Propane vs Electric Fire Pit: Which One Should You Buy?

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The quick answer

Choose propane for high heat: the four listings show 50,000 BTU on the Ciays 32-inch and the JAMFLY 43-inch, 58,000 BTU on the Outland 19-inch, and 60,000 BTU on the Ciays 43-inch. Only the Outland bowl is built to travel; the three tables stay on the patio. Choose electric for a fixed patio spot where you want no tank to store or refill. All four products featured here are propane models, so use the propane figures below to size your pick, and see the electric patio heater vs fire pit guide for the electric side.

Propane vs electric fire pit: how they differ

Heat output

The propane listings state 50,000 to 60,000 BTU. The Outland 19-inch lists 58,000 BTU/hr from its stainless steel burner, the Ciays 43-inch lists 60,000 BTU from a 304 stainless steel H-burner, and the Ciays 32-inch and JAMFLY 43-inch each list 50,000 BTU. The listings do not include electric models, so there are no electric BTU figures to compare here. When comparing, remember that a higher BTU number means more heat output, but the usable warmth also depends on the burner design and the setting you run.

Portability

The Outland measures 19 x 19 x 11 in, weighs 22 lbs, and is built for camping, tailgating, RV travel and beach parties, with no assembly required. The Ciays 43-inch weighs 52 lbs, the Ciays 32-inch weighs 55.3 lbs, and the JAMFLY weighs 58 lbs; these are patio tables, not travel units. A propane fire pit goes where the tank goes, while an electric one stays within cord reach of an outlet. If you want fires at the campsite and at home, the portable propane bowl is the only one of the four that travels.

Fuel and runtime

Propane runs on a standard 20-lb tank. The Outland includes a pre-attached 10-ft hose to keep the tank out of sight (tank not included) and lists 7.5 to 11 hours of burn time per 20-lb tank, depending on the flame height setting. The fully adjustable regulator with chrome valve knob varies the flame height. Electric models draw from the outlet, so there is no tank to refill and no runtime limit from fuel, but you need power at the spot and a cord rated for outdoor use.

Safety certifications

The Outland is CSA approved, and the listing says it is safe to use during most campfire bans, though you should always check the current fire restrictions in your area. The Ciays 43-inch is CSA certified for quality, reliability and safety. The Ciays 32-inch is ETL certified. The JAMFLY lists no certification. Whatever you choose, follow the product manual; the Ciays 43-inch listing specifically says to follow all instructions in the product manual for safe use.

What to check before you buy

Table or bowl

Three of the four are fire pit tables. The Ciays 43-inch is a 2-in-1 with an included cover that turns it into a regular table, plus an extra 3-inch tabletop edge for drinks and snacks. The Ciays 32-inch has two cup holders installed under the tabletop edge and includes a lid. The JAMFLY has a 43-inch tabletop with a steel lid. The Outland is a portable fire bowl with no table function. Pick the format that matches how you gather.

Ignition type

The Outland uses manual ignition. The Ciays 32-inch uses a pulse ignition system. The JAMFLY uses a push-and-turn ignition with a control dial. The Ciays 43-inch uses a stepless adjustment knob for flame height. If you want one-touch lighting, the pulse and push-and-turn systems beat manual.

What is in the box

The Outland includes a 4.4-lb natural lava rock set, the firebowl, and a pre-attached 10-ft hose with regulator; the tank, cover and carry bag are sold separately. The Ciays 43-inch includes decorative rocks and a pit cover. The Ciays 32-inch includes lava rocks and a lid. The JAMFLY includes a steel lid and lava rocks. Check what is missing before you order, especially the tank.

Materials and finish

The Outland uses alloy steel and stainless steel with a protective enamel finish and a polished finish type. The Ciays 43-inch is alloy steel with a lacquered finish. The Ciays 32-inch is cold rolled steel with a steel finish and a stainless steel burner. The JAMFLY lists stainless steel and glass with a polished finish. All four are black.

The gear: four propane fire pits, ranked

All four listings are propane models, ranked here by stated heat, features and certifications.

Ciays 43-Inch Propane Fire Pit Table

60,000 BTU, the highest stated here, from a 304 stainless steel H-burner that the listing says creates a denser flame pattern. CSA certified. The 2-in-1 design includes a pit cover that turns it into a table, plus decorative rocks and an extra 3-inch tabletop edge. Measures 43 x 25 x 25 in and weighs 52 lbs, with adjustable feet for uneven patios and a stepless flame knob.

Outland Living 19-Inch Portable Propane Fire Pit

58,000 BTU in a 19 x 19 x 11 in, 22-lb portable bowl with no assembly required. CSA approved, with a pre-attached 10-ft hose, fully adjustable regulator with chrome valve knob, and a 4.4-lb natural lava rock set. Lists 7.5 to 11 hours per 20-lb tank. One-year manufacturer limited warranty. The portable pick for camping, tailgating and RV use.

Ciays 32-Inch Propane Fire Pit Table

50,000 BTU with ETL certification. Pulse ignition, two cup holders under the tabletop edge, lava rocks included, and four adjustable feet for rough concrete or pavers. Measures 32 x 32 x 25 in and weighs 55.3 lbs. Cold rolled steel body with a stainless steel burner.

JAMFLY 43-Inch Propane Fire Pit Table

50,000 BTU with a 43-inch tabletop for drinks and snacks, plus a steel lid and lava rocks. Push-and-turn ignition with a control dial for flame height. The spec table lists 22 x 43 x 24 in and 58 lbs, in stainless steel and glass with a polished finish. No certification is stated, which keeps it last in this ranking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do propane fire pits need a separate tank?

Yes. The Outland includes a pre-attached 10-ft hose but the standard 20-lb propane tank is not included. The other three listings do not state tank inclusion, so plan on supplying your own.

Can I use a propane fire pit during a campfire ban?

The Outland listing says its CSA approved fire pit is safe to use during most campfire bans, because the spark-free propane flame helps protect campgrounds and forested areas. Always check the current fire restrictions in your area first.

How long does a 20-lb propane tank last?

The Outland lists 7.5 to 11 hours of burn time per 20-lb tank, depending on the flame height setting. The other three listings do not state a burn time.

Do any of these convert to a table?

The Ciays 43-inch includes a pit cover that turns it into a regular table. The Ciays 32-inch and the JAMFLY each include a lid. The Outland is a portable bowl with no table conversion.

Is there a warranty?

The Outland lists a one-year manufacturer limited warranty. The Ciays 43-inch, Ciays 32-inch and JAMFLY listings do not state a warranty term.

Which is better for a small patio?

The Outland 19-inch bowl is the most compact at 19 x 19 x 11 in and 22 lbs, and it stores easily. The table models suit a permanent patio spot. See the best fire pit for a small yard for more compact options.

Related guides

See the wood burning vs gas fire pit guide. Also see cast iron vs steel fire pit and smokeless vs regular fire pit.