A fire pit is an ideal addition to your backyard or patio. Like a camping heater, it will keep you warm and cozy on a cold night., If you’re looking to purchase a propane fire pit, our guide may be able to point you in the right direction.
The question is: which type of fire pit should you go for? What are the safety concerns? How do they work, and what kind of tank size should you get? We’ll answer all these questions, and also give you our top 5 recommendations for propane fire pits.
The bottom line up front: we like the Outland Living Slate Grey Fire Table. It’s stylish, works well, and is incredibly easy to use.
We also like:
- – a smaller-sized fire pit that’s easy to transport to different locations
- COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit – a stylish, easy-to-use fire pit
We’ll be looking at:
- What a ‘propane fire pit’ is
- What to look for in a propane fire pit (style, ignition system, heat, output, tank size and dimensions)
- Our top 5 recommendations, including: key features, pros, and cons
- Some frequently asked questions about propane fire pits
- Which fire pit we like the best, and why
Table of Contents
- Best Propane Fire Pits Compared
- What is a ‘Propane Fire Pit’?
- What to Look for in a Propane Fire Pit
- Top 5 Propane Fire Pits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- To Sum Up … Which Propane Fire Pit is the Best?
Let’s start by looking at how our top recommendations compare to each other.
Best Propane Fire Pits Compared
What is a ‘Propane Fire Pit’?
A propane fire pit omits heat but is also a decorative item for a backyard or patio. They come in different shapes and sizes, and they’re designed to look sleek and stylish even when not in use.
Using propane as fuel, these fire pits are a safe and clean alternative to a wood burner, and they create a cozy glow in your outdoor space.
What to Look for in a Propane Fire Pit
There are a few key features to look out for when you’re choosing a propane fire pit. Here’s a quick guide:
Style
There are a few different types of fire pits you can choose from. Which one you go for depends on the style of your outdoor space. Here’s a basic idea of each one:
- Fire pit tables – these can be used as a table, containing a fire pit in the middle. These are large – usually larger than your standard patio table – but they have the advantage of being multi-functional, which is a bonus.
- Masonry fire pits – these are permanent fixtures, staying in place year-round. They are circular structures made from large, heavy bricks. They can come in different styles but typically have a rustic look (a natural, aged, rough, and casual design style).
- Tabletop fire pits – these are small and portable, and can easily be placed on top of a table. They have the advantage of being lightweight and convenient to store as they’re quite compact.
- Fire bowls – these look similar to a concave bowl and can be placed on a tabletop or the ground.
- Portable fire pits – these come in different sizes and shapes, making them versatile and easy to style for your outdoor space.
Ignition System
There are 3 different ignition systems for propane fire pits:
- Manual ignition – this requires a firelighter, or match to ignite the gas. You’ll have to turn a dial to switch on the gas and then apply the flame.
- Electric ignition – Simply flip a switch, or press a button and the fire will start. Some fire pits come with a remote control for this purpose.
- Spark ignition – Similar to an outdoor stove, this requires you to just push a button to ignite the gas.
There may be local laws/regulations in place about the type of fire pit allowed in your outdoor space, so it’s important to check before you purchase one.
Heat Output
The amount of heat a propane fire pit can produce is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units). The higher the number, the more heat it will produce. The number can range from 15,000 BTUs, up to 100,000 BTUs; although the average is around 30,000 – 60,000 BTUs.
The higher the heat, the more gas you’ll burn through, which is something to bear in mind.
Tank Size
You will be able to find a wide variety of tank sizes, smaller tanks are available for any kind of portable, or tabletop fire pits. If you have a larger fire pit, it’s a good idea to purchase a large tank, this is necessary to ensure you don’t need to replace it after each use.
Dimensions
Given there are so many different styles, the size and shape of a fire pit can vary. Check out the dimensions of your chosen fire pit to know whether it fits the desired space.
Safety Features
Propane fire pits come with some obvious risks, which can be mitigated by selecting a fire pit with safety features included. For example, you can choose a fire pit with a strong outer casing that remains cool, even when the fire is switched on. This is extremely useful, especially if you have children around.
You can also look for a fire pit with a safety shutoff, which automatically switches off the gas supply when the fire goes out.
Top 5 Propane Fire Pits
Here are our top 5 propane fire pits. We’ll cover their pros and cons to help you figure out which one is best for you.
Outland Living Slate Grey Fire Table – Best Fire Pit Table
Key Features
- Type: Table
- Dimensions: 44 x 32 x 24 inches (111.8 x 81.3 x 61 centimeters)
- Tank Size: 20 pounds
- Materials: Aluminum, stainless steel
- Ignition: Spark ignition
- Heat Output: 50,000 BTU
The Outland Living Slate Grey Fire Table is a stylish slate grey table with an enclosed fire pit. Made from powder-coated aluminum – to increase durability and prevent rust – this table fire pit comes with a tempered glass tabletop and a decorative glass rock set.
It looks appealing and stylish, even when not in use. However, the downside is, the decorative glass rocks become black quite quickly, so you’ll have to wash them regularly to return them to their original appearance.
It has a spark ignition system, uses 20-pound gas canisters, and comes with a re-attached 3-foot hose, allowing you to easily and securely attach the hose to your gas canister. It has a BTU of 50,000 – this is around the average for a propane fire pit; and is also enough to keep a small group of people warm while sitting around it on a chilly night.
In terms of safety features, it has a manual control valve to allow the smoke-free flame to fluctuate in height, and easy access to the propane tank.
There is some assembly required when it first arrives, but the instructions are clear and the process is fairly straightforward.
Pros
- Looks stylish
- Easy to use
- Quality safety features
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Decorative rocks need regular cleaning
BALI OUTDOORS Gas Fire Pit Table – Most Compact Table Fire Pit
Key Features
- Type: Table
- Dimensions: 28 x 28 x 25 inches (71.1 x 71.1 x 63.5 centimeters)
- Tank Size: 20 pounds
- Materials: Iron
- Ignition: Electric ignition
- Heat Output: 50,000 BTU
The BALI OUTDOORS Gas Fire Pit Table is an endearing, compact fire pit table. It’s ideal if you’re wanting to install a fire pit, but you only have a small space. It’s an iron table in a black color, the flame is surrounded by decorative blue rocks. It has an embroidered texture, as well as a lid to keep it covered when not in use.
This fire pit has an electric ignition system, which is a great feature as it’s easy to switch on and off. It uses a 20-pound canister, which fits easily inside the large storage space underneath the flame. It has an output of 50,000 BTU, which is impressive, given the size.
While the top of this fire table can get quite hot, the sides remain consistently cool. You can safely use this as a tabletop when the fire isn’t lit, however it’s best to keep items off the top when in use.
It does require some assembly, but the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Pros
- Stylish and compact
- Easy to put together
- Electronic ignition for easy use
- Good heat output
Cons
- The temperature of the tabletop gets quite hot, meaning you can’t place anything around the edges while the fire is lit
Outland Living Firebowl Gas Fire Pit – Best Bowl Fire Pit
Key Features
- Type: Bowl
- Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 11 (48.3 x 48.3 x 27.9 centimeters)
- Tank Size: 20 pounds
- Materials: Alloy steel, stainless steel
- Ignition: Manual
- Heat Output: 58,000 BTU
The is a small, compact gas fire pit in a bowl style. You can use it in your home or when camping, as it’s small in size and easy to carry. It’s not as pretty as the others on this list, but it’s ideal if you’re after something you can use in different settings. It has a rustic lava rock set included.
It’s a manual ignition fire pit, which is reliable to use; however, this means you’ll need to remember matches, or a fire lighter, if you’re taking it camping. Despite the compact size, it has an output of 58,000 BTU.
This fire pit is easy to turn off and comes with a sturdy base to keep it balanced and steady. The downside is that it gets hot quickly, so you’ll need to be careful while using it. It comes with a lid, but it’s a little flimsy.
It’s also extremely easy to put together, although it does require a bit of extra time to assemble.
Pros
- Can be used in different settings
- Good heat output
- Shuts down easily
- Simple to put together
Cons
- Gets hot quickly
- Lid is a little flimsy
Exhomexpert Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit – Best Rustic Fire Pit
Key Features
- Type: Table
- Dimensions: 27.2 x 10.6 inches (69.1 x 26.9 centimeters)
- Tank Size: 20 pounds
- Materials: Stainless steel, stone
- Ignition: Spark
- Heat Output: 30,000 BTU
The Ehomexpert Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit is technically a table fire pit, but it looks rustic and artistic. It’s made from stainless steel and stone, and is designed to look like a section of a tree. It comes with natural lava stones for decoration.
The downside is, it’s small – perhaps smaller than it looks on the image, so it’s a good idea to look at the measurements to see if it will be large enough for your desired space.
It uses a spark ignition and has a control panel displayed on the side. You can easily change the settings if you want to adjust the temperature. It only reaches 30,000 BTU, which makes it one of the cooler fire pits on this list. This is nice for ambiance, but it won’t keep a group of people warm.
It’s notably safe to use, and easy to switch on and off. It also comes with cover protection to keep it safe when turned off.
It doesn’t require much assembly at all, and comes with clear instructions.
Pros
- Rustic and artistic look
- Compact for smaller spaces
- Spark ignition is easy to use
- Safe to use
Cons
- Smaller than it looks in the pictures
COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit – Most Stylish
Key Features
- Type: Table
- Dimensions: 42 x 42 x 13 inches (106.7 x 106.7 x 33.0 centimeters)
- Tank Size: 20 pounds
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Ignition: Electric
- Heat Output: 50,000 BTU
The COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit is a stylish, sleek fire pit. It’s a round, grey table-style fire pit with a transparent glass wind guard, and comes with natural red lava pieces for decoration.
It has an electric ignition, which is easy to use – simply switch it on and off using the controls on the side. The fire pit has a great heat output at 50,000 BTU, and there’s plenty of space around the edge to put things such as water bottles on. It doesn’t get too warm on the outside, thanks to the large glass wind guard.
The fire pit comes with a waterproof cover to keep it protected when not in use; it’s also safe and easy to light and put out again.
It does require some assembly, but this is quite easy.
Pros
- Sleek and stylish
- Wind guard to keep the flames going
- Easy to use
- Comes with waterproof cover
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a remote control
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you head off, here are some frequently asked questions about propane fire pits:
How do I stay safe when using a propane fire pit?
You might be wondering if propane fire pits are safe to use. The short answer is yes, they are safe; but, there are a few things you’ll need to think about.
Firstly, you need to consider placement. You should place your fire pit at least 10 -15 feet (3 – 4 meters) away from combustible items; and always place it on a firm, steady surface – never place it on a wobbly, or uneven surface.
You should also make sure that there are no leaks in the gas pipe. Check it consistently before each use. Additionally, you should check that the fire pit vents are clear and not clogged.
You can find out more safety tips in this Good Morning America article ‘What to Know Before You Buy a Fire Pit This Fall‘.
Is it easy to get hold of propane tanks?
Usually, it’s fairly easy to find propane tanks online or in some stores. Check the instructions of your fire pit to make sure you get the right one.
How do I maintain my propane fire pit?
There are a few things you can do to keep your propane fire pit running properly. Home Depot has a guide on How to Clean a Fire Pit which may help. The basics include cleaning out any debris and using warm soapy water to clean each surface, leaving it to dry thoroughly afterward.
Can I cook using my propane fire pit?
It’s typically safe to cook marshmallows over a propane fire pit, but cooking anything else is likely to make a mess, which may damage your fire pit over time.
If you’re after a camping stove, which can handle any type of food with ease, we’ve got a few recommendations. You can check out our guides to the best portable electric stoves, the best portable gas stoves, the best portable butane stoves, and the best portable wood stoves.
We can also recommend the best oven gloves for camping if you need those, too!
To Sum Up … Which Propane Fire Pit is the Best?
The Outland Living Slate Grey Fire Table is a good all-rounder, and a perfect choice if you want a table fire pit. It’s easy to use, it looks great, and is notably safe – everything you want from a fire pit table.
If you’d rather have something more portable, we’d recommend the . It’s lightweight and easy to transport.
If you want something more stylish, you could go for the COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit. It looks luxurious, includes a wind guard with your purchase, and is easy to switch on and off using the electric ignition.
What do you think? Have you found your perfect propane fire pit? Do you have any recommendations? Let us know in the comments.
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