I tested the most popular propane fire pits and fire media so you can pick the right heat, portability, and look for your outdoor space.
I’ve spent evenings around these propane fire pits at campsites, on decks, and in my backyard to see which designs actually deliver warmth, portability, and a clean flame. I focused on build quality, ignition type, heat behavior, and the accessories that make setup and storage painless.
In this roundup I compare compact travel bowls, larger backyard bowls, a rectangular fire table, and finishing touches like fire glass so you can match the pit to how you plan to use it.
I grouped options by how I used them: lightweight and portable for camping, larger bowls for backyard heat, a table-style pit for entertaining, and fire glass as a finishing upgrade. Pick based on how often you move the unit and how much horizontal heat you need.
1. Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit, 19-inch (893 Deluxe) – Best Overall
A balanced, proven portable bowl that blends heat, portability, and safety compliance.
Why I picked it: I valued the combination of CSA certification, solid construction, and included carry accessories.
Best for: Campers and backyard users who want a true portable, no-mess campfire alternative.
Affordable and good value for a durable travel-sized fire pit.
Pros
- Compact and highly portable
- CSA certified for safer use
- Includes cover and carry kit
- Smokeless, clean-burning flame
Cons
- Manual ignition only
- Smaller footprint than large tables
My take
I rely on this Outland 19" bowl when I want a real campfire feeling without the ash and smoke. The steel bowl and enamel finish feel sturdy, and the stainless steel burner gives a consistently bright flame. I appreciate that it’s CSA approved — that gave me confidence using it during periods when campfires are restricted.
Setup is straightforward: the pre-attached 10-foot hose hides my 20-lb tank out of sight, the lava rocks enhance the flicker, and the strap-and-cover carry kit makes transport easy. Heat is concentrated above the bowl, so I sit a bit closer than with a wood fire, but on chilly nights it still delivers noticeable warmth.
If you want a dependable, portable fire source that’s easy to move and store, this model hits the right balance of quality and convenience.
2. Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit, 19-inch (893 Deluxe) — Travel Kit – Best for Camping & RVs
The same compact Outland bowl with everything you need to throw in the RV or trunk.
Why I picked it: I picked it for travel because it’s light enough to carry and comes ready to go.
Best for: Tailgating, RV trips, and campsites where a quick, smokeless fire is required.
Affordable pick for portable fire on the go.
Pros
- Easy to pack and transport
- Includes lid and strap
- No smoke or ash
- Quick setup
Cons
- Manual igniter; requires match or lighter
- Produces more vertical than horizontal heat
My take
I’ve used this Outland on several RV trips and appreciated how little storage space it needs. The lid and carry strap keep the rocks contained and make it a one-handed load into the back of my vehicle. The hose lets me stash the propane tank out of sight while still keeping the unit usable at a distance.
Where it shines is simplicity: no chopping wood, no ash cleanup, and a smokeless flame that doesn’t leave your clothes smelling. I often run it on medium for longer, more comfortable heat without cranking the flame to the maximum.
If your trips include campgrounds with fire restrictions, this is the portable solution I bring along.
3. Outland Living Firebowl Smokeless Fire Pit, 24-inch (883 Mega) – Best for Backyard Heat
A larger bowl with more visual presence and a bigger burner for backyard evenings.
Why I picked it: I liked the larger flame spread and the built-in cover for weather protection.
Best for: People who want a larger portable bowl to heat small groups on a patio or deck.
Midrange — larger size justifies the step up in cost.
Pros
- Bigger 24" flame display
- No assembly required
- Includes weather-resistant cover
- Pre-attached hose for tank concealment
Cons
- Heats vertically more than horizontally
- Susceptible to constant wind
My take
I put the 24" Mega on my patio for weekend gatherings and noticed an immediate difference in presence — the flame plays wider and the larger lava-rock set looks more dramatic. The UV- and weather-resistant cover is useful; I leave it covered between uses and the top keeps the rocks from scattering.
A few practical notes from my time with it: it’s easy to pack and move for short distances, but it’s heavier than the 19" bowls. The flame produces solid heat straight up, so the best seating is within a few feet. Wind will disrupt the flame more than a wood fire, so placement matters.
Overall, the extra diameter delivers a warmer, more inviting focal point compared with the smaller bowls.
4. BALI OUTDOORS 42-inch Propane Fire Pit Table — Rectangular Tile Top – Best Fire Table
A rectangular fire table that doubles as a table and a fiery centerpiece for patios.
Why I picked it: I picked it for entertaining because it combines a usable tabletop with a long, rectangular flame.
Best for: Entertaining and seating areas where a table-height fire adds comfort and function.
More expensive option that functions as both table and fire feature.
Pros
- 2-in-1 table and fire pit
- Large rectangular flame spread
- Sturdy ceramic tabletop
- Hidden internal propane storage
Cons
- Heavier and less portable
- Tile can crack if heated improperly
My take
I use this Bali rectangular fire table when I want a conversation-friendly centerpiece. The ceramic tabletop is attractive and sturdy enough to rest drinks while the flame runs, and the rectangular burner gives a long line of flame that complements bench or sectional seating.
Assembly was straightforward in my experience — one screwdriver and clear instructions. The included blue glass stones look great with the flame, though I swapped them for tempered fire glass later for a cleaner aesthetic. It produces substantial heat and feels more like an outdoor living piece than a camping bowl.
This is the unit I reach for when I’m entertaining and want both function and a dramatic flame line.
5. Fire Glass for Fire Pit — 1/2 Inch, 10 lb Bags (Bahama Blend / Ultra Clear Options) – Best Accessory — Fire Glass
Fire glass is the finishing touch that modernizes the look of any gas pit.
Why I picked it: I chose it to improve flame reflection and to replace or top lava rock for a cleaner look.
Best for: Anyone wanting a sparkly, modern look and better flame reflection.
Affordable accessory to upgrade your pit’s appearance.
Pros
- High luster, reflective finish
- Tempered and heat-resistant
- Works with propane and natural gas
- Doesn’t melt or fade
Cons
- Requires base layer of lava rock
- Needs adequate coverage for best effect
My take
I replaced the top layer of lava rock with fire glass on one of my pits and immediately noticed a brighter, cleaner flame. The tempered pieces reflect light and give the fire a modern, high-end appearance without degrading over time.
When I set it up I put a thin base layer of lava rock for drainage and then covered it with fire glass for the visual effect. The pieces are uniform in size and don’t have sharp edges, which made handling and placement pleasant. This is the easiest upgrade to make a pit feel custom and contemporary.
6. Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium 19″ Auto-Ignition Smokeless Propane Fire Pit – Best With Push-Button Ignition
A travel-sized Outland bowl with matchless auto-ignition for instant starts.
Why I picked it: I valued the auto-ignition for fast, one-button lighting on demand.
Best for: Users who want the convenience of push-button starts when camping or on the patio.
Midrange portable with added convenience for the price.
Pros
- Auto-ignition for instant lighting
- Compact and portable
- Good heat output
- Includes cover and carry kit
Cons
- Slightly heavier than manual version
- Still upward-focused heat
My take
The 870 Premium became my go-to when I wanted the convenience of push-button starts. No fumbling with lighters; a single press ignites and the flame is ready. The build quality matches other Outland bowls I’ve used — solid steel, enamel finish, and a substantial burner.
Like the manual model, it uses a standard 20-lb tank with a pre-attached hose so the tank stays out of sight. I also like that the kit includes the cover and carry strap, which keeps cleanup simple after an evening outside. The heat is plenty for cozying up a chair or two, but expect the warmth to be concentrated vertically above the bowl rather than radiating far horizontally.
If you want instant ignition without sacrificing portability, this one delivers the best of both worlds.
How I Pick a Propane Fire Pit
BTU and Heat Distribution
I look at BTU as a guide to maximum output, but I pay close attention to how a pit sends heat. Many portable bowls send most warmth upward, so I place seating closer. Rectangular tables and larger bowls give more horizontal heat for groups.
- Higher BTU = more heat potential, not guaranteed horizontal spread
- Larger diameter spreads flame visually and can improve warmth for groups
Portability and Storage
If I’m hauling a pit to campsites, I prioritize weight, a carry strap, and an included cover. Models with pre-attached hoses let me hide the propane tank at a distance without extra gear.
- Look for covers and straps for compact travel
- Pre-attached hose lets you stash the tank out of sight
Ignition Type and Usability
I prefer auto-ignition for quick starts, but manual models are simpler and often lighter. Either way, a smooth regulator and easy flame adjustment matter more than a fancy igniter once you’re using the pit nightly.
- Auto-ignition = convenience
- Manual igniters reduce complexity and weight
Safety and Certification
I prioritize CSA or UL approval because that means a manufacturer designed the burner and controls to industry standards. Even with certified units, I always check local burn rules and place the pit where wind and furniture clearance are safe.
- Choose CSA/UL-certified units when possible
- Maintain recommended clearances and follow local burn restrictions
Aesthetics and Fire Media
Fire glass instantly modernizes a pit and reflects the flame better than raw lava rock. I usually keep a base layer of lava rocks for drainage and place glass on top for the effect and heat retention.
- Use lava rock as a base layer for drainage
- Add tempered fire glass on top for reflection and style
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a propane fire pit during a campground burn ban?
I always check local regulations first. Many of the models I tested are CSA-approved, which in many jurisdictions lets you use them when open wood fires are banned, but local rules vary so I confirm before lighting.
Do I need lava rock if I use fire glass?
I typically lay a thin layer of lava rock under fire glass for drainage and to protect the burner ports. Fire glass looks better on top and reflects the flame, but lava rock underneath helps airflow and safety.
How do I get the best heat from a propane fire pit?
I set the flame slightly below maximum and position seating within three feet for the most usable warmth. Larger-diameter bowls and fire tables give a wider heat footprint than small travel bowls.
Final Take
I tested compact bowls, a large 24" option, a rectangular fire table, and several fire media to cover the most common use cases. For camping and RVing I reach for the 19" Outland bowls; for backyard presence the 24" Mega or the Bali rectangular table work best. Fire glass is the easiest upgrade to change the look of any pit.
Use this roundup to match the pit’s size, ignition type, and aesthetics to how you’ll actually use it. I’ve leaned on these models for seasons of use and can recommend them based on how they perform in real outdoor conditions.
