Care Guide: Firepit Tables and FirepitsUpdated 8 hours ago
Caring for your fire pit
A fire pit creates a wonderful focal point and extends outdoor entertaining well into the cooler months. With the right care and maintenance it will stay in excellent condition and operate safely for many years.
Safety first: Always allow your fire pit to cool completely before any cleaning, covering, or maintenance. This can take several hours after use. Never attempt to clean, move, or cover a fire pit that is still warm.
After each use
Gas fire pit
Once the fire pit has cooled completely, disconnect the gas bottle and fit the protective cover over the heating element. Always disconnect gas when the fire pit is not in use — never leave gas connected to an unattended or stored fire pit.
Important: Never submerge or allow water to enter the control valve or gas connection points. If water has entered the control valve for any reason, do not attempt to use the fire pit. The valve must be professionally inspected or replaced before the fire pit is used again.
Fire pit dining table
Once the fire pit table has cooled completely, turn off the gas at the burner control and then at the bottle or storage cupboard valve. Fit the protective cover or lid over the burner element. Always disconnect gas when the unit is not in use. Wipe down the table surface promptly after use to remove any food, drink spills, or residue before they dry and become harder to remove.
Important: Never submerge or allow water to enter the control valve, ignition system, or gas connection points. If water has entered any of these components, do not use the fire pit table until it has been professionally inspected.
Wood burning
Once the fire pit has cooled completely, remove ash and debris from the burning bowl. Ash can be disposed of in your garden waste bin or, in small quantities, lightly scattered on garden soil as a mild fertiliser. Do not allow ash to accumulate over multiple uses — a build-up of ash restricts airflow and can impede the performance of future fires.
Important: Never remove ash while it is still warm. Ash can retain heat for many hours and can contain live embers that are not visible to the naked eye. Always wait until the fire pit is completely cold before removing ash.
Gas type — propane patio gas
Gas fire pits and fire pit dining tables require a propane patio gas bottle — these are the green bottles available from most hardware stores, garden centres, and supermarkets. We recommend a 5kg bottle. On a dining table, this size fits neatly inside the built-in storage cupboard; on a standard gas fire pit, it sits neatly alongside or inside the unit. Using a larger bottle may not fit correctly, which can cause damage or safety issues.
Propane is specifically recommended for outdoor use as it continues to vaporise and flow reliably in cold temperatures, unlike butane which can struggle in cooler conditions.
Important: Gas bottles must always be kept upright during use and storage. Never lay a gas bottle on its side.
Please note: Propane patio gas bottles are green; butane bottles are typically blue. Always confirm you have the correct gas type and a regulator rated for propane patio gas before connecting. If in doubt, contact the gas bottle supplier or a qualified gas engineer.
Where to buy propane patio gas
A 5kg propane patio gas bottle typically costs around £60, usually made up of a £30 deposit on the bottle and £30 for the initial fill. Most suppliers refund the deposit when you return the bottle, making it effectively a one-off upfront cost — after that, you only pay for refills.
To find your nearest stockist or refill point, we recommend:
- www.calor.co.uk — use their location finder to find local stockists
- www.flogas.co.uk — handy postcode search for nearby suppliers
How long will a gas bottle last?
Every kilogram of propane produces around 14kW of heat energy, so a 5kg bottle contains approximately 70kW in total. On a continuous full heat setting, a 5kg bottle will last approximately:
- 8 hours for an 8kW fire pit
- 5 hours for a 14kW fire pit
Running on a low or medium heat setting will extend the bottle life considerably.
Running cost per hour
Based on a 5kg bottle costing £30 for the gas, approximate running costs on full heat are:
- 8kW fire pit: approximately £3.50 per hour
- 14kW fire pit: approximately £6.00 per hour
On a lower heat setting these costs can be up to half the amounts above.
Cleaning the burner area
Keep the area around the burner clean and completely dry at all times. Small particles of debris can block burner holes and affect the flame pattern. Clear blocked burner holes carefully using a pipe cleaner or soft brush — never use anything metallic that could damage the burner surface. Do not use water directly on the burner or any gas components.
Cleaning the body
Clean the exterior body, legs, and frame with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not use flammable cleaning agents, solvents, or corrosive chemicals. Never spray cleaning products directly onto the fire pit — apply to a cloth first. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Wood burning additional care
For cast iron fire pits, dry thoroughly immediately after cleaning to prevent surface rust, then apply a light coat of specialist cast iron oil or heat-resistant protective oil to the interior bowl. For powder-coated steel fire pits, avoid abrasive pads or wire wool which will scratch the coating. Minor surface rust can be treated with a rust remover and touch-up paint suitable for high-temperature use.
Fire pit dining table additional care
Clean the table surface regularly with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Please refer to the relevant table top care article for detailed guidance on ceramic glass, sintered stone, or teak surfaces. Always wipe up spills promptly and use placemats and coasters to protect the surface from heat and staining.
The grate and accessories (wood burning)
Remove and clean any grates, grills, or cooking accessories separately after use once fully cooled. Brush off loose ash with a stiff brush, then wash with warm soapy water. Dry thoroughly before storing. Cast iron grates benefit from a light coat of oil after cleaning to prevent surface rust.
Fire pit stones and glass
If your fire pit uses decorative stones, lava rocks, or fire glass, ensure they are completely dry before lighting. Moisture trapped within stones or glass will turn to steam when heated, which can cause them to crack or shatter. After cleaning, allow at least 24 hours of drying time before use.
Important: Never light your fire pit if the stones or fire glass have been recently cleaned or exposed to rain until they are completely dry. Even stones that appear dry on the surface may retain moisture internally.
Gas storage cupboard (fire pit dining table)
Most fire pit dining tables feature a built-in storage cupboard designed to house the gas bottle out of sight beneath the table. Keep this cupboard clean and dry — wipe the interior periodically with a dry cloth. Ensure the cupboard door or panel closes fully and is not obstructed, as adequate ventilation around the gas bottle is essential for safe operation.
Important: The gas storage cupboard must always remain ventilated. Never block, seal, or line the cupboard interior in a way that restricts airflow around the gas bottle. Always disconnect the gas bottle and remove it from the cupboard when storing for a prolonged period or moving the table. Never store gas bottles indoors.
Battery ignition system (fire pit dining table)
Most fire pit dining tables feature a push-button or electronic ignition system powered by a battery. Check the ignition at the start of each season — if the igniter is not sparking reliably, replace the battery before use. Batteries are typically AAA and are accessed via the control panel.
Keep the ignition electrode clean and free from debris. If the electrode tip becomes corroded or dirty, clean gently with a dry cloth. Do not use water or cleaning products on the ignition components. If the ignition repeatedly fails after fresh batteries have been fitted, contact us for guidance before attempting to light manually.
Please note: If using manual ignition as a backup, always follow the manufacturer's lighting instructions carefully. Never lean over the burner when lighting and keep your face away from the flame path.
Gas connections and hoses
Inspect the gas hose and connections at the start of each season for any signs of cracking, perishing, or damage. A simple way to check for leaks is to apply a small amount of soapy water to connections while the gas is on — bubbles indicate a leak. If you suspect a leak or find damage to the hose, do not use the fire pit and contact a qualified gas engineer.
Important: Gas hoses should be replaced every 3–5 years as a precaution, even if no visible damage is present. Always use a hose and regulator rated for propane patio gas (½" BSP connection, typically a 27mm clip-on or screw-fit regulator for a patio gas bottle).
Protecting from rain (wood burning)
Wood-burning fire pits should always be covered when not in use to prevent rainwater pooling in the bowl. Standing water in a cast iron or steel bowl will cause rust to develop quickly. Use a dedicated fire pit cover and ensure it is fully dry before fitting. Do not cover the fire pit until it has cooled completely.
Seasonal storage
Before storing for the season, clean the fire pit thoroughly and allow to dry completely. Store in a dry, sheltered location and cover with a weatherproof cover if storing outdoors.
Gas fire pit and fire pit dining table
Disconnect the gas bottle and store it safely in a well-ventilated outdoor location. Fit the protective cover over the burner element. For dining tables, remove the gas bottle from the storage cupboard before moving the table indoors or into a shed.
Please note: Gas bottles must always be stored outdoors in a well-ventilated area, upright, and away from heat sources, drains, and ignition points. Never store gas bottles in a garage, shed, or any enclosed indoor space.
Wood burning
Remove all ash and debris and apply a protective oil to any cast iron surfaces. If storing outdoors, elevate slightly off the ground to prevent moisture absorption from below.
What to avoid — all fire pits
Quick reference — do and avoid
Seasonal maintenance checklist
Work through this at the start of each season before first use.
- Clean the exterior body with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly
- Remove any remaining ash or debris from the bowl or burner area
- Apply protective oil to any cast iron surfaces (wood burning)
- Check burner holes are clear and unblocked (gas)
- Confirm you are using propane patio gas (green bottle) and a compatible propane regulator
- Inspect gas hose and connections for cracks, perishing, or damage (gas)
- Check decorative stones or fire glass for cracks and ensure they are completely dry before use
- Test the battery ignition and replace battery if not sparking reliably (fire pit dining table)
- Wipe out the gas storage cupboard and check it is clean, dry, and unobstructed (fire pit dining table)
- Inspect the fire pit cover for damage and replace if it no longer offers full protection
- Check for any surface rust on the body and treat promptly before use