If you love camping, then you would probably love a portable propane fire pit. They can be taken and used anywhere outdoors which makes them very versatile. In my opinion, nothing is better than enjoying a warm campfire. With a portable propane fire pit, you can enjoy the ambiance without worrying about firewood. Not only is it so much easier to operate one, but it’s also cheaper too. Firewood can get expensive. Besides, many campgrounds prohibit wood fires.
After looking at some portable propane fire pits, I have concluded that they would be perfect for a weekend of camping. I look forward to taking my children camping once they are a little bit older. In this guide, we will talk about all sorts of models of propane fire pits, so you will find one that will work best for your needs.
Carry on reading or jump straight to our number #1 pick on Amazon here.
- What Should I Look For When Buying a Portable Propane Fire Pit?
- Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Portable Propane Fire Pits
- #1: Outland Firebowl Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit (Best Value – All-Purpose)
- #2: Camp Chef Redwood Portable Propane Fire Pit (Best Overall Pit)
- #3: Camco Little Red Campfire Compact Outdoor Portable Tabletop Fire Pit (Best Output)
- #4: Camplux Firebowl Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit (Best Low Cost)
- #5: Heininger 5995 Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit (Best without Accessories Included)
- Budget Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict: Your Best Portable Propane Fire Pits
What Should I Look For When Buying a Portable Propane Fire Pit?
When you are ready to purchase a portable propane fire pit, there a few things that you should probably consider. Do you want it to be easy to use and convenient to set up and take down? How do you plan to store it when you aren’t using it? Plus, many other basics. Read on below to see what features you should be looking at.
Design
You will find that portable propane fire pits either run using fake logs or lava rocks. This decision will be based on your personal preference.
Size and Shape
If you already have a place in mind to store your propane fire pit, the shape and size will determine if it will fit. Take a look at the dimensions before buying to make sure that it will work for you.
Ease of Use
How easy it to operate? To set up? To disassemble and store? These are questions you will have to ask yourself when you are ready to buy your propane fire pit.
Safety
Some propane fire pits have locking lids to prevent burns. If that’s important to you, make sure that it comes with a lid or that you can purchase one separately. Plus, you will have to determine if you want a longer hose so the propane tank doesn’t have to be near the fire pit while it’s in use.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Portable Propane Fire Pits
Just as with any other product, you want to do your research. Luckily, we did all of that for you. Not only did I use my personal experience with propane fire pits, but I combined that with what other people have said in reviews. It was important to find the best functionality compared to the price, to make sure your money is well spent. If you keep reading you will find the top 5 portable propane fire pits that we could find, along with a couple of even less expensive budget options.
#1: Outland Firebowl Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit (Best Value – All-Purpose)
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Outland is one of the most popular brands of propane fire pits, and there are so many different models to choose from. Based on what campers are saying, this is the best one around. It is very affordable. Even though it’s not inexpensive, it runs a lot cheaper than some of the counterparts made by other brands. However, it is in no way disappointing and would be a great addition to your campsite. Let’s talk about some of the reasons why this particular portable gas fire pit was our choice for the best portable propane fire pit.
It is CSA Approved
Most campgrounds have bans on wood-burning fires and fire pits because of the risk of danger to forest and animal life. That being said, the Outland Firebowl propane fire pit is safe to use during most fire bans. You will always want to check the local restrictions just in case but you should be fine since the fire is powered by a propane tank.
It Comes with a Complete Kit
Everything you will need to use this portable propane fire pit comes with your purchase, minus the propane tank. There is a bag of lava rocks to get the flickering flame effect, a 10-foot hose, and a UV, weather-resistant cover for protection in between uses.
What are some other features of the Outland Fire Mega propane fire pit?
- 58,000 BTU output
- Carry bag sold separately
- Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 13 inches
- No assembly required
- Weighs 34 lbs.
This is one of the largest propane fire pits we will talk about and is the largest made by Outland. It is a great size fire pit to enjoy a warm fire on your family camping trip or right in your backyard. It’s mid-range in price which is more than reasonable for its quality and size. You can’t go wrong with the value, making this propane fire pit our top pick.
#2: Camp Chef Redwood Portable Propane Fire Pit (Best Overall Pit)
Camp Chef makes several outdoor products, including portable propane fire pits. This model is a very highly rated one because of its quality. It is one of the more expensive fire pits that we will mention, but that’s for good reason. Read on to see why we feel like this is the best fire pit overall.
Your Purchase Includes Roasting Sticks
Since it isn’t a good idea to actually cook meals over your portable propane outdoor fire pit, you won’t ever see grill grates or racks for them. However, roasting marshmallows is safe to do as long as you have the right equipment. When you buy this Camp Chef fire pit, it comes with the sticks that are made to use over the fire so you can make some delicious s’mores.
It Also Comes with Additional Accessories
If you want to have a carry bag and support stand to go along with your propane fire pit, then this product will make things easier for you. These things plus the roasting sticks, regulator, and 12 pounds of lava rocks make this purchase even more worthwhile.
Here are some more features about this propane fire pit.
- 55,000 BTU output
- Dimensions: 21 x 19 x 13 inches
- Easy to use
- Easy to transport
- Heavy-duty gauge steel construction
The main reason you should choose the Camp Chef fire pit over the Outland Mega is because of the brand. Many outdoor lovers are more familiar with Camp Chef and choose their products based on familiarity. This is a great contender with all of the accessories included, but you are definitely paying for the name. If you want the slightly larger size and output, I would personally choose the Outland Mega fire pit because it does edge this one out.
#3: Camco Little Red Campfire Compact Outdoor Portable Tabletop Fire Pit (Best Output)
This is a small but powerful propane fire pit that a lot of people swear by as being one of the best out there. Many seasoned campers have nothing but positive things to say about it, and honestly, we can’t find anything that we don’t like about it either. Keep reading to find out what else we like about it besides it having the best output.
It Has a Security Latch
Despite its very simple design, it was made to be very easy to take along on your adventures. The lid latches onto the unit so you can lift the entire thing by the sturdy handle. This makes loading it in and out of your car easier than ever.
It’s Small but with the Largest Output
At 65,000 BTU, this propane fire pit gives off the most heat, which to me is pretty impressive considering the fire tray is only 11.25 inches in diameter. Still, if you want more heat, then this could be a great choice for you. It is also nice that you can use artificial logs in this fire pit for a more natural ambiance.
What else does the Little Red Campfire have to offer?
- Weighs 15 lbs.
- Great for tabletop use
- Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 9.8 inches
- 8-foot propane hose
- Auto-ignition
This propane fire pit is our third pick because of how safe and easy to use it is, in addition to the very high heat output. If you like the safety features and all the other things we mentioned about this one, with mid- to high-range price, this fire pit could be yours. So, why not take a chance on it?
#4: Camplux Firebowl Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit (Best Low Cost)
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Even though this fire pit is still highly rated, you sacrifice a few things by cutting back on costs. However, the reviews for this one are very positive, so don’t worry if you can’t afford one of the other propane fire pits that cost you a bit more. At the lowest cost, you will still have a sturdy and functional product. Keep reading to find out more about this fire pit.
It Is CSA certified
Luckily, this is another portable fire pit that is safe to use on most campgrounds. A no-spark propane fire is always going to be preferred over wood-burning, and this fire pit delivers. You will still want to check with the local park ranger about a fire ban, but there shouldn’t be any issues.
It Comes with a Carry Kit
A unique feature of this compact portable fire pit is that it comes with a special kit for easy transport. It looks fairly easy to use, making taking this product on the go very easy. All you have to do is clip it to the bottom, and it acts as a harness with a handle so you know that it won’t drop.
Here are some more things you should know about the Camplux Firebowl portable fire pit.
- 52,000 BTU output
- Dimensions: 19.29 x 19.29 x 12.21 inches
- Weighs 22.49 lbs.
- Manual ignition
- Comes with a simple lid
- Comes with natural lava rocks
- 10-foot hose
With the lower price point, you sacrifice the auto-ignition, which isn’t a big deal. However, if you prefer that over manual, then you probably wouldn’t want to choose this fire pit. It will get the job done on a lower budget and is still a great option compared to any of the other top picks on this list.
#5: Heininger 5995 Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit (Best without Accessories Included)
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When I was looking at some of the options for portable fire pits, the brand Heininger came up often. They seem to be well known for making all kinds of products for travel, and their fire pits are actually very popular. This model is very similar to the Outland Firebowl Mega fire pit, except it’s more expensive, and you have to purchase additional accessories, such as the cover and the carry bag, on top of that. Still, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, so I figured that it would be a great addition to round out the top 5 list. Read on to find out about some of the features of this propane fire pit.
It’s an All-Weather Fire Pit
This portable fire pit was made to withstand most weather conditions, which is great because sometimes rain can be unpredictable. Even though it doesn’t come with the cover, you can still purchase one if you feel like it is necessary for extra protection against the elements.
It Generates a Large Fire without the Smoke
Like all other propane gas fire pits, this product delivers warmth without smoke. Many customers have said that what they like most about this model is that it produces larger flames than expected. With an output of 58,000 BTU, that means you don’t have to sit so close to get warm on a cool night.
What are some other features of this portable outdoor fire pit?
- CSA approved to be used during a fire ban (check local restrictions)
- 10-foot propane hose
- Lava rocks included
- Dimensions: 19.25 x 19.25 x 11.5 inches
- Weighs 22 lbs.
Even though this fire pit is technically the most expensive by only a few dollars, it still fits better as the #5 pick over #2 because the Camp Chef portable fire pit is better overall. However, if you like the Heininger brand, it would be a great choice for you. After all, it still is one of the best portable fire pits on the market right now.
Budget Options
Sometimes we just don’t have the money for the things that we want, and that’s not a big deal. Below you will find a few cheaper options, even cheaper than our low-cost choice above. These fire pits aren’t the absolute best, but they will still work if you want one for less than the low-cost option to take on your camping trip.
#1: Outland Firebowl Deluxe Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
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This is a cheaper and smaller version of the Outland Firebowl Mega gas fire pit. It still has the same output but isn’t as ideal as its counterpart. Still, it is made of fairly nice quality materials and will get you through your trip or gathering on your back patio. It is definitely a great honorable mention. Here are some more features of this propane fire pit.
- Requires simple assembly
- CSA certified
- Weighs 23 lbs.
- Includes cover and carry kit
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 18.5 x 10.5 inches
#2: Project One Portable Outdoor Propane Fire Pit
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The Project One fire pit is another lightweight and compact portable option that won’t break the bank. This model is the most inexpensive, making it the cheapest product that we will talk about. Most of the reviews are positive, mentioning how easy it is to use. One review stood out, though, that claimed it wasn’t. It said that their fire pit wasn’t completely assembled like it should have been and was also confusing to put together. Beyond that, other people really like how it works. You can read more features of this portable propane fire pit below.
- Dimensions: 19 x 19x 11x inches
- Weighs 24 lbs.
- Lava rocks included
- 58,000 BTU output
- Includes an easy-carry belt
- 10-foot propane hose
#3: Bond Manufacturing Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
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This budget propane fire pit has a heat output of 54,000 BTU and is only a few dollars more than Project One, which is actually a good deal for what you are getting. It has a simple steel frame and is very easy to use. The model that we chose is part of the Aurora collection, which boasts about its high-quality. Plus, the reviews from customers are generally very positive, so this isn’t a bad choice for a cheap propane fire pit. Take a look at some of the other features of this product.
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 18.5 x 14.65 inches
- Weighs 18 lbs.
- Safety locking lid
- 10-foot propane hose
- Includes lava rocks
- Auto-ignition
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does a Propane Fire Pit Work?
Propane fire pits are usually compared to a simple camp stove. The main difference is how hot the propane fire pit can get, which is on average around 50,000 BTU.
They are great for creating the feel of a wood-burning fire, without the wood-burning part.
These fire pits have a gas burner that hooks up to a propane tank. Most of the time, a 20 lbs. propane tank will do. No wood or other equipment is required. It really is that simple. The hose will connect the gas burner to the propane, and that’s it!
How Do You Use a Propane Fire Pit?
Propane fire pits are very easy to operate since you don’t have to spend time tending to the fire. As long as you have fuel, you are good to go. Most models will have automatic ignition, requiring almost zero effort from you. However, they do run more expensive than a wood fire pit, but it’s worth the extra money because of the convenience.
The setup steps are simple. You just have to make sure that the propane hose is attached, and the propane tank is at a safe distance from the fire pit. Add in the lava rocks or fake logs. Then you will obviously need a lighter that needs to be close to the burner to get it going. Let it burn for a few minutes before you adjust the valve, just to make sure that you actually want to change the flame height.
That’s it! Now you can sit back and relax around the campfire.
Can You Cook on a Portable Propane Fire Pit?
Yes and no. You can’t use a portable propane fire pit like a grill or a smoker. This means no cooking meals or most food, to be honest. The main function of one of these fire pits is to give off heat for warmth. So, when I say “yes” to cooking, I mean something simple like roasting marshmallows or something you can use a metal roasting stick or skewer for.
Verdict: Your Best Portable Propane Fire Pits
Let’s sum up all of the best portable propane fire pits that made it into our top list.
If you want the best value for your money, pick the Outland Firebowl Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit. This is a more than reasonably-priced fire pit that provides you with everything you need. It is also nice that it is a larger size compared to the others.
For the best overall fire pit, pick the Camp Chef Redwood Portable Propane Fire Pit. It is more expensive than almost all of the other propane fire pits, but it is made by a trusted brand for outdoors fanatics and has great reviews.
If you need the largest heat output, pick the Camco Little Red Campfire Compact Outdoor Portable Tabletop Fire Pit. The average output is 58,000 BTUs, and this model edges that out at 60,000 BTUs. If you are looking for as much heat output as possible, then choose this one.
If you want to keep the spend under $150, pick the Camplux Firebowl Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit. This is our favorite lower-cost portable propane fire pit because it still has a lot to offer at such a low price.
If you are fine with spending additional money on accessories, pick the Heininger 5995 Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit. It’s overall the most expensive even before the accessories but is still a great product if you enjoy the Heininger brand.
Then there are these lower budget runner-up portable propane fire pits.
The Outland Firebowl Deluxe Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit is a smaller and cheaper version of our #1 pick by Outland but will still work for sitting around the campfire if you don’t have extra money to spend.
The Project One Portable Outdoor Propane Fire Pit is not a familiar brand to me, but the specs were still great for the price, and the reviews by others were very positive.
The Bond Manufacturing Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit is another lightweight fire pit that was made for camping trips. It is still a decent option as it’s easy to use and is safe for sitting around the fire and enjoying the warmth.
The bottom line when you are ready to buy your own portable propane fire pit is that you can honestly choose any of these options. The major feature that sets these apart, besides the brand, is the price. Each of these portable fire pits will do exactly what you need. It is so easy to use a propane fire pit, and they are a lot safer than a traditional wood fire. Any of these products would be a great addition to your family camping trips or your backyard patio set up.
The goal of a propane fire pit is to provide you with a real fire without the work. So what are you waiting for? Your brand new portable propane fire pit can’t order itself!