Spending time outside when the stars are shining, and it is quiet is an excellent way to relax at the end of the week. You can have parties or simply relax with your family on your patio or just in the corner of your backyard. A firepit is an excellent way to add ambiance to an evening spent under the stars. A good choice for a fire pit is a propane fire pit. 

They offer several advantages over wood fire pits, including providing a clean, smokeless fire. In addition, propane fire pits are allowed in all communities, unlike wood fire pits. If you are planning to buy a propane fire pit, here are the things you need to know about use, longevity, and maintenance. 

Things to consider when buying a fire pit

1. Style

You need to pick a style that works for the space and design of your home. If you have a small backyard, you can purchase a bowl fire pit, for instance. 

2. Size and shape

Consider where you plan to place the fire pit and the number of people that will use it regularly. For example, a large round fire pit is great if there are many people in your family. However, if you have little time for cleaning and maintenance, you need a smaller one. 

3. Heat output

Consider the amount of heat that will come off your fire pit. For instance, a very hot tabletop fire pit can make using it uncomfortable and dangerous. 

4. Ignition type

Fire pit ignition types include spark, match, and electronic. Ensure you find out whether there are any ignition regulations from the local fire department before choosing a propane fire pit. 

5. Tank size

The size of the gas tank will determine how long the fire pit will burn before you refill it. The larger the propane tank, the longer you can use your fire pit. 

6. Safety features

When using a fire pit, there is always a risk of burns, especially if you have young children. Consider buying a fire pit that remains cool outside even when burning for a long time. Check whether the fire pit you choose has an automatic gas shut-off when the fire goes off. 

It is also a good way to ensure that your propane lasts long, as it stops flowing when the fire goes out and does not escape into the air. Finally, choose one made with quality materials to reduce the risk of a propane leak. It will also ensure that your fire pit serves you for a long time. 

What determines how long your Propane fire pit will last

A propane fire pit can serve you for over 15 years with proper care and regular maintenance. Good maintenance ensures you spot problems early and fix them before they become large issues.

In addition, good maintenance also includes proper storage, which can further enhance the longevity of your fire pit. To ensure that your fire pit lasts long, you must consider the materials used to construct it.

For example, masonry fire pits can last long as they do not rust, but they are at risk of cracking if cooled too fast.  

• Stone fire pits are an excellent choice for long-lasting fire pits. They can withstand high heat levels and resist damage by the elements. 
• You can buy a limestone or sandstone fire pit. Limestone fire pits are beautiful and eye-catching. Limestone can also withstand years of exposure to the elements and handle high heat levels. 

Sandstone, on the other hand, is more colorful and offers a unique feature for your patio or lawn. It can also withstand the elements and does not get too hot when the fire pit is in use. In addition, it radiates heat slowly, ensuring you remain warm all evening without getting too hot. 

• Metallic fire pits are not as durable as stone ones. That is because many metals rust or get corroded when exposed to the elements. 
• A common metal used in fire pits is cast iron. These, however, cannot withstand the elements and are likely to rust if left outdoors. They are also heavy but usually cheaper than other types of fire pits. 
• Copper fire pits resist corrosion and can be made in various shapes. They are generally expensive but are long-lasting and reliable. 
• Steel is a popular material for fire pits. It is lighter than cast iron and more corrosion-resistant. You can also buy a rusted steel fire pit if you want a weathered look on your fire pit. That said, exposure to the elements will further corrode the fire pit and affect its longevity. 

Maintenance tips for your propane fire pit

Different materials used to construct fire pits can extend your fire pit’s longevity. That said, lack of maintenance will shorten its lifespan if you do not take good care of your fire pit. Below are some tips to extend the lifespan of your new fire pit. 

1. Safely extinguish the fire.

Ensure you carefully extinguish the fire when you finish using the fire pit. Do not pour water on it, as the sudden temperature change will damage the fire pit. Instead, turn off the propane and allow the fire pit to cool down.

2. Disconnect the propane tank

Do not leave the propane tank connected to the fire pit. Instead, shut off the gas lines and valves and remove the propane tank. Make sure that you store it in a well-ventilated area.

3. Clear out the debris

If there are bits and pieces of food in the fire pit or other debris, ensure that you sweep them out before cleaning the fire pit. Insects, leaves, sticks, and other debris can affect the effectiveness of your fire pit. Sweep them all out. Next, follow these directions to clean your fire pit. 

• Use warm soapy water and a cloth to wipe the fire pit. 
• Gently clean the burner along with the edges of your propane fire pit. You must do this carefully, as any dirt and debris will block it and affect functionality. 
• Next, wipe down the edges of the fire pit where you might have placed food or put your feet. 
• Finally, use a fresh bowl of water and cloth to rinse off any soap and allow the fire pit to air dry. 

4. Regular maintenance

Make sure that you check your valves and gas lines regularly for leaks. In addition, ensure that the burner is working, so it is easy to turn on. Finally, make sure you contact an expert at least once a year to inspect your propane fire pit and make any required repairs. 

What is the average running time of a propane fire pit? 

A propane fire pit will burn for up to 6 hours on a 20-pound propane tank. That said, depending on your fire pit BTU rating, it can last up to 9 hours or less than 2 hours. 

Tips for increasing the run time of your propane fire pit

Burning through your propane quickly can be costly, especially if you use your fire pit often. In addition, you will not relax or enjoy the fire when you are worried about running out of propane and the cost of a refill. Here are tips to make your propane last longer. 

• Turning it down low is one of the best ways to make your propane last longer. That may affect the size of the flames, but it will ensure your propane lasts longer. 
• You can also add a wind guard to ensure that your fire pit burns less propane. The flame guard will shield the flame and ensure that the fit pit burns less propane. That is because the wind keeps blowing on the flames in windy conditions, and a large amount of propane escapes unburned. Using a flame guard, you burn 100% of the propane, meaning the propane will last longer. 

A propane fire pit is an excellent choice as it produces a clean flame. If smoke bothers you, you will not have to deal with it if you purchase a propane fire pit. Use the tips above to select, maintain and clean your propane fire pit.