Propane vs Natural Gas Fire Pits: Pros, Cons, and Which to Choose
Propane vs Natural Gas Fire Pits: The Complete Comparison
Every fire pit buyer faces this fundamental choice: propane or natural gas? Both fuels produce clean-burning, odorless flames suitable for outdoor fire features. The right choice depends on your property, your priorities, and how you plan to use the fire pit.
Propane (LP Gas)
Propane fire pits use standard 20-pound LP tanks — the same tanks used for gas grills. The tank is either concealed inside the fire pit base or connected via a hose to a separate tank location.
Advantages of propane: Portability — you can move the fire pit anywhere on your property. No permanent gas line installation required. Works in any location, including rental properties. Tank exchange is available at most hardware stores and gas stations.
Disadvantages of propane: Tanks need refilling or exchanging every 8 to 12 hours of use. Running out of fuel mid-evening is a common frustration. Tanks are bulky and require storage space. Per-BTU cost is higher than natural gas over time.
Natural Gas
Natural gas fire pits connect directly to your home's gas supply via a dedicated gas line. Installation requires a licensed plumber or gas fitter to run a line from your gas meter to the fire pit location.
Advantages of natural gas: Unlimited fuel — you will never run out mid-evening. Lower per-BTU cost than propane over the lifetime of the fire pit. No tank storage, exchanges, or refills. Cleaner installation with no visible fuel source.
Disadvantages of natural gas: Permanent installation — the fire pit cannot be moved once the gas line is set. Professional installation costs $500 to $2,000 depending on distance from the gas meter. Not available in all locations (some rural properties lack natural gas service).
Flame Quality and BTU
Both fuels produce beautiful, clean flames. Propane burns slightly hotter per cubic foot, meaning propane fire pits often produce equivalent heat with smaller burner systems. Natural gas flames tend to be slightly taller and more yellow-orange, while propane flames are slightly bluer at the base.
Most premium fire pits are available in both configurations. Some brands offer conversion kits that allow you to switch between fuels, though this typically requires a technician.
Cost Comparison
Installation cost: Propane requires no installation (just buy a tank). Natural gas line installation runs $500 to $2,000.
Fuel cost: A 20-pound propane tank costs $15 to $30 to refill and provides 8 to 12 hours of burn time at medium flame. Natural gas costs vary by region but typically runs $0.50 to $1.50 per hour of use — roughly half the cost of propane per hour.
Over 5 years of regular use (3 evenings per week, April through October), natural gas saves approximately $800 to $1,200 compared to propane, more than offsetting the installation cost.
The Bottom Line
Choose propane if you want portability, rent your home, or do not have natural gas service. Choose natural gas if you have gas service, want the convenience of unlimited fuel, and plan to keep the fire pit in a permanent location. Either way, you will enjoy years of beautiful flames and memorable evenings outdoors.