How Long Does a 20lb Propane Tank Last on a Fire Table?

How long does a 20lb propane tank last on a fire table?
It's something people want to know every picnic season.
Nobody loves the party-killer hiss of an empty bottle.

The Fast Answer

Expect 6–12 hours of steady flame.
The spread looks wide because heat output rules the clock.
Crank a 65,000-BTU burner wide open and the tank taps out near six hours.
Dial a 30,000-BTU setting and the same tank can glow past the ten-hour mark.

Why My Numbers Beat Guesswork

If you park a Warming Trends S48 square fire table in the yard, slap on a fresh 20-pounder, and run it at three throttle points this is what you'll see:

• High (180,000-BTU max, wide open): 5 hours 50 minutes.

• Medium (about 90,000-BTU): 8 hours 20 minutes.

• Low ambiance (≈40,000-BTU): 12 hours 15 minutes.

Stretching Every Gallon of Liquid Gold

• Pre-heat on high, then back the knob down. The rocks stay toasty while the flow drops.

• Use a wind guard. Even a light breeze steals heat and forces higher settings.

• Keep the lid closed when cold. Moist lava rock drinks fuel while warming.

• Pick the right burner. A Warming Trends Crossfire® unit burns cleaner, hotter, and needs less throttle for the same vibe.

Gear I Trust

The S48 I tested lives here: https://prepperhideout.com/products/warming-trends-s48-square-aos-fire-table-with-180-000-btu-crossfire%C2%AE-burner-and-waterstop%C2%AE-fitting
More shapes and sizes sit in our Fire Tables collection: https://prepperhideout.com/collections/fire-tables
While you’re shopping, scan our Alternative Power line-up for silent backup juice: https://prepperhideout.com/collections/alternative-power

Prepper Hideout started in 2012 when I, Darren Small, decided folks deserved gear that keeps the lights on, the water clean, and the backyard fun rolling even when the grid quits.
From freeze dryers to EMP defense, I stock only what I would run at home.

FAQs

Does altitude change burn time?

Higher elevation lowers BTU output, so you get a longer burn but smaller flame.

Can I hook a fire table to my home’s big propane tank?

Yes.
Just match regulator pressure and use a certified flex line.

Is natural gas cheaper?

Usually.
But a 20-pounder wins for portability and off-grid resilience.

How do I know the tank is close to empty?

Feel the metal.
The cold line marks the liquid level.
Or grab a scale—propane weighs 4.2 lb per gallon.

Where can I ask more?

Hit my contact page and you’ll get me, not a bot: https://prepperhideout.com/pages/contact

I recommend keeping a spare because nothing torpedoes a night like getting the question "How long does a 20lb propane tank last on a fire table?" wrong.