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Oct 17, 2024

The 7 Best Propane Fire Pits of 2024 - Best Outdoor Gas Fire Pits

Roast marshmallows or cozy up on a cool night with these expert-approved fire pits. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Roast marshmallows or cozy up on a cool night with these expert-approved fire pits.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

Your outdoor oasis benefits from comfortable patio furniture and a reliable grilling setup but a homey year-round touch you may not have considered is a propane fire pit. Propane fire pits don’t require attention like a burning fire, maintaining a cozy, consistent flame with the click of a button. Many have control knobs to adjust the flame so you can use them for extra heat in the winter and just a small ambient glow for the summer. They keep the fire going without the annoyance of gathering wood or cleaning out ash—just make sure you’re stocked up on propane or natural gas before the weekend.

Moreover, they’re considered appliances, so you can install them closer to your house than wood fire pits, which safety regulations say should sit at least 25 feet away from homes or decks. Between ease of use and flexibility of installation, we recommend installing one of these propane fire pits for simple, elegant ambiance and genuine warmth.

Many of today’s best propane fire pits run on 20-pound propane tanks, but some require natural gas, delivered via a connection to your home line. Natural gas is a great option if you can swing it, but we mostly recommend propane fire pits because of their easy accessibility and installation.

“Natural gas is typically a better choice if you have access to it, but you’ll need a plumbing professional to install it,” Patrick Schatz of Hearth Products Controls says, adding that natural gas is the top choice because there are no tanks to hide or refill. It’s also significantly cheaper than propane once the line is installed. Factor that installation into your budget, though—running a gas line to a fire pit costs around $25 per linear foot.

On the other hand, hooking up a fire pit to a 20-pound propane tank is no different than attaching a tank to your gas grill, and propane burns more efficiently than natural gas. Propane fire pits might also require some light assembly. In our experience, the process is typically less complicated than putting together a grill.

Consider the space you’re looking to fill as propane fire pits come in a range of sizes and designs, and you have a range between tiny tabletop flames and massive concrete installations meant to anchor an expansive backyard. If you’re hoping to provide warmth, choose a large fire pit with a BTU output of 50,000 or higher. Although some smaller options aren’t as warm, they can create a cozy atmosphere for one or two people.

There are two kinds of ignition systems: match-lit and push-button. Match-lit systems require you to turn on the gas and then hover a lit match over the gas output. They’re typically less expensive and more reliable than push-button systems, though holding a lit match over flammable gas does make some people nervous.

Push-button systems create a spark next to the gas outlet to ignite the flame. Typically, these buttons are powered by a battery, which you’ll occasionally have to replace. Permanent propane fire pit installations often employ a push-button ignition system that’s powered by a permanent electric supply.

Schatz says safety should be a top concern when shopping for a gas fire pit. Any permanent natural gas fire pit you choose should have features like flame detection sensors and automatic gas shutoff valves. You can also look for propane fire pits that adhere to CSA, ANSI, or UL safety standards. Pay attention to the materials the fire pit is built with, particularly the burner mechanism, which houses the fire.

“That should be made from stainless steel, which is going to be more durable than other materials,” Schatz says.

To select these pits, we took into account a range of styles and functions to accommodate as many needs and preferences as possible. We consulted Patrick Schatz, who is a mechanical engineer with Hearth Products Controls, a provider of high-end gas fire pits, and relied on his advice for material and safety considerations. We also researched customer reviews for other user insights from online retailers.

Whether you desire a certain appearance (such as a wood, stone, or bronze finish), prefer a certain type of fire pit (a table, column, or bowl, for example), or want to heat a large or small space, you can find the ideal solution for your outdoor living area among our recommendations.

Long and narrow, this Bali Outdoors fire pit is the perfect size to double as a coffee table in front of your outdoor couch. The burner is stainless steel, and the table is made from alloy steel made to look like a cabinet, which hides a 20-pound propane tank (sold separately).

The tabletop is slate and includes an insert that covers the burner if you’d like to use the table without the flames. Customers report the flame is surprisingly warm thanks to the 60,000 BTU output.

Surrounding the burner is 15 pounds of fire glass beads, and you can add an optional glass wind guard around the flame if your patio is windy or you have small children with wandering hands.

The brand that makes our best overall pick also makes a great value option. This pit can convert to a table with the included burner cover and sits higher for you to pull up a chair or stool.

Its modern design hides the propane tank and comes with blue glass rocks for a chic look that’s also warming—a great combo all for under $200. We like this pick for small spaces with limited seating since the square design works great for four chairs.

Customers report that assembly is fairly easy, and those who have used it are particularly impressed with the brand’s customer service. They were able to contact Bali Outdoors directly if a part was missing or damaged in transit and say the brand quickly and efficiently fixed any issues they had.

This modern fire pit comes with a matching propane cover you can use as a side table while enjoying a night on the patio. Its low profile means you can rest your feet on the edge with enough room to stay safe from the flame.

The 50,000 BTU output is enough to keep the party warm and the included lava rocks keep the fire uniform (and pretty to look at). A pit cover and bag of lava rocks is included, though some customers say the rocks aren’t enough to cover the entire fire pit.

Still, they enjoy the heat it puts out and appreciate the contemporary look of both the fire pit and propane cover side table.

This propane fire pit has a compact footprint that’s ideal for small patios and decks. It’s made of a resin-plaster with a faux stone finish for a rustic look—and weather resistance.

There’s a knob to control the flame on the front as well as an electric ignition button which requires AAA batteries. At 7o-pounds, it’s not exactly portable but it does have hidden handles underneath the top rim to make it easy to move around the yard or patio. The wide rim and squat height also provide a good foot rest.

It comes with a fire ring and lava rocks so you’re ready to light up once it’s unboxed. There’s also a PVC cover for easy storing but there’s no tank cover included.

This propane fire pit doubles as an outdoor table thanks to its metal lid and ample space for plates and drinks. The gas tank is hidden inside the table so you don’t have to worry about tripping over hoses or how you’re going to hide the unsightly tank. The control knobs and igniter are also tucked inside the cabinet for a clean, streamlined look.

It has a wicker base and aluminum top that’s weather-resistant and a stainless-steel burner, plud it puts out a great amount of heat with 50,000 BTUs (you can lower the flames in the summer months). Lava rocks and a cover are included but you should invest in a better cover—the one it comes with isn’t waterproof.

Outland Living’s fire pit uses durable materials from the inside out: The dense polyethylene “wicker” is UV- and weather-resistant and has a powder-coated aluminum frame underneath that resists rust in humid climates. The fire pit table hides away the propane tank for a clean look that’ll last for years on your patio.

The stainless-steel burner churns out a maximum of 50,000 BTUs so you can use it for warmth, ambiance or both. It has a push-button ignition for easy lighting and includes 15.5-pounds of glass lava rocks. It also includes a wind guard to keep the flames contained.

Black tempered glass surrounds the flame, giving you enough room for your party’s drinks and small plates. Expect years of use from this model’s durable build, but keep in mind that it doesn’t come with insert to cover the burner to turn it into a full tabletop.

Sometimes, you just want to sit next to a classic campfire, and Outland Living’s Mega fire pit gives you a close approximation with the ease of a portable gas setup.

This is actually one of the larger portable gas fire pits on the market—it’s big enough to serve as your daily backyard fire pit—but at 34 pounds, it’s easy enough to load up and take to the campsite or beach.

It has a stainless-steel burner with a durable powder-coated steel bowl, lava rocks, adjustable flame height, and, best of all, a 10-foot hose that makes it easy to hide the propane tank elsewhere.

PM: How far away should someone install a gas fire pit from their house?JF: As a general rule, you should install your gas fire pit at least 10 feet away from anything flammable, such as your house, wooden fence, and overhead branches. However, the recommended distance can vary by manufacturer, and local fire codes can vary by region.

PM: How long will a 20-pound propane tank that’s powering a gas fire pit last?JF: A 20-pound propane tank will last between 3.5 to 9 hours depending on a fire pit’s BTU rating and how high you set the flame. The average 20-pound propane tank contains 430,000 BTUs, so you can roughly determine how long it will power your fire pit by dividing 430,000 by your fire pit’s BTU output. For example, a 50,000 BTU fire pit can run for approximately 8.6 hours.

PM: Is it safe to roast marshmallows over a gas fire pit?JF: It’s perfectly safe to roast marshmallows over a gas fire pit. In fact, it’s one of the only food products that you should cook on your fire pit. Avoid cooking other items, like meat and vegetables, because the grease and juices they release can clog the burner ports. Marshmallows don’t release moisture while they’re cooking, but might still cause problems if you accidentally drop one or it falls into the pit.

Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.

James Fitzgerald is a home improvement freelance writer with over a decade of experience in a variety of trades—he has worked as a ranch hand, construction carpenter, tree climber, maintenance technician, and handyman. His freelance work focuses on DIY, landscaping, gardening, and home improvement. James’s writing has appeared in Bob Villa, The Family Handyman, The Spruce, HomeServe USA, Forbes Home, and This Old House.

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