A fire pit regulator has one job: take the high, swinging pressure inside a propane tank (or the pressure on a gas line) and deliver a steady, lower pressure to the burner. To choose the right one, match three things: the fuel (propane or natural gas), a BTU rating at or above your burner’s maximum BTU, and the hose and fittings your setup needs. Get the BTU match wrong and you get a lazy, low flame no matter how far you turn the valve. Below: BTU ratings, PSI, hose length, low flame causes, leak testing and replacement, using real listings from our store.
What a fire pit regulator does
Propane tank pressure changes with temperature. Wikipedia’s entry on pressure regulators notes that propane regulators compensate for tank pressures of roughly 30 to 200 psi and commonly deliver 11 inches of water column (about 0.4 psi) for residential appliances. That is why a burner never connects straight to a tank.
The same source explains the difference between single and two stage designs. A two stage regulator is two regulators in series: the first stage drops tank pressure to an intermediate level, and the second stage drops it to working pressure. Two stage units hold a steadier outlet pressure as supply pressure falls.
Regulator BTU rating vs burner BTU
Every regulator passes only so much gas, usually stated in BTU per hour. The rule: the regulator’s BTU rating should be equal to or higher than the burner’s maximum BTU. A 150,000 BTU regulator on a 250,000 BTU burner will cap the flame at the regulator’s limit.
BTU figures below are the manufacturer’s numbers from our listings.
| Burner or fire pit | Fuel | Listed BTU | Regulator | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 in Dark Grey Concrete Fire Pit Table | Propane | 60,000 | Hose with regulator included | $1,563.99 |
| HPC Linear Trough Torpedo Kit, 24 in, propane | Propane | 100,000 to 250,000 (series range, depends on gas input) | Not listed as included | $341.05 |
| HPC Rectangle Drop-In Torpedo H-Burner Kit, 24 x 12 in, propane | Propane | 125,000 to 300,000 (series range, depends on gas input) | Not listed as included | $494 |
The 60 in table ships with its own hose and regulator, so there is nothing to size. The HPC DIY kits list a range for the whole series rather than each size, so call us to confirm the BTU for your exact size and fuel before choosing a regulator.
High capacity regulator options
Burners above what a standard tank regulator handles need a high capacity regulator. Here are the ones we carry, with specs as listed.
| Regulator | Fuel | Capacity | Hose and connection | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPC Fire Gas Regulator, 150k | Propane or natural gas | 150,000 BTU | Input 2 PSI LP, 5 PSI NG; fittings not listed | $147.25 |
| HPC Fire Gas Regulator, 300k | Propane or natural gas | 300,000 BTU | Input 2 PSI LP, 5 PSI NG; fittings not listed | $228 |
| Sunstone NG-Reg | Natural gas | 120,000 BTU | 1/2 in connection, medium pressure | $60 |
| Sunstone NG Regulator with 18 in Hose | Natural gas | 120,000 BTU | 18 in rubber hose, 1/2 in connection | $74 |
| Sunstone 19 in Propane Regulator LP-Reg | Propane | Not listed | 19 in hose, 3/8 in diameter | $60 |
| Empava 5 Ft Regulator | Propane | Not listed | 5 ft hose (per title) | $32 |
The HPC regulators are made in the USA, carry a 3 year residential warranty, and are recommended for HPC burner systems. Their listings give an input pressure of 2 PSI on propane, which is far below full tank pressure, so confirm with us or your installer what feeds the regulator before you order. The Sunstone LP-Reg and Empava listings state no BTU rating; call us before pairing either with a large burner. Browse the full HPC Fire lineup for matching burners and parts.
Propane regulator for fire pit use: the tank matters too
A big regulator cannot make a small tank deliver more gas. Starfire Direct, an HPC dealer, states that a 20 lb tank limits usage to between 90,000 and 100,000 BTUs. So a 250,000 BTU burner on a 20 lb tank will underperform even with a 300,000 BTU regulator. Large burners need a larger supply, which is a job for a propane supplier or licensed gas fitter. We cover tank sizes in propane vs natural gas fire pit.
Adjustable vs fixed regulators
Most fire pit regulators are fixed: the outlet pressure is set at the factory, and you control flame height with the burner valve or, on electronic ignition kits, a remote. For a backyard fire pit, a fixed regulator matched to your fuel and BTU is the norm. Never adjust, drill, or bypass a regulator to get a bigger flame. If the flame is too small, the fix is a correctly sized regulator, supply or burner, chosen with a pro.
Natural gas regulator basics
On natural gas, line pressure and pipe size set how much gas reaches the fire pit. The Sunstone units are rated up to 120,000 BTU and are listed for outdoor cooking appliances, so confirm fire pit use with us first; the HPC units take a 5 PSI natural gas input and are rated to 150,000 or 300,000 BTU. Whether you need one depends on your system pressure, which your utility or a licensed fitter confirms. Pipe sizing by BTU is covered in natural gas fire pit installation cost. Converting fuels takes more than a regulator swap: orifices and controls change too.
Hose length
Hose length is a fit question, not a performance upgrade. Our listings range from 18 and 19 in (Sunstone) to 5 ft (Empava). Pick the shortest hose that reaches the tank without pulling tight, kinking or touching hot surfaces, and use only hoses rated for your fuel. If you plan to hide the tank in an enclosure, see fire pit table with tank storage for routing tips.
Common causes of a low flame
- Safety flow limiting. In its gas grill troubleshooting guide, Napoleon explains that when a regulator detects abnormal flow it reduces gas, which causes weak flames. Typical triggers: opening the tank valve too fast or lighting before the tank is open. Napoleon’s reset: turn everything off, disconnect the regulator, wait about 5 minutes, reconnect, open the tank valve slowly, and wait 30 seconds before lighting.
- Undersized regulator. The regulator’s BTU rating is below the burner’s.
- Undersized supply. A 20 lb tank feeding a burner well above about 100,000 BTU.
- Blocked or iced vent. Emerson’s Fisher bulletin LP-32 notes insects such as mud daubers can nest in regulator vents, and water inside a regulator can freeze and stop the diaphragm from moving. A vent should not point up.
Leak test and when to replace
After any connection change, brush soapy water on every joint with the gas on and burners off. Growing bubbles mean a leak: shut off the gas and fix the fitting before lighting. Emerson recommends replacing most regulators 15 years from the date of manufacture, and right away if you find water inside, heavy corrosion, or flood exposure. Replace cracked or stiff hoses too.
Frequently asked questions
What size fire pit regulator do I need?
Choose a regulator for your fuel with a BTU rating equal to or above your burner’s maximum BTU. For an HPC burner rated up to 300,000 BTU, that means the 300k regulator.
Why is my propane fire pit flame so low?
The most common causes are a tripped flow limiting feature (reset by reconnecting and opening the tank slowly), an undersized regulator, a 20 lb tank feeding too large a burner, or a blocked vent.
Can I use a high capacity regulator on a 20 lb tank?
The regulator may connect, but a 20 lb tank tops out around 90,000 to 100,000 BTUs per Starfire Direct, so a bigger regulator alone will not raise output. Ask a gas pro about a larger supply.
How often should I replace a propane regulator for a fire pit?
Emerson recommends 15 years from manufacture, or sooner after water, corrosion or flood damage.
Gas work carries real risk, so a licensed gas fitter and your local code have the final word on any installation. For help matching a regulator to your burner, call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. Shipping is free on orders of $999 or more, with a $200 flat rate below that. See our return and refund policy for details, and our fire pit buying guide to compare fire pits.
