Once you’ve experienced the effortless warmth of an easy-ignite fire pit, your backyard will never be complete without it.
Whether it’s a beautiful summer night or a wintery evening, one of these top picks of the best propane fire pits will turn any outdoor space into the perfect all-season hang-out.
So read on for descriptions of each product and a buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect one for you!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Bali Outdoors Gas Firepit Table
Budget Option:
Outland Living Firebowl
Most Natural Design:
Teamson Home Round Stone Fire Pit
Best Overall
Bali Outdoors Gas Firepit Table
If you’re looking for a more permanent fixture for your outdoor living space, the Bali Outdoors Gas Firepit Table is the best propane fire pit for you.
Its beautiful stainless steel base and ceramic-tiled tabletop give it a sleek, modern design that makes it perfect as the centerpiece for your furniture set. The materials are also naturally resistant to rust which easily makes up for the fact that this product doesn’t come with a rain cover.
When you’re not using the burner, place the cover lid over the pit to turn this into a fully usable table! You can also take advantage of the storage space in the base to hide the propane tank and enhance this product’s stylish aesthetic.
The Bali Outdoors has the highest BTU output per hour out of all the products on this list of the best propane fire pits. So it gives off the most heat and can warm a larger area of space, making it perfect for larger decks and patios.
Pros
- Modern design
- Easy to assemble
- Durable stainless steel
- 60,000 BTU/HR
Cons
- Doesn’t come with rain cover
Best Budget Option
Outland Living Firebowl
In terms of versatility, the Outland Living Firebowl is the best propane fire pit on this list. Whether you need a beautiful heat fixture for your deck or a cooking stove for a camping trip, this product has you covered.
Despite its small size, the Firebowl still has an impressive output of 58,000 BTU per hour. Even large campsites will be kept warm with its large heat-radius, and you won’t have to worry about carrying around a bulky item.
If the 19-inch bowl is a little too small for your needs, no worries! This product comes in various sizes, with the largest being 24 inches in diameter. Avid campers can also get a square-shaped version that will fit a grill better.
The lack of hideaway space for your tank means you’ll have to be a bit more strategic with where you place this product. But its low price and other amazing features are more than enough to earn the Firebowl a spot on this list of the best propane fire pits!
Pros
- Good for camping
- Comes in lots of sizes
- 58,000 BTU/HR
Cons
- No hideaway space
Most Natural Design
Teamson Home Round Stone Firepit
When it comes to maintaining a rustic, natural look while also getting the low-maintenance benefits that all the best propane fire pits provide, the Teamson Home Round Stone Firepit has you covered.
Poured concrete is molded into a lovely, stone design that blends perfectly into any earthy setting. You’ll especially love the rustic look of the lava rocks in its pit, and the amazing detail put into each stone.
The wide edges around the pit and its height also turn the Teamson into the perfect footrest. You can warm your toes and lounge around without ever having to worry about the fire getting out of control.
This product may not have a hideaway space for your propane tank, but a few strategic placements of each component will quickly relieve any aesthetic concerns. Since it comes with a PVC cover, so you don’t have to worry about protecting it from the elements when choosing a spot.
Pros
- Beautiful faux-stone design
- Comes with a PVC cover
- Wide table surface around the pit
Cons
- No hideaway space
Ciays Propane Fire Pits
The Ciays Propane Fire Pit is made from a durable, alloy steel that can withstand even the toughest weather conditions. No matter where you live, this product can be left outside without worrying about rust or discoloration.
A black, wicker-like design on its base turns this firepit into a beautiful accent piece for your deck or patio. If the 28-inch height is too small for you, choose from one of their many other sizes! You can even get the Ciays in a light grey, rectangular design.
A purchase from Ciays also has the added benefit of helping reforestation projects. They’re partnered with a non-profit organization, so each time you buy a fire pit they plant a tree!
The heavy materials mean it may take a bit longer for you to assemble this product, but this is still one of the best propane fire pits money can buy.
Pros
- Cool wicker design
- Made from durable steel
- The company plants a tree with every purchase
Cons
- Long set-up
Endless Summer Outdoor Fire Table
Last but not least on this list of the best propane fire pits is the Endless Summer Outdoor Fire Table!
Each aspect of this product is made from amazing materials. From the stainless steel bowl inside the fire pit to the resin tabletop that’s been reinforced with a durable fiberglass finish, there’s not much it can’t handle.
To top it all off, the tile design of the table and the carved pattern in the base keep the whole thing looking stylish. You’ll also appreciate being able to hide away your propane tank and hose in the base of the table.
If the blue glass within the bowl doesn’t suit your space, green glass and lava rocks are also offered with this product. A maximum output of only 30,000 BTU/HR ensures a smaller, more controlled flame that is better for family homes.
Pros
- Modern design
- Durable materials
- Comes with a protective cover
Cons
- Only 30,000 BTU/HR
Propane Fire Pit Buyer’s Guide
Size
The size of your fire pit will depend on the space that you want to fit it in. For more compact places, like balconies and small decks or patios, you want a fire pit that measures between 20 and 25 inches. Anything bigger will make the space appeal smaller and could also be a fire hazard.
If you live in the city or have a small backyard, the best size for your propane fire pit is between 32 and 36 inches across. That way it’s big enough to fit a few chairs around it without making the area feel crowded.
As a centerpiece within a large seating arrangement with couches or loungers, a fire pit that measures between 40 and 45 inches will have a much bigger impact. If it’s too small it won’t give off enough light or heat to reach everyone around it.
Another consideration is whether or not you want a hideaway space for the tank and how big of a tank you want it to hold. The best propane fire pits will usually be able to hold a 20-pound tank. Unless you plan to use it every day, the bigger ones will take up too much space. And the smaller ones won’t last long enough.
Materials
When deciding between the best materials for your propane fire pit, durability and weather resistance are your main concerns.
That’s why stainless steel and aluminum are very popular. Their natural resistance to rust and heat makes them perfect for outdoor furniture like fire pits. Some products will even coat their steel with a protective powder to make sure it lasts even longer!
Bronze is another material that’s often used in higher-end products. Mainly because it looks so good. But bronze will also oxidize over time and change color. If you don’t want to have to maintain the base with regular cleanings, you’ll want to get something that has received an oil treatment.
There’s also the option of a faux-stone fire pit made from poured concrete or fiberglass that offers an amazingly natural look in a durable package. This material is best for propane fire pits that you want as permanent fixtures in your outdoor space since the weight of the material makes them hard to move.
Fire Pit Styles
The best propane fire pits are often either tables, classic pits, or urns. Out of the three, tables are the most versatile. Especially when they come with a pit cover that can turn it into a fully usable surface. The table style also often has a place to store the tank which makes it better for stylish centerpieces.
The classic style is often just the pit in some sort of stand made out of any of the materials listed above. The main difference between classic pits and the table style is the lack of a tabletop around the edge of the pit.
The urn style is best for propane fire pits that you intend to use mainly as a heat fixture. Instead of a centerpiece, urns are usually placed around the outskirts of a patio set.
If you want a product that you can use for cooking, the tabletop or classic styles are the best propane fire pits for you. The propane gas is completely safe for food and there are lots of different attachments that can turn your pit into the perfect grill!
Types of Fillers
The filler you choose for your fire pit depends entirely on your preference. Those who prefer a more rustic look should go with the fake wood or lava rocks. That way you get a more realistic feel from your fire.
On the other hand, the colorful fire glass is a great way to enhance the modern beauty of a fire pit. And the specially manufactured heat-resistant glass comes in lots of different shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find the best option for your propane fire pit.
The dots are the smallest with a diameter of about ⅜ of an inch. While the largest choice is a 1-inch cube or diamond shape. Besides that, there are pebbles and crushed glass that come in a variety of mid-range sizes. If you choose crushed glass, be careful of its sharp edges when putting your fire pit together.
You can also mix lava rocks and glass together to save money while still getting some of that sparkle in your pit!
Permits
Before purchasing one of these top picks for the best propane fire pit, be sure to look into whether or not you’ll need a permit and what restrictions your town has on the types of products they allow.
In general, it will be harder for people who live in dryer areas to get a permit. And there will usually be more restrictions to the size and BTU output that a product can have. The distance required between your pit and any other structures could also be larger.
Most states in America ask for a distance between 20 to 30 feet for safety, but it’s always better to check before starting the process.
To apply for a permit you’ll have to visit your local township’s official government site. The application will usually require payment and an inspection by the fire department before approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a blue or yellow propane flame better?
All the best propane fire pits have a blue flame because that means that 100% of the gas being released is combusting. So there is nothing being wasted and everything is working properly. Whereas a red or yellow flame means that there’s some gas being wasted. Depending on how much gas is escaping, this could be a serious health risk.
How much propane does a fire pit use?
Depending on how often you use your fire pit and the output level it’s set at, the amount of propane you use can change drastically. On max output, a 20lb tank will be empty in 4 hours. But that’s still the best size for your propane fire pit because the average household uses a moderate output, which can last for up to 9 hours.
The Best Propane Fire Pits Summed Up
If you’re looking to add a cozy element to your outdoor living space, one of these top picks of the best propane fire pits is exactly what you need. Create effortless warmth and add a beautiful piece of furniture all in one go!
Or check out our Backyard Living articles for more ideas to make the most of your outdoor space!
- About the Author
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With a bachelor’s in Communication Studies and months spent working in kitchens around the world, Liv Headley joined the Minneopa Orchards team ready to share recipe ideas that are sure to have you coming back for more.
From what ingredients can help tenderize that tough cut of meat to choosing the perfect plant variety to cater to your tastebuds, Liv’s passion for all things food-related will bring new and exciting angles to your cooking experience!
Liv can be reached at livheadleyfreelance@gmail.com