What Is The Best Portable Propane Fire Pit For Outdoor Cooking? (2022)

Are you currently in the market for a portable fire pit that uses propane as the fuel source? 

Do you know what to look for in one of these heating units? 

If not, you have come to the right place.

Here we have reviewed four of the most popular and best rated portable propane fire pits on the market today, according to the people we interviewed, and highlighted the pros and cons associated with each fire pit. 

We have also included a comprehensive Portable Propane Fire Pit Buying Guide, in which we will discuss some of the factors and characteristics you should look for when purchasing one of these devices; and included a section in which we will highlight and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about propane fire pits.

Best Portable Propane Fire Pit Reviews

1. Outland Firebowl Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit

Picture this:  You wait for weeks to set out on a planned wilderness excursion, but when you arrive at your ideal outdoor destination, you are informed that there is a campfire ban in place—a ban that essentially ruins one of the most pleasurable and relaxing aspects of camping, one that may also leave you no way to cook the food you packed for this excursion. 

This can be a disappointing and even drastic turn of events, but one that could have easily been avoided had you packed along the Outland Firebowl Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit. 

That’s because this firepit is a CSA approved model, one that is perfectly safe to use and completely legal during most campfire bans. 

The reason this firepit is legal in these conditions is that it uses liquid propane as the fuel source rather than wood, which means there are no embers flying through the air—embers that could potentially land on dry brush and spark a forest fire. 

This also means there is never any mess to clean up after using this fire pit—no dirty ash or soot and no need to pour water or dirt on when it’s time to retire for the night.

Measuring 19 inches in both length and width and standing 11 inches tall, the Outland Firebowl Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit is very portable and easy to assemble, requiring no tools or special construction. 

It includes a lockable lid with handle and a carry kit to make carrying the unit a breeze, and with 58,000 BTUs of total output it is one of the most powerful fire pits on the market today. 

The firepit is great for all outdoor parties and get-togethers; and because the flame produces no smoke you can sit as close to it as you desire.

Included with the Outland Firebowl Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit is a 10-foot gas hose and a fully adjustable regulator that allows you to manipulate the flame height any way you wish. 

The fire pit is constructed from some of the strongest steel materials and has an enamel finish for aesthetic quality, making the unit look great on any patio or outdoor living space.

Outland has a range of different sized firepits so if this is not the best portable propane fire pit for your needs, one of their larger or smaller versions would be worth looking at.

2. Bond Manufacturing Portable 54,000 BTU Aurora Bowl

Made mostly of high-quality tempered steel, the Bond Manufacturing Portable 54,000 BTU Aurora Bowl is one of the most durable and long lasting firepits of its kind on the market today. 

In addition to being tough and sturdy, the firepit is also highly decorative, with a chic design that would surely be the envy of all your neighbors. 

The product is easy to use, thanks in large part to its stainless steel control panel and simplified burner, which boasts a convenient automatic ignition switch, which allows you to dial in the perfect sized flame. 

Perhaps one of the most coveted features of the Bond Manufacturing Portable 54,000 BTU Aurora Bowl is the safety it offers to those who use it. 

This unit uses liquefied propane gas for both the ignition and life of the flame, eliminating the need for dangerous lighting fluids, matches and other starters. 

It is also one of the cleanest fire pits you will ever own, as there is never a need for firewood, and the flame never leaves any hard to clean ash or soot that can cause a nightmare of a cleanup; nor does it produce any potentially dangerous fumes—the types left by other types of firepits.

On top of all of its other great features, the Bond Manufacturing Portable 54,000 BTU Aurora Bowl is very easy to assemble and use, coming with everything you need to use the unit right out of the box. 

As its name indicates, the firepit is very portable and can be brought along for all of your outdoor gatherings. 

It fits nicely into any trunk or truck bed, and it is sure to be the star of your campouts and tailgating parties.

Out of the box, purchasers of the Bond Manufacturing Portable 54,000 BTU Aurora Bowl will receive not only the fire pit, but also the lid/cover that conveniently locks into place for easy carrying; the propane gas hose that clamps quickly to both the fire pit and the propane tank; a bag of pumice stone fire filler; a propane tank shelf for hanging the fuel source; and a detailed product manual complete with user instructions.

3. Heininger 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit

Are you tired of waiting around alongside your wood firepit just hoping it will finally ignite? 

Are you sick and tired of getting choked by the noxious smoke that always seems to find you even after you have moved to a different position? 

If so, the Heininger 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit may be a perfect fit for you.  With this amazing unit, you, your family and friends can enjoy all there is to love about an outdoor fire—the dancing flames, great conversation, etc.—without any of the downsides. 

That’s because this firepit operates via propane gas—just hook up the included 10-foot hose to both the fire pit and the propane tank and hit the ignition switch and you will instantly be enjoying that fire you love so much, without the embers, smoke and messy cleanup. 

And because the ignition switch is fully automatic and adjustable, you can create a flame that is as large or as small as you wish at just the turn of a dial.

The round-shaped Heininger 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit has a diameter of 19-inches, making it one of the larger firepits of its kind on the market today. 

It is very lightweight and easy to carry, thanks mainly to the lockable lid that includes a center-mounted handle with a comfortable no-slip grip. 

The firepit is made from the toughest stainless steel, which means it will not only be durable, but also resist all types of weather conditions without rust or corrosion.

Delivering 58,000 BTUs of power, the Heininger 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit is one of the most powerful outdoor fire pits, but because it burns so clean you will never have to worry about inhaling harmful air or destroying the environment.

4. Endless Summer Steel Portable Propane Outdoor Fireplace

Fueled by a standard 20-pound propane tank, the 58,000 BTU Endless Summer Steel Portable Propane Outdoor Fireplace is as easy to use as your backyard grill. 

Never again will you have to slave for hours cutting up firewood just in the hopes it will burn. 

With this unit you can have a great outdoor party with fire included in just a snap. 

The Endless Summer model includes a 10-foot long hose that connects safely to both the tank and firepit, and once you turn on the propane and hit the automatic ignition switch, your safe, clean burning, and smokeless flame will jump to life.

The Endless Summer Steel Portable Propane Outdoor Fireplace is a very decorative unit thanks to the antique copper finish that truly brings it to life. 

This model also includes ornamental lava rock that glows as the flame is burning—just another one of the aesthetic features that makes this firepit so popular. 

The Endless Summer company has been making outdoor living products for over 45 years and they have gained a reputation as one of the best in the business. 

They were one of the first and best companies to manufacture these types of products and they have only gotten better as the years have passed. 

Their firepits and patio heaters are some of the most recognized in the world, including this particular top of the line model.

Purchasers of the Endless Summer Steel Portable Propane Outdoor Fireplace will receive the fire bowl along with 10-foot propane hose, a locking lid with handle for easy carrying, the decorative lava rock, and all the hardware needed to quickly assemble the unit.

Portable Propane Fire Pit Buying Guide

If, after reading our portable propane fire pit reviews, you have decided that you want to purchase a fire pit there are several factors, features and characteristics you will need to consider before making a final purchase. 

To help ensure you make the smartest and most educated purchasing decision, below we have covered some of those considerations.

Size/Shape

One of the first things you will need to consider when shopping for and ultimately buying a portable propane fire pit is the size and shape. 

Portable propane fire pits come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so you will need to make a decision based on the size of your patio and, of course, your personal preferences. 

In terms of shape, portable propane fire pits can be circular in design—which most are—but they can also take on a square or rectangular shape. 

Their dimensions—length, width, height and circumference—can also vary, so make sure you do your homework before settling on a model for you.

Weight

Weight is another important consideration that you must take into account when buying a portable propane fire pit. 

Why is this important? 

Well, if you don’t plan to ever move your fire pit, which is exceedingly rare, then the weight is NOT a big matter of importance. 

However, if you plan to transport your fire pit to campouts, tailgate parties, etc., you will need to purchase one that you comfortably lift. 

Even if you have to just move the fire pit into the garage before a big rain, the weight of the unit will be important. 

Lastly, a firepit’s weight can also be a sign of how well it is constructed.  Very lightweight models could mean that the fire pit in question was not constructed as sturdily as some of the heavier fire pits.

Style/Appearance

If you plan to host parties in which your fire pit will be a primary attraction, you should definitely consider one with some decorative features. 

Many companies use ornamental copper, brass and other metals to create certain designs on the fire pit, and these inlays tend to really standout, especially when the flame is going.

Accessories

Fire pit packages can include just the fire pit itself, or they can contain many additional accessories that you will need to use the unit right out of the box. 

We suggest you go with the latter—and only with the latter.  So what types of accessories are you looking for? 

Here are just a few that should always be included:

• Lid/Cover.  Portable propane fire pits should always contain a lid.  Moreover, that lid will need to lock into place and have a handle that is centered in the middle of the lid.  This will allow you to easily carry your fire pit and transport it to the various events at which you plan to use it.
• Propane hose.  A hose—one that is at least 10 feet in length—should always be included in your kit.  This hose connects to the fuel port on the fire pit and to the propane tank itself, delivering the necessary fuel for the flame.  The hose should also come with the necessary clamps for both ends.
• Lava rocks (or similar).  Many of the best portable propane fire pit models will come with attractive lava rocks or other decorative features that will not burn.  This helps your flame look more natural and adds to the aesthetic beauty of the unit.

Note:  Some portable propane fire pits will even include a shelf onto which you can place the propane tank. 

Sadly, most companies do not include the tank itself, so this will need to be purchased separately and you will need to refill it when needed.

Warranty

Last but not least, try to look for a portable propane fire pit that has a good warranty. 

The company selling this product to you should be willing to backup the purchase and compensate you should anything not work as it was advertised.

Portable Propane Fire Pits:  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is a Portable Propane Fire Pit?

A portable propane fire pit can best be described as a transportable fire pit that acts similar to a fire pit at your local campground. 

The big difference between the two is that regular camping fire pits require wood and matches to create the fire, while the portable propane fire pit runs on liquid propane and is started by an automatic ignition device.

How Do I Light My Portable Propane Fire Pit?

Most portable propane fire pits are ignited just like your propane gas BBQ. 

Once you turn on the flow of propane, the gas moves down the hose and into the fire pit. 

Then, by hitting either the manual or remote control ignition button, a spark is created to light the gas and Voila—a flame is produced.

Can I Burn Wood in My Portable Propane Fire Pit?

No.  Propane fire pits are not built to withstand the intense heat created by wood fires. 

Therefore, attempting to burn wood in the unit can irreparably damage the fire pit. 

If you want to build wood fires, consider buying a wood-burning fire pit instead.

Can I Use My Portable Propane Fire Pit Indoors?

No.  Propane fire pits need to be properly vented. 

Using them in an enclosed space can cause you harm.

Can I Cook Food on My Portable Propane Fire Pit?

Although you could technically cook outdoors using your propane fire pit, it is not recommended. 

When cooking food, grease and other substances may drip down and cause some of the interior parts and the fire media in the unit to malfunction or get ruined, thus shortening the lifespan of your fire pit.

If you want great food cooked outdoors, a portable pizza oven or a pellet grill will be much more suitable.

How Many Hours Will a Standard Propane Tank Last?

That depends. 

The longevity of a standard 20-pound tank of propane will depend on the BTUs of the burner fueling it. 

Fire pits with a higher BTU will not last as many hours as those with a lower BTU. 

One good rule of thumb is to always have a backup tank at the ready if you are entertaining, and always fill your propane tank up to the top before heading out on a camping excursion.

Are Portable Propane Fire Pits Harmful to the Environment?

No. 

Portable propane fire pits do not produce the noxious fumes of wood fires, nor do they represent any real threat of wildfires, as they do not give off any embers or smoke.

My Portable Propane Fire Pit Says It Is CSA Certified.  What Does That Mean?

If a product is certified by the “CSA” it means it was certified by a global testing factory known as the Canadian Standards Association. 

This organization only stamps its approval on products that are safe and working properly before they leave the factory. 

It also means that the ignition in your portable propane fire pit was pre-installed at the factory for testing purposes—and passed those tests.

Final Word

The above reviews of our best portable propane fire pit suggestions, buying guide and FAQs should give you some great ideas and information to make an informed choice when purchasing a gas fire pit.

If you have any questions or have alternative recommendations, let us know in the comments below.