Marshmallows, campfire songs, beer, and cheerful revelry. What do all of these things have in common? To really experience them properly, you have to get a propane fire pit!

A propane fire pit is an investment that’s guaranteed to bring you and your family together. But as with any investment, there are important things to bear in mind before you buy.

That’s why the team here at Kauffman Gas has listed the 5 essential things to consider before you invest in a propane fire pit.

1. Propane Fire Pit: The Regulations

Before you jump into choosing what kind of propane fire pit you want in your yard, first you have to look up your state regulations. American states and cities all have their own specific rules when it comes to personal fires.

These are essential laws that are put in place for the protection of all members of a state. But you don’t want to be caught on the wrong side of the law for just trying to have a small fire-pit gathering.

You need to research the laws that are specific to the state you live in, or wherever you plan on setting up your fire pit. For example, these are the specific laws that need to be followed if you live in Delaware.

But you can’t read those rules and presume you’ll be fine if you live in Texas or Wyoming. You have to look up the law in your state.

Once you know the rules you have to abide by, you can start properly thinking about your propane fire pit.

Consider also the safety of where you’ve placed your pit. You should keep it away from trees or flammable aspects of your garden, to ensure the flames don’t catch anything accidentally.

2. What Size Is Best For You, and Where?

The beauty of a propane fire pit over other options is that propane usage can help to lower your energy bills.

This means it’ll cost you less than other fuel options overall, meaning you can use those savings on buying a bigger pit.

When it comes to size, think first about how many people you’re hoping to have around the fire pit at any one time. If it’s mostly going to be used by your family of 4, you can get away with a smaller option.

But if you’re a family of 8 who regularly has 10 or more guests around for parties, you’re gonna need a bigger pit!

Think also about the space where you’re going to set up your fire pit and how large of a pit can fit within it. You want space for people to comfortably and safely move around the pit itself.

3. It’s All About Style

The style of an outdoor propane fire pit goes hand in hand with its size. When it comes to gas fire pits, you want to choose a style that best compliments your space.

In an outdoor space, think about how the fire pit can cohesively fit within the design of your garden.

Consider matching the color of your pit with the tones of your garden furniture. Or, maybe you’ve found a pit you’ve fallen in love with, but you don’t think fits with your garden.

If that’s the case, consider working your garden around your pit. The options are varied and you need to consider what individual style will compliment your property best. Don’t feel limited; the choice is entirely yours!

4. Do You Prefer Permanence Or Portability?

Fire pits are now all the rage, but in adopting this trend you should consider which type of pit is better for you: a permanent installation, or a portable option?

The benefits to each are wide-reaching. With a permanent fire pit, you can make it more of a centerpiece in your garden design. It can also be much larger, as you don’t need to move it around once it’s installed.

But it’s limited in the sense that once it’s in place, it’ll be hard to change it. With a portable option, you sacrifice some of this size for maneuverability.

With a portable fire pit, you can do a surprise reveal for guests which can wow them with your new fire source.

Essentially, you need to decide if you want your fire pit to stay in the same place, or if you want to be able to put it wherever you want. Then, you’re able to conclude whether a portable or a fixed propane fire pit is best for you.

5. What Is Your Budget?

The big question for a lot of people comes in the form of cost. You need to think about how much you’re going to be willing to spend on a propane fire pit, as different materials, sizes, and types come with different price tags.

As a general rule, you’ll be looking to invest between $900 – $3,800 for a propane fire pit including installation.

However, you also need to bear in mind the price of the fuel needed to run your propane fire pit. Propane is a superior fuel option (read how it differs from natural gas) to other wood-burning methods when it comes to fire pits.

Because of this, you need to think about how much of a budget you have for the pit itself.

Weigh up just how big it really needs to be, and what material you can afford, and there’ll certainly be an option on the market for you.

What If I Need Propane Gas for my Propane Fire Pit?

If you need the gas for your propane fire pit, look no further than Kauffman. We deliver propane gas directly to you, so you can spend more time enjoying the fire pit you’ve worked so hard for.

We can even schedule repeated deliveries so that you’re never hosting a party only to find you’ve run out of propane.

FAQs

What legal regulations should I check before installing a propane fire pit?

Before installing a propane fire pit, it’s crucial to review your state’s or city’s fire and safety codes.

Regulations often cover placement, distance from structures or vegetation, and whether you need a permit.

Failing to comply could lead to fines or safety risks. Always research local law and abide by any clearance or installation rules.

How do I choose the right size propane fire pit for my space and usage?

To pick the right size fire pit, think about how many people you’ll regularly host, and the dimensions of the space where it’ll sit.

A family of four in a small patio needs a much smaller unit than someone entertaining guests frequently.

Also allow enough clearance around the pit so people can comfortably and safely move around.

Should I get a permanent or a portable propane fire pit, and what are the trade-offs?

The decision between a permanent or portable propane fire pit depends on appearance, flexibility, and installation costs.

Permanent pits usually make a stronger design statement, can be larger, and become integrated landscaping features.

Portable units give you flexibility. You can move them, store them, or change position. But portability often limits size and features.

5 Things to Know Before You Invest in a Propane Fire Pit