April 19, 2025

What Size Gas Bottle for Fire Pit Table?

Hosting a garden get-together and your fire table fizzles out mid-s’more? You probably picked the wrong gas bottle. Short answer: most fire tables run best on 5kg–13kg propane bottles. Want heat that lasts, fits your space, and keeps guests cozy? Keep reading—we've got the perfect fit for your flame.

Understanding Gas Bottle Sizes

Common Propane Bottle Sizes

5kg, 11kg, 13kg, 19kg, 47kg (and other variations)

In the UK, propane gas bottles come in a variety of sizes to suit everything from portable patio heaters to hefty commercial burners. When it comes to fire tables, here’s the breakdown:

5kg – Small and nimble. Perfect for compact, portable fire tables. Great for camping or small patios.
11kg – A crowd favourite. Balanced size with decent runtime—ideal for regular home use.
13kg – Similar to the 11kg but with a bit more staying power. Good if you fire up the table often.
19kg – Designed for bigger setups or longer nights. Less convenient to move but keeps the flames going.
47kg – The beast. Reserved for large, fixed fire tables or commercial use. Not something you want to shift alone!

You might also find in-between sizes like 6kg or 18kg, depending on your gas supplier.

Dimensions and Weight of Each Size

Just so you know what you're dealing with:

5kg: Height ~ 390mm | Diameter ~ 300mm | Full Weight ~ 10kg
11kg: Height ~ 560mm | Diameter ~ 310mm | Full Weight ~ 22kg
13kg: Height ~ 580mm | Diameter ~ 315mm | Full Weight ~ 26kg
19kg: Height ~ 800mm | Diameter ~ 315mm | Full Weight ~ 38kg
47kg: Height ~ 1290mm | Diameter ~ 375mm | Full Weight ~ 94kg

These bottles are heavy when full—so consider that if you need to carry it across your garden.

Factors Affecting Size Choice

Fire Table BTU Rating

Your fire table’s BTU (British Thermal Units) rating directly affects gas consumption. The higher the BTU, the more gas it burns per hour. It’s like choosing between a match and a flamethrower. Always check your table’s manual to find this rating—it’s key to knowing how much fuel you’ll need.

Frequency of Use

Only lighting the fire table for the occasional garden party? A smaller bottle might do the trick. But if you're out there every weekend or using it as your garden's main heating source, a larger bottle will save you the hassle of frequent replacements.

Portability vs. Capacity

This one’s simple. Smaller bottles are easier to move, store, and swap out. Larger bottles last longer, but unless you're The Hulk, you probably don’t want to carry them around too often.

Calculating Gas Consumption

Fire Table BTU and Burn Time

Understanding BTU (British Thermal Units)

BTUs are a measure of how much heat your fire table gives off. Most fire tables fall between 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs. Higher BTU = hotter flame = quicker gas use. Simple maths, right?

Calculating Burn Time Based on Bottle Size and BTU

Let’s do a quick calculation (don’t worry, no exam at the end):

1kg of propane = approx. 13.6 kWh
1 kWh = 3,412 BTUs
So, a 5kg bottle = ~68 kWh = ~232,000 BTUs

Divide that by your table’s hourly usage, say 40,000 BTUs, and you get roughly 5 to 6 hours of burn time.

Estimating Usage for Different Bottle Sizes

Examples of Burn Time for Various Bottle Sizes

Assuming your fire table runs at 40,000 BTU/hour, here’s a rough estimate:

5kg: ~5–6 hours
11kg: ~11–12 hours
13kg: ~13–14 hours
19kg: ~19–20 hours
47kg: 47+ hours (basically a full weekend of flames!)

Keep in mind—wind, flame height, and ambient temperature can all affect these numbers.

Recommendations for Fire Pit Table Use

Ideal Bottle Sizes for Different Fire Tables

Portable vs. Stationary Tables

Portable Fire Tables: Go for 5kg or 6kg bottles. Easy to carry, fits neatly under most tables, and simple to store.
Stationary Tables: Choose 11kg or larger. These setups are more permanent, so you can afford the added weight for longer run times.

High vs. Low BTU Output

High BTU (over 50,000): You’ll burn through gas quickly—13kg or larger will help keep your evening going without interruptions.
Low BTU (under 40,000): 5kg or 11kg will usually be enough for casual use.

Safety and Storage Considerations

Safe Handling and Storage of Propane Bottles

Always store propane bottles upright, outdoors, and away from direct heat or flames. Avoid shoving them in sheds or garages where there’s no ventilation. When not in use, make sure the valve is closed tight and, if possible, fit a protective cap.

Ventilation and Leak Prevention

Keep your fire table and gas bottle in a well-ventilated area. Check for leaks regularly using soapy water—if you see bubbles when it’s turned on, you’ve got a leak. Use a proper regulator that meets BS EN standards for peace of mind.

Conclusion

Choosing the right gas bottle for your fire pit table doesn’t need to be a guessing game. Think about your table’s BTU output, how often you use it, and whether you need it portable or long-lasting.

Most people find the 11kg bottle hits the sweet spot—good burn time, easy to handle, and fits neatly under many tables.

And remember—safety first. Store your bottle properly, check for leaks, and you’ll be ready to toast marshmallows, sip wine, or simply stay cosy under the stars.