6 Best Portable Propane Fire Pits for Camping and Patios in 2019

There is nothing quite like sitting by a fire, is there? It doesn’t matter whether you do it during a camping trip or simply when hanging out in your back yard: if there is live fire, this is the place where people will gather.

In this review I will give you a brief overview of both options – the best portable fire pits you can take with you when you go camping, and larger propane fire pits that you can put on your deck or patio and enjoy those lovely warm nights even more.

Best Portable Propane Fire Pits for Camping

When you go camping, part of the fun is doing everything from scratch. This includes making your own camp fire. Something about the process of gathering firewood and setting it up makes me feel like a caveman (in a good way!).

Still, it has some drawbacks – the smell, finding the firewood if it is wet outside, and sometimes there are legal restrictions that prohibit a fire altogether.

So, should you go without the warmth of a barbeque? Of course not! This is where a portable fire pits come into play. Now for our top picks for the year:

1. Heininger BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit

Unlike many larger models, this fire pit actually IS portable.  It is a very manageable size at 22 pounds (approximately). Plus, it is easily moved and the base does not get too hot.

One of the things I tried was to toast marshmallows over it. This worked just fine (as long as you don’t allow the marshmallows to drop into the lava rocks).

As it is designed more for looks and comfort, and not so much for cooking, I would strongly recommend against using the fire to heat anything greasy.

Speaking of lava rocks, it is important to note that it will take about 15 minutes for the rocks to fully heat up. Don’t expect instant heat with this model or you will be disappointed. Also, be sure to turn the gas up slowly or you will trip the safety regulator. If you hear a click, you’ve accidentally tripped it. Just turn the tank off and wait a moment before slowly adding the gas back.

Another thing I like about this product is how quickly it cools down. You can easily pick it up within a few minutes of turning it off – no unnecessary hanging around if you are in a hurry to get a move on. This is way better than some other models I have used where it could take upwards of half an hour before it was cool enough to safely transport.

Pros

• As mentioned, one of the great pros is its lightweight versatility. You can pack it up and take it anywhere.
• Its heat output (over 58,000 BTUs) means that this fire pit can keep a large group warm, toasty, and happy. Just remember that it will take a few minutes to get up to full heat.

Cons

• One of the cons in my mind for this particular product is the worry about losing lava rocks while transporting it. Although it is very portable, sometimes the rocks shuffle around a bit in transit. Plus, it can make quite a rattling noise if the pit is stowed in the trunk of a vibrating car. However, keeping it stored in its carrying bag or in your trailer mitigates the problem.
• Being lower to the ground makes it far easier for pets and children to accidentally stumble into it. However, this would be true for any low-to-the-ground fire pit. Always keep a sharp eye out whenever children or animals are near the fire pit!

Best Portable Fire Pit for RVs

2. Camp Chef Redwood Port Pro Fire Pit

Since many people use fire pits simply for aesthetics, a vital aspect is often overlooked – its ability to actually cook. This is where the Camp Chef Redwood Port Pro Fire Pit really shines.

Of course, as with any open fire, it will also  keep you warm, but the key selling point with this product is its cooking ability.

This is no backpacking camp stove, however, since it weighs 35 pounds! It is large enough to even  be attached to a full-size propane tank and is great if you’re going to be out in the woods with a base camp or have an RV and want to have an outdoor cooking platform.

With a dial to help you properly regulate the heat as well as several useful roasting sticks, it is a good sized product that you can take camping or even enjoy in your backyard.

Pros

• One of the pros about this product is the fact that unlike many fire pits, you can actually use it for cooking.
• As it puts out over 50,000 BTUs of heat at its maximum, you can grill pretty much anything you wish. Hot dogs, marshmallows, and even small pots work great with this outdoor fire pit.
• Since it weighs a little over 32 pounds, it is still light enough to be portable and take on trips.
• It comes with a nice carrying case, so instead of having to find a way to store or hide it somewhere, you can simply put it away without it being an eyesore.

Cons

• This fire pit does not put out as much radial heat as many others. It looks great, but it is not made to keep you particularly warm.
• Also, the lava rocks inside must be properly seasoned first at low temperatures. By turning up the heat too high and too soon, the rocks will not hold up well. Fortunately, lava rocks are cheap to replace, but this is still something you should be aware of.
• One other thing to bear in mind is that if you do decide to cook hot dogs or other greasy foods over your rocks, you are bound to get them dirty. As long as you do not mind some greasy lava rocks, this isn’t really a huge con.

3. Firebowl 883 Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit

The Mega is a large fire pit and a good option if you are looking to heat up a big area, as it can put out more heat over a wider area. It is larger than other Outland fire bowls, some of which have a diameter of about 18 inches, whereas this one is over 24.

The larger diameter means larger flames and a greater radial heat circumference. So you can have more people sitting around the fire.

Another feature I like about this product is the fact that it ships fully assembled. Not having to do any assembly is a nice bonus, especially if you buy it right before a trip or as a gift.

This product is equipped with a strong and durable cover that is both ultraviolet and rain resistant. This built-in feature helps this outdoor fire pit to be low maintenance, and it can simply be left outside without too much worry.

It weighs about 40 pounds, so it is still light enough to put into a shed or garage for safekeeping until it is brought out and used again.

A special feature of the product is that it can be used even during most campfire bans. This is because it has safety features and a design that ensures compliance with laws concerning fires, even where other fires (and fire pits) are banned.

Pros

• It can be left outside
• Great for RVs
• It comes fully assembled
• It puts out a significant amount of heat.  One quick point I would like to make is that when placing the rocks, make sure that the stones are not grouped too closely together or you will block the gas holes and diminish the heat output.

Cons

• One of the cons I noticed is that it does not come with a carrying case. Now you can always buy a separate carrying case that will fit this stove, but it would have been nicer to have it included.
• You’re likely to get your lava rocks dirty and oily. This shouldn’t be much of a problem if you’re using this model as a outdoor-only product in your backyard. However, if you intend to store it away, it can start to smell of old grease and oil.

Best Portable Fire Pit Tables for Patios & Decks

If you are looking for a portable fire pit for your back yard, you may want to get something a little more elegant and sturdy. This is where fire pit tables come in. They allow you to gain warmth at a mid-level, whereas a lower fire pit often warms the legs but fails to reach the upper body.

Another feature about fire pit tables is that the propane tank is hidden away in the storage area underneath the table. This means that you don’t have propane hoses or tanks lying about adding an unsightly object to an otherwise stylish setting.

4. Outland Series 401 Table Fire Pit

One hugely popular outdoor fire pit model that I have seen in many back yards is the Outland Series 401 Table Fire Pit. Just like other fire pits designed to be outside, the Outland is weather-resistant and made of a durable coffee brown wicker mesh. This mesh is fairly strong and will handle changing temperatures easily.

As with any product, covering it with a tarp or moving it into the garage for the winter helps its longevity. You can see the full list of specs and reviews here. This stylish product has an insane number of positive reviews on Amazon.

One thing I would like to point out with the Outland model is that you need to be careful during assembly. While the wicker mesh is weather-resistant, it can be torn or scuffed easily if laid on a rough surface during assembly.

Be sure to keep a good grip on the glass once it is free from its protective packing or it can potentially slide or crack if handled too roughly. It is glass after all!

The rectangular size of this fire pit also helps with even heat distribution and makes it more convenient for a crowd of people to stand around and stay warm. Circular fire pits often lack the radial heat necessary to warm and comfort a large crowd.

The wider a circle is to accommodate more people, the farther back from the pit everybody must stand. With the long and narrow frame of this fire pit table, more people can gather around and stay warm. And, with a heat output of 35,000 BTUs, you can ensure that your guests will actually stay warm.

Pros

• Its long shape helps to facilitate greater heat distribution for your guests.
• Well priced
• Stylish design; will fit into most homes

Cons

• A notable down side of this model is, quite simply, that it is heavy. With a shipping weight of over 100 pounds and an assembled weight of over 90, this is a large unit. It will likely take two people to safely and efficiently move it into place.

5. Christopher Knight Outdoor Square Propane Fire Pit

The Christopher Knight Outdoor Square Propane Fire Pit is a strong and durable raised design made of a steel frame and composite stone. The composite stone makes this fire pit aesthetically pleasing and appear more solid (heavy) than it actually is. It is especially good fit if your home/back yard has a rustic look. If you prefer the more modern option, I would stick with the Outland model.

Having an outdoor fire pit like this makes it very low maintenance, as it is resistant to sun and rain, and the propane tank fits nicely hidden underneath the fire area (which means that neither a mower nor animals can come in contact with the propane hose or tank and cause a dangerous leak).

Like most fire pits and outdoor furniture, it is a good idea to keep the unit covered because UV light will cause the color of the composite stone material to fade over time.

This propane fire pit doesn’t put out as much heat as some other models but, at 40,000 BTUs, it will be enough for most summer/fall nights. The model also comes with lava rocks which help to disperse and radiate the heat better over a wider area.

However, this unit does not have a built-in glass windshield like some models. So, it is best used on calm days or evenings, as blowing winds can throw the flame around, and a strong gust may put it out. This can be a safety concern if you live in a very windy area by the sea.

Pros

• Its is weather resistant and durable
• Standing about 36 inches high, it’s a comfortable height that helps ensure maximum warmth
• Comes with electric light; no need to concern yourself with lighters or matches
• Includes a cover

Cons

• For all the benefits the stone material gives to this fire pit, it also increases the weight significantly. With a weight of about 155 pounds, this is certainly no conveniently portable fire pit. Make sure that you select an excellent spot. It is unlikely that you will want to move it around very much once it is assembled.
• Another potential con is for those winter time party throwers who want to keep your guests (and yourself) warm on bitter cold nights. If you have a winter party in mind, you are likely to be disappointed. The 40,000 BTUs are great at taking the edge off of mild summer or fall evenings, but they are not likely to be adequate for most people on a cold or wet evening.

6. AZ Patio Heaters GS-F-PC Propane Fire Pit

This outdoor fire pit is designed to focus specifically on aesthetics more than the practicality of putting out heat. It is important to know that although it does produce a nice low level heat, this product is far closer to yard art than a well-functioning fire pit.

Unlike fire pits designed to radiate heat, this model’s glass cover and bronze finishing is far more about looking beautiful. It may do an acceptable job of taking the edge off a cool night, but it lacks sufficient power to actually keep people comfortably warm.

What’s nice about the bronze finish is that it accentuates most of dark-colored outdoor furniture and makes for an attractive fit aesthetically.

Pros

• It is affordable and stylish. If you have a certain “look” in mind and you are willing to pay for some fire-themed yard art, then it’s a good deal.
• Its design effectively conceals the propane tank inside.
• Its glass-top design also helps the fire to shine and shimmer.

Cons

• One of the issues I have is that it seems to accumulate watermarks fairly easily (especially after rain). This product is not weather-resistant and even cups left on it will make watermarks. My effort to remove the water marks resulted in rubbing off the powder coat finish. Prevention is the best thing to do in this case. Plan to keep a tarp or a patio furniture cover over it and wipe away any water as soon as possible.
• The other big problem I have is that it is fairly heavy to move. The pit weighs over 114 pounds (without the propane tank attached). Lifting the fire pit table into place would have been difficult without a friend to help me. Many people choose to have the pit delivered to the spot where it will be assembled, so keep that in mind if you are using a delivery service.
• Also, if you find the glass is too small, it may smother the flame, making it go down into the table. This can be fixed by either rearranging your glass, by getting some bigger glass pieces, or by simply switching to lava rocks. However, since this is a built-in problem, I thought it was important to mention.