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.
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:
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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