Top-Rated Propane Fire Pits for Comfortable and Cozy Nights
Updated: Mar. 23, 2024
Finding the best gas fire pit for your outdoor space will keep you comfortable and cozy on chilly nights—no messy firewood needed!
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A gas outdoor fire pit provides warmth and visual beauty without the hassle of building and tending to a wood fire. Gas fire pits allow you to enjoy instant flames without smoke or ash and are available in various styles and sizes. Plus, many are portable, meaning you can take the warmth with you!
If you’re looking to sit around the fire, enjoy some ambient lighting and get cozy, having the best gas fire pit is a must. Check out our expertly-chosen top picks (and pass the s’mores, please).
What to Consider When Buying a Gas Fire Pit
“Aesthetically, gas fire pits are perfect for all homeowners and can make a great outdoor centerpiece to enjoy with family and friends,” says Ashley Murphy, fire and pool merchant for Home Depot. “The wood vs. gas debate is mostly a matter of personal preference. A gas fire pit burns cleaner and turns on and off with the flip of a switch.”
When looking for the best gas fire pit for your lifestyle, consider the size and shape you’ll need and whether you want it to be portable or fixed. Also, some are intended for entertaining and eating, while others are purely decorative.
Fire bowls are round, attractive designs that curve upward from the ground. Fire tables with flat tops may be tall enough to use for a dining table or low-slung like a coffee table. Fire columns have a small footprint, just enough space for the propane tank and decorative enclosure.
Electric ignition (usually battery-powered) creates that spark via a button, switch or phone app. These are by far the most popular, though manual and spark-ignition models exist as options. Heat output is also an essential factor to consider. Fire pit heat output is rated in British Thermal Units (BTU). Most fire pits are in the 30,000 to 60,000 range, with some producing 100,000 BTUs or more.
Lastly, you want to think about the gas you’ll use to fuel your fire. “Gas fire pits commonly use liquid propane, which is available in refillable tanks,” says Murphy. “Natural gas is an option for some fire pits, but they must be connected to the home’s gas line. All of these are considerations when deciding between a wood burning and a gas fire pit.”
Best Overall Gas Fire Pit
Bali Outdoors Propane Fire Pit Table
The most common way to conceal a propane tank is to hide it inside the table, as with the Bali Outdoors Propane Fire Pit Table. As our best overall pick, this model available on Amazon has an output rated at 60,000 BTUs and a natural slate top with a metal insert to cover the pit when not in use. It’s 42 inches long, 24 inches wide and 24 inches high. It ships with fire glass, and the entire unit weighs 77 pounds.
Pros
- Concealed tank-in-table design
- 42-inch length is ideal for most outdoor spaces
- Stylish slate top
- Comes with fire glass
Cons
- Modern style may not work well with some outdoor design schemes
Best Budget Gas Fire Pit
Yaheetech Gas Fire Pit Table with Lid and Iron Tabletop
When finding the best gas fire pit on a budget, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for the price. The Yaheetech Gas Fire Pit Table offers up 50,000 BTUs of heat output and can easily be converted into an outdoor dining table, coffee table or bar when the fire is not in use. Buyers liked its push-button ignition system and the ability to adjust the flame with an easy-to-use control knob.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Simple to assemble
- Can double as a table
Cons
- Some buyers had issues with rusting
Best Portable Gas Fire Pit
Outland Living Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
If you’re interested in a portable fire pit, consider this option from Outland Living. Whether tailgating with friends or vacationing alone, this small fire pit is a perfect traveling unit. Auto-ignition gets the fire going quickly, with no matches required. The bowl is 19 inches in diameter and 11 inches high. It produces 58,000 BTUs and ships with a cover, lava rocks and a 10-foot hose to connect your propane tank.
Pros
- Portable design is camping and tailgate friendly
- Affordable
- Automatic ignition, no matches required
- Simple assembly process
Cons
- The smaller footprint of this model means there’s no space to conceal the propane tank
Best Splurge Gas Fire Pit
Concrete Outdoor Fire Pit Table with Lid
For those looking to add a gas fire pit and create the ultimate outdoor space, this Concrete Outdoor Fire Pit with Lid is worthy of a splurge. When lit with the push of a button, the fire dances atop a bed of fire glass. The design is simple yet modern to enhance your outdoor space. It comes with a glass burner cover, and while it is set up for liquid propane, it can be converted to natural gas.
Jeff, a verified buyer, noted the fire pit was an instant hit in the neighborhood. “Great flame, produces superior heat, but adjustable, so it’s able to be used for simple ambiance if desired. Very sturdy… we will own this for the rest of our lives.”
Pros
- Works with liquid propane or natural gas
- Simple, modern design
- Comes with glass burner cover
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Pricey due to quality
Best Gas Fire Pit for Small Spaces
Propane Tabletop Fire Pit
At less than a foot in width and depth, this Propane Tabletop Fire Pit is a great option for those short on patio or deck space. At 15 inches tall, this lightweight concrete-style fire pit will add light, ambiance and warmth to your patio. Buyers noted it was easy to set up and a great value without sacrificing quality. It’s not a push-button ignition, so you’ll need a match or lighter.
“This is an adorable small fire pit perfect for a small area where ambiance is the priority,” said Paula, a verified buyer.
Pros
- Great for small spaces
- Affordable
- Easy to set up
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- May not offer a lot of heat (10,000 BTU)
Why You Should Trust Us
I lived through a major home renovation in 2019, know the ups and downs of home improvement and love sharing tips with readers. I specialize in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. I loved spending time outdoors and know how to select products that will make people feel like their yard is an oasis.
We consulted Ashley Murphy, a fire and pool merchant for Home Depot to get more insight on what makes gas fire pits such a great option for buyers. Murphy is an expert on how to enjoy an outdoor fire safely and the best products for every customer.
How We Found the Best Gas Fire Pits
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
How much gas does a gas fire pit use?
On average, a gas fire pit using a 20-pound propane tank will get you anywhere from three to six hours of use, depending on the size of the fire pit and BTU rating.
Do gas fire pits keep you warm?
Gas fire pits can keep you warm, even on chilly nights! However, it is worth noting that heat output largely depends on BTUs, so the higher the number, the hotter your fire pit will be. Check out your fire pit’s specs to get an inside look at just how hot yours is getting.
Can you roast marshmallows or cook hot dogs over a gas fire pit?
You can certainly cook over a gas fire pit. Since most gas fire pits run on propane, this would be no different than cooking on a gas grill.
