How Long Does A Propane Tank Last On A Fire Pit?

How Long Does a Propane Tank Last on a Fire Pit?

The average gas fire pit will last from 3 to 6 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank.  Depending on your fire pit BTU rating a tank can last you as long as 9 hours, or as little as 1-1/2 hours.  A 20 pound propane tank contains approximately 430,000 BTU’s.  To determine how long the tank will last with your fire pit divide 430,000 by the BTU rating of your fire pit. How long does a propane tank last for a fire pit is a question we’re asked often. Below we have a table where you can determine how long your gas fire pit will last on a 20 pound propane tank.

The times in the table below are an approximation, the actual time you get from your propane tank will be greatly affected by how high you set your flame. The BTU ratings below can be significantly reduced by keeping the flame low and enabling you to get more usage time from your tank. Wind will also affect how long your propane tank lasts. Windy days usually require a higher flame setting to keep it burning nicely.

H-Burner Drop-In Pans

18” x 6” Drop In Pan 70K BTU 6 hours

24” x 8” Drop In Pan 90K BTU 4.5 hours

30” x 10” Drop In Pan 125K BTU 3.5 hours

36” x 12” Drop In Pan 165K BTU 2.5 hours

Linear Burner Drop-In Pans

30” x 6” Drop In Pan 54K BTU 8 hours

36” x 6” Drop In Pan 65K BTU 6.5 hours

48” x 6” Drop In Pan 91K BTU 5 hours

Round Drop-In Pans

13” Round Drop In Pan 48K BTU 9 hours

19” Round Drop In Pan 92K BTU 4.5 hours

Round Burner Rings

6” Round Burner Ring 48K BTU 9 hours

12” Round Burner Ring 92 K BTU 4.5 hours

18” Round Burner Ring 147 K BTU 3 hours

24” Round Burner Ring 294 K BTU 1.5 hours

H-Burners

18” x 6” H-Burner 75K BTU 6 hours

24” x 8” H-Burner 125K BTU 3.5 hours

CSA Certified Burner Kits

10” Square CSA Burner Kit 37K BTU 11.5 hours

12” Round CSA Burner Kit 37K BTU 11.5 hours

18” Square CSA Burner Kit 55K BTU 7.75 hours

18” x 6” CSA Burner Kit 65K BTU 6.5 hours

19” Round CSA Burner Kit 55K BTU 7.75 hours

24” x 8” CSA Burner Kit 65K BTU 6.5 hours

30” x 6” CSA Burner Kit 55K BTU 7.75 hours

30” x 10” CSA Burner Kit 65K BTU 6.5 hours

36” x 6” CSA Burner Kit 65K BTU 6.5 hours

36” x 12” CSA Burner Kit 65K BTU 6.5 hours

48” x 6” CSA Burner Kit 145K BTU 3 hours

How do I get more time from a tank of propane?

The obvious answer is to turn the gas down lower. While this isn’t the answer you wanted we do have something to offer which will help you to burn less propane. By adding a glass wind guard you’ll be able to burn less propane and still have an enjoyable flame. This is because the wind guard (also called flame guard) will protect the flame from the wind which will enable more of the propane to burn. In windy conditions, without a flame guard, the flame is blown back and forth across the table. This constant blowing of the flame results in a significant amount of gas not being burned. By protecting your flame from the wind you’ll burn 100% of the propane resulting in more burn time from a tank of propane.

Other resources you may be interested in:

• How to Install a Propane Fire Pit Burner Pan

  Follow these easy steps to properly install your drop-in fire pit pan for use with propane. While we always recommend that you have a licensed gas installer make all gas connections, this step-by-step guide can assist both you and your…

• Typical LP Burner Configuration

  Installation of a fire pit burner using liquid propane gas (LP gas) is different from a natural gas installation. LP gas requires a greater air/gas mixture than natural gas; therefore, you'll need to be sure to install an air mixer…

• The Celestial Guide to Fire Pit Wind Guards

  Picture it: You’re spending time with beloved friends or family, gathered around your fire pit on a balmy summer evening. The flames are high and bright — in fact, everyone keeps remarking how beautifully the light of the fire reflects…