Sitting around the fire, it’s a custom that extends back as far as the dawn of civilization itself. Gathering around the fire to eat food, drink, rest after a long trek, it is how communities have built up, shared their stories and bonded over the warm licking flames.
And thankfully, it’s a tradition that hasn’t changed. For those who have experienced it, there’s nothing quite like sitting around a fire on a warm summer or chilly autumn evening with friends and family with a few drinks and some marshmallows.
However, a lot of modern fire pits can be a hassle to clean out afterward. The coals used within them often billow out a lot of excess smoke which, if the wind isn’t in your favor, can choke your guests and quickly put an end to a lovely evening.
Propane fire pits are a much cleaner, economic and stress-free alternative to the traditional fire pit. They come in numerous styles and designs, so it is more than likely that you’ll be able to find one that suits your garden and is adaptable to barbeques, weddings or just a weekend gathering.
A propane fire pit is also very easy to set up and get running, which will also appeal to anyone who doesn’t want to be raking and changing the coals after every cozy fire pit session.
But where can you find the best propane fire pits? What are the unique properties and capabilities of a fire pit that will give you something that is reliable and long-lasting? How much can you be looking to pay for a decent propane fire pit?
Well, don’t worry fire-pit enthusiasts, because we’ve compiled a list of some of the best propane fire pits that you can currently find on the market. We’ve also got a buyer’s guide that will help you with picking out your next fire pit, along with some frequently asked questions.
OUR TOP PICK
Our first fire pit is probably the most compact unit on this list.
It is a 19-inch fire bowl that can generate 58,000 BTUs over the course of an hour, which will be plenty of heat for you and up to 6 of your guests.
It has a high-grade steel coat that makes it very durable, capable of withstanding lots of intense pressure - introducing the Outland Firebowl 863 Propane Fire Pit.
This is a good fire pit for those people who have limited space in their gardens. It gives the most in terms of temperature regulation, with a small dial that allows you to raise or lower the heat to whatever you find the most comfortable.
This is very important for a fire pit, as the general temperature will shift as evening becomes nighttime and you’ll want the ability to keep you and your guests warmer for longer.
This fire pit also comes with a carry case and a cover, so you can be sure that it won’t get damaged in the rain or the wind.
The design of this fire pit is very stylish and understated and will ingratiate itself well into most garden scenarios.
Pros
- This fire bowl is certainly the most accommodating for those that have a smaller amount of space to work with - because why should your garden size dictate whether or not you have a fire pit?
- But don’t think that this smaller unit will impact how warm your fire pit can get. It can churn out high temperatures over long periods, which will be ideal for those winter months when you want to keep the conversation going.
- This comes with 4 pounds of lava rock, which will help with the heating and also give your fire pit that sophisticated finish.
- The subtle and sleek design of this fire pit will mean that you’ll be able to install it in most gardens.
Cons
- This fire pit might not be suitable for users who hold larger gatherings of 10 people or more.
EDITORS CHOICE
Our next propane fire pit is another relatively compact unit, but this time it has more of an industrial style to it, more in keeping with the look and texture of a traditional fire pit.
It also has legs that fold away, making it the best unit for those who often suffer from storage issues, simply connect the tank and fire it up - introducing Camp Chef Gas Fire Ring.
This comes with a generous supply of lava rock that you’ll be able to heat time and time again.
The propane heater will mean that you’ll be able to keep your party warm for as long as the gas lasts in your tank, which will ideally be over 8 hours. You can leave this one on all night while your guests linger and mingle.
This unit comes with a few roasting sticks, ideal for hunks of chicken or fish if you want that additional option of cooking something over your pit.
It also has a carry case, meaning that you can pack away and transport this fire pit to another location with the minimum of fuss.
Pros
- This is a very portable unit, with a carry case and fold away legs, you can pack away this fire pit in the corner of your garden and it won’t take up precious space.
- The lava rocks and dial control help you sustain a warm flame, which is ideal if you’ll be using this throughout the year when temperatures tend to fluctuate.
- The build quality of this fire pit is very solid - the cast iron body will be able to conduct intense heat and take as many knocks and bangs as you can give it.
Cons
- As with our last unit, this 15-inch diameter fire pit will not be suitable for anyone who wants to accommodate a party of more than 10 people.
BEST VALUE
Next, we have a fire pit that offers the user something a bit more radical in terms of design and shape, with a column style of construction that will help you save space and give your garden that imperial and grand feel.
It comes with lava rocks and is very easy to install and set up - introducing the Bond Manufacturing Fire Pit.
This column comes in a natural stone style, the redness of which really gives your garden that regal quality. It’s low to the ground, which makes it ideal for any group of under 6 people.
This comes with a control dial in the side housing, so you can alter the temperature to within the nearest degree.
You can also manage the height and intensity of the flames, with lava rock and a rim that will keep any stray rocks from falling out and injuring you or your guests.
Pros
- The design and build quality of this fire pit are very resilient. You’ll be able to use this over and over again through all seasons if you take care of it well.
- The style of the column is very attractive and will give most gardens the sophistication and regal aspect of a Roman court! It will also complement any garden that has stone-cladded walls elsewhere.
- You can set this one up very easily - simply plug it into the propane canisters and light the nozzle. You can also adapt the height and intensity of your flame to suit the comfort of you and your guests.
- This lightweight and tall design will save you space and allow you to transport it from one end of the garden to the other with a lot of ease.
Cons
- Some users have complained that you have to hold down the temperature gauge to keep the fire pit lit.
RUNNER UP
Our next fire pit is another unique design, coming in a round, conventional stone shape, which is large and accommodating enough for upwards of 10 people.
It has a stainless steel lining that conducts the heat with maximum efficiency, offering a great complement to the stone cladding on the outside - introducing Peaktop Round Propane Fire Pit.
The heat of this fire pit is guaranteed not to be projected downwards like a lot of other fire pits of the more conventional type, providing a consistent heat that you can control with a dial on the outside housing.
The stone exterior of this fire pit probably makes it one of the more durable on this list. If you want a fire pit that can withstand rough weather, then you can do no better than this model.
The exterior will ensure that your flames stay protected from both wind and rain, with a low to the ground design that is ideal for warming you and your guests.
Pros
- With a 10 foot hose, you can quickly hook this up to your propane gas canister and get your fire pit working within minutes. The canister itself can be housed in its own separate brick unit that will integrate itself seamlessly with most gardens.
- The stainless steel inside will ensure that the heat from your fire is transferred adequately to your guests, with the stone on the outside offering further protection.
- The heat emitted from this fire pit will be steady, which is important for temperature control. Using the dial on the side of this fire pit you can increase the height and the intensity of this flame, which will be important for keeping you warm in those colder seasons.
Cons
- This only comes with a limited supply of lava rock, so you might have to invest in some more if you plan on keeping yourself warm.
Best Propane Fire Pits Buying Guide
When buying your next propane fire pit, you’ll want to consider what you’ll be using it for: will it be a family gathering of just a few select people?
Will it be a larger event or a party? Will you be needing to heat lots of people over one evening or the whole day?
Asking yourself these questions will help you to narrow down the perfect fire pit for you.
Here are a few things that you should definitely be on your radar to get the most out of your fire pit experience.
What Will You Be Using Your Fire Pit For?
Some people will only be using their fire pit for aesthetic purposes, a central point that will tie the whole garden together. If this is the case, then you’ll be paying less attention to the functionality of your fire pit and more to how it will look.
If you do want your fire pit to be used for a regular purpose, then you’ll need to consider how much heat control you want, how many people you will want to warm and over how long.
Choosing a fire pit that is the correct size and shape for your garden is also crucial for deciding on your fire pit, otherwise, you might have a slightly garish and unsightly addition to your garden that certainly won’t complement the furniture and other ornaments.
Where Will You Place Your Fire Pit?
The location of the fire pit is important, as you’ll want it somewhere that both complements your surrounding environs and also leaves enough room on the outer edges for people to sit.
Ideally, we'd recommend adding a few extra feet to the outer edges of your fire pit to accommodate for this.
If you are thinking of entertaining a lot of people, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll have enough of a heat boost to be able to warm them all evenly. Having the ability to increase the flame on your propane heater will also be very useful for when those cold winter months draw in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types Of Fire Pit Are There?
You have a lot of choices when it comes to the shape and design of fire pits. There are plenty of models that will offer you a wide array of features, although most come with the standard heat controller and propane hose.
Concrete or stone fire pits will give your garden that rustic feel, often best suited to those landscape designers that fancy a bit of a challenge in terms of woodwork or stonecraft. You can complement a stone fire pit with some wooden decking.
Fire bowls are a very popular choice of fire pit, they look very 'ancient Greece' and stylish, as well as being one of the safest options because of the protective rim. They are easier to sit around and are often very reasonably priced.
A fire column is also perfect if you’re looking to save on space. A lot of garden owners don’t necessarily have the extra square footage to house a larger style of barbeque, so a fire column is a good compromise between functionality and style.
What Sizes And Shapes Can You Have For Your Fire Pit?
Fire pits come in a number of different sizes, each one can complement your garden and its furniture in several ways.
36-inches or under - these are the size of the fire bowl models that often feature in more decorative uses. The fire bowls have the smallest footprints out of all the fire pits we have listed, so they are suitable for smaller patios.
You can also buy multiple versions of these and distribute them around your garden for numerous fire points.
36 to 45-inches - This is probably the most common size of fire pit that you might find in a garden, perfect for seating 4 to 8 people.
45 to 60-inches - this is the most luxurious model of fire pit and should be reserved only for those with the largest garden spaces. You can easily sit around 12 people with one of these fire pits, which usually come in a spherical design.
There are also plenty of different shapes for your fire pit, again, this will depend on the overall feel you’ll want for your garden, as well as how accommodating it will be for people to sit around.
Rounded fire pits are great for patios of decking that has curves cut into them already. If you want your garden to have no sharp edges, giving it a more relaxed feel, then we’d recommend going with this shape. They can usually sit around 6 people.
Square fire pits are better if you like a more angular style to your garden and have plenty of straight lines on your decking. These can sit around 4 to 6 people, depending on the size.
Rectangular fire pits are similar to the square models, although you can generally fit a lot more people around them.
Last update on 2024-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API