Buying a propane fire pit may be the best thing you’ve purchased for your back yard. They are a no mess, no fuss alternatives to the all mess, all fuss wood burning versions. They are relatively simple to install and the best thing about them is that they’re environmentally friendly – and being green is never a bad thing.

Now don’t confuse an outdoor fire pit with a barbecue. They’re completely different. A fire pit is simply an outdoor fire – built with safety in mind. Remove all ideas of a raging bonfire from your mind. And you definitely don’t throw a few steaks on it.

Propane Fire Pit - The Different Types

That said, there are several different kinds of propane fire pit:

• The bog standard wood type – you feed the fire yourself, hopefully from a nice stack of dry wood that you’ve got piled up somewhere
• Gas – such as a propane fire pit. These actually require a gas line to work but once installed, they are easy to maintain and very simply to use. The ‘no mess, no fuss’ fire pit.

• Charcoal – as the name suggest, charcoal blocks/coals are use. Quite a messy type of fire pit (coal dust hands anyone) and like wood burning fire pits, they do require cleaning out before their next usage. However, charcoal is readily available and cheap to purchase.

Propane Fire Pits

Of the above, the propane fire pit is the easiest to work with/own. One thing that you should bear in mind is the following: propane is a gas – and a liquid one at that. The propane always comes with space within the tank, to allow for the propane to convert into a true gas – or ‘boil off’. That doesn’t make propane dangerous – not in the least. This is just a fact about propane gas and why it acts as it does.

The easiest way, if you choose to buy a propane fire pit, is to buy one in kit form. All you need is contained within one purchase – plus the manufactures know exactly what you will need, whereas you may not. Having said that, it’s advisable that you do your homework first (as with anything) prior to buying one.

How A Propane Fire Pit Works

A propane fire pit is usually raised of the ground – the actual fire ring is placed within a raised frame – with the propane tank attached by way of a pipe. Alternatively, you can spend a little more and buy the enclosed kind. Of the two types, enclosed pits are the most attractive – unless you prefer the rough ‘outdoor’ look that you get from the standard frame type.

The enclosed outdoor fire pits come in a great range of styles – and prices. You can pay anywhere from several hundred dollars to in excess of several thousand. It depends on what you want and/or can afford to pay.

Propane Fire Pit Pros & Cons 

Pros:

• Eco friendly
• Simple to use
• No mess or messy clean ups
• Propane isn’t an expensive fuel
• Portable – providing you buy the simple frame kind

Cons:

• The word ‘gas’ can put some people off
• Does require a little thought regarding the use of propane – regulators etc
• Can be more expensive – especially the enclosed type

Considering the above, you should also bear in mind the size of space you have available and ultimately the safety of using any type of outdoor fire pit. Plus the best advice would be to thoroughly inform yourself as to what’s available – and what the costs/ purchase price will be.

Fire Pit Overview

Although the more expensive propane fire pit models are (obviously) higher in price, you’ll find that they usually include the best of what’s available – in terms of all the tools you’ll need to own and enjoy outdoor heating. The propane itself comes with differing fuel efficiency ratings – another aspect to consider. This is easily answered by any propane gas dealer - so make sure you ask.

However, providing you know what you’re buying and how to use one, there’s no reason as to why you shouldn’t own one. They do make a great addition to the back yard area and can and do become quite a feature. Not to mention warm and cosy of an evening!