How many BTUs do I actually need in a propane fire table?

Most reviewer-recommended fire tables land between 40,000 and 60,000 BTU. Across the reviewers we read, 50,000 BTU is the common reference point and is enough to feel warmth from a few feet away on a chilly evening. Specialist subreddit threads consistently caution that even a 50,000 BTU gas pit will not throw heat like a wood fire, so buyers prioritizing warmth over ambiance should temper expectations or look at higher-BTU rectangular models.