A propane fire pit is an outdoor burner fueled by liquid propane from a refillable tank, giving an instant, smoke-free flame you control with a knob instead of logs and kindling. It suits patios and decks without a natural gas line, renters who may move, and anyone who wants a fire for an hour after dinner without cleaning ash. This collection includes more than 100 propane units, from tabletop bowls to full fire tables, and roughly 70% show as in stock.
List prices start around $155 per item for compact tabletop designs. Most units sit between about $405 and $1,000, with a typical piece near $630. Large conversation sets that include a fire table and seating reach around $4,350. Each price is for the listed item, which may be a single burner or a full set, so read the title.
Tank Hidden Inside or Hose to the Side
The first practical choice is where the tank goes. Most outdoor propane fire pit tables are built around a standard 20-pound cylinder, the same size used for gas grills.
- Enclosed tank. The tank sits inside the base behind a door. This keeps the patio tidy, but the base has to be large enough to hold it, which sets a minimum size for the table.
- External tank. A hose runs to a tank placed beside the unit or hidden in a separate tank cover. The fire pit itself can be smaller and slimmer.
- Small cylinders. Some portable designs accept compact disposable cylinders for short sessions, with an adapter option for a larger tank.
Check the hose length and the tank opening dimensions in the listing before you buy, since tank sizes vary a little.
Small Units You Can Carry or Set on a Table
A portable propane fire pit is a bowl or box light enough to carry to a campsite, beach or tailgate. A propane tabletop fire pit sits on an existing outdoor table and gives a small ring of flame for ambiance rather than serious heat. Both are good first purchases if you are not sure you will use a fire often. Expect a smaller heat radius than a full table, and use them only on a stable, heat-tolerant surface.
Concrete, Steel or Stainless: Picking a Body
Concrete-look designs lead this range, often made with fiber-reinforced concrete that looks like poured stone but weighs much less. Steel and stainless steel follow.
- Fiber-reinforced concrete. Gray, modern and heavy enough to stay put in wind. A concrete-look unit suits contemporary patios and hides minor water marks.
- Powder-coated steel. Lighter and often less costly. Keep it covered, since chips in the coating can rust.
- Stainless steel. Resists corrosion and suits coastal areas, though it can show heat tint near the burner.
- Stone and tile tops. A few designs add a stone or tile surface, giving a ledge for drinks around the flame.
Round, Square and Rectangular Layouts
Rectangular units are the most common shape here, with round and square designs close behind. A round propane fire pit suits a circle of chairs, so everyone sits the same distance from the flame. A square unit fits neatly in the center of four lounge chairs. Rectangular tables line up with a sofa or sectional and leave room for plates on the ledge. Allow around three feet between the edge of the unit and the front of each seat so people can stand up without stepping close to the flame.
Placement, Clearance and Safe Use
- Use outdoors only, in open air. Follow the clearance to walls, railings and overhead structures given in the manual.
- Do not use under a low roof, in a closed porch or in a garage.
- Check new connections for leaks by brushing soapy water on the fittings; bubbles mean a leak.
- Keep the tank upright and turn it off at the valve after each use.
- Use only the fire media supplied or approved by the maker; ordinary river rocks can crack from trapped moisture.
- A glass wind guard helps keep the flame steady on breezy evenings.
- Cover the unit when cool to keep rain and debris out of the burner.
Propane, Natural Gas or a Different Fire Feature
Propane gives you freedom to move the unit, while natural gas means you never refill a tank. If you have a gas line on the patio, compare our natural gas fire pits. If you want the fire to double as a dining or coffee surface, the fire table range is a better starting point. For a stone feature that combines water and flame, see the stone water and fire bowls. The full fire pits collection shows wood-burning and gas options together.
Propane Fire Pit FAQ
How long does a 20-pound propane tank last in a fire pit?
A full 20-pound tank holds about 430,000 BTU of energy. A burner running at 50,000 BTU on high would empty it in roughly eight to nine hours, and longer with the flame turned down. Check the BTU rating in each listing to estimate your run time.
Do propane burners give off real heat?
Yes, they produce noticeable radiant heat, enough to warm people sitting close on a cool evening. They give less heat than a large wood fire, and tabletop units are mostly for ambiance. Higher BTU ratings and a wider burner spread heat further.
Can I convert a propane unit to natural gas?
Only if the maker offers a conversion kit for that model, since natural gas needs a different orifice and pressure. The gas line hookup should be done by a licensed professional. Some listings mention convertibility; if not, assume the unit is propane only.
Can I put a propane unit on a wood or composite deck?
Many propane units are designed to keep heat away from the base, which is why they are popular on decks. Follow the maker's clearance and surface guidance, and a heat-resistant pad underneath adds a margin of safety. Never place an open wood-burning bowl directly on a deck.
Can I run a propane fire under a covered patio?
Only if the overhead clearance in the manual is met and the space is open on several sides. Never use one in an enclosed room. When in doubt, move it into open air.