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April 26, 2025

Propane, Butane or Natural Gas Fire Table: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between propane, butane, or natural gas for your fire table?
Quick answer: propane for power, butane for portability, natural gas for savings.
But wait—there’s more to the flame than meets the eye! 🔥
Keep reading to spark the perfect match for your Fire Table setup.

Propane Fire Tables: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

Portability and flexibility

If your garden is your stage and your furniture loves a shuffle, propane is your best friend.
You’re not tied to a single spot—just pick up the fire table and roll it wherever the mood takes you. From patio parties to glamping weekends, propane keeps things fiery wherever you go.

It’s ideal for renters too—no need for permanent installations or costly fittings. Just grab the tank, fire it up, and enjoy the show.

Easy to set up

No engineer needed here. Most propane fire tables are plug-and-play—well, twist-and-light, to be accurate.
Attach the tank, flick the igniter, and within seconds, you’ve got flames dancing.

It’s as fuss-free as lighting a barbecue.

Disadvantages:

Higher fuel costs (propane tanks)

While propane’s flexibility is great, your wallet might notice the difference.
Refilling or swapping out propane tanks adds up, especially if your fire table gets frequent use.
For occasional evenings, it’s manageable. But if you’re running it three nights a week, the costs might singe your budget a bit.

Requires tank refills

Here’s the trade-off: tanks don’t last forever.
Running out mid-fire can be a real buzzkill, especially when guests are toasting marshmallows or warming chilly hands.

You’ll need to keep tabs on the tank level and make sure a backup’s nearby—just in case.

Butane Fire Tables: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

High energy density

Butane’s like the compact car of the gas world—small, but mighty.
It burns efficiently and packs a good punch for its size.
Perfect for smaller fire tables used for short bursts of heat or ambience.

Think garden dinners, picnics, or even a cosy corner in a campsite.

Clean burning

One of butane’s best traits? It burns cleanly, with hardly any smoke or residue.
That means no sooty glass, no gunked-up burners, and a more pleasant experience overall.
Your cushions and clothes won’t smell like a bonfire the next day—bonus!

Disadvantages:

Less common for fire tables

Here’s the catch—not many full-sized fire tables are designed for butane.
It’s more often found in portable models or smaller setups.

So if you’re dreaming of a centrepiece fire table for your patio, butane might not be your match.

Performance issues in cold weather

Winter lovers, beware.
Butane doesn’t like the cold—it struggles to vaporise in low temperatures.
That can make lighting it a hassle and keeping it going a challenge.

For year-round use in chilly spots, you’re better off with propane or natural gas.

Natural Gas Fire Tables: Pros and Cons

Advantages:

Lower fuel costs (generally)

If your home already has a natural gas line, you’re in luck.
It’s the cheapest fuel of the three, especially over time.

Once it’s connected, you’ll enjoy consistent flames without worrying about running out or heading to the shop for a refill.

Continuous supply from gas line

Natural gas is the “set it and forget it” option.
There’s no refilling, no hauling tanks—just turn it on and enjoy the heat.

It’s perfect for regular use and bigger households where the fire table becomes part of the weekly routine.

Disadvantages:

Requires gas line installation

Here’s the downside—it’s not a DIY job.
If you don’t already have a gas line in place, you’ll need a professional installation, which can get expensive.
It’s also not ideal for renters or short-term stays.

Less portable

Natural gas fire tables are permanent fixtures.
Once it’s in, it stays there—no dragging it to the far side of the garden for a change of scenery.
If you like flexibility, this one’s not for you.

Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Fire Table

Space and Usage:

Indoor vs. outdoor use

All these fuels are meant for the great outdoors—so don’t try using them indoors unless the model is specifically designed and approved for it.

If you’ve got a fixed outdoor seating area, natural gas could be ideal.
For more mobile or seasonal setups, propane or butane gives you freedom to move things about.

Frequency of use

Planning to use your fire table every weekend—or just for special occasions?
Frequent use leans in favour of natural gas, thanks to the lower running costs and constant supply.

If it’s a summer-only treat, propane or butane will do the trick nicely.

Fuel Availability and Costs:

Gas line access, propane costs, butane availability

Natural gas is the most cost-effective if you’re already connected.
If not, propane is the easiest to find and refill—available at most petrol stations or hardware shops.

Butane? Handy in a pinch, but not always easy to source, especially if you’re outside the city.

Climate and Weather Conditions:

Butane performance in cold weather

Let’s be honest—Britain isn’t known for its tropical winters.
If you plan to use your fire table in colder months, skip butane.
Propane and natural gas hold up far better when the mercury drops.

Conclusion

So—which fuel wins the fire table showdown? It depends on how you live, where you live, and how often you’re lighting things up.

  • Go for propane if you love flexibility, want strong heat, and don’t mind topping up the tank now and then.

  • Pick butane for small, portable setups used in warmer months—especially for on-the-go gatherings.

  • Choose natural gas for a low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and long-term solution—especially if you’ve already got the infrastructure.

Each fuel type has its perks and quirks, but one thing’s for sure: nothing beats gathering around a warm fire, sharing stories, and soaking up the glow.

Choose your fuel, light it up, and let the good times burn bright. 🔥

 

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