Flame On! Everything You Need to Know About Hidden Propane Tank Fire Pits
Summer is the perfect time to give your outdoor living space a luxury upgrade. There’s nothing quite like sitting around a fire with friends, watching the flames dance, and sharing a bottle of wine as the stars come out. In luxury homes, fire elements can add an air of unmatched comfort and sophistication.
But you know what isn’t relaxing? Stressing about what kind of fire pit to purchase! You’ll find so many options on the market – from natural gas to wood-burning to propane – that it can feel daunting to figure out which one to go for.
In terms of finding a luxury option that looks good and is easy to maintain, a fire pit with hidden propane tank is a solid recommendation. But before you shell out the dough, you need to decide if it’s right for you. Let’s dive in and learn everything you need to know about hidden propane tank fire pits.
How a Propane Fire Pit Works
Propane fire pits work precisely the same as a gas fire pit. Instead of using wood or other flammables as a fuel source, you simply burn gas. You can start a gas fire with the push of a button and control the flame height and intensity. Gas also allows you to use other decorative elements like glass, lava stone, or even ceramic wood.
But what if you don’t have a gas line? This is where the propane comes in. With a propane tank fire pit, the fuel source is right there in the tank. You don’t need gas lines, and your fire pit can be completely portable.
The best quality propane fire pits have a built-in compartment to hide away the propane tank. The containers are discreet and take nothing away from the overall aesthetic effect of the fire. Often they simply slide in and out for easy access, and all you have to do is replace the tank when it’s empty. Voila! A simple, clean, and portable outdoor fire.
Benefits of a Hidden Propane Tank Fire Pit
You can probably already guess at some of the benefits of a hidden propane tank fire pit. But let’s explore them in more detail.
Clean & Energy Efficient
Let’s talk about BTUs. A BTU – or British Thermal Unit – is the amount of energy it takes to heat a single pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. That’s a technical way of saying that the higher the BTUs, the hotter and bigger the flame will be.
Liquid propane (LP) produces more BTUs with less fuel than a typical natural gas line. Propane can provide more than twice as much energy as natural gas. What does all this mean? It takes less propane to produce the same flame as natural gas, making propane the more fuel-efficient option.
Propane is a green fuel since it produces considerably less carbon monoxide than other gases. It also burns very clean, producing no greenhouse gas emissions or other air pollutants.
Propane tank fire pits also burn free of smoke, ash, and soot. It’s an easy cleanup (as in - there is none!), and you won’t have to watch your guests politely choking on smoke between sips of wine.
Simple and Safe
Modern propane tank fire pits are exceptionally safe. Most gas-burning fire pits are UL Listed, which is the highest safety rating. You don’t need a gas line with a propane tank, so you have less to worry about issues underground. Most assemblies have a fail-safe that shuts off the gas if the flame doesn’t ignite, so you won't have to worry about a gas leak.
Hidden propane tank fire pits are also easy to use. You can control the height and intensity of the flame at all times with just the press of a button. Refilling the tank is as easy as sliding it in and out of the compartment where it’s hiding.
Portable
Hidden propane tank fire pits include everything you need in one piece. Modern varieties include compact, light, and very portable options. If you ever decide to move to a new home or simply redesign your space from time to time, a fire pit with hidden propane tank makes those changes easy.
It Just Looks Cool
Upscale hidden propane tank fire pits come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and finishes. You can easily find one to fit your style and family or personal needs. Choose from sleek, ultra-modern silhouettes to square propane fire pits to earthy antique aesthetics.
Because you don’t need wood as a fuel source, you can also choose from various decorative materials to fill it. Options include:
Fire glass, rocks, or beads
Volcanic rock
Ceramic logs
Steel logs
You can search for high-end brands like a Unilock fire pit or a Techo-Bloc fire pit. Most will accommodate a standard 20lb propane tank, but if you’re looking for something more custom, luxury designs range in all different sizes. One of the more popular is a newer compact horizontal tank that slides underneath your firepit for a low, chic profile.
Is a Hidden Propane Tank Fire Pit Right for You?
While there are plenty of fire pit options on the market, few say “luxury with ease” quite like a gas pit with a hidden propane tank.
A fire pit with hidden propane tank is one of the simplest ways to get a luxe look without the extra work and mess of burning wood or laying gas lines. Most of your high-end brands will include the most discreet hideaway compartments for the tank. Some have a sleek shelf or table to accompany the fire pit and act as both decorative furniture and secret propane compartment.
Propane is clean, smoke-free, and doesn’t emit greenhouse gases. Once installed, the only upkeep is changing out the tank from time to time. Overall, we highly recommend this type of fire pit for anyone looking to upgrade their outdoor space to the next level.