Top 8 Best Propane Fire Pits for Your Patio in 2021

propane fire pit small

Nothing beats sitting around a cozy fire during chilly evenings, whether it’s with your family and friends or just alone having your ‘ME’ time. Wood burning fire pits will give you the most authentic bonfire experience, however, sometimes the smoke and maintenance are too much of a hassle, and some states even have restrictions on wood burning fire pits. The solution is propane or natural gas fire pits. They are easy to use, no smoke or smell, and eco friendly. Today we are looking at the best propane fire pits for your patio in 2021.

The ASLA survey showed that fire pits are among the most desired outdoor design elements in the USA. With thousands of various gas fire pit styles, designs, and types, it might be hard to select one that best fits your needs. That’s why we wrote this detailed propane gas fire pit buyers guide. Please continue reading to learn about various gas fire pits, their advantages and disadvantages, and our list of the best propane gas fire pits for your patio in 2021!

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Gas Fire Pit?

Shape and Size

You can find hundreds if not thousands of different propane gas fire pits currently in the market. They can range from just a couple of inches from the ground fire bowls, bar top height columns to 6 feet wide tabletops for ten guests. Gas fire pits can be made from steel, concrete, bricks, or even natural stones. The exterior choices are even more diverse to complement your backyard and patio design. Generally, you’ll find gas fire pits in 3 shape designs:

Fire Pit Tables

These gas fire pits usually look like a regular coffee table that can hold drinks and plates but with a fire pit in the middle. Most of these fire pits come with covers so the table can be used for dining and a source of light and heat after. These fire pits are very versatile, can be used on many occasions but usually come at a higher price point.

Fire Pit Bowls

Firepit bowls usually sit close to or on the ground and are very easy to move around. Few setup steps and storage make them perfect for camping or the occasional night in the backyard. Most fire bowl fire pits don’t have an extravagant exterior or design but do come at a much lower price. If you want the warmth and firelight and don’t care about the looks, fire bowl style gas fire pits are a perfect budget option.

Chimney Fire Pits

Chimney gas fire pits, also known as column fire pits, look exactly like their name indicates column or chimney. These squared fire pits have burners at the top or in a fire bowl standing on top of the column. They usually have a beautiful design and exterior details and can be a great addition to your backyard or patio design.

Heat Output

Gas fire pit heat output is rated in BTUs (British Thermal Unit). The higher the BTU fire pit can output, the more heat it will produce. Most residential propane gas fire pits range from 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs. If you live in a location that gets pretty chilly and plan to station your fire pit in an open area, go for the highest BTU possible. If your fire pit will be placed on a patio that is at least a bit closed off, and the weather isn’t too cold, you can get away with a lower BTU fire pit.

Ignition System

Manual Ignition

This is simple and old-school. Turn on the gas and use a match, lighter, or torch to light up the fire pit. It’s not the easiest ignition method but the most reliable. No spark buttons or electrical systems mean fewer things that can break.

Spark Ignition

Like most BBQ grills, the spark ignition system has a spark button to create a tiny spark to light up the gas. This is the most common and convenient ignition system.

Electric Ignition

Electric ignition is probably the newest technology-wise. You just need to flip a switch or push a button, and the fire lights up. Some smart fire pits can be integrated with your home system or phone, allowing you to switch the fire on or off with the push of a button.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Propane Fire Pit

Advantages

  • Eco friendly – All propane fire pits are eco-friendly and produce no pollution. The burning of clean gas creates no emissions, reducing the carbon footprint.
  • Various Styles and Designs – There are numerous different styles and designs of propane gas fire pits. No matter what style, color, or material your patio or deck is made of, you’ll be able to find a fitting propane gas fire pit.
  • No Smoke or Smell – Propane gas fire pits don’t produce any smoke or smell. There will be no more coughing from a ball of smoke and smelling like a burned sausage the whole evening!
  • Easy to Use and Heat Control – Unlike wood burning fire pits, you don’t have the hassle of setting up the firewood, igniting and kindling it. Propane gas tanks ignite instantly and can be turned off just as easily. You can also instantly increase or decrease the fire to your liking.
  • Requires Very Little Maintenance – There is no ash and ember cleaning, no scrubbing, or continuous fire kindling. Propane gas fire pits require little to no maintenance. Just change the gas tank when it’s empty, and the party can continue.

Disadvantages

  • Not as Authentic – Of course, propane gas fire pits aren’t as authentic as wood burning fire pits. You don’t have the smell and smoke of the burning wood, which most folks associate with a real bonfire.
  • Less Heat than Wood Fire Pit – Hot embers and fire from a large wood fire can create a lot of heat, enough for large areas. Most propane gas tanks won’t provide as much heat. If you’re looking for a propane gas fire pit to warm you up during cold evenings, go for a fire pit with a higher BTU, but don’t expect to warm up your whole backyard.
  • Can’t Use for Grilling – Propane gas fire pits are more for warming you up and aesthetics. You can not use it for a BBQ party and grill food on it. The main reason is that food drippings will get stuck on rocks, filler, and even gas valves. This can reduce the heating quality and will be very hard to clean.

Best Propane Fire Pit Reviews

Bond Manufacturing 54,000 BTU Aurora Propane Fire Pit

Let’s start with a small propane fire pit from Bond Manufacturing. The small Aurora model produces a whopping 54,000 BTU heat that is more than enough to keep your guests warm on your patio or when camping.

The 18.5-inch size fire pit is perfect for camping, outdoor events, or tailgating but can be used on any deck or patio as well.

This small stainless steel round propane fire pit is very well built and even has a metal lid for easy storage and portability. Easy no-tools setup and auto-ignition allow enjoying a cozy fire in just a few minutes.

High-quality but straightforward build, high BTUs, ease of use, and low price make the Aurora the best budget propane fire pit on our list.

Outland Firebowl 870 Premium Outdoor Portable Propane Fire Pit

This is another small propane fire pit for the camping, tailgating, and van-life fans. At only 19 inches in diameter, it would also be great for a small patio or balcony. It weighs only 23.3 lbs, but produces 58,000 BTU heat! You also get a cover, carry kit, and 4.4 lbs of natural lava rocks to fill the pit.

The durable, high-quality steel construction is finished with a protective enamel coating. This gas fire pit isn’t afraid of rain, mud, or low temperatures as long as the burner is not clogged up. It’s quick to set up and has matchless ignition.

This Outland small and lightweight fire pit is also CSA approved and can be used during most campfire bans (always check current fire restrictions in your area). Size, quality, and weight make the Outland Fire bowl the best portable propane fire pit on our list that won’t make too much of a dent in your pocket.

Hiland GS-F-PC-SS 40,000 BT Propane Fire Pit

Don’t let your outdoor activities end when the evenings start to get colder. The Hiland 24-inch height and 38-inch squared fire pit is perfect for keeping 4-6 people warm around the table. The CSA-approved fire pit generates 40,000 BTU heat and can be positioned on any material decks, patios, and grass.

The Stainless steel table is sturdy and robust, so you’ll have no problem having dinner or drinks at the table. You won’t need a separate hideaway table for your propane tank; there’s enough space to store it inside the table.

Hiland GS-F-PC-SS also has a 1-year warranty but should last you way longer. Sturdy build, large diameter, and beautiful design come at a higher price, but it’s money well spent as it is our best medium-sized propane fire pit for patios.

Bond Manufacturing 28in Woodleaf Fire Pit

Another Bond Manufacturing propane fire pit, what can we say, the company can make good fire pits! The Woodleaf 28-inch squared propane fire pit table produces 50,000 BTU heat, has a lid to use the pit as a table, and you can store your propane tank inside.

The size is perfect for 2-4 people to sit around, and you can station it on any deck material. This nice looking Woodleaf fire pit isn’t exceptional or flashy but is of excellent quality and at a very good price point. It is recommended for smaller budgets that still want a fire pit and table combination.

Endless Summer Propane Fire Table

We love the looks of this propane fire pit table! The lava rocks and wave design panels make it feel like you would be sitting near a natural wood burning fire pit, just without the smoke and smell.

The Endless Summer propane fire table is made from steel and weighs close to 82 lbs. It’s not the most portable fire table but definitely a sturdy and long-lasting one. As with most fire pit tables, you can store your propane tank inside. You’ll find the concealed heat control panel and electronic ignition system behind the table door.

The only disadvantage of this fire table is the heat output. Endless Summer fire table has only 30,000 BTU. Unless you have frigid evenings, this is a perfect propane fire pit choice that will be a beautiful addition to your backyard design.

BALI OUTDOORS Propane Gas Fire Pit Table

Bali Outdoors is a well-known brand in the fire pit industry that continuously produces high-quality and good-looking fire pits. Their propane gas fire pit table is a very elegant mid-size fire table perfect for 2-4 people to enjoy a romantic atmosphere outdoors.

The 50,000 BTU gas burner is covered with beautiful glass stones to produce an incredibly cozy fire show. The pit top has four elegant tiles and a lid if you want to convert it to a dinner table or a bar.

All in all, large heat output, elegant design, and high-quality build come at a higher price point but make the Bali Outdoors fire table the best propane gas fire pit on our list.

Femor 42-in Round Propane Fire Pit Table

Want to impress your friends? Check out the Femor 42-inch round propane fire pit. This large round fire pit is perfect for larger outdoors social events as you can have 4-6 chairs or 10-16 people around it.

50,000 BTU heat output is plenty to heat medium to large patios and decks. The electronic ignition and heat control panel makes it super easy to use, and the hidden propane tank doesn’t get in the way when socializing.

The wood grain tabletop imitation and blue decorative glass filler look beautiful on any deck day or night.

The only disadvantage is the higher price; however, the elegant looks, high-quality design, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment.

Kinger Home Propane Fire Pit Table

As long as we are going big, I thought I’d show you this beauty. This is another 42 inch fire pit table, but this one is square, so it gives you even more room. Even room to set your glass of wine.

With a 50,000 BTU output, it should give off plenty of heat to keep you and your friends warm. It does weigh a whopping 82 pounds, so you might want to invite those friends over the day it gets delivered.

This comes with glass beads and a removable glass wind guard for those breezy days on the patio. It has an aluminum frame with a great looking wicker outer shell.

It’s versatile also, and comes with a removable aluminum lid so that it can be used as a table when you’re not using it to heat the neighborhood.

The propane tank is hidden and this unit has a stainless steel fire bowl, so it will stand the test of time without rusting out. It also comes with a PVC cover to keep it protected when you aren’t using it.

If you want a sharp looking, quality-built, high output propane fire pit that can also be used as a table, this is the one for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cook Food Over Propane Gas Fire Pit?

Generally, we would advise against cooking on gas fire pits. The main reason is that the drippings of meats, veggies, or marshmallows will stick to the decorative fillers and be very hard to clean. When grilling over wood-burning fire pits, the drippings burn together with wood and get cleaned with ashes, while gas fire pit fillers aren’t discarded and will have to be cleaned. If you’re buying a gas fire pit for pleasing aesthetics and low maintenance, then avoid cooking over it.

How Long Will 20-pound Propane Tank Last?

A regular 20-pound propane tank will burn for about 10-12 hours. Of course, the length of the burn varies on the burners BTU and flame setting. If you have a powerful 54000 BTU burner and keep the flame on the highest level, then your tank might last just 4-6 hours.

Can I Use Pea Gravel in Gas Fire Pit?

Pea Gravel, a porous rock, is not recommended in gas fire pits. Rocks with small pores can have air and water trapped in them when wet. If you heat such rocks, the steam inside can build quite a bit of pressure and even cause the rock to explode. It’s better to stay away from porous rocks and go with hard rocks like granite, marble, or decorative fillers.

Is it Safe to Use a Gas Fire Pit on a Wood Deck?

One of the most significant advantages of a gas fire pit is that you can use them on almost all kinds of decks and even grass. Non-combustible material decks like concrete, marble, or stone are the safest for any fire pit. In comparison, combustible decks from wood, vinyl, or other recycled materials can quickly catch fire. Most gas fire pits are ok to use on combustible material decks if the clearance is high enough and they remain upright. Always check manufacturers’ clearance and installation documentation for guidance. If in doubt, it is always a good idea to use a FIRE PIT MAT. Always be sure to keep your fire pit far enough away from your house. You don’t want the flames licking at your siding on a windy day.

Top 7 Best Free-standing Wood Burning Fire Pits for Your Patio in 2021 – A Buyers Guide

small wood fire pit

Who doesn’t love just sitting back on your patio and enjoying a chilled drink after work? It’s a perfect way to end your day. If you want to make it even better, get yourself a wood-burning fire pit. The crackling sound of firewood and cozy warmth will create an incredibly cozy and inviting atmosphere without leaving a big dent in your pocket. Today we’re looking at the best free-standing fire pits for your patio in 2021.

What You Should Know Before Buying A Free-standing Fire Pit

Before jumping into the list, you need to consider a couple of things before buying a free-standing fire pit.

Location

First of all, where will you position your fire pit? Almost all fire pits are required to be placed on non-flammable surfaces like concrete, grass, or any other non-combustible surface. If you don’t have a fire-resistant surface, you should get yourself a fire pit mat to protect any surface underneath from high-temperature, fire, and sparks flying out of the pit.

Using Wood

Secondly, remember that wood-burning fire pits use, well… wood to burn. You’ll need to have space for firewood and also equipment to clean up all the coal and ember after using the fire pit. Make sure you find the best wood for your fire pit (we suggest going for Oak or fruit woods). If you don’t want to deal with all the cleaning process and storing wood, you might just go for a propane or natural gas fire pit.

Material

Finally, the material the fire pit is made of is very important as well. Copper looks nice but will tarnish and won’t be the cheapest. Cast Iron fire pits will be very solid and stable because of the weight. If you want something a bit more portable, go for a steel fire pit, but keep it from rain and moisture since it’s more likely to rust.

Top 7 Best Wood Burning Fire Pit Reviews

1. KINGSO Wood Burning BBQ Fire Pit

Let’s start the list with a small wood-burning fire pit from KINGSO. This 22-inch fire pit is quite versatile since it can be used as a beautiful fire pit and to cook marshmallows also. The set includes a fire pit, spark screen, coal grate, and ember poker with a wooden handle.

We love the versatility, looks, and portability of this small fire pit. If you’re not cooking a marshmallow, just pop the spark screen on and enjoy the beautiful and warm fire. If we’re being honest, the spark screen is not that good at preventing sparks from flying out, probably blocks like 30% of sparks or jumping embers; however, it does look very aesthetically pleasing.

All in all, the bonus of grilling and low price makes KINGSO wood-burning BBQ fire pit the best budget wood burning fire pit on our list.

2. OOX Fire Pit

Here we have another small 22-inch wood-burning fire pit. This thick steel fire pit is sturdy and has a high-temperature paint finish that adds additional rust protection.

We love the OOX Fire Pit since it comes with a variety of accessories. The set includes a fire pit bowl, wood grate, grill grate, spark cover, poker, and even a PVC cover to protect from rain and dust if you’re going to keep it outside.

The only disadvantage we encountered is that the high legs on this small fire pit aren’t as stable as we would like them to be. The added height does make it easier to grill with, but make sure you locate it on a leveled surface.

Overall, the low price and lots of accessories make the OOX Fire Pit the best small wood-burning fire pit on our list.

3. Pleasant Hearth Martin Extra Deep Wood Burning Fire Pit

The Martin Extra Deep wood burning fire pit from Pleasant Hearth Store is a beautiful square-shaped fire pit. The steel fire pit is quite heavy and has a low base, making it very sturdy and extremely stable. However, remember that the low fire pit base should be placed on a heat-resistant surface like concrete or a heat-resistant mat.

As mentioned in the name, the Martin fire pit is extra deep and 26-inch in size; this allows it to hold a lot of wood, making a massive fire.

This fire pit also has grilling grates in case you want to have a BBQ party with your friends and family. The easy-to-use wood poker can also be used to take the spark screen on or off and adjust the grill grates.

If you’re looking for a beautiful but sturdy fire pit that could also be used as a grill, the Martin Extra Deep wood burning fire pit is a great option.

4. Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Fire Pit

Look at this big boy! This multi-functional 32-inch beast not only holds a ton of wood but also has a raised 18-inch grill for all your BBQ needs. The grate also turns 360 degrees, and an additional round grill grates around the fire pit itself if you want to keep the food warm but away from direct fire.

We love the low four metal legs that make this big fire pit stable on any surface. A deep 24-inch height bowl will hold a lot of wood to create a large fire. Usually, most 2 in 1 grill and fire pits can burn your food in an instant, but Bali Outdoors elevated grill grate allows you to enjoy a large fire and still properly cook your food.

If you have enough space on your patio and love big fires, Bali Outdoors black fire pit will be a great addition to your household.

5. Landman Big Sky Stars and Moon Fire Pit

Looking for a fire pit that would create a warmer atmosphere during evening nights in your backyard or patio? Landman Big Sky Stars and Moon fire pit will not only warm you up but also creates beautiful shadows on your patio!

The 23-½ inch size fire pit is not the largest but still holds enough wood for a big fire. The low-medium height base is made from steel, making the pit very sturdy and steady. Steel construction and black paint finish make the pit rust-resistant even if you leave it uncovered.

Don’t need a BBQ grill but a beautiful fire pit? Landman Big Sky Stars and Moon fire pit is the most beautiful wood-burning fire pit on our list that will create a great fire and shadow show on your patio.

6. Innfinest 6-1 Large Bonfire Fire Pit

We’re getting into the big leagues now! Innfinest 6 in 1 Fire Pit is larger than most fire pits on our list. The 36-inch fire pit has water drainage holes, so you won’t have to do any DIY work in case of rain.

The set also includes a fire pit cover, spark mesh, ash plate, and assembly tools.

This large wood-burning fire pit weighs 28 lbs because of the thick steel construction, so it’s not very portable but sturdy and long-lasting.

If you have a big household or patio space, this large pit might just fit the bill. The Innerfest Fire Pit is one of the best large wood-burning fire pits on your list.

7. Ohio Flame Patriot Fire Pit

Ohio Flame 48 inch giant fire pit is individually made and numbered in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty! This handmade beast is pure plate steel and will take years to wear, but it does weigh 260 pounds, so you won’t be moving it often.

The extremely solid, rugged construction and large diameter will burn a lot of wood and create a cozy and warm atmosphere for large parties.

The thick steel won’t rust even if it’s outside in the rain. It also has drain holes, so you won’t need to do a lot of cleaning.

If you have a large patio or backyard without a fire pit, consider the Ohio Flame Patriot fire pit. It is the best large wood-burning fire pit on our list that acts as a significant source of heat and as a beautiful patio piece and will definitely turn heads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will wood burning fire pit give enough heat?

Yes. Wood-burning fire pits produce the most heat of all types of fire pits. Wood produces the biggest flames and is the best option if you need to heat your patio properly.

The heat level also depends on the wood used. If you want the most heat go for Oak; if that’s not possible other options are walnut or pine.

Can I use any wood in a fire pit?

You can use any wood as long as it is not wet, rotten, diseased, and moldy. That kind of wood might create toxic smoke and be bad for your health.

In general, the best wood to use is hardwoods. The best hardwood is Oak, Birch, Hickory, Ash, and Fruit Trees. These will produce the most heat and the least smoke.

Do I need to worry about starting a fire?

Absolutely. These natural wood fire pits burn natural wood, so there will always be hot embers and ashes rising into the air. You must be sure that there are no low-hanging trees to catch fire, and don’t place these too close to any wooden structures. If you are placing a fire pit on a deck, always use a protective fireproof pad underneath. If you want a fire pit that does not pose as much risk, try a propane fire pit.