A 20-lb propane tank remains one of the most versatile and widely used energy sources for outdoor appliances, especially fire pits. Its portability makes it ideal for camping trips, RVs, backyard hangouts, or emergency heat sources. But one of the biggest questions people ask is: how long will it last when running a fire pit?
The answer depends on several key factors—including your fire pit’s BTU rating, how high you run the flame, and how often you use it. Let’s break it all down.
Do Propane Fire Pits Use a Lot of Propane?
Yes, propane fire pits can consume a significant amount of fuel—especially at high settings. The heat output is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and many fire pits range between 40,000 and 125,000 BTUs per hour.
- Higher BTUs = More heat and faster fuel use
- Lower BTUs = Longer runtime but less intense flame
Unlike wood-burning fire pits, propane eliminates the need for chopping, hauling, or storing logs. You get an instant flame with just the turn of a knob, but that convenience does come with a trade-off in fuel consumption.
How Long Will 20-LB Propane Tanks Last on Fire Pits?
Since there is such a wide disparity in the types of fire pits, it’s not worth risking our reputation to tell you a solid number. For one, we would be incorrect, and for two, we could be very incorrect. It’s a safe bet that you will get between 3 and 9 hours out of your propane tank once you fire up the pit.
Wow—a six-hour difference? Really? That’s just the way the cookie crumbles. There are so many propane fire pits on the market it makes for a difficult judgment call in the right amount of time.
Fortunately, there are ways for you to figure it out on your own, based on your handy dandy fire pit. All you need to know is the BTU on your firepit. Propane tanks are sold based on pounds or gallons. Propane tanks have an average of 430,000 BTUs per 20 lb. tank.
How Much Propane Will a Fire Pit Use Per Hour?
A standard 20-lb propane tank contains approximately 4.6 gallons of propane, but due to safety regulations (the 80% fill rule), it’s usually filled with around 3.7 gallons. That equates to roughly 430,000 usable BTUs.
Estimating Burn Time:
To estimate how long your propane tank will last, use this formula:
Burn Time = 430,000 BTUs ÷ Fire Pit BTU Rating
Example:
If your fire pit burns at 65,000 BTUs/hour, the burn time will be:
430,000 ÷ 65,000 = 6.6 hours
General Burn Time Ranges:
| Fire Pit Type | BTU Rating | Approx Burn Time |
|---|---|---|
| Low-output (40,000 BTU) | 40,000 BTU/hr | 10.75 hours |
| Mid-range (65,000 BTU) | 65,000 BTU/hr | 6.6 hours |
| High-output (125,000 BTU) | 125,000 BTU/hr | 3.4 hours |
Your actual results may vary depending on wind, ambient temperature, and whether you’re using accessories like wind guards.
How Do You Calculate Fire Pit Fuel Consumption?
To calculate your propane usage:
- Find your fire pit’s BTU/hr rating
- Use this conversion:
1 gallon of propane = 91,502 BTUs - A 20-lb tank (~3.7 gallons) = ~430,000 usable BTUs
Then divide total BTUs by the fire pit’s hourly burn rate to estimate time.
What’s the Minimum Size Propane Tank You Need for a Fire Pit?
While 1-lb propane tanks technically work, they’re highly inefficient for fire pits and may last only 20–30 minutes on a modest flame. Plus, you’ll need an adapter.
Best choice:
Stick with a 20-lb tank—the most common, cost-effective, and widely compatible size for fire pits.
Tips to Make Your Propane Tank Last Longer?
Want to stretch the life of your propane tank? Try these strategies:
- 🔥 Turn down the flame: Run your fire pit on medium or low settings.
- 💨 Use a wind guard: Prevents heat loss and keeps the flame steady.
- 🔍 Regular maintenance: Clean your burners and check for leaks.
- 🧊 Avoid cold starts: Store propane tanks in a temperate area to maintain pressure.
Is Propane the Most Efficient Fuel Source for Fire Pits?
Yes—propane is more expensive than natural gas. In 2025, the average U.S. residential propane price is around $3.00–$4.00 per gallon (varies by region).
Here’s how that translates to fuel costs:
| BTU Rating | Propane Cost/Hour | Natural Gas Cost/Hour |
|---|---|---|
| 65,000 | ~$4.25/hr | ~$0.80/hr |
| 125,000 | ~$8.25/hr | ~$1.50/hr |
If your fire pit is connected to a natural gas line, you’ll save money in the long run. But for portability and convenience, propane is hard to beat.
🔍 Are Some Fire Pits More Fuel-Efficient?
Not all fire pits are created equal. Efficiency depends largely on:
- Design (wind resistance, burner style)
- Output controls (adjustable BTU ranges)
- Materials (steel, ceramic, aluminum)
Lower-BTU models may not offer massive flames, but they’ll stretch a propane tank much further. Some premium models also use infrared burner tech for more efficient heat dispersion.
✅ 2025’s Best Portable Propane Fire Pit
🔥 Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe (21”)
- BTU Output: 58,000 BTUs/hr
- Includes: Cover, lava rocks, and carry kit
- Top Feature: CSA-approved for forest use
- Runtime (20-lb tank): ~7.4 hours
Pair it with a propane extension hose and a quick-connect adapter for RVs to maximize flexibility. Users consistently praise its reliability, realistic flame, and minimal smoke.
🔥 Propane vs Wood Fire Pits
| Feature | Propane | Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Start-up Time | Instant | Requires effort |
| Maintenance | Minimal | High (ash, cleanup) |
| Smoke | None | Yes |
| Portability | High (with tank) | Limited |
| Cost | Higher fuel cost | Lower fuel cost |
While wood fires offer a nostalgic charm and crackling ambiance, propane fire pits win on convenience, portability, and cleanliness—especially for those with allergies or limited backyard storage.
4 FAQs About How Long Your Propane Tank Will Last with a Fire Pit
1. Is it safe to use propane with a fire pit?
Yes—when used correctly and supervised. Always keep your fire pit on a stable surface, away from flammable materials.
2. Can a propane tank explode?
While rare, extreme heat can cause a tank to rupture. Always keep tanks several feet away from the fire and never store them indoors.
3. Should I turn off the propane after use?
Yes. Turn off the tank valve first, then the fire pit control. This clears residual gas from the line.
4. Is a propane fire pit worth it?
Absolutely—if you value portability, quick setup, and no mess. While the cost is higher than wood or natural gas, many find the convenience well worth the trade-off.
What’s the Best Portable Propane Firepit?
We chose to buy the 21″ Outland Portable Fire Pit. It is the perfect size for us! We have seen the 19″ model, and it was too small. But the 21″ is a perfect size, and it comes with a Helio burner, so the fire looks more realistic.
We also bought a 24′ propane extension hose with a quick connect, so it plugs right into the quick connect propane outlet on our RV. 24′ of hose allows us to place the fire pit a safe distance from our RV, and we also use the hose to fuel our propane grill!
We love our propane fire pit because we can enjoy a fire in the evening without smelling like smoke or having to douse the fire and smoke up the entire campground.
🔥 Top 3 Propane Fire Pits for RVing – Comparison Chart
| Feature | Camplux Portable Fire Pit Kit | Outland Living Firebowl | Flame King Portable Fire Pit w/ Lid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Approx.) | $165 – $180 | $175 – $200 | $150 – $190 |
| BTU Output | 58,000 | 58,000 | 58,000 |
| Fuel Type | Propane (20-lb tank) | Propane (20-lb tank) | Propane (20-lb tank) |
| Portability | High (carry strap, compact design) | High (collapsible legs + carry bag) | High (locking lid, built-in handle) |
| Setup | Plug-and-play, preassembled | Plug-and-play, no tools needed | Quick setup, preassembled |
| Design/Style | Compact bowl, lava rocks, black finish | Deep firebowl, lava rocks | Locking lid acts as storage/carry case |
| Best Use Case | RV camping, tailgating, quick heat | RVs, camping, overlanding, campgrounds | Boondocking, compact storage RV setups |
| CSA-Approved (for fire bans) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Included Accessories | Cover, lava rocks, carry strap | Cover, lava rocks, carry kit | Lava rocks, lid, propane hose |
| Burn Time (20-lb tank) | ~7.4–8 hours | ~7.4–8 hours | ~7.4–8 hours |
| Ease of Ignition | Auto-ignition | Auto-ignition | Auto-ignition |
| Dimensions (Approx.) | 18.5″ dia. × 9″ tall | 21″ dia. × 13″ tall | 19″ dia. × 11″ tall |
| Weight | ~18 lbs | ~23.3 lbs | ~20 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| User Rating (avg) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8/5) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.7/5) | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5/5) |
🏆 RV-Friendly Fire Pit Summary
| Rank | Fire Pit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Outland Living Firebowl | Overall top performer for portability, heat output, and accessories |
| 🥈 | Camplux Portable Kit | Best budget buy for RVers with excellent portability |
| 🥉 | Flame King Portable | Best for compact storage with locking lid and hose wrap |
Are Propane Fire Pits Worth It?
A 20-lb propane tank typically lasts between 4–9 hours, depending on your fire pit’s BTU output. While propane is pricier than natural gas, its portability, ease of use, and clean burn make it a favorite for RVers, campers, and backyard enthusiasts alike.
Want your propane to last longer? Lower the flame, shield it from wind, and choose a fire pit that balances aesthetics with fuel economy.
About the Author:
Thomas Godwin is a full-time freelance writer with a BFA in Creative Writing, a U.S. Marine, and an avid outdoorsman.
When he’s not writing, he’s raising chickens and Appleyard ducks. Thomas also constructs teardrop campers (attempting to anyway) and kayaks the Blackwater River with his wife, two daughters, and his Dobermans.
