What Gas Bottle Do I Need for My Fire Pit? Your Complete Guide
Ever had that moment? You're snuggled up by your fire pit or fire table, the evening is just perfect, and then… poof. The flame sputters, flickers, and dies. Gutting, isn't it?
If you've been there, you're probably wrestling with the age-old question: “What gas bottle do I really need for this thing?”
Here’s the short, sharp answer: you’ll want a 19kg or 47kg propane bottle. Smaller bottles often can't keep up with the demands of a proper fire pit. Stick with us and we’ll explain exactly why those dinky bottles freeze, fizzle, and ultimately fail you when you need them most. Your cosy evenings (and your flame’s future) depend on it!
What Size Gas Bottle for Your Fire Pit Table?
Gas Bottle Sizes & Compatibility
| Bottle Size | Gas Type | Max Flow Rate (kg/hr) | Suitable for Brightstar (18kW) | Suitable for EcoSmart (19kW) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6kg | Butane (Clip-on) | ~0.4–0.6 | ❌ No | ❌ No | Struggles with high demand; not suitable |
| 9kg | Propane (POL) | ~0.7–1.0 | ⚠️ Borderline | ❌ No | May fail in cold or long sessions |
| 13kg | Propane (POL) | ~1.2 | ⚠️ Just under | ⚠️ Just under | Might work short-term; not ideal |
| 19kg | Propane (POL) | ~1.5–2.0 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Best for home setups |
| 47kg | Propane (POL) | 3.5+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Ideal for extended or commercial use |
Most quality fire pit tables, like those from Brightstar Fires (18kW) or EcoSmart (19kW), use burners that demand a steady, powerful gas flow. For best results, stick to:
- ✅ 19kg Propane Bottle: The dependable go-to for most home fire pit users.
- ✅ 47kg Propane Bottle: The heavyweight champion for extended sessions or twin burners.
Yes, smaller 5kg or 6kg bottles are more portable — but they tend to falter under pressure (especially in colder weather). A stunning fire table is no good if the flame cuts out mid-toast!
Why “Off-Take Rate” Matters More Than You Think
This isn’t just about how much gas is in the bottle — it’s about how quickly it can come out. This is the off-take rate. Every gas bottle has a maximum rate at which it can release gas vapour, and it’s a big deal for fire pits.
- The liquid propane starts to chill rapidly as it vapourises.
- If the flow is too fast, the bottle gets extremely cold — frost or even ice may appear on the outside.
- When it gets that cold, the liquid can’t convert to gas properly.
- Result? The flame weakens… or disappears entirely.
Recommended Bottles (And Why They're Your Best Bet)
The 19kg Propane Powerhouse
- Handles burners up to 34kW with ease
- Uses a standard screw-on POL fitting
- Works brilliantly with Brightstar and EcoSmart fire tables
The Mighty 47kg Propane Giant
- Delivers stable pressure for long sessions
- More resistant to cold weather drop-offs
- Great for twin-burner systems or heavy use
Bottles to Avoid (And Why)
5kg Patio Gas
- Uses a 27mm clip-on — often incompatible with high-end burners
- Can’t supply enough gas for 10kW+ systems
- Freezes easily — poor choice in UK winters
6kg Red Propane
- Has a screw-on fitting, but flow rate is too low
- Flickering and early flame fade-outs are common
Any Size Butane Bottle
- Vapourises poorly below 5°C (bad news in the UK)
- Lower energy output than propane
How Long Will a Gas Bottle Last?
Based on an 18kW fire pit burner, here’s a rough guide:
| Bottle Size | Estimated Runtime |
|---|---|
| 19kg | 18–22 hours |
| 47kg | 45–55 hours |
Can I Use BBQ Bottles?
Technically? Sometimes.
Practically? We wouldn’t recommend it.
BBQ bottles (5kg or 13kg) are made for low-demand appliances. Most have clip-on regulators and can’t deliver enough gas consistently for powerful fire pits. You might get a flame — but you’ll likely lose it just when things get cosy.
Safe Handling, Storage & Installation Tips
- Always store gas bottles upright and outside in a ventilated area.
- Never store them indoors (garage, shed, cellar = no-go).
- Turn off the valve when not in use.
- Use a proper enclosure if hiding the bottle — ventilation is key.
- Check connections with soapy water — bubbles = a leak.
- Call a Gas Safe engineer if you’re unsure. Safety first!
Final Thoughts: Go Big or Go Cold
Want reliable flames, consistent warmth, and zero mid-evening flame fails?
- 19kg propane bottle: Perfect for most home setups.
- 47kg propane bottle: Ideal for long burns, parties, or high-output systems.
Small bottles may be tempting, but they can’t deliver the performance you deserve. When it comes to fire pits, size does matter — especially for gas bottles.
Need help choosing the right fire table or bottle setup? Get in touch with our team — or browse our gas fire pit collection for inspiration!