Updated on Sep. 23, 2024
Save space with a fire pit that doubles as a table and a patio heater. Read our TIKI fire pit review for a breakdown of this space-saving outdoor appliance.
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On a chilly night, there’s no time to split logs, build a fire and tend to kindling—you want warmth, stat! That’s where the best propane fire pits come in. These handy appliances require little assembly; Simply twist open your propane tank and ignite. Easy-peasy.
Our Product Testing Team recently evaluated seven models to find the best options for every backyard. Among their recommendations? The Tiki customizable propane fire pit. After three months of testing, here’s why this fire pit (and its handy accessories) earned our stamp of approval.
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The Tiki customizable propane fire pit comes from the same brand as the iconic torches. It’s compatible with a standard 20-pound propane tank and puts out 40,000 BTUs. It measures roughly 28 inches on all sides and has a modern, curved look. The sleek, black construction is weatherproof. And its whopping 91-pound weight hints that this fire pit is built to last.
Plus, it’s customizable with three accessories—a table insert, glass surround and propane heater attachment—that allow you to truly make this fire pit your own. Each accessory, sold separately, can be used on its own or in conjunction with other add-ons.
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Our team has been testing the Tiki customizable propane fire pit since June 2024. First, our Product Testing Team put it through the paces while batch-testing several other gas fire pits. Then, I took it home for long-term testing and to evaluate the accessories.
Our Product Testing Team began by testing the Tiki alongside our gas fire pit methodology. They weighed it on the following criteria:
Right away, our testers liked the sleek, modern look of this fire pit. It has a streamlined profile and an all-black hue that stands out among traditional fire pits. As we discuss further in this review, it also has accessories (sold separately) that convert it into a fire pit table with glass surround and even a patio heater.
The assembly process left a lot to be desired. The diagrams in the manual were dark and hard to read, the parts weren’t labeled, and the corresponding part numbers were long and confusing. Our testers spent quite a bit of time flipping back and forth just to ensure they were on the right track. Despite these setbacks, it still only took about an hour to assemble.
Luckily, the Tiki quickly redeemed itself. Hooking up the propane was very simple. We screwed the hose onto the tank, which was made even easier thanks to a built-in sliding track. At this point, the manual suggests seasoning the lava rocks for 30 minutes on the highest setting. During this process, keep people and pets 15 feet away in case one of the rocks pops.
The team turned on the fire pit and saw a bright orange flame on the highest setting. It’s a bit on the small side, emitting from the vent in the center of the pit. The effect looks similar to, well, a Tiki torch! On the lowest level, the flame is tiny—almost nonexistent—but still throws off a generous amount of heat. Our testers could feel the warmth up to 8.5 feet away.
From a safety standpoint, the flames dance in the wind slightly, but since they come from such a narrow spot, it doesn’t feel dangerous. We also reported no gas leaks.
In fact, the gas gauge was one of our favorite features on the Tiki fire pit. Color-coded lines show how much gas you have left in the tank, with red = refill, yellow = low gas and green = gas. No more guesswork! (Or emergency trips to the hardware store mid-s’more session.)
However, it is worth noting that we did find some cons with the Tiki. Specifically, the door that allows access to the propane tank. It doesn’t hinge open as you’d expect and is extremely cumbersome to take on and off. Since you need to open the door to turn the propane on and off with each use, this is incredibly annoying.
The fire pit is also quite bulky, weighing over 90 pounds. Even with the transport wheels, it’s very tricky to move. We suggest setting it up as close to its final destination as possible. That said, the weight and bulk indicate sturdiness and, hopefully, longevity (we’ll be sure to report back in a year).
Each of the three accessories—the table, glass surround and propane heater attachment—arrived in its own box.
I started with the table attachment. It connects to the fire pit with just a few screws and is ready to use after less than five minutes of assembly. The insert that comes with the fire pit fits perfectly inside the table (when not in use, of course) to create a perfectly flush surface.
I love having the option to sit around the fire pit on a cool night—while still having a spot to put a drink or a plate. Or, I can keep the fire pit off and use the table as a serving station or extra seating when hosting. This attachment definitely adds to the fire pit’s versatility, especially in small spaces. For around $200, it’s not necessary, but it certainly adds to the overall look and enjoyment of the fire pit.
Next, I added the glass surround attachment. This one was slightly tricky to build as I couldn’t immediately identify which glass pieces were meant for the inner circle and which were meant for the outer. After a little trial and error, I figured it out. Assembly required attaching several screws, then simply placing the surround atop the fire pit.
Right away, I loved the aesthetics of this accessory. It gave the fire pit a high-end appeal that elevated the look of my entire patio. But from a practical perspective, this accessory doesn’t do all that much. The flame of the Tiki is already quite contained, even on the highest setting, so there’s not much need for added wind protection. If you have curious kids or pets who may be tempted to stick their hands near the open flame, I could see the appeal. But for most users, I’d suggest saving the $179.
The propane heater attachment, however, is worth every penny. On an unseasonably cool Wisconsin day, I pulled this baby out of the box. It was quick to assemble, although this accessory connects to the pit for stability, so you will need to move the lava rocks, which is a bit messy.
After it’s attached, simply turn the fire pit on, and voila! Instant heat reflection. The glass column fogs up at first but quickly dissipates, allowing you to watch the enchanting flame. My family was visiting the first time we used this attachment, and we were all impressed by how hot it got. After 15 minutes of use, many of us even shed our jackets and blankets. As someone who finds most patio heaters bulky, I love the sleek, glass look of this attachment. I’m also impressed that it retrofits to something I can use in spring and summer, too, when I don’t need quite as much heat. Of all the Tiki attachments, this one’s my favorite. The $299 price tag is high but worth it for cool climates.
Our Product Testing Team knows a thing or two about evaluating outdoor gear. We’ve tried everything from leaf vacuums to expandable garden hoses. For propane fire pits, we reviewed multiple products and ran 10 distinct tests to collect 300 data points. Plus, this isn’t our expert editors’ first time testing the best fire pits. We’ve also evaluated smokeless options from Breeo, Blue Sky, East Oak and Solo Stove.
As for me, I’m the Senior Shopping Editor at Taste of Home, a sister site of Family Handyman. During my tenure, I’ve tested hundreds of products, including the Tiki smokeless fire pit, the Ooni Koda 16 pizza oven, and the best hammocks.
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The Tiki customizable propane fire pit and its accessories are available on the brand’s website, Amazon and Ace Hardware.
