Dreaming about that nice firecamp while camping in the middle of nature? Yes indeed, it is dreamy and highly appreciated by everyone. However, it can easily become some kind of a chore for the person responsible to find the wood, arrange it, light it up and look after the fire. For this exact type of situation, portable fire pits have been created, and in this article, we will focus on the best propane fire pits.
As much as many love and adore the smell and feeling of burning wood, it’s simply not as easy to achieve in every situation. If you want to take your fire pit to a festival, at the beach or in an urban place where you’re not allowed to do bonfires, you won’t be able to enjoy that moment of complicity around a fire pit. However, with a propane powered portable fire pit, you have a solution. Just take a look at all the plus that they provide:
- Portability
Decide where you want to do your fire. Beach, patio, forest, hills, in front of your RV.. as long as it is outdoors, you’re good to go. Handy, compact, lightweight, it will quickly become a trip essential.
- Beat the fire ban
Always check the fire regulations in your area. But often, even during local fire bans and restrictions, propane fire pits are tolerated. Be sure to check if you can use it with the relevant local authorities
- Smokeless
The flames produced by propane powered fire pits are not like a classic wood generated. They are as smokeless as it could be. This is life changing if you dislike to smell like wood just after you enjoyed the evening. Also, it comes handy if some wind raises up and disturbs the quietness of the evening, as you won’t have to keep moving around the fire according to the direction in which the wind blows. Also, no irritating ashes flying into your eyes. Smoke free fire pits will bring your fire game to a whole new level.
- Unbeatable atmosphere
Just imagine yourself in your rocking chair, around a nice dazzling fire, with your family and friends. Perfect picture and moment. You can easily do a bonfire in open air, but can you really do it easily on a beach or even your backyard? Not so easy as you have to find the wood, set it up, get it up and burning and then monitor it. Here is where a propane fire pit comes into action. Nothing feels better than a nice gathering with friends, family around a dazzling source or warmth: a fire. It just gives a relaxing atmosphere overall that makes you feel relaxed and cozy
- No-odour
Propane is odourless is nature, but often, fabricants add a stinky chemical that will make it smell. This is only a safety measure, so if there’s a lead in your propane tank, you will smell it. If the tank is properly attached to the fire pit, and all is good, there should be no strong smell produced from your fire pit
- No babysitting
Adding wood logs every 20 mins? No need. As long as your tank has some propane to burn, the fire will still burn and warmth will be generated.
- Clean
No ashes everywhere around the burning site. No wood pieces or pellets either. Just switch off the fire pit, let it cool down and put it aside where you’d normally store it. That’s just as easy.
- Woodless
No need to think about all the logistics around the fire pit like you would for a regular wood fire. You won’t need to find the right, sufficient, wood to burn. No need to find a set up and secure it with stones. No need to think of how to put the fire down once you’re finished. You’re relieved from all these cumbersome tasks.
- Control the flames
Most (if not all) the gas fire pits have a valve knob that controls the flow of propane that will be fed to the fire, hence the possibility to control the flames to your liking, which is hard, if not impossible to do, with wood fire.
- Save time
As we saw earlier, no cumbersome tasks. Just get your propane tank, attach and secure the hose, get the tank out of your sight and you’re set. Either with auto-ignition or with manual set up it will be quick and easy to have a nice beautiful flame burning.
- Easy to use
No need to be a fire/forest expert to use those devices. They are meant even for the ones that are not so comfortable with setting up/putting down a bonfire. You should just turn the knob and the fire will be on if you have an auto-ignition feature, if not you can simply turn the gas flow and use a long reach lighter.
- Safe
Often, propane fire pits will have a security “lock” and if the flow of propane is too important it will block it. Some other devices might also have a fire safety ring around the main fire bowl to keep away inattentive adults, kids or pets.
- Freedom
Get your propane fire pit and go anywhere, anytime you want. It’s compact and lightweight. Easy to carry thanks to carry kits that come with the fire pit or that are available to purchase for a bit more.
***Propane fire pit safety: make sure to use it only in outdoor, properly ventilated areas. Never indoors. Make sure the fire is always attended at all times, particularly if you have kids or pets, and you should always keep at far from the flames. Be sure to stay/sit at a safe distance from the flames. The hoses to connect to the propane tank are about 5ft or 10ft: it’s not only for esthetic reasons and keeping it out of your sight, it also to make sure that the tank is far away enough from the flames. Be mindful of your environment: be careful that no inflammable object is close either. Remember the general safety rules around fires and gas. You can never be too careful***
There are many options that you can opt for when choosing a portable fire pit, but we’re going to see exclusively propane fire pits. They have many advantages like being allowed when there are fire bans (always to check the restrictions in place in your area on this matter) and they have smokeless flames. No need to worry about the preparation of the wood, the ignition of the flame or to put out the fire.
They are usually lightweight, easy to carry around, and simple to operate. If you are not comfortable with fire, which can become unmanageable and dangerous quite easily if you are not used or don’t know the main safety rules around it, propane powered fire pits can also come handy. In most of them, turning the fire on or off is the matter of a knob turn.
Best Portable Propane Fire Pit Overall: Outland Firebowl 870 Premium
We have here a star; an absolute favourite item by the consumers. This premium version of the Outland fire pit is affordable but ticks all the boxes that people are usually looking for when buying a portable propane fire pit. It’s a high quality, durable, portable, easy to use propane fire pit. The cherry on the cake is its matchless auto-ignition feature that will allow you to start a fire simply, in a matter of seconds. If you wanted, you could also get (not included) a natural gas converter kit.
Construction: high quality steel with powder coating and enamel finishing. It will be durable and sturdy. It will survive going even on the most adventurous trips.
Stainless steel burner: the burner and fastener are top quality and have an output of 58,000 BTU/HR (for use with a standard 20 lb / 5 gallon propane tank).
Firebowl/stones: the firebowl is lightweight, portable and all-weather resistant. It comes with 4.4 pounds of natural lava rocks to optimise your fire camp experience. The rocks will enhance the flickering of the flames for a more realistic feeling. It also includes a propane tank stabilizer ring and pre-attached 10′ hose with regulator to keep your propane tank safely out of sight.
Chrome Valve knob: thanks to this simple to use knob, you can adjust the height of the flames. This is a cool feature that you don’t avail of with natural fire and that will help you set the right tone to your party/gathering/moment.
Quick facts:
Size: L 19” x W 19” x H 11
Weight: 24.5 pounds
Fuel: propane
Burning: 58,000 BTU/HR.
Auto-ignition feature
Valve knob to control the height of the flames
Cover(lid) and carry kit included
Diameter: 19 inches
The Most Portable One: Outland Firebowl 823
This is another beautiful and practical fire pit provided by Outland Living. They have put into the market five sorts of fire pits and each one of them has a specific feature that differentiates it from the others. You’ll surely find your perfect device amongst the choice that they provide. This version is their standard fire pit. It is very similar to the above item, that we have already reviewed but with few differences: the weight, it’s lighter; it does not have the auto-ignition feature and it does not come with a cover and carry kit. But for the rest, it does compare indeed to its big brother the premium fire pit.
Steel construction will ensure a very solid and sturdy build that will last over time. It will endure even the harshest weather conditions.
Lightweight and portable: just 22 pounds for a fire pit. Virtually nothing. No mess, no fuss, no woods. Easy to pack and carry around for an overnight camping adventure or a longer RV road trip.
Includes pre-attached 10-Ft hose to keep your standard 20-Lb propane tank cylinder away.
Lava rocks (4.4 pounds) are also included to enhance the flickering effect of the flames and help achieve a perfect atmosphere.
Stainless steel burner: the burner and fastener are top quality and have an output of 58,000 BTU/HR (for use with a standard 20 lb / 5 gallon propane tank).
Flame height control through chrome valve knob
Quick facts:
Size: L 19” x W 19” x H 11”
Weight: 22 pounds
Fuel: propane
Diameter: 19 inches
Burning: 58,000 BTU/HR.
Easy set up
Valve knob to control flames height
The Straight To The Point One: Camp Chef Portable Fire Ring
Camp Chef has been specialising and providing a whole range of outdoors devices. Going effectively on trips and holidays with a lot of families and friends. It is natural to also find some fire pits within their offering. This fire ring is also a best seller, a really ideal for a first fire pit.
The design is quite simple, but pretty nice with some forest trees decorations. It also comes with 12 pounds of lava rocks, that you might want to “cure” the first time that you are using this fire ring. You can simply do so by setting the fire up to high and letting the rocks bake for about 10 min while keeping a safe distance from them. A beautiful purchase that you won’t regret.
Quick facts:
Size: (L x W x H): 15 x 16 x 9.5″
Weight: about 25 lbs
12 pounds of heat dispersing lava rocks included
Diameter: 15 inches
Burning: 55,000 BTU/hr
Material: heavy gauge steel
Includes carry bag
Matchless ignition
Fuel: propane
Includes regulator and 5 ft hose
Includes two extendable roasting sticks
The Extra Safe One: Camp Chef Redwood Portable Propane Fire Pit
This fire pit by Camp Chef stands out by its height (13 inches). It’s a portable, easy to use fire pit. Like the other model described above, it also has s stylish design with pine tree cut-outs all around the fire pit. Giving a beautiful picture once the flames are on.
It boasts a 55,000 BTU/hour output and a matchless ignition for an easy and quick set up. It also has a fire valve that will help you regulate the flames for a better, safer and more enjoyable experience. This model is also one of the few that have an extra ring around the fire bowl. This ring is made for safety purposes, to dissuade any child, pet or uncareful adult to get too close to the fire itself. Its diameter is slightly bigger than the fire pit itself (19inch vs 15 inch).
Quick facts:
Size: 12 x 19 x 21 inches
Weight: 33 pounds
Heavy gauge steel build
Nickel coated steel safety ring
Fire pit diameter: 15inch
Safety ring diameter 19 inch
Fuel propane
Output: 55,000 BTUs/hour
Automatic ignition
Includes four extendable roasting sticks
Includes carry bag
includes 12 lb lava rocks
Includes regulator and 5ft hose
Fully adjustable heat control knob
The Challenger: Heininger 5995 Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit
This Heininger model is also a solid choice if you are looking for an efficient, portable fire pit. It has a standard shape with regular dimensions (19.25 x 19.25 x 11.5 inches) for 22 pounds, which makes it relatively small and lightweight, hence, easy to carry and very portable. It’s output power is 58,000 BTU per hour, which ranks it amongst the strongest portable fire pits, able to deliver continuous flames and warmth.
It is easy and quick to set up and burns a clean and smokeless fire. Equipped with a 10-foot hose (which is twice as long as most of the models on the market) to help keep the propane tank (not included) away and out of sight, the Portable Fire Pit becomes the center of attention of your evening gathering or your party creating a beautiful, attractive flame.
Be mindful when turning the gas on, do it gently and quite slowly. This smart device has a safety piece that is triggered when you turn the tank valve too abruptly and limits the flow of gas and you won’t be able to have a big flame. If you do it gently, then the flow is normal and you can control the flame through the dial of the fire pit.
Quick facts:
Size: 19.25 x 19.25 x 11.5 inches
Weight: 22 pounds
Diameter: 19 inches
10 ft hose included
Fuel: propane
58,000 BTUs
All weather fire pit
Decorative lava rocks included
Flow safety in the regulator
Conclusion
As you could see many options are available in terms of portable propane fire pits. They tend to have a similar design and dimensions. What really makes one of them stand out is its special features like auto-ignition, or a longer hose. All of the presented models above share good reviews, solid build, great BTU power, hose and sometimes a bag and carry kit is included.
You can go for any of them and be sure that you’ll enjoy some memorable evenings and moments. Auto-ignition is probably the feature that will single out some top rated fire pits as it comes handy to be able to simply turn on the flame rather than lighting it up yourself.
If you still hesitate which fire pit to go for, have a look below at our buying guide
Propane fire pit buyer’s guide
Budget
You’re pretty much sorted with this one as usually, propane fire pits are not extremely pricey, and you can find some entry level devices for about 120 USD. If it’s your first time purchasing such a device, you can definitely have a look at the above review and pick one of the presented fire pits.
You can also opt for an appliance on the cheap side to see if you like it, to try it out and see if it will fit your lifestyle and meet your expectations. If you’re hooked- which we’re sure you’ll be-, you can then upgrade to a bigger, more powerful and more expensive device, if needed. The fire pits are meant to last.
Needs
Do you live in a place that’s really cold? Do you intend to use your propane powered fire ring in adverse climate conditions? In this case you might want to check the BTUs of the fire pit. The higher, the better.
If you are often away and would like to mostly use your brand new propane fire pit during trips, think about getting a carry kit and a storage bag. It will protect your device and make it easy to carry.
Features
As most fire pits are quite similar, in appearance, it’s nice to have a look at the distinctive features such as auto-ignition. It can be very simplistic but quite handy. Not really a feature, but looking at the length of the hose can also help you opt for a device that will suit your needs better.
The possibility to convert to natural gas is also a good thing to have a look at; you never know what the future will bring and if you will want to continue with propane or switch eventually.
Safety
Very important. Make sure that the device is CSA approved (USA). Once you receive your fire pit, inspect all the elements -hose too- and insure they look impeccable. If there’s an extra safety ring, make sure to use it.
FAQ
Are portable propane fire pits safe?
Yes. As long as you follow properly the assembly instructions and respect the basic rules around fire safety.
Can you cook over a propane fire pit?
Yes. You can indeed indulge in those nice roasted marshmallows. We would, though, not necessarily recommend it unless you want to spend extra time cleaning afterwards. Typically, with wood fire, you’d just get rid of all the ashes/burnt woods after you’re done. With a propane fire pit, you’ll use it over and over; and you don’t want to spend consequent time cleaning the fire bowl or the lava rocks just because some oil dripped in it. Minor items like sausages and marshmallows might be ok though. If you want to enjoy a proper outdoor cooking session, you should better look at some proper grills.
Are portable fire pits worth it?
Totally. The extra freedom and ability to enjoy a bonfire safely, in a clean and easy way, whenever you want with minimum preparation is always welcome.
Do propane fire pits keep you warm?
Yes and No. It will all depend on the BTU available and the flames that can be generated. Portable fire pits are usually too small to be really considered outdoors heaters, however, they do indeed generate enough heat to help you get warmed up.