A gas fire pit table does two things a standalone fire pit can't: it sits at lounge or dining height, putting the flame at a level where conversation flows naturally, and it conceals the propane tank inside the base so your patio doesn't look like a utility yard. If you're shopping for a gas fire pit table, the sizing and BTU decisions are less obvious than they seem. This guide covers what you actually need to know before buying, and which models at The Fireplace USA make sense for different patio setups.
Gas fire pit tables fall into three basic configurations. The choice between them should be settled before you look at any other spec.
Lounge-height linear tables sit at approximately 24 inches and pair with standard outdoor sectionals and lounge chairs. The burner runs along a rectangular opening in the center. Models like the OGC Monte Carlo 59" and Cedar Ridge 61" fall into this category. They work well as the centerpiece of a U-shaped or L-shaped seating arrangement.
Dining-height tables run at 30 inches or taller, functioning as an outdoor dining table with a fire feature built in. The OGC Kenwood 81" is the primary example: it seats eight and replaces the need for a separate dining set. The tradeoff is that the burner is closer to guests during meals, which some find uncomfortable at full flame.
Round and square fire bowls deliver a lower, more open flame that reads like a traditional campfire. The OGC Cove series (29" and 42" round) fits this category. These suit smaller patios or work as a secondary fire feature alongside existing lounge furniture.
The most useful first question to answer: does your existing outdoor furniture have a fixed height? If you already have a sectional at 18 inches, a lounge-height table drops naturally into the center. If you want fire and dining in one piece, the dining-height format eliminates a redundant purchase.
Most gas fire pit tables produce between 40,000 and 100,000 BTU. The number matters, but not in the way most buyers assume.
At 55,000 BTU, a fire pit table produces a visible, well-proportioned flame and noticeable radiant warmth across a standard 6-to-8-person seating circle when the ambient temperature is above 50 degrees F. On a calm evening, this output extends outdoor time by 30 to 60 minutes. The OGC Havenwood 44", Providence, and Alcott 48" all operate at 55,000 BTU.
At 80,000 BTU, the flame is larger and radiant heat is more pronounced at a given distance. This makes a real difference on exposed patios with wind, or if you regularly use the table into September and October when overnight temperatures drop. The Balsam Montego 59", Monte Carlo 59", Cedar Ridge 61", and Kenwood 81" all operate at 80,000 BTU.
What no BTU rating can deliver: warming a cold patio at 40 degrees F or below to a comfortable temperature. Gas fire pit tables are season extenders, not primary heaters. If cold-weather warmth is the actual goal, pair the fire table with a mounted patio heater above the seating area. The fire table handles ambiance; the heater handles temperature.
A Popular Choice: OGC Monte Carlo 59" Linear Gas Fire Pit Table
Size involves two separate measurements: the overall table footprint and the burner opening.
For overall footprint, leave at least 18 inches of clearance between the table edge and surrounding furniture or fixed structures. A 59-inch table like the Monte Carlo needs roughly 7 to 8 feet of usable patio width once seating and walking paths are factored in. On a 10x12 patio, a 44-to-48-inch table is more practical. The Havenwood 44" and Alcott 48" are sized for tighter spaces without sacrificing the flame presentation.
For burner size, a larger opening means a wider flame spread. A 12x42-inch burner like the one in the Monte Carlo and Kenwood produces a long linear flame visible from multiple seating angles. A smaller square burner produces a compact flame better suited to seating that wraps on all four sides.
The most common sizing mistake: buying the largest table that physically fits without leaving enough room for guests to pull chairs back and move around. Build in at least 36 inches between the table edge and any wall, railing, or fixed structure so there's a clear path around the table.
Every OGC fire pit table we carry supports both propane (LP) and natural gas (NG). The decision comes down to your patio infrastructure.
Propane runs from a 20-pound tank stored inside the table's base cabinet. No gas line is required. At full output (80,000 BTU), a 20-pound tank provides approximately 5 to 6 hours of runtime; at medium flame, that extends to 8 to 10 hours. Propane is the default for renters, seasonal patios, and anyone who wants to reposition the table year to year.
Natural gas connects to your home's supply via a buried or surface-run line installed by a licensed technician. Once connected, there are no tank swaps. At current utility rates, natural gas typically costs 30 to 50 percent less per BTU than propane. For a household using the table several times a week through a full outdoor season, that savings accumulates within two to three years. The tradeoff: the table becomes a fixed installation.
If you're already planning a natural gas outdoor kitchen, built-in grill, or other gas appliances, running the line to the fire table at the same time reduces the incremental cost. It's worth bundling the work when the infrastructure is already going in.
Worth Considering: OGC Kenwood 81" Gas Fire Pit Dining Table
Safety certification. Every OGC fire pit table we carry is UL Listed, meaning it has been independently tested for fuel line integrity, flame behavior, and heat distribution under real operating conditions. Confirm this before comparing other brands.
Flame-sensing safety shutoff. OGC tables use the Crystal Fire Plus burner, which includes an integrated flame-sensing safety system. If the flame goes out from wind or another cause, the gas shuts off automatically. This is a meaningful feature at lounge height where clothing can come close to the frame.
Ignition type. Most OGC models ship with manual ignition, a battery-operated sparker. Electronic Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) is available as an upgrade and enables remote or wall-switch control. DSI is worth adding if the table will sit in a fixed structure where reaching the burner controls is inconvenient.
Access door placement. All OGC fire pit tables have a base cabinet with an access door for the propane tank. Confirm that the door position fits your patio layout before ordering. Moving a 200-plus pound table after installation is not straightforward.
Accessories to plan for upfront. A burner cover converts the table to a functional surface when the fire is off. A glass wind guard protects the flame on exposed or elevated patios. Both are sold separately for most OGC models. If your patio sees consistent wind, include the wind guard in the initial order rather than adding it later.
Browse the full gas fire pit collection at The Fireplace USA to compare all current models. Three that stand out for different needs:
The OGC Balsam Montego 59" Linear ($1,899) is the entry point to the OGC lineup at 80,000 BTU. The steel base, black powder-coat finish, and glass fire media work alongside most outdoor furniture without requiring a specific color palette to match.
The OGC Monte Carlo 59" Linear ($2,699) offers a similar footprint with a more finished appearance. The black glass tabletop and upmarket base styling suit a more intentionally designed outdoor space. Functionally close to the Balsam Montego in BTU output and burner size.
The OGC Kenwood 81" Dining Height ($3,999) is the right choice if you want one piece to anchor both outdoor dining and fire. The composite decking surface seats eight comfortably, the graphite grey aluminum frame requires no seasonal sealing, and the Crystal Fire Plus burner runs down the center where all diners can see it.
At full output (80,000 BTU), a 20-pound propane tank holds approximately 430,000 BTU, providing roughly 5 to 6 hours of continuous runtime. Running at medium flame extends that to 8 to 10 hours.
Yes. Maintain at least 24 inches of clearance between the burner and any combustible surface above the table. Some municipalities impose additional setback requirements from railings and structures. Check local fire codes before installation.
Most OGC models support an optional burner cover that converts the table to a functional surface when the fire is off. It is sold separately for most models. Confirm accessory availability for the specific model before ordering.
Yes, provided the model supports dual fuel, which all OGC fire pit tables we carry do. Conversion involves replacing the burner orifice and connecting to a gas supply line. The line connection requires a licensed plumber or gas fitter in most jurisdictions.
A 59-inch lounge-height table fits a 12x16 patio with a U-shaped or L-shaped seating arrangement, provided you maintain 18 or more inches of clearance on all sides. If the patio is heavily furnished, a 44-to-48-inch table gives more practical circulation room.
OGC specifies a minimum 18-inch clearance between the burner and any combustible material. At standard lounge seating distances of 24 to 36 inches from the table edge, guests are well outside this range during normal use.
{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}
Leave a comment