What is the best portable propane fire pit?
There are many reasons why portable or mini gas fire pits are better than fixed or more permanent outdoor fires – the main one being that they’re good for people on the move or those without a lot of space.
The gas fire pits that we’re sharing here are very popular among campers and hikers. They’re also great for those that RV or for infrequent use at home. Portable also equals storable – a great feature of all of these camping fire pits!
Best Portable Propane Fire Pit
There are a number of factors you will need to consider before choosing your camping fire pit:
- Size and space: Consider the size of the fire pit and make sure it will fit in the space you have designated for it.
- Fuel type: Gas fire pits typically use propane or natural gas as a fuel source. Make sure you have access to the appropriate fuel source and that the fire pit is compatible with it.
- Safety features: Look for safety features such as a gas shut-off valve and a flame-extinguishing device. Gas fire pits are safe if used appropriately.
- Durability and materials: Consider the materials used to construct the fire pit and make sure it is durable and will withstand the elements.
- Price and budget: Set a budget and compare prices from different manufacturers to find the best deal.
- Maintenance: Consider the maintenance required for the fire pit and make sure you are willing to perform it.
- Regulations: Make sure that the fire pit complies with any local regulations and that it is legal to use in your area. Many of these fire pits can be used in areas where ground fires are not allowed.
All of the small propane fire pits we’ve researched for this round-up have many online reviews. They have been tried and tested by hundreds, if not thousands of people.
1. Outland Living Propane Camp Fire
This fire pit is small, which means it’s easy to carry and pack away when you travel.
It’s perfect for camping or use on a small deck or patio. At 19″ in diameter, it’s just enough without being too small.
The BTU on this fire pit is 58,000 BTU/HR, which means that it packs a punch. You won’t get too cold sitting around this fire pit, and your fire can burn for around 6 hours.
People love the size and list it as one of the best features of this fire pit. It has an enamel finish over the stainless steel and holds up with a lot of travel and use.
Pros
- Adjustable flame
- Most people think it puts out good heat
- 10-foot hose keeps a good distance from tank
- Comes with lava rock set
Cons
- Carry bag needs to be bought separately
- A bit smaller than some people realize
- A small number of units faulty
2. Bond Manufacturing Small Gas Fire Pit
When you’re ready to put the fire pit away, this option has a locking lid that also works as a handle for easy carrying.
At 18.5″ in diameter, it’s a little smaller than the previous one but still a decent size for a small area.
It’s safe enough to use on a wood deck with a fire pit mat, and, like most propane fire pits, often meets the exceptions for fire bans in camping areas.
The lava rocks in this fire pit make a beautiful foundation for your flame, and when you replace the lid, they’re not going anywhere.
Pros
- Comes with everything you need minus the propane tank
- Durable design and construction
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Lid locks on top and provides carry handle
Cons
- Some have found that it rusts quickly
- May require more lava rocks than are provided
- Electronic ignition is not always reliable
3. Fire Sense Portable Steel Fire Pit
If you’re looking for a fire pit that is even smaller but potentially packs a bigger punch, this one is perfect!
It’s only 15″ in diameter but puts out 60,000 BTU/HR – one of the highest BTU fire pits that are portable.
The size of this pit makes it perfect for a small porch or a cozy seat next to someone special, and there’s no doubt it will warm you up!
It’s easy to use and store, with spring-loaded latches for the lid.
The fire can burn long into the night with 8-10 hours on a single propane tank (20 lb). Adjusting the propane will give a smaller or larger flame, depending on how much heat you need.
Pros
- High heat output for a small fire pit
- Foldable legs make it extra compact
- Cheaper than some alternatives
Cons
- More negative reviews than comparable fire pits
- Complaints about customer service
- Some have discovered gas leaks
4. Outland Living Large Camping Fire Pit
For a larger fire pit, I recommend the Firebowl 883 Mega Fire Pit – it’s big enough to fit a few Adirondack chairs around.
It has a 24″ diameter and 58,000 BTU/HR, so while it isn’t more powerful than other fire pits, the size makes for bigger flames and a greater area to gather around it.
It weighs 34 pounds, which is a bit heavier than some of the other fire pits, but it is still easy to move for camping or tailgating and offers a solid, sturdy pit for long-term use in your backyard, too.
One of the features most customers loved about this fire pit is that it burns for a long time, even as many as four nights on a single tank.
Pros
- Good for larger groups
- Good reliable brand
- Can be bought with a carry bag and a table
- Can often be used in areas where there’s a fire ban
- Long 10 ft gas line
- Extremely well reviewed
Cons
- Much larger, not a tiny gas fire pit
- Very low to the ground – a table is good for raising it up
5. Heininger Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit
The Heininger 5995 is a beautiful fire pit.
Its 15″ diameter and 22-pound specifications make it easy to haul and transport. In addition, its design is enticing to look at and offers enough heat for six people.
The hose is 10 feet long, which means you don’t have to keep the propane tank as close to the pit as some models require.
This one is a bit tricky, though, as it rusts a bit more quickly than other models and should remain inside your garage or RV when not in use.
It has a lid which makes it easier to travel with, and the great thing about gas fire pits is you don’t need a spark screen.
6. Outland 863 Propane Fire Pit
Another 19″ fire pit, the Outland 863, is great because it also comes with a carrying case and 4.4 pounds of lava rock.
The 10-foot hose is another great feature of this fire pit.
No tools are needed to install this fire pit, making it excellent for those late-night camp set-ups. With the lava rock arranged around the fire ring, it’s almost like having the dancing flames atop a wood fire, but much safer.
The Outland 863 is so easy to use that some folks even use it every morning as they enjoy their coffee, which sounds pretty amazing to me.
7. Propane Fire Ring
This propane fire ring can be set up and used as a small camping fire pit.
It features a 24″ round stainless steel jet burner ring that can be used with either propane or natural gas. It has max BTUs up to 296,000.
It’s OK to add lava rocks and/or ceramic logs to cover the fire ring in order to make things a bit prettier. The idea behind these rings is that they are placed into an existing fire pit.
This type of gas fire ring is very different from these much larger fire pit rings and inserts.
8. Camco Portable Deluxe Outdoor Fire Pit
The Camco 51210 is the boss of all portable fire pits.
The diameter is 18,” and it has a whopping 65,000 BTU/HR, making it a very hot item.
The style of this fire pit is gorgeous, making it perfect for gathering for warmth and a perfect centerpiece for conversation – though you’ll struggle to fit a fire pit conversation set around it!
It’s higher up off the ground, making it safe for backyard decks, campfires, and any other place you’d like to make a fire safely.
This one is a favorite among fire enthusiasts because of the amount of heat it puts out. This fire pit can warm a 10’x10′ deck nicely with just a slight turn of the knob.
9. Stansport 088 Propane Fire Pit with Lava Rocks
The Stansport 088 is another fire pit with an attractive design, making it warm and appealing.
Its 15.4″ diameter provides 65,000 BTU/HR, and with the right size tank, this fire can burn for hours.
In addition, the build is compact, and it comes with a carrying case, making it easy to haul from car to camp and home again.
The downside to this fire pit is the hose is short, but it’s easy to use and warms nicely.
10. Flame King Outdoor Portable Propane Fire Pit
The Flame King fire pit has 58,000 BTU/HR and comes with a self-igniter, case, and carrying straps, making it one of the most accessible fire pits to use.
The design is essential, with no frills to make it stand out visually, but the ease of use and size make it a tough fire pit to beat.
As one of the fastest climbing items on the Amazon list, this is a fire pit that’s worth grabbing while you can.
Propane Fire Pit Pros
With several different options available for outdoor warmth, why is a propane fire pit the best choice?
They go by many names, such as:
- LP fire pit
- Propane fire ring
- Propane campfire
- Portable gas fire pit
However, all of these small propane fire pit terms basically mean the same things. They’re just called different names by different people.
They are different from electric fire pits, but most of these portable propane burners do have electric ignition.
Here are some of the other things to keep in mind when looking for the best one for you!
Fire Safety
With much of the United States experiencing massive droughts, fire bans affect much of the summer.
Open flame or wood burning fire pits are often not allowed in campsites due to the risk of forest fires.
Propane fire pits are often allowed within fire restrictions (check your local laws before lighting a fire, of course), and because they’re easy to move and leave no fire residue behind, they’re a safe way to stay warm and cook while outdoors.
Easy to Clean
A wood fire pit leaves behind ashes and coals, which can reignite long after the fire dies.
While I enjoy the smell of a wood fire, the smoke and ash that billow when dumping a bucket of water atop the dead flames is my least favorite part.
Propane fire pits do not have that same rush of smoke and ash. You simply turn off the propane and allow the metal and lava rocks to cool. When you’ve packed up your campsite, the fire pit and all evidence of flames go with you.
Some people also use fire glass with these fire bowls.
All-Weather Usability
When it is 100 degrees outside, a fire might not be the first thing on your mind.
Spending time outdoors with friends and family is always a good time, though. A propane fire pit can be a beautiful addition to your deck or backyard, even without fire lit.
For a more permanent structure, consider these wonderful fire pit tables.
Propane Fit Pit Cons
Let’s face it; nothing’s perfect, no matter how much we wish it was.
Propane fire pits are no different – there are a few downsides.
Cost
Propane can be expensive, depending on economic factors, and the tank won’t refill itself.
I’ve forgotten to refill the propane tank a few times, which means there’s no fire that night.
However, wood fire pits can cost just as much if you’re having to purchase wood to use with them. Or, at least, you’ll have to spend the time processing firewood for them.
Personally, I love being on the end of my Husqvarna 450 chainsaw, so that’s no problem (unless I was out camping or RVing)!
Food
While you can roast marshmallows over a propane fire pit, it isn’t recommended to use them for cooking unless they’re intended as a cook stove, too (a good portable charcoal grill would be better suited for this).
Grease and food particles can fall into the fire pit and damage the interior and make a yucky mess that needs to clean up.
If you’re looking for a more permanent option that you can use for food, cooking on a Chiminea or getting a good fire pit grill might be the better option.
No Wood
If you’re like me and really enjoy the smell of wood-burning, this fire pit is not ideal.
The bowl is not designed to burn wood, and doing so would ruin your firepit.
I like to have one of each, a wood fire pit in my backyard, dug deep into the ground where it’s safe, and a propane fire pit to take camping or to set up on the concrete patio.
Dangerous
When used properly, a propane fire pit is relatively safe.
However, if the propane isn’t stored correctly and outdoors, there’s a risk. You should always keep the tank vertical. If you have a crate or box that can hold the tank upright, that’s a good idea.
Propane should never be stored indoors as the risk of leaked gas could cause health problems as well as fire.
You can hide a fire pit propane tank, but make sure everything continues to function correctly.
Portable Propane Fire Pit Reviews
The Outland brand has the best small propane fire pit range, in my opinion.
They are much loved by campers, as you will see if you take a look at the reviews!
No matter which propane fire pit you choose, I have no doubt you’ll be able to make long-lasting memories around the campfire.
Whether it’s friends, family, or just a beautiful evening out on your own, a warm fire is good for the soul.
And when you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider the Sunjoy outdoor fireplace range. They also sell gas fire pits, though there are not as portable as the ones we’ve featured in this post.
Hi! You should check out LavaBox Portable Campfire! It is really cool and produces a bigger flame than all of these. Plus, it’s far more portable, award-winning and patent-pending.