Propane fire pits do more than just deliver heat, they deliver good times and memories, too. Imagine coming home after a long day, lounging on your patio, drink in hand. The sun is beginning to set and you’re waiting for dinner to be delivered. What’s missing? A nice, warm fire, to add glow and a soothing atmosphere. Propane fire pits are available in a wide range of styles, from small and practical to large and extravagant. They typically run off a 20-pound propane tank, similar to your grill, which needs to be purchased separately.
Our home and family expert, Richard Bartlett, dug into the most favorable propane fire pits, from the best overall to the most compact. He chose the Bali Outdoors Gas Fire Pit Table as the best overall propane fire pit based on heat output, functionality, versatility, and look.
Whether you’re adding to your backyard oasis or rounding out your RV’ing experience, outdoor gear, and accessories range from essential to luxury items, with a host of equipment in between, such as tents and canopies, loungers and chairs, tables and grills, and hammocks and sleeping bags.
Our Home and Family Expert’s Top 5 Propane Fire Pits
Here are the top picks from our home and family expert. Compare the ratings and key features of the different models.
| Editor’s Picks | Model | Rating | Assembly Required | Portable | Decorative | Cover Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Bali Outdoors Gas Fire Pit Table | |||||
| Best Budget | Outland Living Model 863 Portable Propane Fire Pit | |||||
| Best Portable | Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Outdoor Portable Propane Fire Pit | |||||
| Best Compact | Giantex Gas Fire Pit Outdoor with Natural Stone | |||||
| Best Heat Output | Best Choice Products Outdoor Patio Rustic Propane Fire Pit Table |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Propane Fire Pit
- You like to be outside a lot. Do you spend a large amount of time outside? Solo or surrounded by friends or family? A propane fire pit adds to the décor of a backyard, patio, or deck while providing a warm atmosphere for relaxing or entertaining.
- Campers, travelers, and beach-goers. Weekend campers, seasonal RV’ers, tailgate gatherers, and late-night beach-goers could benefit from having a propane fire pit in the “to go” pile. For a portable and instant way to connect with fellow travelers and social gatherers, a propane fire pit can ignite conversation and spark new friendships. Not all campgrounds or RV parks offer a fire ring or stone pit at each individual site, so it’s gear that’s good to have around. Always check with your destination first to ensure propane fire pits are allowed.
Who Should Not Buy a Propane Fire Pit
- Inadequate space or safety specs. Safety should be of top concern when it comes to a propane fire pit. Only consider purchasing one if your yard, patio, deck, or campsite is large enough and passes safety inspection (ie, won’t burn your wood deck or grass, and no low-hanging trees around) or regulations set for private or public land (fire zones and laws vary from town to town and from state to state).1
Research Tips (from a Home & Family Expert)
Here are some tips and best practices to consider when purchasing a propane fire pit. Be sure to do adequate research on the product you’re thinking about purchasing to look for key features, and ask your friends or family if they have any recommendations on the best propane fire pits.
- Intended purpose – Consider what you want to use the propane fire pit for. It may seem like a no-brainer, but with the wide variety of fire pit styles to be had, understanding the purpose of your fire pit will help you narrow down your choice. Smaller, compact fire pits are better for portability, while larger, heavier fire pits are more suitable to a permanent home environment.
- Size, space, and safety – After you narrow down why you want a propane fire pit and its intended purpose, consider the size and amount of space available for the fire pit you’d like to purchase. Match the size of the fire pit to the amount of safe space you have for both the pit and propane tank. Check the fire safety of your deck or patio materials, or personal-fire-use requirements of beaches, campsites, or parks.
- Assembly and user instructions – Does the fire pit require tools to put it together? Can one person set it up? How easy is it to put the fire pit together? Also, consider what’s involved to set up, take down, and move it. For an at-home setup, you may only need to set up the fire pit once or twice in its lifespan. But if you’re looking for a propane fire pit for your seasonal campsite, you might want to consider one that’s simple enough to assemble and pack away quickly.
- Location vs. style – Similar to meeting safety standards and requiring assembly, consider where the propane fire pit will be displayed and whether or not the style accommodates the surrounding environment. Is the fire pit small and low to the ground? Is there a heatproof surface to place it on? Is the fire pit large and solid? Are you able to transport it, if necessary, or is the location of the fire pit more permanent?
- Functionality and versatility – All propane fire pits should perform optimally and function well. The heat produced is defined as a BTU number, such as 40,000, 50,000, or 55,000 BTU.2 Some fire pits come with lava rocks or fire glass to add natural elements to your flame. Other fire pits come with covers and can double as side tables or storage cabinets.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $130 to $300
Propane fire pits are small to large, simple to versatile, and basic to fancy. The price range of a propane fire pit matches this widespread availability. Small or portable propane fire pits go for as little as $40, while more elaborate fire pits are priced for thousands of dollars. The average propane fire pit is about $130 to $300, and is typically suitable for the average camper, traveler, backyard entertainer, or family beach-goer.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Safe Sound Family
With the help of my home and family experience, as well as some in-depth research, I selected the top propane fire pits based on heat output, functionality, durability, versatility, and design. There are several factors, such as size and structure, safety, maintenance, and portability, to consider when choosing a propane fire pit, and we used those factors to compile the top five choices. – Richard Bartlett
The Best Propane Fire Pits: Full Reviews
Weighing roughly 50 pounds and designed for the outdoors, the Bali Outdoors Gas Fire Pit Table features a top table that measures 28 inches by 28 inches. Enjoy the fire pit on chilly nights, with the 50,000 BTU of heat it gives out, or as you gather with friends and family for your weekly dinner and drinks by the pool. During the day, when the fire pit is cool and not in use, cover the top with the included lid and use it as a solid table. It also makes for an accessory side table to your grill while you cook up hamburgers, chicken, or fish for dinner.
The Bali propane fire pit with stainless steel burner maintains a modern look, featuring a brown-and-black antique finish. Included with the fire pit is the splashy accent of blue fire glass – decorative, heatproof pieces of finished glass that surrounds the fire and adds personality to the flame. The unit stands 25 inches tall and features an underneath storage cabinet that’s large enough to fit a 20-pound propane tank. Lighting and adjusting the fire is as easy as the push-button spark ignition and control knob featured on the front of the propane fire pit table.
- Use as both fire pit and table
- Equipped with storage cabinet
- Adjustable control knob
- Ideal for patios and decks
- Assembly required
- Propane tank not included
Don’t let your tight budget deter you from enjoying the perks of lounging by a fire pit on quiet summer nights. The best budget propane fire pit is the Outland Living Model 863 Portable Propane Fire Pit. With a 21-inch diameter and delivering 58,000 BTU of heat, this fire pit sits low to the ground – just 9 inches high. Recommended for dirt yards, brick or concrete decks, patios, or campsites, the Outland Living fire pit should be enjoyed on an outdoor, stable, flat, heatproof surface.
Quick to set up – no tools required – the Model 863 features natural lava rocks for flickering, smokeless flame on a stainless steel burner. The Helios-style burner encourages a fuller flame for a better fire-enjoying experience. Sporting a black-enamel finish over powder-coated steel, the Outland Living 21-Inch Fire Pit comes with a 10-foot hose that fits a standard 20-pound propane tank (not included.) It’s also outfitted with an adjustable valve regulator on a chrome control knob, allowing you to adjust the flame at any time and with ease.
- Portable for on-the-go
- Easy to set up and use
- Includes lava rocks
- Adjustable control knob
- Sits low, underneath may get hot
- Carry bag sold separately
- Propane tank not included
Our home and family expert’s top pick for the best portable propane fire pit is the Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Outdoor Portable Propane Fire Pit, thanks to its compact size, cover, and accompanying carry kit. The fire pit weighs about 25 pounds, is 19 inches in diameter, and sits 11 inches tall. Suitable to use for on-the-road traveling, the fire pit can go with you when you visit your friends or family at the beach house or go camping for the weekend in the mountains. Featuring lava rocks, this fire pit delivers 58,000 BTU of heat from a smokeless flame.
The Outland Living Portable Fire Pit has a black, powder-coated finish with a stainless steel burner. Using the lava rocks to disperse heat, create flicker, and add ambiance, the fire pit is also outfitted with an adjustable chrome knob with auto-ignition to quickly start and then alter the flame. The attached 10-foot hose fits a standard 20-pound propane tank, which is not included. To remain portable, a cover and carry kit are included to help you move the fire pit from place to place. A natural gas conversion kit and safety-tested carry bag are also available, but sold separately.
- Includes lava rocks
- No assembly required
- Adjustable control knob
- Propane tank not included
- Safety-tested carry bag sold separately
If you’re looking for a fire pit that’s compact, but not necessarily small or portable, check out the Giantex Gas Fire Pit Outdoor with Natural Stone. Our home and family expert’s top choice for the best compact propane fire pit, the Giantex offers you a more natural look with a simulated stone structure. Weighing just over 50 pounds, this fire pit puts out 40,000 BTU of heat using lava rocks to aid the flame and create flicker. Easy to use with the adjustable control knob and push-button ignition, you can start the fire quickly and then alter the flame accordingly.
The Giantex Gas Fire Pit is 28 inches in diameter, 9.5 inches tall, has a stainless steel interior, and includes a 10-foot hose that fits standard propane tanks. The Giantex fire pit also comes with a waterproof cloth cover to protect your fire pit for when it’s not in use. The simulated natural stone look, a mix of flame-retardant magnesium oxide, fiberglass, and stone, adds to the overall outdoorsy feel to this compact fire pit. It’s also equipped with two large handles, opposite one another, that allow you to carefully carry the fire pit from one spot to the next.
- Includes lava rocks
- Adjustable control knob
- Has carrying handles
- Comes with waterproof cover
- Not real stone
- Propane tank not included
The Best Choice Products Outdoor Patio Rustic Propane Fire Pit Table was rated as the best heat output propane fire pit by our home and family expert, Richard Bartlett. The Best Choice fire pit is 4 feet in length, measuring 48 inches by just over 27 inches, and reaches just under 14 inches high. Delivering 50,000 BTU of heat, this large fire pit warms you up on a chilly summer evening or brisk fall morning. It comes with a matching tank-storage side table, creating both function and style for your set.
The Best Choice fire pit and side table set have a rustic-style cabin look with a natural wood finish. Weighing just over 100 pounds, the propane fire pit is made from sturdy stainless steel and cast wood. The tank-storage side table is equipped with built-in handles to lift and move it effortlessly, giving you the ability to hide your propane tank while placing your drinks or book next to you beside the fire.
Easy to use, just press the ignition on the fire pit and use the adjustable control knob to alter the propane flame. Glass rocks along the bottom of the pit add personality to the fire, as well as ambiance. If you choose to move the set to another location, the built-in side handles enable you to move the fire pit with the help of a friend or family member. Lastly, it comes with a weather-resistant cover to protect it for future use.
- Comes with functional side table
- Made from steel and wood
- Built-in side handles
- Easy to use
- Assembly required
- Cover for side table not included
- Propane tank not included
Frequently Asked Questions
Are propane fire pits worth it?
Do propane fire pits give off heat?
How long will a 20lb propane last on a fire pit?
Can you roast marshmallows on a propane fire pit?
Article Sources
Safe Smart Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Kauffman C. 5 Things to Know Before You Invest in a Propane Fire Pit. Kauffmangas.com. Published May 6, 2020. Accessed June 17, 2022.
- Outdoor Fire Pit BTU Guide. Captainpatio.com. Updated July 28, 2021. Accessed June 17, 2022.
- How Long Does a Propane Tank Last on a Fire Pit? Celestialfireglass.com. Accessed June 17, 2022
Home and family advisor for Safe Smart Family with more than a decade writing about home and family lifestyle topics and expertise in home product reviews
