Research date: September 20, 2026. Running costs below are calculated from manufacturer specifications and published fuel prices. Your fuel price, settings and weather will change the result, so we show the formulas.
The short answer
A propane fire table puts out roughly three to four times more heat than a bioethanol fire table and costs far less per hour to run. A bioethanol fire table wins on placement freedom: no tank, no gas line, no smoke, and some models are rated for indoor use, which propane tables are not. Choose ethanol for ambiance and flexibility. Choose propane if real warmth on a cold night is the priority.
Ethanol vs. propane fire tables at a glance
| Factor | Bioethanol fire table | Propane fire table |
|---|---|---|
| Typical heat output | 15,000–20,433 BTU/h (EcoSmart Fire XL900 and AB8 burners) | 65,000 BTU/h on EcoSmart Fire's own gas table burner, as one example |
| Fuel cost per hour (full flame) | About $7.60–$10.50 | About $2.10–$4.30, depending on what you pay for propane |
| Burn time per fill | 7–9 h (AB8) or 8–13 h (XL900) | Depends on tank size and setting |
| Infrastructure | None. No gas line, no electrical, no venting | Propane tank, or a licensed natural gas line for NG models |
| Indoor use | Possible on models rated for it, with room-size and ventilation limits | Outdoor only |
| Ignition | Manual: fill, then light with a lighting rod | Push-button or knob ignition on most models |
| Flame control | Slider or baffle adjusts flame | Valve adjusts flame instantly |
| Wind sensitivity | Higher. Wind raises fuel use and can put the flame out | Lower, though strong gusts still affect it |
| Fuel storage | Flammable liquid in bottles or a jerry can | Pressurized cylinder or buried tank |
Heat output: what the BTU numbers really mean
BTU per hour measures how much heat an appliance releases while it runs. EcoSmart Fire publishes two burner ratings that cover every bioethanol fire table we currently carry:
- AB8 round burner: 20,433 BTU/h, 2.1-gallon fuel capacity, 0.29 gallons per hour at maximum flame.
- XL900 linear burner: 15,000 BTU/h, 2.4-gallon capacity, 0.21 gallons per hour at maximum flame.
For comparison, EcoSmart Fire rates its own gas fire table burner at 65,000 BTU/h on either natural gas or propane. That is about 3.2 times the AB8 and 4.3 times the XL900.
In practice, a bioethanol table warms the people sitting closest to it on a cool evening. A propane table at full output can push back genuinely cold air. EcoSmart itself positions bioethanol for intimate seating areas and recommends gas when you need primary heating for larger outdoor spaces. Its safety instructions also describe its ethanol burners as decorative appliances that are not intended for continuous operation. If you are buying a fire table mainly to stay warm, that matters.
How much does it cost to run an ethanol fire table vs. propane?
This is where most comparison articles get vague. Here is the math, step by step.
Bioethanol running cost
Formula: gallons per hour × price per gallon = cost per hour.
EcoSmart Fire's e-NRG bioethanol is sold in 4-gallon cases. Several US retailers list a case at $145, and EcoSmart Fire's own store lists ten cases at $1,450. That works out to about $36.25 per gallon.
| Burner | Fuel use at max | Cost per hour | Cost to fill the burner |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB8 (20,433 BTU/h) | 0.29 gal/h | 0.29 × $36.25 = $10.51 | 2.1 gal × $36.25 = $76.13 |
| XL900 (15,000 BTU/h) | 0.21 gal/h | 0.21 × $36.25 = $7.61 | 2.4 gal × $36.25 = $87.00 |
These are maximum-flame figures. Turning the flame down with the burner's slider or the included AB8 efficiency ring or XL baffles lowers consumption and extends burn time, and wind raises it.
Propane running cost
Formula: BTU/h ÷ 91,420 BTU per gallon × price per gallon = cost per hour.
The US Department of Energy lists propane at about 91,420 BTU per gallon (higher heating value, the basis US gas appliances are rated on). A 65,000 BTU/h burner at full flame therefore uses about 0.71 gallons per hour.
What you pay per gallon varies a lot. The EIA's final weekly US residential average for the 2025–26 heating season was about $2.67 per gallon, but that figure reflects bulk tank deliveries. Refilling or exchanging a 20-lb grill cylinder usually costs more per gallon. A 20-lb cylinder holds about 4.7 gallons, so divide your local refill price by 4.7 to get your real price per gallon.
| Your propane price | Cost per hour at 65,000 BTU/h |
|---|---|
| $3.00 per gallon | $2.13 |
| $4.00 per gallon | $2.84 |
| $5.00 per gallon | $3.56 |
| $6.00 per gallon | $4.27 |
The fair comparison: cost per unit of heat
Comparing cost per hour alone understates the gap, because the propane table is also producing three to four times more heat. Per 10,000 BTU delivered:
- Bioethanol: about $5.10 (AB8: $10.51 ÷ 2.04; XL900: $7.61 ÷ 1.5).
- Propane: about $0.33 at $3 per gallon, or $0.66 at $6 per gallon.
Heat for heat, bioethanol costs roughly 8 to 15 times more than propane. That is the honest trade-off. You are paying for the freedom to put a real flame almost anywhere, with nothing to plumb, vent or wire.
Burn time and refueling
An AB8 burner runs about 7 to 9 hours on a full 2.1-gallon fill at maximum flame, and EcoSmart quotes up to 11 hours with the efficiency ring fitted. The XL900 runs about 8 to 13 hours on 2.4 gallons. For most households that is several evenings per fill.
Refueling an ethanol burner has one rule that is not optional: turn it off and let it cool completely before adding fuel. EcoSmart Fire specifies a 60-minute cool-down, and warns that the flame can be hard to see. You cannot top up mid-evening the way you would swap a propane tank. We cover why in our guide to ethanol fire pit safety.
Installation and placement
Bioethanol: There is no gas line, electrical connection, flue or chimney. You set the table level on a solid surface and fill the burner. EcoSmart specifies a minimum half-inch air gap under the table, which its adjustable feet provide, and says the tables can be used on sealed wooden decking but not on artificial turf or grass. Keep flammable materials at least one metre (about 3.3 feet) away while it is lit. Fire codes restrict open flames on many apartment and condo balconies; see where you can put an ethanol fire table.
Propane: Many propane tables hide a 20-lb cylinder inside the base or connect by hose to an external tank. Natural gas versions need a gas line run by a licensed professional, and usually a permit. That adds cost but gives you unlimited burn time.
Can you use an ethanol or propane fire table indoors?
Propane fire tables are outdoor appliances. EcoSmart Fire limits its own gas tables to outdoor settings.
Bioethanol is different. EcoSmart Fire states that its bioethanol fire tables can be used indoors or outdoors, with conditions. The Indoor Safety Tray must be installed (and, on AB8 tables, the AB8 Burner Efficiency Ring), and each burner has a minimum room size: 4,097 cubic feet for the AB8 and 3,885 cubic feet for the XL900. A 20 × 26 ft room with 8-ft ceilings (4,160 cubic feet) clears the AB8 minimum. The room must also be well ventilated but protected from strong cross-drafts, and the manufacturer requires a working smoke alarm and an ABC fire extinguisher nearby. Before planning indoor use, confirm the specific model's manual and your local code, or ask our team to check it with you.
Wind, weather and the look of the flame
Wind matters more for bioethanol than most buyers expect. EcoSmart notes that gusts push the flame off-center, increase fuel consumption and can put the burner out, which is why its tables use glass fire screens and, on some models, internal baffles. Place an ethanol table away from wind corridors between buildings, swaying trees and umbrellas. A propane table handles a breeze better.
The flames look different too. Bioethanol burns with a soft, moving orange flame with no smoke, soot or ash, rising directly from the burner. Propane tables usually push flame through glass or lava media and can run a taller, brighter flame at high output.
Which should you choose?
Choose a bioethanol fire table if:
- You want a flame for atmosphere on a deck, rooftop terrace or courtyard where a gas line or tank is impractical, and the local fire code and any HOA rules allow open flame there.
- You want the option of using it inside, in a room that meets the burner's size and ventilation requirements.
- You use it a few evenings a month, so the higher fuel cost stays manageable.
- You want no tank to hide, no hose, no ignition battery and no installer.
Choose a propane fire table if:
- Heat is the main goal, especially in fall and early spring in cold climates.
- You plan to run it several hours a night, several nights a week.
- You want push-button ignition and instant flame adjustment.
- The table will live in an exposed, windy spot.
Some buyers end up with both: a propane or natural gas feature for the main patio, and a bioethanol table for a sunroom or smaller terrace where gas is not an option.
EcoSmart Fire bioethanol fire tables at Lumiflares
We are an authorized EcoSmart Fire dealer. The fire tables we currently carry are all bioethanol models, cast in EcoSmart's Fluid Concrete with teak options on most models.
| Model | Size | Burner / output | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base 30 | 30.6 × 30.6 in square | AB8, 20,433 BTU/h | Small patios and tight seating areas |
| Ark 40 | 39.4 in round | AB8, 20,433 BTU/h | Circular conversation seating |
| Base 40 | 39.4 × 39.4 in square | AB8, 20,433 BTU/h | Four-sided lounge groupings |
| Manhattan 50 / Martini 50 | 50 × 30 in | AB8, 20,433 BTU/h | Sofa-facing coffee-table layouts |
| Cosmo 50 | 50 × 30 in | XL900, 15,000 BTU/h | A long linear flame in a coffee-table footprint |
| Wharf 65 | 65 × 39.4 in | XL900, 15,000 BTU/h | Larger lounge areas |
| Gin 90 Dining / Gin 90 Bar | 89.4 × 43.2 in | XL900, 15,000 BTU/h | Outdoor dining and bar seating around the flame |
For heights, footprints and how to choose between the AB8 and XL900 models, see EcoSmart Fire Tables Compared.
Browse all EcoSmart Fire tables
Not sure ethanol is enough heat for your space? Tell us the size of the area, how exposed it is to wind, and whether you want to use it indoors. We will check the burner, room-size and placement requirements for the model you are considering before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ethanol fire pit hotter than a propane fire pit?
No. Bioethanol burners in EcoSmart Fire tables are rated 15,000 to 20,433 BTU/h, while propane fire tables commonly run much higher. EcoSmart's own gas table burner is rated 65,000 BTU/h. Ethanol gives noticeable warmth close to the table, not whole-patio heat.
How long does an ethanol fire table burn?
On a full fill at maximum flame, about 7 to 9 hours for the AB8 burner and 8 to 13 hours for the XL900, according to EcoSmart Fire. Lower flame settings extend that. Wind shortens it.
Is ethanol cheaper than propane for a fire pit?
No. At about $36 per gallon for e-NRG bioethanol, an AB8 burner costs roughly $10.50 per hour at full flame. A 65,000 BTU/h propane table costs roughly $2 to $4.30 per hour depending on your propane price, while producing more heat.
Can I use regular denatured alcohol in an EcoSmart Fire table?
No. EcoSmart Fire's safety instructions say to use only e-NRG bioethanol in its burners, and the manufacturer states it is not liable for damage caused by incorrect fuel.
Do ethanol fire tables need a permit?
Bioethanol tables need no gas, electrical or venting work, so there is usually nothing to permit. Rules for open flames on balconies, rooftops and in multifamily buildings vary by city and building, so check with your building management or local fire department before using one there. Our placement guide explains the fire code sections involved.
Sources
- EcoSmart Fire, AB8 Ethanol Burner specifications
- EcoSmart Fire, XL900 Ethanol Burner specifications
- EcoSmart Fire, Fire Tables collection and FAQ (gas burner rating, indoor/outdoor use, deck and turf guidance, wind)
- EcoSmart Fire, Safety Instructions – Ethanol Burners
- EcoSmart Fire, e-NRG Bioethanol (case size and list pricing)
- US Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center, Fuel Properties Comparison (propane energy content)
- US Energy Information Administration, Weekly Heating Oil and Propane Update (residential propane prices; the survey runs October through March)
This guide explains general trade-offs. Always follow the installation and operating manual for your specific model and your local fire code.