![]() PM: How long will a 20-pound propane tank that’s powering a gas fire pit last? ![]() However, the recommended distance can vary by manufacturer, and local fire codes can vary by region. JF: As a general rule, you should install your gas fire pit at least 10 feet away from anything flammable, such as your house, wooden fence, and overhead branches. PM: How far away should someone install a gas fire pit from their house? Whether you desire a certain appearance (such as a wood, stone, or bronze finish), prefer a certain type of fire pit (a table, column, or bowl, for example), or want to heat a large or small space, you can find the ideal solution for your outdoor living area among our recommendations. We relied on Schatz’s advice for material and safety considerations and researched other expert reviews and getting insight from customers’ experiences from online retailers. To select these pits, we took into account a range of styles and functions to accommodate as many needs and preferences as possible. We also consulted Patrick Schatz, who is a mechanical engineer with Hearth Products Controls, a provider of high-end gas fire pits. Fitzgerald used his hands-on experience with gas fire pits to author this piece, with regular updates authored by Popular Mechanics staff writers. He personally enjoys them as a lower fire risk option compared to wood fires. ![]() During his time as a maintenance technician, he installed gas fire pits to add ambiance and warmth on chilly Pacific Northwest nights at multiple facilities. James Fitzgerald is a home improvement writer with over a decade of experience in a variety of trades. “That should be made from stainless steel, which is going to be more durable than other materials,” Schatz says. Pay attention to the materials the fire pit is built with, particularly the burner mechanism, which houses the fire. You can also look for propane fire pits that adhere to CSA, ANSI, or UL safety standards. Any permanent natural gas fire pit you choose should have features like flame detection sensors and automatic gas shutoff valves. Schatz says safety should be a top concern when shopping for a gas fire pit. Permanent gas fire pit installations often employ a push-button ignition system that’s powered by a permanent electric supply. Typically, these buttons are powered by a battery, which you’ll occasionally have to replace. Push-button systems create a spark next to the gas outlet to ignite the flame. They’re typically less expensive and more reliable than push-button systems, though holding a lit match over flammable gas does make some people nervous. Match-lit systems require you to turn on the gas and then hover a lit match over the gas output. There are two kinds of ignition systems: match-lit and push-button. Although some smaller options aren’t as warm, they can create a cozy atmosphere for one or two people. If you’re hoping to provide warmth, choose a large fire pit with a BTU output of 50,000 or higher. Heating CapacityĬonsider the space you’re looking to fill as gas fire pits come in a range of sizes and designs, and you have a range between tiny tabletop flames and massive concrete installations meant to anchor an expansive backyard. In our experience, the process is typically less complicated than putting together a grill. Propane fire pits might also require some light assembly. On the other hand, hooking up a fire pit to a 20-pound propane tank is no different than attaching a tank to your gas grill, and propane burns more efficiently than natural gas. Factor that installation into your budget, though-running a gas line to a fire pit costs around $25 per linear foot. It’s also significantly cheaper than propane once the line is installed. “Natural gas is typically a better choice if you have access to it, but you’ll need a plumbing professional to install it,” Patrick Schatz of Hearth Products Controls says, adding that natural gas is the top choice because there are no tanks to hide or refill. Natural gas is a great option if you can swing it, but we mostly recommend propane fire pits because of their easy installation and popularity. Many fire pits today run on 20-pound propane tanks, but some require natural gas, delivered via a connection to your home line.
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