Large fire pits use a lot of propane. They use even more when the wind requires you to turn up the flame. The higher the flame, the more they burn. Smaller fire pits with the flame turned down on low do not use as much.
If you’re considering the installation of a propane fire pit, you’re in the right place for information about how much fuel propane fire pits consume.
It’s wise to know in advance the average fuel consumption for the various sizes and propane fire pit types for planning how much you will need for various events and occasions.
Table of Contents
How Much Propane Do Fire Pits Use
The precise amount of propane used is not set in stone. The size of the propane fire pit determines how many BTUs of propane are used.
The tables below address the average BTUs burned for different sizes of propane fire pits under calm wind conditions.
Propane Fire Pit Type: H-Burner Drop-In Pans
| Fire Pit Size | BTU Ratings |
| 18” x 6” Drop In Pan | 70K BTU |
| 24” x 8” Drop In Pan | 120K BTU |
| 30” x 10” Drop In Pan | 125K BTU |
| 36” x 12” Drop In Pan | 165K BTU |
Propane Fire Pit Type: Linear Burner Drop-In Pans
| Fire Pit Size | BTU Ratings |
| 30” x 6” Drop In Pan | 54K BTU |
| 36” x 6” Drop In Pan | 65K BTU |
| 48” x 6” Drop In Pan | 91K BTU |
Propane Fire Pit Type: Round Drop-In Pans
| Fire Pit Size | BTU Ratings |
| 13” Round Drop In Pan | 48K BTU |
| 19” Round Drop In Pan | 92K BTU |
Propane Fire Pit Type: Round Burner Rings
| Fire Pit Size | BTU Ratings |
| 6” Round Burner Ring | 48K BTU |
| 12” Round Burner Ring | 92 K BTU |
| 18” Round Burner Ring | 147 K BTU |
| 24” Round Burner Ring | 294 K BTU |
Propane Fire Pit Type: H-Burners
| Fire Pit Size | BTU Ratings |
| 18” x 6” H-Burner | 75K BTU |
| 24” x 8” H-Burner | 125K BTU |
Smaller propane fire pits do not use that much propane. The figures above are averages of how many BTUs the various types and sizes of propane fire pits are rated for.
How Long Does Propane Tank Last On A Fire Pit
The average size of a propane tank is 20 lbs and it holds 430,000 BTUs. Propane Fire Pits have an average burn time of 3 to 9 hours from a 20-pound propane tank with 430,000 BTUs, depending on weather conditions and the BTU rating of the fire pit.
The tables below show the various types, sizes, BTU ratings, and the average number of hours to expect the tank to last.
Propane Fire Pit Type: H-Burner Drop-In Pans
| Fire Pit Size | BTU Ratings | Average Hours |
| 18” x 6” Drop In Pan | 70K BTU | 6 hours |
| 24” x 8” Drop In Pan | 120K BTU | 3.5 hours |
| 30” x 10” Drop In Pan | 125K BTU | 3.5 hours |
| 36” x 12” Drop In Pan | 165K BTU | 2.5 hours |
Propane Fire Pit Type: Linear Burner Drop-In Pans
| Fire Pit Size | BTU Ratings | Average Hours |
| 30” x 6” Drop In Pan | 54K BTU | 8 hours |
| 36” x 6” Drop In Pan | 65K BTU | 6.5 hours |
| 48” x 6” Drop In Pan | 91K BTU | 5 hours |
Propane Fire Pit Type: Round Drop-In Pans
| Fire Pit Size | BTU Ratings | Average Hours |
| 13” Round Drop In Pan | 48K BTU | 9 hours |
| 19” Round Drop In Pan | 92K BTU | 4.5 hours |
Propane Fire Pit Type: Round Burner Rings
| Fire Pit Size | BTU Ratings | Average Hours |
| 6” Round Burner Ring | 48K BTU | 9 hours |
| 12” Round Burner Ring | 92K BTU | 4.5 hours |
| 18” Round Burner Ring | 147K BTU | 3 hours |
| 24” Round Burner Ring | 294K BTU | 1.5 hours |
Propane Fire Pit Type: H-Burners
| Fire Pit Size | BTU Ratings | Average Hours |
| 18” x 6” H-Burner | 75K BTU | 6 hours |
| 24” x 8” H-Burner | 125K BTU | 3.5 hours |
The propane consumption for each type and size is approximate and gauged on calm days with no wind, on medium flame.
When the flame is turned up to compensate for windy days, the fuel consumption can change dramatically, using far more propane.
What To Look For In A Propane Fire Pit
Before you purchase a propane fire pit there are some considerations to make. First, check with your local government or homeowner’s association to find out if there are any regulations, rules, or restrictions on fire pits in your area.
There are often regulations about the amount of room that must be in between the pit and nearby buildings, and possibly other restrictions.
Below is a list of other considerations to ensure that you find the right quality propane fire pit to meet your needs and suit your preferences
Size
Choose a size that fits the area that you have available or installation. Propane fire pits come in a wide range of sizes from 24 inches in width for the smaller units to the larger pits at 54 inches wide.
Also, consider the height. Most begin at 18 inches to much larger heights. Consider any trees that may be nearby to get the ideal fit without compromising the health of your landscaping.
Style
Propane fire pits come in a variety of styles and shapes. The design of your backyard or landscaping theme may help you choose a style that complements the theme.
Choose a shape that will accommodate the number of people in your family or the number of people you plan to have over for backyard events. It’s nice to pull chairs around the fire pit to keep warm on chilly days or evenings.
Materials
Check out the different available materials. Common materials used for fire pits include stone, cement, and metal.
Compare the materials with their pros and cons to find those that are the most durable. This can save you money in repairs and your fire pit will last longer.
Cost
The most expensive fire pit is not necessarily the best. Neither is the least expensive. Generally, you get what you pay for.
Find something that is within your budget range, compare affordable models, and purchase the one that gives you the most for your money
Propane Usage
Compare the amount of propane that the unit will require. Make sure that the fire pit you buy is economical enough to meet your budgetary needs or what you are willing to spend to use it throughout the year.
Some units burn more propane than others, so it will pay to determine the consumption ratings in advance.
Which Propane Fire Pits Use More Propane Than Others
I’m comparing the five most common propane fire pits to show you the BTU each offers, the pros and cons, and how much propane each uses, to give you an idea of what to expect from each.
1. Christopher Knight Home Outdoor Square Propane Fire Pit
BTU: 40,000
Approximate Burn Time: 10.8 hours on a 20 lb propane tank at low flame, or 4.5 hours on higher flame
This fire pit is made of durable magnesium oxide and steel materials. It measures 32x32x24 inches and comfortably seats up to 6 people around the square shape.
Pros:
- Large enough for 6 people
- Each full propane tank lasts up to 10.8 hours
- Durable materials for longevity
Cons:
- Does not produce a lot of heat at body level
2. SNAN 32” Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit Table with Volcanic Rock & Glass Wind Guard
BTU: 55,000
Approximate Burn Time: 7.85 hours
Outdoor fire table with CSA certification. Tested for high quality and strength.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Durable stainless-steel materials
- Attractive glass decor
Cons:
- Requires a lighter to start
3. Outland Firebowl 870 Premium Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
BTU: 58,000
Approximate Burn Time: 7.45 hours for a 20 lb propane tank
A portable propane fire pit that you can take with you wherever you go. Lightweight and compact with good heat output.
Pros:
- Lightweight at 25 pounds
- Compact size of 19 x 19 x 11 inches
- Durable powder coating over stainless steel
Cons:
- Lower heat output
4. Fire Sense Sporty Campfire Portable 15 Inch Gas Steel Fire Pit
BTU: 60,000
Approximate Burn Time: 7.2 hours for a 20 lb propane tank
Small 15-inch steel propane firepit with high BTU output, removable lid with claims, and 5-foot hose
Pros:
- Easy to setup
- Compact and lightweight for easy transport
- High output of heat
Cons:
- Inexpensive materials feels cheap
5. YeSa 44” Rectangle Outdoor Fire Pit Coffee Table
BTU: 55,000
Approximate Burn Time: 7.85 hours
Attractive outdoor fire pit in a rectangle design for accommodating more friends and family around the fire.
Pros:
- High flames
- Ample heat distribution
- Stylish and attractive design
- Waterproof cover
Cons:
- Glass stones tend to fall out
These are the top-rated propane fire pits. The amount of propane that is burned for each is aligned with the BTU rating. Average burn times are per moderate flame height.
Tanks last longer when the low flame is used, and burn faster when turned up higher. The size of the fire pit has little to do with the burn time as it is based on flame height and BTU rating.
Do Propane Fire Pits Use More Propane Than Grills
Propane fire pits use more propane than gas grills. Gas grills that use high heat for cooking consume approximately two pounds of fuel for every meal.
A 20-pound propane tank averages 18-20 hours of cooking time for a medium-sized grill. Larger grills used on high heat can use twice the amount of propane for an average of 10 hours of burn time.
For grills, the larger the size, the more propane consumed to cook meals. For fire pits, the greater the BTU, the more fuel that is consumed
40,000 BTU Fire Pit vs Medium-Sized Propane Grill
The propane consumption for a 40,000 BTU fire pit is approximately 10.8 hours. A medium-sized grill can burn for up to 20 hours on high heat. Fire pits use more propane than the same type of power used to operate a grill.
Helpful Tips To Know Which Fire Pits Use The Most Propane
Propane fire pits burn fuel at a rate that is commensurate with the BTU rating. The higher the rating, the faster the fuel source is consumed.
- The average fire pit at 40,000 BTU can run on a 20 lb propane tank for more than 10 hours on low to moderate flame setting
- Protecting a fire pit from wind can lower propane consumption
- Burning on a lower flame extends the burn time of a full tank
Final Thoughts
Do Propane Fire Pits Use A Lot Of Propane? This is a question that has a few different answers. Some propane fire pits use a lot of propane when they have a high BTU rating and operate at the maximum flame setting.
In general, these fire pits do not consume large amounts of propane, regardless of their physical size. The best way to gauge how much propane a fire pit will use is to determine the average usage per BTU and flame height.
A single 20-pound propane tank can run a fire pit for 10 hours or even longer at lower flame levels.