A propane fire pit’s duration depends on its BTU rating; a 20-pound tank typically lasts 7-8 hours at 60,000 BTUs.
How Long Does A Propane Fire Pit Last?
Let’s face it, nothing sets the mood for a backyard get-together like the cozy warmth of a fire pit. But if you’re ready to ditch the woodpile and upgrade to a propane fire pit, a big question probably lingers: how long does that propane tank actually last? Well, the answer isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all. Let’s break down the factors that’ll determine how long you can enjoy the flames.
BTUs: The Fuel Factor
BTUs – or British Thermal Units – are the key to understanding your fire pit’s fuel efficiency. One BTU is the energy needed to raise one pound of water’s temperature by one degree Fahrenheit. Propane fire pits have BTU ratings that tell you how much heat they throw off. The higher the BTU rating, the faster your propane tank will be used up. Here’s the deal: most propane fire pits have a BTU rating between 40,000 and 150,000.
Propane Power
A standard 20-pound propane tank – the kind you use for your grill – packs around 430,000 BTUs. To figure out how long your propane will last, we’ll do a little fire pit math:
- Divide the propane tank’s BTUs (430,000) by your fire pit’s BTU rating.
- The answer is roughly how many hours of burn time you can expect.
Want an example? Let’s say your fire pit has a BTU rating of 60,000. Doing the math, that standard propane tank should provide about 7 hours of cozy fire time on a medium setting.
Flame Size Does Matter
Naturally, the size of your flames makes a big difference in how long your propane lasts. A roaring inferno on high will gobble up fuel way faster than a gentle, low flame. So, if you’re in for a long, chatty evening around the fire, keep those flames on low to medium for longer fireside enjoyment.
Weather Watch
It might seem kinda obvious, but wind and cold weather will affect how fast your fire pit burns through propane. Why? Because your fire pit will need more fuel to fight against the chill and keep those flames flickering. The windier and colder it is, the faster you’ll use up your propane supply.
Here’s a Handy Chart
Let’s put all those BTU numbers into a quick reference chart. This gives you an idea of how long a standard 20-pound propane tank should last based on different fire pit BTU ratings:
| Fire Pit BTU Rating | Approximate Burn Time (Hours) |
| 40,000 | 10-11 |
| 50,000 | 8-9 |
| 60,000 | 7-8 |
| 80,000 | 5-6 |
| 100,000 | 4-5 |
Maximizing Your Fire Pit Time
Want to squeeze the absolute most out of your propane supply? Here are a few extra tips:
- Invest in a cover: Keeps your fire pit clean and dry, reducing wear and preserving its efficiency.
- Choose a wind screen: Less fuel is wasted fighting the breeze.
- Plan ahead: If you only need a gentle flame, don’t crank it up to full blast.
- Regular maintenance: A well-maintained fire pit burns fuel more efficiently.
Table Time!
Let’s break down what factors affect fire pit duration with a visual table:
| Factor | How It Affects Burn Time |
| Fire Pit BTU Rating | Higher BTU rating = shorter propane tank lifespan |
| Flame Size | Large flames = shorter propane tank lifespan |
| Weather Conditions | Cold and windy = shorter propane tank lifespan |
| Fire Pit Condition | Clean and well-maintained = longer propane tank lifespan |
Types of Propane Fire Pits
The way your fire pit is designed can also slightly impact its burn time. Here’s a quick look at the common types and their general fuel efficiency:
- Fire Pit Tables: These multi-taskers provide a table surface and a central fire feature. They often have moderate BTU ratings, offering a nice balance between flame size and burn time.
- Portable Fire Pits: Perfect for camping trips or backyard flexibility, these typically have lower BTU ratings. This means a less intense flame, but also longer burn time on a propane tank.
- Fire Bowls: These stylish, open bowls make a statement in the backyard. They can have a wide range of BTU ratings, so burn time will vary.
- Linear Fire Pits: These modern, sleek fire features create a dramatic line of flames. Generally, linear fire pits boast higher BTU ratings, which translates to more heat but slightly shorter propane lifespans.
Choosing the Right BTU Rating
“How long does a propane fire pit last?” also depends on what kind of heat you’re after. Here’s a little guidance:
- Cozy ambiance: If you want a gentle flame for a small group, a fire pit with a BTU rating of around 40,000-60,000 should do the trick.
- Serious warmth: Aim for a BTU rating between 60,000-80,000 if you want to warm up a larger area.
- Blast furnace vibes: For a big statement and lots of heat, fire pits with BTUs above 80,000 are your jam, but expect shorter burn times per propane tank.
Propane vs. Wood: Which Lasts Longer?
Okay, maybe you’re still on the fence about going propane. If burn time is your main concern, traditional wood fires have the potential to burn longer than propane on a similar fuel load. Why? Wood burns less efficiently than propane, meaning it gives off less heat for the amount of fuel you use.
But here’s the thing: wood fires are way more high-maintenance. Building the fire, stoking it, dealing with ashes… that all takes some serious effort. Propane fire pits offer instant flames, easy control, and no messy cleanup. So, it boils down to what you value most – raw burn time or easy-breezy fireside hangs.
Cost Considerations
Let’s talk a little money. Propane costs fluctuate, but on average you might spend around $3-5 to refill a standard 20-pound tank. Keep in mind, this price will vary depending on your location and current fuel costs. Comparing that to bundles of firewood, propane might seem a bit pricier upfront, but factor in the convenience and lack of cleanup, and the scales start to balance out.
More Handy Tips
Here’s a quick list of helpful hints to keep your fire pit burning bright (and efficiently!)
- Look for CSA certification: This ensures your fire pit meets safety standards.
- Start small, then adjust: Begin with a smaller flame and gradually turn it up if needed.
- Close the valve: Turn off the propane when you’re done – even a tiny leak will waste fuel.
- Inspect the hose: Check for any cracks or damage for safety and efficient fuel flow.
Conclusion- How Long Does A Propane Fire Pit Last?
So, the ultimate answer to the question, “How long does a propane fire pit last?” is…it depends! Your fire pit’s BTU rating, flame size, weather, and a few other factors all play a role in determining its burn time. But with the knowledge you now have, you can choose the perfect fire pit for your needs and maximize your propane enjoyment.