Polywood fire pit table

Liven up your outdoor space while adding warmth and comfort with a propane fire pit or patio heater. Whether creating an inviting area for guests to lounge by the fire or simply keeping the area warm on chilly nights, Sam’s Club offers stylish and unique fire pits to complement your backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fire Pits

What factors should I consider when choosing an outdoor gas fire pit or patio heater?

A patio heater is a great choice if you want to add some warmth to your existing outdoor seating. Patio heaters release a lot of heat and require a small footprint, so you won’t need to move your existing furniture to make room. They're also easy to maneuver, so they can be relocated or stored away as needed. Plus, they can extend the comfort and usability of outdoor dining sets during chilly evenings.

However, if your goal is to create a brand new entertainment space outdoors, a gas fire pit may be the answer. These pits are often paired with matching seating and table furniture around their perimeter to offer a warm gathering area for guests to hang out. When combined with outdoor lighting or spas and saunas, you can easily transform a cold, dark, unused space into a warm, welcoming social oasis for friends and family to connect comfortably.

Can you provide information on the heating capacity and range of outdoor heaters?

In general, gas fire pit models are designed to warm the immediate surrounding area, so those seated around the pit will stay nice and toasty. Patio heaters, on the other hand, tend to spread heat in a wider area and will have a greater heating capacity per BTU.

A propane fire pit model may be a wise choice if you want to create a warm and comfortable conversation space. If you’re looking to heat a large space, you may want to look at patio heaters.

Are there safety features incorporated into gas fire pits and patio heaters?

Many propane heaters and fire pits available at Sam’s Club include push-button ignition, so there’s no need to light a match and hope for the best. They also have easy-to-use dials to adjust the flame from low to high. Most patio heaters incorporate an anti-tilt switch that turns the device off if it's accidentally tipped over.

How do I determine the right size and BTU rating for my outdoor space?

Outdoor heaters and patio fire pits will typically include ratings for how much heat is produced (measured in BTU), with many of Sam’s Club outdoor fire pits and patio heaters boasting up to 50,000 BTUs from a standard 20-lb. propane tank.

However, how it warms your patio or backyard space is different in every case and is affected by patio coverings, wind, and even which direction your patio faces. Fortunately, many products include a maximum square-footage rating. If that isn’t available, a rule of thumb for heating capacity and range is to use 20 BTUs per square foot of covered patio space.