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A smokeless fire is something that’s incredibly more attainable than you might have first thought. In this review we’re going to take a look at some of the best options on the market for the best portable propane fire pit. These are in essence, smoke-free fire pits that don’t require solid fuel, such as wood. They also don’t require a propellant or kindling, simply a standard propane tank such as the one that fuels your BBQ grill. Say goodbye to carting heavy logs, or paying $20 for a tiny bundle of wood at a campground.
If you like to take life the simple way, these are a great alternative to a messy and smoky fire pit or bowl. On top of that, they’re completely portable! We’ll cover some important information about these fire pits before diving into a series of reviews covering some of the most popular models that you’ll get the most out of this summer, no matter where you take them!
The Best Portable Propane Fire Pit to Take With You This Summer
Take it easy, kick back and relax and melt into these product reviews so you don’t have to do all of the leg work, (that means, more time for lounging around on the patio!). We’re going to jump into some key recommendations for the best portable propane fire pits that you can find to set out on your deck or patio. Alternatively, these also make a great option for everything from the beach, to the campsite.
Seriously, you can use these things anywhere and they hardly weigh a thing. This makes them easy to lug around, but what makes it all the better is that there’s a plethora of portable carrying cases available, too.
Why Should I Buy a Propane Fire Pit?
If you want the simplest answer: propane fire pits aren’t subject to burn bans. If you live anywhere in the Northwest hemisphere, your ears, (eyes?), probably just perked up a bit! That means that you don’t have to worry about county, provincial or RM approval to burn, because you’re not burning anything.
These fall under similar regulations as an outdoor gas cooker. The safety rules are simple here: NEVER use indoors, and don’t let anything come close to the flame, including your toasty toes. Also, be sure that the propane tank is safely located, and doesn’t pose a tripping hazard to anyone enjoying the fire pit.
Make sure to double check the specific jurisdiction where you plan to use yours, as some areas have complete bans on all open flames, in which case you probably want a solar cooker.
Where Can You Use a Portable Fire Pit?
Just about anywhere you can safely place it on a flat surface. The same goes for the propane tank that powers it. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations ahead of time to make sure that you’re using it correctly, and within the safety guidelines and parameters. These fire pits are a great choice for taking with you on the road, and you could easily use them by the beachside, too! Take it anywhere you’d like to enjoy a fire, without the ashy mess, billowing smoke and the need for bundles of firewood. By the way, what you’d spend on a couple of bundles anywhere ‘on location’, is probably more $$$ than just filling a propane tank at a gas station.
What Characteristics Make for the Best Portable Fire Pit?
- Wind/weather proof
- Cool touch surfaces
- Anti-rusting
- Collapsible and easy to carry
- Heat produced – BTUs and lava rock material for radiant heat
- Diameter
- Manual or Automatic Ignition
Outland Living Firebowl 870 Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit with Cover & Carry Kit
- 58,000 BTU
- 19″ Diameter
- 25 lbs
The Outland propane fire bowl is one of the leading models of non wood burning fire pits you can find.
Buy on AmazonIt features a fairly standardized bowl design that you’ll see across most of these models, but for good reason. The glossy alloy steel finish isn’t just easy on the eyes, but it also helps keep this thing from getting too hot around the rim, as well as the circular base.
The design of the bowl is appropriate for pretty much any setting, with a wrap-around imprinted with motifs of a campfire that the flames will cast a dancing flame through. This fire pit is small enough to sling on your back, and thankfully it already comes with a convenient carrying case.
Beyond that, you’ll also find that the lid is incredibly practical. While it is more or less weatherproof for whatever your summer can throw at it, it benefits greatly from the included lid. This helps you cover it up to keep it from pooling up with rainwater, or otherwise getting dirty. It features a standard propane tank connection, which will be familiar to anyone who’s ever used a grill before.
Pros:
- Smooth black glazed metal design that repels water and UV
- Incredibly easy to use, large operation knob
- Durable propane hose that is long enough to keep the tank at a safe distance
Cons:
- Campfire motifs on the sides could allow for debris to get trapped too close to the flame
- Underwhelming carrying case material quality
Camp Chef Portable Fire Pit
- 55,000 BTU
- 20″ Diameter
- 27 lbs
The Camp Chef brand portable fire pit makes this list for being an incredibly well-rounded unit that can be a little more versatile than some of its competitors.
Buy on AmazonRoll up to the campsite with one of these, and you’re sure to make some new friends pretty quickly. Ditch the fire starter, bundles of wood and make it a lot easier on yourself. This model is ideal for those who want a small and portable, yet more multipurpose fire pit for use wherever you’d like!
The Camp Chef even comes with two roasting sticks, which are perfectly well suited to the task of cooking some wieners over the gas flame, without the blinding smoke coming at your face. The faux top on this model happens to be a lava rock, which actually helps the fire pit to throw heat. When the lava rock heats up via the gas flame, it helps emit a radiant heat which makes it a lot more toasty to sit around. Enjoy all of the warming comfort of a fire, without any of the smoke.
This model also includes its own carrying case, too!
Pros:
- Included roasting sticks, designed for campfire cooking
- Large, authentic looking fire stones
- Sturdy base to prevent tipping
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than most models
- Unsightly face plate
- Rough powder-coated stainless steel material that can be prone to rust in humid or snowy conditions
Camco Big Red Campfire Outdoor Portable Tabletop Fire Pit
This totally eclectic and adorable little thing shouldn’t be discounted as a glorified space heater. This truly puts off a decent amount of heat, and makes a nice enchanting flame to enjoy your evening around the fire with your friends, family and guests. If you have a small backyard, or want to enjoy a fire around the table, the Big Red is just the ticket.
Let’s start with the design of the exterior, which I absolutely love. This is what initially sold me on the Big Red from the get go. The red ‘lid’ of this thing also acts as a carrying handle.
Besides the fact that it comes in a totally retro enameled red, (think Radio Flyer wagon), that really adds to the vibes of this unit. If you can imagine a cake stand with a locking lid, this fire pit is pretty much similar in design.
Once the lid is latched on, it has a carrying handle on the top. So when not in use, simply keep the lid on to keep water and debris away from the center of the fire pit. The wide base and raised design of this fire pit makes it ideal for using on the table top, so you can enjoy it on a picnic bench, or even your patio table if you wish!
The narrow piece separating the top of the fire pit to the base ensures that heat won’t be able to transfer downwards, so you don’t have to worry about the surface other than ensuring that it’s stable and flat.
Pros:
- Retro-inspired classic campfire design that charms with a dancing flame
- Tabletop capability on a pedestal that won’t scorch benches and outdoor tables
Cons:
- Relatively short propane hose
- While retro in spirit, the faux logs look incredibly inauthentic
Suburban Voyager Fire Pit
- 54,000 BTU
- 19″ Wide
- 20 lbs
The Suburban Voyager firepit also lends itself to a totally retro looking design which makes it an easy pick for our reviews.
Buy on AmazonThat being said, it’s just as practical as it is an attractive piece of equipment. If you’re someone who’s moved by vintage airstream campers, bowler trailers and the camping lifestyle, this one is a surefire pick. Available in white, this unit has a unique design that’s admittedly unusual in propane fire pits.
These four legs are completely foldable, and once packed, this unit is under 20lbs. In other words, it’s totally easy to carry around, whether you’re taking it up to the lake, stowing it away in the camper or even taking it with you on the trail. Portable propane fire pits like this afford you the opportunity to enjoy a fire without having to carry a bunch of supplies around with you, and that’s exactly where this unit excels.
Liquified petroleum gas supplies the burner which also heats the attached pumice stone arrangement, helping this small unit deliver a lot of comforting heat while you’re away from home, or if you simply want to avoid using a large fire pit. The hose for the gas is a whopping 8 feet long, allowing you to place it some ways away, as well.
Pros:
- Barebones, simplistic design that’s easy to use
- Lightweight under 20lb constructin making it very portable
- Great for avoiding burn bans
Cons:
- Pale firestones clash with the glossy red finish to make an odd looking, but quaint little propane fire pit
- Pumice stone is incredibly difficult to clean when it becomes dirty with marshmallows, food drippings, etc
What is the Best Propane Fire Pit?
Grab your propane tank and get ready for a totally-retro campout with our top pick for the best all-around propane fire pit! Based on portability, ease of use and all-around enjoyment, the Camco Big Red is one you should seriously consider. Think of it like this, if you’re already going for a propane-fired pit then why not take it all the way with this retro piece? Not only does it make for a really portable firepit, but it’s also capable of being placed on top of a table. We also love how it’s self-contained, keeping any mess all in one place.
Thanks for checking out these reviews for the best portable propane fire pit! These units are a breeze to set up and use, and they create no mess whatsoever. Not to mention the blinding smoke of a traditional fire pit. If you have any questions, or even experience using on of these fire pits, let our readers know about some things they should know before they purchase their very first portable propane fire pit!
