Propane vs Natural Gas Fire Pit: Which One Should You Buy?

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The quick answer

Propane fire pits run on a standard 20-lb tank connected by a hose, so the portable models are easy to move and need little installation beyond the tank. Natural gas fire pits connect to a household gas line, so they stay in one place and never need a tank refill. The Outland Living listing states a 10-ft hose to a 20-lb tank and 7.5 to 11 hours of burn time per tank, and it offers a CSA approved natural gas conversion kit for buyers who want to switch fuels later.

How propane fire pits work

A propane fire pit burns liquefied petroleum gas from a portable tank. The Outland Living and GasBRUH listings both describe a pre-attached 10-ft hose that keeps the standard 20-lb tank out of sight, with an adjustable regulator and chrome valve knob to vary the flame height. The GasBRUH adds piezo ignition for lighting, while the Outland lists manual ignition. The Outland listing states burn time on a 20-lb tank of 7.5 to 11 hours depending on the flame height setting, and a maximum gas supply pressure of 250 PSI. Because the fuel travels with the pit, the portable bowls set up in minutes with no tools, go camping or tailgating, and, per the Outland and GasBRUH listings, are safe to use during most campfire bans, though both listings say to check current fire restrictions in your area.

How natural gas fire pits work

A natural gas fire pit connects to a gas line instead of a tank, which makes it a fixed installation: no refills, no tank to hide, and no moving it to the campsite. None of the four listings here is a native natural gas model, but the Outland Living listing offers a CSA approved natural gas conversion kit, model 780, as an optional accessory. That tells you the path the maker intends: buy the propane pit, and convert it where a gas line is available. A conversion means working with gas fittings, so have it done to the maker instructions and local code rather than improvising.

Propane vs natural gas fire pit: the gear, ranked

Outland Living 19-inch. The portable pick: 19 inches across, 58,000 BTU, 22 lbs, with a 10-ft hose, a 4.4-lb natural lava rock set and a stated 7.5 to 11 hour burn time on a 20-lb tank. It is CSA approved, lists a One Year Manufacturer Limited Warranty, and offers the CSA approved natural gas conversion kit, a cover and carry kit, and a carry bag as optional accessories.

Ciays 43-inch, 60,000 BTU. The patio table pick: a 43-inch rectangular fire pit table with 60,000 BTU, a 304 stainless steel H-burner, and CSA certification. It weighs 52 lbs, measures 43 by 25 by 25 inches, and comes with a cover and decorative rocks; the cover turns it into a regular table. The 3-inch table edge holds drinks and snacks, and adjustable feet steady it on uneven patios.

GasBRUH 19-inch. The campfire pick: 19 inches, 60,000 BTU, 9.04 kg, with a grill grate, a cover and carry kit, a 10-ft braided stainless hose and a 4.8-lb lava rock set. It lists piezo ignition, rainproof and rust-resistant construction, and safe use during most campfire bans. The listing stresses outdoor use only, checking for gas leaks before operation, and disconnecting the tank after use.

Ciays 43-inch ceramic, 50,000 BTU. The entertaining pick: 50,000 BTU with a premium four-piece ceramic tabletop, a glass wind guard, a lid and blue glass rocks. It measures 42.91 by 24.61 by 25 inches, seats six per the listing, and the glass guard keeps flames stable on windy days. Like its sibling it is CSA-certified and converts to a table with the lid on.

BTU, burn time and tank size

BTU ratings here run from 50,000 to 60,000, and the listings give them as stated output figures, so treat them as best-case figures. The Outland is the only listing to state a burn time: 7.5 to 11 hours on a 20-lb tank depending on flame height. A higher flame setting burns through the tank faster, which is worth remembering if you run the pit on high all evening. Natural gas has no tank to empty, which is its main convenience advantage once the line is in.

Safety and placement

Three of the four listings state CSA approval or certification, which is the safety mark to look for. The GasBRUH listing is explicit: outdoor use only, read the instructions before installing, check for gas leakage before operation, and disconnect the tank after use. The Outland and GasBRUH listings say their pits are safe to use during most campfire bans, but both say to check current fire restrictions in your area before lighting up. Keep the tank and hose clear of the flame path, and never place the lid on a hot pit: the GasBRUH warns its lid is not heat resistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert a propane fire pit to natural gas?

The Outland Living listing offers a CSA approved natural gas conversion kit as an optional accessory. Check that the kit fits your model and follow the maker instructions and local code.

How long does a 20-lb propane tank last in a fire pit?

The Outland listing states 7.5 to 11 hours depending on the flame height setting. Higher flames burn through the tank faster.

Are propane fire pits allowed during campfire bans?

The Outland and GasBRUH listings say their pits are safe to use during most campfire bans, but both say to check current fire restrictions in your area first.

Do propane fire pits need to be plugged in?

No. The GasBRUH lists piezo ignition and the Outland lists manual ignition, so neither needs electricity or plugging in; the fuel comes from the 20-lb tank.

What BTU do these fire pits put out?

The listings state 58,000 BTU for the Outland, 60,000 BTU for the Ciays table and the GasBRUH, and 50,000 BTU for the ceramic Ciays table. These are maximum ratings.

Can I use a propane fire pit on a patio?

The listings describe patio, deck, backyard and camping use, and the GasBRUH stresses outdoor use only. Keep it outdoors with clear space around it.

Related guides

See our best propane fire pits for patios and the propane vs electric fire pit comparison. Also see wood burning vs gas fire pit, propane vs natural gas patio heaters and fire pits for concrete patios.