One of the greatest allures of camping in the great outdoors is sitting in a warm campfire and cooking your food while surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Nothing is more enticing and appetite boosting than the scent of freshly made food permeating the air, while you are surrounded by your loved ones who are anticipating a great meal.
However, you may personally not enjoy using firewood to keep warm or to cook your food. If you want to make things a lot easier for yourself, you can always use a portable propane fire pit that you can literally fire up (pun intended) with a flick of a switch.
In hurry and want our recommendation? We love the Outland Firebowl 870 Premium Portable Fire Pit.
Top 3 Best Portable Propane Fire Pits For Camping
Outland Firebowl 870 Premium Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit | Outland Firebowl 823 Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit | Camp Chef Gas Fire Ring |
★ EDITOR’S PICK ★ | ☆ BEST VALUE PICK | ☆ CHEAPEST PICK |
best overall pick | best value for the money pick | budget cheapest pick |
Buy at: Home Depot, Amazon | Buy at: Home Depot, Amazon | Buy at: Walmart, Amazon |
Portable Propane Fire Pits Benefits
One of the reasons fire pits are becoming popular is that they offer a lot of perks. One of its main benefits is that it is portable and compact, making it easy to lug around.
You also get value for money when you get your own portable propane fire pit.
Let’s take a look at its advantages:
Mitigates Bush Fires
This portable fire pit is an essential tool to bring to the campground, especially if you’re concerned about bush fires.
This nifty gadget is the perfect alternative source of heat, especially in areas where there is a firewood ban.
You want to have a good time with friends and not get arrested or slapped with steep fines!
Offers Fire Without the Smoke
A campfire newbie can readily assemble this without any issues.
And the best part, it gives all the benefits of a real fire without all the smoke that clings onto your hair, clothes, and camping gear.
You don’t have to worry about smokey odor because this gadget produces none.
Gives You Freedom to Start a Fire Anywhere
This portable fire pit gives you the freedom to start a fire anywhere, even in campgrounds or parks that don’t have fire pits or rings.
You don’t have to worry about sourcing expensive firewood.
You also save your back from a lot of trouble in using a portable propane fire pit.
Propane Fuel is Cheap
If you’re worried about where to find propane, fret not because you can purchase them in any gas station or hardware.
Best of all, they are very inexpensive, so stocking up on this fuel won’t break the bank.
You Can Manage the Flame Easily
Unlike firewood which can blaze with a vengeance, you won’t get as much “fury” with your portable propane fire pit.
n fact, you can control the heat by choosing the flame size with its knob attachment.
You can also easily “kill” the fire when you’re done with it by flicking a switch. You don’t have to douse it with water.
You Don’t Have to Worry About Ash and Embers
Since fire is contained within a portable propane fire pit, you can place this anywhere.
You do not have to be at a designated campfire ring because there are no fiery flying embers or hot ash to think about.
No more burned holes in your jackets! You can even cook near your tent if you want.
Multiple Use Giving Value for Money
Most portable propane fire pits are also safe enough to use for your own home. It has an insulated bottom making it perfect for your patio or deck area.
You can have a nice outdoor meal with your family anytime you want. You can even bring this to your office and have a cookout at the balcony.
Say Goodbye to Bug Infestations
Those who keep firewood understand that bugs abound whenever there’s a stock pile of dead wood around.
If you use a portable propane fire pit, you take this out of the equation. It is not nice to live in a home with a breeding area for roaches and bugs.
Instant Satisfaction
With a fire pit, you no longer have to worry if your wood is wet.
You can just turn it on and you’ll have instant heat.
This also means that you can cook food a lot faster, so you will quickly satisfy those awaiting bellies.
What to Look For In A Portable Propane Fire Pit
If you’re on the lookout for the perfect portable propane fire pit to address your needs, you have to do your due diligence and research the different brands out there.
By comparing and contrasting specs, you will be able to get your money’s worth. Below are some important features that you must keep an eye on:
Size and Weight
When it comes to camping this is the top most priority. You want a gadget that is compact and lightweight, so you can carry it with ease anywhere you need to go.
If you like taking hikes, then it has to fit easily into your pack. On top of that, you should also consider how many people you’ll be keeping warm or you’ll be cooking for.
A small 18 inch one will work well with smaller groups.
Safety Concerns
Another critical issue is safety. You must never compromise on this.
Your fire pit must have a safety shut-off valve for emergencies. It must also have a long thick hose and a fire-retardant base.
Price Matters
The cost of your chosen fire pit should be within your budget.
Most decent models are under two hundred bucks. The more features you want, the higher the cost.
Style and Extras
Those of you who value style can choose from a variety out there. Some come in striking colors, while others come with different patterns.
Some fire pits come with extra features like a carrying case, lava rocks, and the like.
Best Portable Propane Fire Pits For The Money
As with any other product, it is important to research the different brands available in the market.
The top three below are the most popular ones with our team right now.
Choose among any of them and you’ll be a happy camper.
1. Outland Firebowl 870 Premium Portable Fire Pit
This is a CSA approved fire pit that can be used even when there are bans. It is dubbed as premium because of its amazing specs that puts it a notch above its competitors.
You will find this easy to use with its auto-ignition. On top of that, it comes with a lot of extra features like a convenient carrying bag, a 10 feet long hose, tank stabilizer, and a lava rock set to make it look more appealing.
You get to stay warm or cook in style without worrying about smoke or flying embers.
Perks:
- Fully adjustable chrome regulator for easy auto ignition, use, and flame adjustment
- Modern and stylish looking, so you can take this with pride
- The propane tank stabilizer is ensure the device doesn’t tip
Other specs:
- Capacity: 58,000 BTU
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Added features: 4.4 pounds of lava rocks
2. Outland Firebowl 823 Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
This is another deluxe fire pit from the Outland brand, but unlike its aforementioned bigger brother, this is slightly heavier, has less chrome trimmings, and has no base stabilizer.
Other than that, it offers the same perks and benefits as the 827 right down to the decorative lava rocks.
This is a great companion for any outdoor enthusiast as it carries the Outland seal, which is known for its premium quality.
Perks:
- Durable and will last you for a long time
- Slightly cheaper than the 827 while still delivering all its premium perks
- Great for warming up or cooking
More specs:
- Capacity: 58,000 BTU
- Weight: 24.5 pounds
- Added features: 4.4 pounds of lava rocks
3. Camp Chef Propane Compact Fire Ring
You’ll certainly love this very simple to install Camp Chef propane ring. The best part is that it comes with a full sized bag of lava rocks, which play an essential role in dispersing the heat.
This is is safe to use even in areas with a fire ban, so you can carry it anywhere with its convenient case.
The only caveat is that the hose is too short at only 5 feet long.
Perks:
- A wonderful small and portable unit that offers great value
- Very easy to assemble and use
- This can be turned off with a push of a button
More Specs:
- Capacity: 55,000 BTU
- Weight: 22.8 pounds
- Added features: 12 pounds of lava rocks
- Also available at Walmart
How to Use A Propane Fire Pit
The first thing to do is make sure you’re setting up in a safe space that can withstand the heat.
If the base of your device has insulation, then you can set this up without worries on most surfaces.
Ascertain that the surrounding area is free of flammable items like leaves, paper, or other chemicals that can combust when exposed to heat.
As an added safety measure, keep the propane tank as far away from the fire ring as you can.
For those who have an auto-ignition, just press and turn the valve so the flame will light up.
Those who have a manual machine have to light it up with a match or a wand lighter.
The latter is the safer bet because your hand will be in a safe distance away from the fire.
Now, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the warmth emanating from your portable propane fire pit. When you’re done with it, just wipe it down clean when it’s cool.
Double check that all the valves are off. After, you can pack it up in its bag and store it in a safe, dry place.
Recap: Top Portable Propane Fire Pits For Camping
Here’s a quick look back at our recommended portable gas fire pits and where you can buy them online.
Outland Firebowl 870 Premium Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit | Outland Firebowl 823 Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit | Camp Chef Gas Fire Ring |
★ EDITOR’S PICK ★ | ☆ BEST VALUE PICK | ☆ CHEAPEST PICK |
best overall pick | best value for the money pick | budget cheapest pick |
Buy at: Home Depot, Amazon | Buy at: Home Depot, Amazon | Buy at: Walmart, Amazon |