13 Best Propane Fire Pits
Cool or warm evenings, roasting hot dogs or marshmallows, small or large gatherings — fire pits are the ultimate hangout spot. Discover which gas fire pit is the right fit for your outdoor space and what to consider before buying.
Our Top Propane Fire Pit Picks
- Best Overall: Endless Summer Square Propane Fire Pit
- Best Budget: Mainstays Steel Propane Fire Pit Table
- Best Concrete: Elmwood Concrete Round Propane Fire Pit
- Best Fire Table: Vakollia Propane Fire Pit Table
- Best Coffee Table: Better Homes & Gardens Rockport Fire Pit Table
- Best for Travel: Outland Living Propane Fire Bowl
- Best Round: Wade Logan Borgia Concrete Propane Fire Pit
- Best Fire Column: Red Barrel Studio Mcanally Propane Fire Column
- Best Budget Fire Column: Room Essentials Round Column Fire Pit
- Best Double-Duty: Ebern Designs Jenese Propane Fire Pit Table
- Best for Small Spaces: Bali Outdoors Propane Fire Table With Lid
- Best Low-Profile: Joss & Main Fen Propane Fire Table
- Best Chimenea: Cuisinart Chimenea Propane Fire Pit
A fire pit instantly makes your backyard a destination point to gather with people you love or to simply have a moment to yourself. However, the reality of getting kindling to light, cleaning up ashes and smelling like smoke long after the embers are out might be a deterrent to hanging around the flames. Instead, consider a fire pit that runs on propane gas.
Not only do they offer the same warmth and ambiance as their wood-burning counterparts, but they also have the additional benefit of burning cleaner, not emitting smoke or creating sparks, being easier to light and, best of all, getting a fire going in mere seconds.
How to Choose the Best Propane Gas Fire Pit
Start by looking at your outdoor space to figure out which size and shape will work best. Gas fire pits come in any shape (round, square, rectangular) and size, from small tabletop to oversized gathering spots. While bigger fire pits will create more square footage of heat, keep in mind the all-important heat output.
Heat Output
You don't sacrifice warmth with gas fire pits. Each is rated with a heat output that's measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the BTU, the more heat your fire pit will produce. Most gas fire pits range from 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs, though they can go up to 100,000 BTUs.
Fuel Source
Typically powered by a 20-pound propane tank, propane fire pits are easy to light and extinguish with a simple turn of a knob. The propane tank is either hidden inside the fire pit or connects to a line separately. When you need to refill or replace your propane tank, head to your local hardware or grocery store — they'll have you covered. While propane tends to be much more expensive than natural gas, it burns more efficiently. Not to mention, propane fire pits are customarily simpler to install.
How to Light Your Fire Pit
No gathering kindling or buying fire starters to get your flames going. Propane gas fire pits run off ignition systems. For a manual ignition, open the gas valve and use a match or lighter to start the fire. A spark ignition uses a push-button that creates a small spark to ignite the gas. Electronic ignition is the most user-friendly and only requires the flip of a switch, turn of a knob or even a remote.
Best Overall Propane Fire Pit
- Weather resistant
- Doubles as a table
- Highly rated
- Lower heat output
Whether you're hanging out in your backyard or on your wooden patio, you can't go wrong with this weather-resistant, hidden-tank table. Capable of releasing 30,000 BTU, you and your guests are sure to enjoy long and comfy nights outdoors. Not only is the coating heat-resistant, but lava rock and a protective cover are included.
- Material Steel, power-coated steel finish
- Ignition Type Adjustable knob
- Weight 73 pounds
- Heat Output 30,000 BTU
Best Budget Propane Fire Pit
- Affordable
- Automatic gas flow shut-off feature
- Includes cover, lava rocks and lid
- Questionable durability
With a heat output of 50,000 BTU, this attractive fire pit is a warm, sleek addition to your backyard. Lava rocks cover the burner to keep it safe, as well as create a uniform flame. The easy-to-operate fire pit has a one-step ignition button and knob for adjusting flame intensity. An included lid and cover protect the fire pit when not in use.
- Material Steel, power-coated finish
- Ignition Type Push button
- Weight 59 pounds
- Heat Output 50,000 BTU
Best Concrete Propane Fire Pit
- Contemporary design
- Good heat output
- Leveling feet on base
- Expensive
- Heavy
This contemporary concrete centerpiece has a steel burning pit in the center and is surrounded by natural-looking lava rocks. The fire pit is weather-, UV- and water-resistant so you can feel good leaving it out in the elements, though it's always a good idea to keep your pit covered when not in use.
- Material Fiber-cast concrete
- Ignition Type Push button
- Weight 121 pounds
- Heat Output 50,000 BTU
Best Propane Fire Table
- Durable
- Wind guard included
- Hides propane tank inside
- Harder to ignite
Fire pits that double as furniture instantly maximize the functionality of your outdoor space. This all-weather rattan table features a central fire pit on a bed of glass rocks surrounded by a sturdy aluminum steel frame. One side of the table easily pops down to access the propane tank when needed and closes up to store it away.
- Material Aluminum, stainless steel
- Ignition Type Adjustable knob
- Weight N/A
- Heat Output 55,000 BTU
Best Propane Fire Pit Coffee Table
- Fade-, rust- and water-resistant
- Doubles as a coffee table
- Attractive wicker base
- Included stone can get messy
This two-in-one outdoor fire pit table has a removable lid that allows you to use it as a fire pit or coffee table, and a door in the front allows you to hide away the propane tank. With 50,000 BTU, the fire pit will warm up your outdoor space with the simple click of the ignition.
- Material Steel frame, PE wicker wrapped
- Ignition Type Push button
- Weight 76 pounds
- Heat Output 50,000 BTU
Best Propane Fire Pit for Traveling
- Lightweight
- Long hose to keep tank out of sight
- No assembly required
- Smaller size makes it better for travel rather than backyards
Enjoy a cozy campfire without the hassle of smoke in your face, dirty ash and piles of firewood. Designed with a stainless steel burner and a chrome valve knob to adjust the flame height, this CSA-approved fire pit is able to emit 58,000 BTU per hour and is sure to provide an efficient and stellar campfire experience. Natural lava rocks for an enhanced flickering effect, a 10-foot hose and a weather-resistant cover are included.
- Material Alloy steel, stainless steel
- Ignition Type Adjustable knob
- Weight 34 pounds
- Heat Output 58,000 BTU
Best Round Propane Fire Pit
- Waterproof cover included
- Available in five finishes
- Stainless-steel burner
- Concrete finish harder to keep clean
- Propane tank sits separately
Add chic curves to your outdoor space with this light gray fire pit with a concrete finish. Featuring a lovely rounded shape, the elegant centerpiece is a perfect accent to set the mood with the perfect amount of ambient light and a cozy warmth. The adjustable flame can start a fire whenever you're ready to gather around.
- Material Concrete
- Ignition Type Push button
- Weight 86 pounds
- Heat Output 50,000 BTU
Best Propane Fire Column
- Comes fully assembled
- Natural stone finish
- Integrated handles
- Does not come with colored stones as pictured; instead comes with lava rocks
Add the Red Barrel Studio Mcanally Propane Fire Column to your outdoor space to instantly amplify both the coziness and design style. The natural stone finish of the tower will fit right in with most aesthetics, while the integrated handles make it easy to transport or move, if needed.
- Material Stone
- Ignition Type Push button
- Weight 71 pounds
- Heat Output 40,000 BTU
Best Budget Propane Fire Column
- Lightweight and portable
- Ideal for small spaces
- Lava rocks included
- Low heat output
Fire columns are ideal for smaller outdoor spaces. The narrow design not only fits comfortably between two chairs or in the corner, but a control knob allows you to adjust the flame for the right temperature. With 15,000 BTUs of heat, the tiny but mighty fire pit is topped in lava rock that creates the look of glowing embers. Note: The propane tank is sold separately.
- Material Steel
- Ignition Type Adjustable knob
- Weight 9 pounds
- Heat Output 15,000 BTU
Best Double-Duty Propane Fire Pit
- Can sit on wooden deck
- Good airflow
- Doubles as a table
- Assembly required
- Cover not included
Centered in this slatted bronze table is a square fire pit that features a stainless-steel burner under clear fire glass. Not just for gathering around the fire, a cover fits seamlessly over the fire pit to create a usable solid surface for dining or entertaining. Unlike a lot of fire pits, this one can safely sit directly on a wooden deck.
- Material Aluminum, stainless steel
- Ignition Type Piezoelectric integrated valve
- Weight 150 pounds
- Heat Output 42,000 BTU
Best Propane Pit For Small Spaces
- Affordable
- Doubles as a table
- Hidden propane tank
- Assembly required
Conceal your propane gas tank within this top-rated fire pit, which is sturdy and tall enough to hide it. The square fire table has a stainless-steel burner hidden by blue fire glass, which helps preserve heat production, while a streamlined control panel ignites with the push of a button. For less than $200, this is a smart buy that doesn't break the bank.
- Material Iron
- Ignition Type Push button
- Weight 50 pounds
- Heat Output 50,000 BTU
Best Low-Profile Propane Fire Pit
- Full assembled
- Tank holder included
- Easy to clean
- Ignition can be unresponsive
- Propane tank holder sits separately
Take a seat fireside with this chic contemporary fire pit. Surrounded by powder-coated iron, the fire pit has a heat output of 50,000 BTUs and also comes with a separate tank holder.
- Material Lightweight concrete, powder-coated finish
- Ignition Type Push button
- Weight 84 pounds
- Heat Output 50,000 BTU
Best Propane Chimenea
- Directional heat reflector
- Weather-resistant finish
- Tip-over shutoff
- Assembly may be difficult
The Cuisinart Chimenea Propane Fire Pit features an innovative heat reflector that pushes the heat forward, so you and your guests directly feel the warmth without having to huddle around. Chimeneas are typically wood-burning, so we love that this model uses propane for easy igniting and a smokeless design.
- Material Stainless steel
- Ignition Type Push button
- Weight 45 pounds
- Heat Output 40,000 BTU
Gas Fire Pits: Propane vs. Natural Gas
Which fuel is best for your fire pit — propane or natural gas? Learn about the pros and cons of propane and natural gas fire pits.