Outland Living Firebowl 893
Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 11 inches| Materials: Alloy steel, stainless steel | BTUs: 58,000 | Weight: 23 pounds
What you’ll love:
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
Keep in mind:
- Smaller diameter
- Simple construction
You can find less expensive fire pits, but the Outland Living Firebowl 893 offers the most value for your money. This 19-inch pit provides enough space to warm at least two people, with a 58,000 BTU output that’s impressive for a fire pit of this size. The 893 is also highly portable and comes with a cover and carry kit so you can tote it between campsites and the beach.
The pre-attached 10-foot hose hooks up to a standard 20-pound propane tank, allowing you to position the power supply out of sight. A built-in regulator allows you to vary the flame height while several pounds of lava rocks create a flickering effect. Plus, the steel construction has a protective enamel finish to keep it looking brand new.
Best Tabletop Propane Fire Pit
Petite And Easy To Adjust
Ukiah Loom X Tabletop Fire Pit
Dimensions: 5.7 x 28 x 8.5 inches| Materials: Metal, steel | BTUs: 40,000 | Weight: 16.7 pounds
What you’ll love:
- Adjustable flame control
- Easy to move around
Keep in mind:
- Propane tank is external
- Adjustable dial is visible
Tabletop fire pits come in various shapes and sizes, but the Ukiah Loom X Fire Pit is a generous 28 inches long to provide ambiance to a large portion of your table. This pit is under 17 pounds, making it easy to move around as needed but not so light that it topples over when there’s a gust of wind. The propane connection is in the back and it comes with a 10-foot hose, allowing you to conceal it if needed. Other helpful features include electric ignition at the push of a button, adjustable flame control and a protective cover.
Best Propane Fire Pit For Small Spaces
Circular Design Saves On Square Footage
Four Seasons Courtyard Smokeless Propane Gas Fire Pit
Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 17.7 inches| Materials: Alloy steel | BTUs: Unspecified | Weight: 26.5 pounds
What you’ll love:
- Attractive exterior
- Small and portable
- Doubles as an end table
Keep in mind:
- May be too small for some
- Propane tank located outside
If you don’t have the square footage to spare for a large fire pit, this option takes up a fraction of the space (it measures 11.8 inches in diameter) while still providing warmth for you and your guests. The exterior has a unique honeycomb pattern to elevate your outdoor decor, with a stainless steel burner and plate for durability. To use, simply turn on the propane and light a match. The included cover helps this double as an end table when it’s not being used.
Best Portable Propane Fire Pit
Fold-Out Legs And A Carry Handle For Easy Transport
Ignik FireCan Portable Fire Pit
Dimensions: 6.5 x 15.5 x 10.7 inches| Materials: Alloy steel | BTUs: 38,000 | Weight: 11.5 pounds
What you’ll love:
- Easy to carry
- Sets up fast
Keep in mind:
- Exterior can get hot
- Pricey for the size
Plenty of fire pits are light enough to be portable, but the Ignik FireCan Portable Fire Pit is specifically designed with travel in mind. This alloy steel pit features fold-out legs and a built-in travel handle, making it easy to pack up and take on the go. Once you reach your destination, it sets up in seconds: Fold out the legs, release the five-foot hose and connect it to your desired propane tank. Steel mesh sides allow you to see the flames inside, while a dial lets you quickly adjust the power. The lid is removable, and silicone side handles allow quick position changes before the fire pit cools down.
Best Round Propane Fire Pit
A Sleek, Simple Bowl Silhouette
Blackwell Round Propane Fire Pit Table
Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 13 inches| Materials: Concrete, Steel | BTUs: 50,000 | Weight: 98.5 pounds
What you’ll love:
- Electric ignition
- Sleek, modern design
- UV- and weather-resistant
Keep in mind:
- Natural gas conversion requires a contractor
- Needs to be covered when not in use
Pottery Barn’s Blackwell Round Propane Fire Pit Table is crafted from concrete and steel and has a modern appearance that works well in most backyards. It connects to a propane tank with a discreet hose in the back and fires up with an electric ignition. A small dial positioned just above the hose allows for flame adjustments as needed. On the lowest setting, it can burn for an impressive 25 hours, and it comes with a vinyl cover to protect your bowl when it’s not in use. There’s also a natural gas conversion kit if you prefer to go that route, although a contractor is required for installation.
Best Coffee Table Propane Fire Pit
Provides Extra Room For Food And Drinks
Elementi Metropolis Concrete Fire Table
Dimensions: 14 x 36 x 32 inches| Materials: Concrete, stainless steel | BTUs: 45,000 | Weight: 163.5 pounds
What you’ll love:
- Doubles as a coffee table
- Impressive heat output for the size
Keep in mind:
- Won’t heat everyone around the table evenly
- Heavy
Many fire pits make the flame the showcase, often sacrificing valuable space for food and drinks. Luckily, this product has a convenient design that positions a 20.7-inch fire pit on one end, leaving the rest of the table open.
Like other options on our list, it has a push-button ignition and adjustable flame, lava rock filler, and a cover. The fire pit even has room for people to stretch their feet underneath, making it an inviting gathering space. Keep in mind that this table is quite heavy, weighing an impressive 163 pounds, so it’s not portable.
Best Luxury Propane Fire Pit
A Statement Piece With Serious Heat Output
Solana Fire Table
Dimensions: 59.5 x 44.5 x 20.5 inches| Materials: Concrete, stainless steel | BTUs: 65,000 | Weight: 443 pounds
What you’ll love:
- Streamline design
- Concealed propane tank
- Has an automatic safety shut-off
- Includes lava rock filler, leveling feet and storage cover
Keep in mind:
- Expensive
- Very heavy
The Solana Fire Table is sure to be the focal point of your outdoor space. It has a simple, streamlined design and plenty of room for drinks and snacks around the perimeter. The exterior is made from glass fiber reinforced concrete and is heat, weather and rust resistant. It delivers an impressive 65,000 BTUs of heat—the highest of any on our list—and has room to conceal the propane tank underneath for a sleek look. Choose from three neutral colors, including Ash and Smoke.
Best Propane Fire Pit For Camping
Portable, Simple And Easy To Assemble
Flame King Smokeless Propane Fire Pit
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 12 inches| Materials: Alloy steel | BTUs: 58,000 | Weight: 27.3 pounds
What you’ll love:
- Powerful
- Portable (has a fabric strap handle to help with transport)
- Easy to assemble
Keep in mind:
- Simple design
- Extra rocks may be needed
A fire pit for camping should be simple and portable—and the Flame King Smokeless Propane Fire Pit checks those boxes. This pick is made from durable alloy steel to stand up to the elements and has a 24-inch diameter large enough for several people to cook around. And with a 58,000 BTU output, this fire pit can give off some serious warmth. The pre-attached 10-foot hose has a clearly marked regulator for flame control, while the included lava rocks create a gentle flickering effect. This Flame King also comes with a UV and weather-resistant cover and fabric handle, making it easy to tote between campsites.
Best Propane Fire Pit With Hidden Tank
Clever Design Resembles An End Table
Frontgate Bryndle Root Square Fire Table
Dimensions: 28 x 28 x 23 inches| Materials: Cement, fiberglass | BTUs: 50,000 | Weight: 81 pounds
What you’ll love:
- Smart design
- Rustic appearance
- Battery-operated ignition
- Can be converted for natural gas
Keep in mind:
- Smaller size
- Heavy to relocate
While a propane tank can usually be hidden underneath a cover or behind a plant, having a tank that fits inside your fire pit is peak convenience. Frontgate’s Bryndle Root Square Fire Table is designed to look like a large end table, but the lower storage compartment has a removable door to make it easy to access the propane tank. It’s constructed from a cement and fiberglass composite with a rustic finish that looks beautiful in any outdoor setting. A wide rim offers room for cocktails and food, while the 50,000 BTU output delivers plenty of heat. You can flip between two heat settings (low and high), and there’s also a rain cover to protect your pit when it’s not in use.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
- Author of this piece Korin Miller is a regular contributor with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics.
- Miller also gathered key insight and guidance from Scott McLeod, owner of McLeod Landscaping, and Nick Chatzigeorgakis, founder and CEO of New York City-based remodeling and construction company Intrabuild. Both offered advice on what to look for in the best propane fire pits and what to avoid.
How We Chose The Best Propane Fire Pits
To find the best propane fire pits, we researched dozens of best-selling options, compared features and asked industry experts—along with our team of experienced staffers—for insights.
- Our home and kitchen editorial team focused on fire pits from trusted brands and retailers, such as Pottery Barn, Frontgate and The Home Depot.
- We analyzed features such as materials, dimensions, weight, durability and BTUs to determine the best options.
- We took customer reviews and average star ratings into careful account, sticking to models that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible amount of concerning reviews, if any.
- The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Look For In The Best Propane Fire Pits
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best propane fire pits. Here’s what to look for.
Heat output in a propane fire pit is measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs. “Higher BTU ratings indicate more heat output, which is vital for effectiveness,” says Chatzigeorgakis. If you’re just getting a fire pit for the aesthetic, BTUs may not be important to you. But a higher BTU is worth considering if you want something to warm up next to and cook foods like hot dogs or s’mores.
When looking at the size of a fire pit, it’s important to consider both the dimensions and the weight. A fire pit needs to fit within your available space, and there should be additional room for people to walk around it. Weight is an important factor, too. Some decks have weight limits, which must be considered if you want to invest in a heavier fire pit. Weight is also a portability factor; if you’re planning to use your fire pit for camping, you’ll want a lighter-weight option that you can carry.
Because propane fire pits live outside, choosing a product made from materials that can withstand the elements is essential. “Stainless steel burners are usually more durable and provide consistent, strong flames,” says Chatzigeorgakis. Materials like concrete, stainless steel, fiberglass and alloy steel are also good to consider. It’s typically recommended that you cover your fire pit when it’s not in use, regardless of the materials. Read the fine print to see if the product you’re interested in includes a cover. If not, you’ll want to invest in one to preserve the life of your fire pit.
Some propane fire pits have a spot for the tank to be hidden inside, while others require that the tank sit outside the fire pit. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but the option to conceal a propane tank within your fire pit is always a convenient feature. Otherwise, you may want to invest in a separate cover or find a way to tuck it behind a plant.
What Type Of Fire Pit Gives Off The Most Heat?
If you’re after heat, you’ll want a fire pit with a BTU rating of at least 40,000 or above. “The options giving off the most heat tend to be those with larger diameters and higher BTU ratings,” says Chatzigeorgakis. McLeod agrees. “Those that give off the most heat often incorporate a larger burner and a generous surface area that allows for a wider distribution of flames,” he says. Our top pick, the West Elm Rutland Rectangle Fire Pit Table, delivers 50,000 to 65,000 BTUs (depending on the size you purchase) to warm people sitting nearby. The Solana Fire Table is another great option with a 65,000 BTU output.
