an electrician running new low-voltage lines.

Many Plug & Play models include auto-relight, so if wind or rain extinguishes the flame, the system automatically re-ignites once conditions allow — rather than requiring you to walk outside and manually relight it.

The installation requirement to plan for: you need a 110V outlet within reach of the fire feature's power cord. This is worth mapping out during the hardscape planning phase rather than after the unit arrives.

A Note on Certifications

Which Ignition Type Is Right for You?

The "best" ignition system depends entirely on your specific situation. Here's a simple decision framework to use before you configure your unit:

The Takeaway

There's no universally "best" ignition system. The right choice depends on three factors:

• Your electrical access — Does your patio have an outlet, or are you starting from scratch?
• Your budget — Are you optimizing for upfront cost or long-term convenience?
• Your usage patterns — Will you use the fire table daily, or just on special occasions?

Once you've decided on an ignition type, you can configure your fire table on any product page — selecting size, finish, fuel type, and ignition system in one seamless flow. If you need help narrowing it down, our team can confirm which options are available and what each one requires on the installation side before you place your order.

Frequently Asked Questions