Propane vs natural gas fire pit comes down to three things: whether you have a gas line near the patio, how often you will burn it, and how big a burner you want. Natural gas costs more to install and less per hour to run, with no tanks to swap. Propane costs little to set up and lets you move the fire pit, but a 20 lb tank caps burner size. The heat is the same: a 65,000 BTU burner puts out 65,000 BTU on either fuel.
This guide covers running cost, tank size, installation and conversion. For the bigger picture, start with our fire pit buying guide.
Propane vs natural gas fire pit at a glance
| Propane (LP) | Natural gas (NG) | |
|---|---|---|
| Supply | Tank you refill or exchange | Utility line |
| Setup | Hose and regulator to a tank | Gas line run by a licensed pro |
| Movable | Yes | No |
| Size limit | About 90,000 BTU on a 20 lb tank (HPC) | Set by line and meter size |
| Cost per hour, 65,000 BTU (our estimate) | About $1.85 | About $0.94 to $1.66 |
Natural gas fire pit cost to run vs propane
Convert both fuels to BTU. The U.S. Energy Information Administration lists propane at 91,452 BTU per gallon and natural gas at 1,036 BTU per cubic foot (HPC Fire uses 1,037 and notes a range of about 1,000 to 1,075 by supplier). For prices, EIA’s U.S. average residential propane price for the week of October 5, 2026 was $2.598 per gallon excluding taxes, and its average residential natural gas price ran from $14.95 per thousand cubic feet in February 2026 to $26.45 in July 2026.
Our math for a 65,000 BTU burner on high for one hour:
- Propane: about 0.71 gallon, or roughly $1.85 an hour.
- Natural gas: about 63 cubic feet, or roughly $0.94 to $1.66 an hour.
These are estimates from national averages. EIA’s propane figure is for delivered residential propane; cylinder fills and exchanges are priced separately, so divide your own receipt by about 4.1 to 4.5 gallons. For natural gas, use the rate on your bill (1 therm is 100,000 BTU). At a few hours a week the gap is small; a line run pays back only if you burn often for years.
Heat: which fuel is hotter?
Neither, at the same rating. Propane packs more energy per cubic foot, so it uses a smaller orifice to deliver the same BTU, and HPC’s 2026 fuel guide stresses that burner design, pressure and supply matter as much as the rating. The Prism Hardscapes Tavola 2 in natural gas and the Tavola 2 in propane show it: same 36 x 36 inch table, same 15 inch cross burner, same 65,000 BTU, both $2,280. Prism sells only through dealers, so there is no direct price to compare. To match a burner to your pit, see our fire pit burner size guide.
Propane fire pit tank size
Most propane fire pits run on a 20 lb cylinder. HPC Fire’s tech talk on small tanks says:
- A 20 lb tank holds about 4.1 to 4.5 gallons, since tanks are filled to 80 percent.
- HPC recommends no appliance over 90,000 BTU on a small tank.
- Electronic ignition units cannot run on a small 20 lb tank.
- Push a small tank too hard and flames go small and erratic until it recovers.
| Burner on high | Hours per 20 lb tank (our math) |
|---|---|
| 30,000 BTU | 12.5 to 13.7 |
| 40,000 BTU | 9.4 to 10.3 |
| 65,000 BTU | 5.8 to 6.3 |
| 90,000 BTU | 4.2 to 4.6 |
The Direct Wicker 40,000 BTU propane fire pit set ($599) includes a separate tank holder side table; Direct Wicker sells it direct for the same $599. The HPC Portable Sport propane fire pit ($785.65, below HPC’s $827 MSRP) is rated up to 37,000 BTU; HPC claims 13 hours per tank, while our math at full output is 10 to 11 hours. The Endless Summer 30 inch square 30,000 BTU propane fire pit ($299.99) sits well inside small tank limits, but our listing has no spec sheet, so call to confirm details. Bigger burners or long burns need a larger supply or natural gas.
Natural gas fire pit installation
Prism Hardscapes’ Tavola manual says a gas professional runs the line underground, sized by BTU, pressure and distance from the regulator. The stub ends in a 1/2 inch NPT gas rated ball valve, and lines are tested for leaks over 24 hours before backfilling. Prism requires a licensed or certified installer where local rules call for one and lists 4 feet of clearance to combustibles on the sides and 6 feet above.
- Size for the whole system. HPC warns a fire pit can run weak when a grill, pool heater or fireplace on the same line is also on.
- Call your utility. Prism’s manual notes utilities often install a larger meter at no charge for bigger loads.
Line costs vary with distance, trenching and permits, so get quotes. Our electric vs gas fireplace cost guide explains what drives gas install pricing, and the outdoor gas fireplace guide covers permits for larger fixed features.
Building your own enclosure? HPC drop-in kits come in both fuels at one price, like the 36 x 14 inch HPC H-burner kit for natural gas and the propane version ($623.20 each). Our listing shows only the series BTU range, so call to confirm this size’s rating before sizing a gas line. HPC lists its rectangle H-burner inserts at MSRP $858 to $7,764 by size and ignition. See all HPC Fire burners and kits.
Can you convert a propane fire pit to natural gas?
Sometimes, but never by swapping a hose. HPC explains that propane runs at higher pressure and needs a smaller orifice, so conversion means changing the orifice and gas controls, done only by a licensed gas professional.
- Use the maker’s kit. Prism’s Tavola listings name a gas replacement kit and orifice as sold separately; call us to confirm the right part.
- Some HPC match lit units are easier. HPC’s Universal Gas Orifice switches fuels with a set screw change.
- Small tank kits are not full conversions. The HPC LP conversion kit, 90K ($272.65; HPC MSRP $287) adds a regulator, air mixer and hose so an HPC match lit kit runs from a 20 lb tank, for burners up to 18 inches per the listing.
- No kit, no conversion. Buy the correct fuel version instead.
Safety differs too. Per HPC, natural gas is lighter than air and rises, while propane is about 1.5 times heavier and can pool low. Keep propane tanks outside the burner compartment in a vented spot, and use only enough media to cover the burner (see lava rock vs fire glass).
Which should you choose?
- Natural gas if a line is near the patio, the pit stays put, you burn often, or you want over 90,000 BTU or electronic ignition.
- Propane if you have no gas service, rent, want to move the pit, or burn a few evenings a month.
Questions on a model or fuel kit? Call 866-777-2590, Mon to Fri 9AM to 6PM PST. Shipping is free on orders of $999 or more, $200 flat below that. See our return and refund policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is propane or natural gas cheaper for a fire pit?
Natural gas, per hour. Our estimate from EIA averages for a 65,000 BTU burner is about $1.85 an hour on propane and $0.94 to $1.66 on natural gas. The gas line costs more up front.
Can you convert a propane fire pit to natural gas?
Only with the manufacturer’s kit, installed by a licensed gas professional, because orifices and controls differ by fuel.
What size propane tank do I need for a fire pit?
A 20 lb tank handles burners up to about 90,000 BTU, per HPC. Bigger burners, electronic ignition or long burns need a larger supply or natural gas.
Does a natural gas fire pit need a permit?
Often. Check with your building department and gas utility before trenching, and use a licensed installer.
