The fire pit itself is protected by a removable lid, which you can store on a thoughtfully placed hook located on the table’s side. While most fire tables include lava rocks to place in the actual pit, we love that Best Choice instead includes the more glamorous fire-resistant glass beads. The table’s weather-resistant wicker body and aluminum tabletop protected with weather-resistant stain are durable as well as stylish. The rest of the fire pit’s features are also highly appealing. To operate the tank, you would typically have to remove a table wall or open a door and reach inside (and possibly encounter spiders!) to access the valve. Many competitors simply have a storage space for the tank hidden inside the table. The compartment operates like a drawer and allows you to slide the tank in and out so you can easily reach its valve and hose. That’s why we love the slide-out compartment on the Best Choice Outdoor Wicker Propane Fire Pit Table. The trick is finding a fire pit that has easy access to the tank, as you need to be able to manually open and close the tank’s shutoff valve. Like most gas grills, many fire pit tables include an area designed to store and hide the 20-pound propane tank that fuels the fire. For additional protection, Ponderosa makes a matching cover for about $20.ĭimensions: 25 x 25 x 15 inches | BTUs: 64,000 | Material: Alloy steel, lava rocks | Weight: 47.5 pounds | Ignition Type: Automatic

The Ponderosa also comes with a metal lid to protect the fire pit’s components when you’re not using it. However, the Ponderosa’s hose attachment is at the back of the fire pit instead of near the on/off knob, so you can adjust the fire pit without the hose in the way.

We would prefer the hose be longer so you can move the propane tank further away, especially if you’re trying to fit a group around the fire. Like most similar fire pits, you’ll attach the Ponderosa’s included five-foot hose to a standard 20-pound propane tank that you provide. The plastic red knob is easy to find in the dark and is the only design element that stands out, allowing the focus to be on the flames. The Ponderosa also boasts one of the highest BTUs at 64,000, resulting in bigger, warmer flames, which are adjustable by turning the knob that’s easily accessed on the side of the bowl. But because of its low, 15-inch profile, the bowl shouldn’t overwhelm a small patio or balcony.

This is one of the largest freestanding portable fire pits, so it’s big enough to be the centerpiece for a small group. We also love that the fire pit is portable and can be used in many different types of spaces. The Ponderosa’s 24-inch round bowl sits elevated on four legs, which we find sturdier-especially on uneven ground than the round-ring base on competitors. Many similar products have manual ignitions, which require you to turn on the gas and light the fire yourself with a match or long-handled lighter, while this fire pit is even more simple-you turn a knob as you would on a gas grill, sending flames into the steel bowl that’s filled with lava rocks. We love this option because it mimics the look and feel of a campfire, but because of its automatic ignition, it is much easier to start. Our best overall pick is the Ponderosa Fire Pit. We tested and researched the best propane fire pits on the market, paying close attention to ease of use, size, safety, durability, and style. Keep in mind that fire pit flames are more open to the elements, such as wind, which can diminish the heat you feel. The higher the number, the bigger the flame, the hotter the fire, and the more heat you can potentially feel sitting around it.Īll of our recommended propane fire pits put out at least 40,000 BTUS, the same heat output as a typical patio heater. The amount of heat a fire pit gives off is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). They are also cleaner, and there is no ash buildup.” Watson says a modern square or a traditional round design are two popular styles.īefore you purchase a fire pit, it’s important to consider its heating capacity. “There are no flying sparks, embers, or smoke to worry about. “Propane fire pits are typically safer than wood-burning fire pits,” said Danny Watson, an outdoor expert with The Home Depot. These convenient and safe fire pits are designed with many aesthetics in mind, from modern to more natural touches, so you can find the right one to fit your style and needs.

The Spruce Home Improvement Review BoardĪ propane fire pit can create instant warmth and ambiance without having to build, maintain, and extinguish a real wood fire.

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