Table of contents
A round fire pit is desirable year-round as a focal point of your back porch, deck, or balcony. They sparkle during the day and create warmth at night, attracting guests to sit around the circular glow. According to research done in 2018 by The American Society of Landscape Architects, fire pits were the top requested outdoor design feature and they haven't lost appeal since. If you’re in the market for a round propane fire pit, this guide will explain all that you should consider when selecting the perfect model for your outdoor space.
How Does a Round Propane Fire Pit Work?
Whichever model of propane fire pit you select, they all work in essentially the same manner. The central part of the frame is a concave bowl that is heat-resistant and often covered in a protective coating that keeps it from rusting. A stainless-steel burner system will be situated at the bottom of the bowl, which is attached to the portable propane tank. When the ignition switch or knob is turned on, the gas is released from the tank and the burners ignite with flames. Typically, there will be fake logs or in the case of OUTLAND LIVING propane gas fire pits, lightweight biodegradable lava rocks to hide the burners so that you have an aesthetically pleasing fire to sit around.
Benefits of Propane Fire Pits
A cleaner alternative to wood fire pits, propane fire pits are very popular among households as well as campers. Here are some of the main benefits of a propane fire pit.
- There are no sparks, smoke, or ashes with a propane pit, so they are generally safer than wood-burning pits.
- They are more energy-efficient than wood-burning fire pits
- There is little to no maintenance required after using the fire pit
- You have the choice with many propane pits to connect the natural gas line from your house to the pit if you prefer. To do this, you need an adapter kit.
- You don't need a poker to move around wood or coals, so it's a more hands-free fire pit.
Key Considerations for a Circular Propane Fire Pit
Wondering what to consider when shopping for a round propane fire pit? Keep in mind the following considerations.
1. Style
The first thing you will notice about a fire pit is how it looks. Depending on how you are going to be using it, you may or may not care about the overall appearance of the fire pit, but most people will prefer fire bowls or pits that are attractive. For example, you may not mind what your camping fire pit looks like, but if you are planning to use it for backyard gatherings with friends, you will want it to fit with the rest of your outdoor decor.
2. Portability
Consider the weight and bulk of each circular propane fire pit before purchasing. If you plan to move the fire pit around often, you should choose a lighter version that is easy to maneuver and pack up. While some fire pits, like OUTLAND LIVING's Standard Fire Pit are made for portability, others are heavy or built-in and should stay put.
3. Materials
The materials of the fire pit are critical as cheap fire pits will rust and potentially be dangerous over time. Aluminum or stainless steel frames are the best as they are hardwearing metals. However, steel is heavier and can rust, so it is somewhat less desirable than aluminum, although it often cheaper.
4. Safety
Reputable fire pits in the United States and Canada will be CSA certified, meaning that they have gone through safety checks. However, before purchasing a fire pit, make sure that no hard edges are protruding that could hurt someone. Check to see if the fire pit is well made by carrying it around the store. Your fire pit shouldn’t have any parts that feel flimsy or loose as these could be safety concerns.
You should also follow all of your local and state regulations to stay safe when using the fire pit. While propane fire pit tables and pits are generally allowed during a fire ban, it’s still worth researching each individual case. Of course, always use a fireproof mat, don’t put the fire pit too close to your house or other structures, and follow all the rules in the guidebook that comes with your fire pit.
5. Cost
Sticking to your budget when it comes to a fire pit won’t be difficult as there are many affordable fire pit options. Generally speaking, a lot of round propane fire pits fall in the under-$300 range. High-quality and durable, all of OUTLAND LIVING’s round propane fire pits, even the highest-end model are under $180. However, if you were to have a custom-built fire pit in your outdoor space, the potential purchase price is thousands of dollars.
Top 7 Round Propane Fire Pits
Best for a Budget: OUTLAND LIVING Standard Fire Pit
- L 19" x W 19" x H 11"
- 22 lbs
- Manual Ignition
- 58,000 BTU/HR, for use with a standard 20 lb propane tank
- No assembly required; compact + easy to transport
- Price: $119.99
Wonderfully lightweight at only 22 lbs, this little portable fire pit is a dream for couples looking for a small option that won’t break the bank. It is easy to set up and use and has an ergonomic rubber grip gas knob to adjust the height and heat output of your fire.
Best For Portability: OUTLAND LIVING Deluxe Fire Pit
- L 18.5" x W 18.5" x H 10.5"
- 23.3 lbs
- Manual Ignition
- 58,000 BTU/HR, for use with a standard 20 lb propane tank
- No assembly required; compact + easy to transport
- Price: $139.99
A compact fire pit that weighs only 23.3 lbs, the Deluxe comes with a Cover + Carry Kit, which makes traveling a breeze. This is an ideal fire pit if you want to take it camping, or prefer to bring your fire pit out for special occasions and store it away the rest of the time.
Best for Auto Ignition: OUTLAND LIVING Premium Fire Pit
- L 19" x W 19" x H 11"
- 24.5 lbs
- Auto Ignition
- 58,000 BTU/HR, for use with a standard 20 lb propane tank
- No assembly required; compact + easy to transport
- Price: $159.99
While it’s not a huge deal to have to manually ignite your fire pit, options with auto-ignition systems make life easier. For example, OUTLAND LIVING's Premium Fire Pit has a push-button ignition so that you can turn it on instantly. Simply flip on the electronic ignition switch and adjust the knob and you have complete control over the height and intensity of your fire.
Best for Natural Style: Bryndle Root Propane Fire Pit
- 42-1/2"W x 39-1/2"D x 13"H
- 97 lbs
- Battery-operated ignition
- 50,000 BTU output
- Requires a standard 20 lb. propane tank (not included)
- Price: $1499
If you want your propane fire pit to blend in with the natural surroundings of your backyard, then this is a beautiful choice. This luxury fire pit is a permanent fixture crafted of concrete and a fiberglass composite to resemble tree roots.
Best Stone-Look: Kimily Polyresin Propane Outdoor Fire Pit
- 40.55" W x 40.55" D x 11.42" H
- 77.35 lb
- Electronic control
- 50,000 BTU
- Requires a standard 20 lb. propane tank (not included)
- Price: $449.99
This propane-fueled fire pit is crafted out of polyresin to have the appearance of a stone circle with a campfire inside. It is not portable, but it is a stylish choice for a stone patio.
Best Eco-Friendly Option: EcoSmart Ark 40 Natural Propane Fire Pit
- 13.3" H x 39.4" W x 39.4" D
- 125 lb
- Match lit
- BTUs by Fuel Type:
- Liquid Propane (LP): 55,331
- Natural Gas (NG): 51,706
- Ethanol: 20,433
- Can be used with propane, natural gas, or ethanol
- Price: $2995
This circular fire pit has a sleek white base with a glass spark screen at the top so the flames aren’t exposed. In addition to being able to use propane and natural gas, this fire pit can be fueled by bioethanol for indoor and outdoor use. However, this fire pit is not one that can be moved around easily. It is also very costly.
Best Overall: OUTLAND LIVING Cypress Fire Pit
- L 21" x W 21" x H 9.2"
- 25.5 lbs
- Manual Ignition
- 58,000 BTU/HR, for use with a standard 20 lb propane tank
- No assembly required; compact + easy to transport
- Price: $169.99
The OUTLAND LIVING Cypress Fire Pit has everything and then some. It is lightweight and portable, measuring L 21" x W 21" x H 9.2" and weighing 25.5 lbs, yet, it is still stylish for use as the focal point of a party. It features a unique Helios burner that allows for 58,000 BTU output/HR. It also comes with a Cover + Carry Kit and lava rocks.
Making Your Final Decision
Now that you have a list of the best propane fire pits, the final decision comes down to personal preference. If you know that you are going need to move your gas fire pit around in your outdoor living space, then you’ll want one that is durable, but also lightweight. Conversely, if you own a restaurant where you want a permanent fire feature, then a large, heavy structure is your best bet. With OUTLAND LIVING, you can trust that whichever fire pit you choose will be made with high-quality materials and a design that is sleek and all-purpose. Enjoy your round propane pit all year long with family, friends, and guests as you savor the ambiance of a beautiful fire.