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There’s no better way to brighten up your outdoor space than with the warm glow of a propane fireplace. An outdoor propane fireplace is easy to use and it doesn't produce the smoke, soot, or ashes of traditional wood fire pits, making it a popular choice for homeowners, restauranteurs, and even apartment dwellers.
In this brief guide, we’re going to share the top qualities of best selling propane outdoor fire pits and the requirements in terms of set up. Whether you’re living in a house, apartment, cabin, or camping in a tent, you can enjoy the beauty and warmth of an outdoor propane fireplace.
Should You Choose a Portable, Prefab or Built-in Patio Fireplace?
While there are plenty of differences between the materials, design, and size of fire pits, the first point of interest that you will need to decide is if you want a fire pit that is portable, or one that is stationary. Portable propane fire pits are the easiest in terms of set up as you can place them wherever you desire and move around as needed. If you are going the stationary route, you have a choice between a pre-fabricated fire pit that you can buy online, or a custom-built one that is crafted to match your outdoor space. Just remember that a custom fire pit will be very expensive, while a pre-fab option will be more affordable.
Best Propane Fireplaces in 2021
Once you’ve decided on the type of fire pit you desire, take a look at the following models, which are highly rated across the board.
1. OUTLAND LIVING Granville
If you’re looking for a gorgeous, sturdy fire table with an award-winning design, then the Granville Fire Table is your best option. Here are some of the reasons to choose this sleek stationary fire table.
Granville Fire Table
Size: With the dimensions of L 44" x W 32" x H 24” and a weight of 96 pounds, this table is the perfect size to entertain family and friends. The rectangular shape makes it a great dining table when the cover is placed over the fire component. As a result, many restaurants can benefit from having this particular fire table.
Construction: Combining the best of the best in materials, this fire table is wonderfully durable and impervious to rust over time. The frame is constructed of high-quality aluminum that has been coated in a protective powder and finished with a resin wicker wrapping to match many kinds of popular patio furniture. The 8 mm tempered glass tabletop provides a glistening shine that enhances the look of the flames from your fire.
Safety: CSA-approved, this fire table has been rated 50,000 BTU with a standard 20 lb propane tank. With an easy-grip chrome valve knob, you are in complete control of the height of the flames.
Look: Available in Espresso Brown or Slate Grey, this table is the perfect blend of function and form. The stainless steel burners are completely covered by included arctic glass rocks, which sparkle as they burn, but never spark.
2. OUTLAND LIVING Yaletown
One of the newest fire tables to be offered by OUTLAND LIVING, the Yaletown is compact, easy to set up, stylish, and affordable.
Yaletown Fire Table
Size: Measuring L 30" x W 30" x H 24.1,” and weighing in at 64 pounds, the Yaletown can easily be moved around if needed. Its small size makes it one of the best fire pit tables for a square deck or balcony, which is why it is a favorite for apartment living.
Construction: With an aluminum powder coated frame and carbon steel panel inserts, the Yaletown is durable, yet not as heavy as many models. You’ll love the easy-grip gas knob with integrated thermocouple ignition because it makes lighting your fire incredibly simple and safe. With one hand, you push-turn-hold-release and your fire is set ablaze.
Safety: This fireplace is CSA approved and has been measured by the highest safety standards. The unique ignition system provides an extra safety measure by shutting off the gas supply when the flames are not burning. You are always in full control of the flames with the adjustable gas knob. The flames are rated at 50,000 BTU.
Look: The two-tone black metal body of this fire table is finished with a black enamel top with 8mm tempered glass. Combined with stainless steel burners and arctic glass rocks, this fire table has an urban, contemporary feel that blends perfectly with any outdoor space.
3. Planika Faro 59” Outdoor Patio Heater
If you’re looking for a tall, standing patio fireplace, then the Planika Faro 59” is one to consider.
Size: With a height of 59,” width of 14.2,” and diameter of 14.2,” this tower is tall and slim. It weighs 44 lbs and has wheels underneath, so it can be moved around to best provide warmth to your guests on a chilly evening.
Construction: This standing fireplace is made of durable alloy steel and covered with a powder black coating. It features a glass encasing around the flames with a black top. There are black glass pebbles included to hide the burner system and create a more upscale ambiance.
Safety: This heater is CSA approved for safety with a thermoelectric sensor that turns off the gas supply when not in use. The adjustable ignition switch cannot be accessed by kids or unauthorized users. If the tower is tilted or turned over, the fire feature will automatically turn off.
Look: The black metal base of this fire tower gives it a minimalist style that will fit within almost any outdoor living space. As a bonus, you can store the 20 lb propane tank within the integrated compartment of this heater.
4. Giantex Gas Fire Pit with Natural Stone
If instead, you are looking for a built-in fireplace structure, then the Giantex Gas Fire Pit with Natural Stone is a popular choice.
Size: This outdoor fireplace measures 28 x 28 x 9.5 inches and weighs only 52 lbs, despite looking like it is made of stone. There are handles on the sides to allow for easy portability.
Construction: While the inside of this fire pit is made from 304 stainless steel, the exterior is simulated rock made of flame retardant magnesium oxide. Unfortunately, this fire pit can darken over time due to the nature of the exterior materials used.
Safety: This patio fireplace has been approved for safety by the ETL. It has a one-step electronic ignition button and fully adjustable knob to control flame height. The flames can reach 40,000 BTU.
Look: While this fire pit has a unique faux-stone exterior, it’s a bit like the rocks you put in your yard to cover irrigation devices and utilities. It doesn’t look like real stone, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
How to Set Up Your Outdoor Propane Fireplace
In terms of setting up your fireplace, the requirements will depend what your particular space looks like and also what the primary purpose of your fireplace is. Here are some of the main considerations on where you should position your outdoor fireplace.
Assembly
Depending on which type of fireplace you select, installation may be complex or there might no set up required at all. Refer to the manual for your fireplace to learn exactly what is required. Generally, portable fire pits come pre-assembled so that all you have to do is take them out of the box. A gas fire pit table might need assembly, so choose wisely based on what you think you can install. All of OUTLAND LIVING's fire tables come with easy-to-read instructions that walk you through the steps to assemble your table easily. When it comes to built-in fireplaces, seek professional assembly rather than trying to DIY your own.
Safety Requirements
Regardless of which fire pit you choose, make sure that you have done your research in terms of safety and checked whether fire bowls and pits are allowed according to local codes. That said, an outdoor propane fireplace can usually be set up anywhere on your deck or in your backyard as long as it is not within 10 feet of other structures, like your house. There should be no overhanging branches or electrical wires that could fall into the fire while it is turned on. If you are using a portable fire pit,make sure that it is placed on a non-flammable surface, like a heat shield or fire-resistant mat. Even though it is using propane gas, you should never leave your fire pit unattended.
Location
When positioning your portable fire pit, you’ll likely want it to be the focal point of your gathering, so we recommend setting it up in an open space and gathering chairs around it. Many people choose to place their fire tables near an outdoor kitchen area to make it accessible for dining purposes. If you are opting for a tower-style fire heater, then you should make sure that it does not block your views of the backyard or garden.
While your propane tank can be taken anywhere, if you decide to use a natural gas line, you will need to be within close proximity of your house, depending on how long the converter kit tube extends.
Final Decision: The Best Propane Outdoor Fireplace
Your overall plan for landscaping will be critical to making your final decision about an outdoor fireplace. Never having to move around your fireplace is a great benefit to some, and a hindrance to others. Those who prefer to use their fire pit like a portable campfire will require a lightweight and compact model, whereas a couple who only ever uses their outdoor fireplace to eat around will want a more stationary placement. Whatever your situation, you can't go wrong with OUTLAND LIVING's premium range of fire tables, whose sparkling flames make every night a spectacle to behold.