How to Choose a Gas Fire Pit for Your Backyard Patio
Outland Living’s Series 401 hides a full propane tank inside a solid table with strong heat output for a patio. Its Firebowl 863 Cypress packs down for camping trips and passes many fire ban rules. Bali Outdoors delivers a full fire table experience at the lowest outlay here.
Outland Living’s Series 401 earns the top spot for patios, concealing a full propane tank while still producing plenty of heat for a seated group. Camping trips call for the portable Outland Firebowl 863 Cypress instead. Bali Outdoors delivers a complete fire table for anyone skipping the premium price. All three light instantly and leave no smoke or ash behind.
A headline BTU figure says surprisingly little about how warm anyone actually feels around a gas fire pit. Tank concealment, wind protection and burner design matter more in daily use. We compared published outputs, tank arrangements, certification for portable use and what owners report about burning through a bottle over an evening.
What we recommend
Outland Living Series 401 Propane Fire Pit Table
A standard propane bottle stores inside the table body here, so no hose crosses the patio and nothing trips guests up. Output stays high enough to warm a seated group, and the lava rock bed spreads flame attractively across the burner. Owners report it becomes the default evening feature once lighting takes only a button press and thirty seconds.
Pros
- Tank hidden completely inside the body
- Lid converts it to a usable table
- Strong, even heat across the burner
Cons
- Heavy and awkward to move once assembled
- Not designed for camping transport
Outland Firebowl 863 Cypress Portable Propane Fire Pit
Campsites tend to allow this portable fire pit during fire bans, since it produces no embers and shuts off instantly. It packs down with a carry lid and runs off a standard propane bottle through a supplied hose. Genuinely easy transport and enough heat for a small group make it a popular camping companion, according to owner reports.
Pros
- Genuinely portable with a carry lid
- Often permitted during campsite fire bans
- Instant shut off with no embers
Cons
- Tank sits outside the unit on a hose
- Lower output than a full fire table
Bali Outdoors Propane Gas Fire Pit Table
A concealed tank compartment and a drink ledge come standard on this table, at a considerably lower outlay than premium brands. Lava rock and a cover ship with most listings. Build feels lighter than premium tables, though owners call it perfectly adequate for a patio covered through winter.
Pros
- Best value for a full fire table
- Concealed tank keeps the patio tidy
- Useful ledge for glasses and plates
Cons
- Panels are thinner than premium tables
- Needs covering over winter to avoid corrosion
Camp Chef Redwood Portable Propane Fire Pit
A taller stand puts the flame closer to seated height here, so the heat feels more useful than from a low bowl. This larger portable unit packs into a carry bag and runs from a standard bottle. Noticeably more heat than smaller portable pits comes at the cost of bulkier packing, per owner reports.
Pros
- Raised height directs heat at seated people
- Higher output than typical portable bowls
- Sturdy stand feels stable on soft ground
Cons
- Bulkier to pack than a fire bowl
- Exposed flame is more wind sensitive
Endless Summer GAD1401M Gas Outdoor Fire Pit
Patio area shrinks considerably with this slim column design, which still conceals the tank in its base for a balcony or small courtyard. A glass wind guard keeps the flame steady and adds visual interest after dark. Decorative appeal outweighs raw heat output here, so seating needs to sit close.
Pros
- Small footprint for tight patios
- Glass guard steadies the flame in breeze
- Attractive as an evening feature
Cons
- Less usable heat than a wide burner
- No table surface around the flame
COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit Table
Dining and bar height options change how this fire table fits into a gathering compared with a low coffee table style pit. Taller versions suit standing groups and put flame closer to face height for warmth. Solid construction for the price and an included glass wind guard round out most versions, owners report.
Pros
- Taller height suits standing gatherings
- Wide ledge is genuinely usable
- Wind guard included as standard
Cons
- Tall design catches more wind overall
- Heavier to reposition than low tables
Best Choice Products 28in Propane Gas Fire Pit Table
Entry level pricing gets a concealed tank compartment, lava rock and a cover included in this table. Turning an evening patio into a gathering spot is exactly the job it does. Basic finish and off season storage needs come with the low price, though the burner itself performs reliably, per owner reports.
Pros
- Cheapest route to a proper fire table
- Tank hidden inside the base
- Cover included in most listings
Cons
- Basic finish and thinner materials
- Lower output than larger tables
What to look for
How much heat does BTU actually mean BTU ratings measure fuel consumption, not how warm anyone actually feels. A wide burner spreading a moderate flame across a large ring often warms a seated circle better than a tall narrow flame rated higher. Height matters too, since a raised fire ring directs heat toward seated people rather than into the air above a low bowl. Weigh burner shape alongside the number.
Where does the propane tank go Fire tables that conceal the tank inside the base stay tidier and safer around a patio, with no hose to trip over. Portable pits run a hose to an external bottle instead, which the weight makes unavoidable. Confirm the tank compartment fits a standard bottle in your country before buying, since sizes vary by region and a mismatch turns up on assembly day.
How do I stop wind from ruining the flame Wind is the main thing that spoils a gas fire pit evening, flattening the flame and wasting fuel. A glass wind guard makes a real difference and comes standard on several picks here. Position the pit away from the prevailing wind and well clear of fences, branches and anything combustible, following the manufacturer’s stated clearances rather than eyeballing it.
Is gas or wood better for a fire pit Gas lights instantly, produces no smoke and shuts off in a second, which is why it works on decks, near close neighbours and often during fire bans. Crackle, smell and the intense radiant heat of a wood fire disappear in exchange. Convenience and ambience matter more than authenticity for most buyers choosing gas.
How they compare
| # | Model | Fuel | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Outland Living Series 401 Propane Fire Pit Table | Standard propane bottle, concealed | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Outland Firebowl 863 Cypress Portable Propane Fire Pit | Propane bottle via ten foot hose | Best portable | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Bali Outdoors Propane Gas Fire Pit Table | Concealed propane bottle | Best value | 8.9 | Check price |
| 4 | Camp Chef Redwood Portable Propane Fire Pit | Propane bottle via hose | Best for camping groups | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Endless Summer GAD1401M Gas Outdoor Fire Pit | Concealed propane bottle in base | Best for compact patios | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | COSIEST Outdoor Propane Fire Pit Table | Concealed propane bottle | Best for dining height | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Best Choice Products 28in Propane Gas Fire Pit Table | Concealed propane bottle | Best budget | 8.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
How long does a propane bottle last in a gas fire pit?
A standard bottle typically runs several hours of continuous burning, depending on output and whether the flame stays at full setting. Turning the flame down once the group warms up extends that considerably. A spare bottle on hand avoids the evening ending abruptly.
Can I use a gas fire pit on a wooden deck?
Many models are suitable, but manufacturer clearance requirements and a heat resistant mat underneath are non negotiable. Portable units in particular can radiate downward. Check the specific model’s guidance, since deck suitability is stated per product rather than being universal.
Are gas fire pits allowed during fire bans?
Often yes, since they produce no embers and shut off instantly, which is why CSA listed units like the Outland Firebowl 863 stay popular with campers. Rules vary by area and by ban level, so check with the local authority or campsite first.
Do gas fire pits give off much heat?
Enough to make a patio comfortable on a cool evening for people sitting nearby, though far less radiant heat than a wood fire produces. Raised designs and wide burners feel warmer. A dedicated patio heater does the heat job better if warmth matters more than ambience.
What goes in the burner, lava rock or glass?
Either works well. Lava rock usually ships included and diffuses the flame while retaining some heat. Fire glass looks better in daylight and reflects the flame attractively. Both need a rating for fire pit use, since ordinary stones trap moisture and crack sharply when heated.
Can I convert a propane fire pit to natural gas?
Only with a manufacturer approved conversion kit, and some models cannot convert at all. Orifice sizes and pressures differ between fuels, so improvising is genuinely dangerous. Look for a model sold specifically for natural gas if a line is already available.
How do I store a gas fire pit over winter?
Disconnect the bottle and store it outdoors in a ventilated place, never indoors. Cover the pit or store it under shelter, and keep the burner dry, since water in the burner tube causes uneven flames and ignition problems come spring. Most models include or offer a fitted cover.
Why is my flame uneven or yellow?
Blocked burner ports, damp lava rock or too much media covering the burner usually cause this. Clear the ports, dry the rock and thin the media layer so gas passes freely. Persistent problems after cleaning point to a regulator issue worth checking.
Our pick
Outland Living’s Series 401 turns a patio into a place people linger after dark, with the tank hidden and instant push button lighting. Bring the Outland Firebowl 863 Cypress along on camping trips, and pick the Bali Outdoors table for a full fire table experience at less cost.
Sierra Daniels
Sierra's background is in landscape design and nursery retail. She focuses on lawn and garden equipment, outdoor furniture and gear durability, weighing published specs against how materials actually hold up outside.
