There’s a ritualistic magic to gathering around a fire. It’s a primal comfort, a focal point for stories, laughter, and quiet contemplation under the stars. For years, my camping trips and backyard get-togethers were defined by this ritual—but also by its frustrations. I recall one particular trip to the Pacific Northwest, armed with what I thought was dry firewood, only to spend an hour battling damp logs, coughing through plumes of acrid smoke, and constantly playing musical chairs to escape the ever-shifting wind. We went to bed smelling like a chimney, with stinging eyes and a lingering disappointment. Even worse are the trips cut short by the dreaded “CAMPFIRE BAN” sign at the park entrance, a necessary precaution in dry regions that nonetheless extinguishes the quintessential camping experience. This is the modern campfire dilemma: we crave the warmth and glow but dread the smoke, the mess, and the increasing restrictions. Finding a solution isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming a cherished part of the outdoor experience.
- ✓ PERFECT NO MESS CAMPFIRE: Say goodbye to dirty ash, expensive firewood, and bothersome smoke and enjoy a clean realistic propane campfire. The perfect outdoor centerpiece for camping trips, RV...
- ✓ COMPACT AND EASY TO TRANSPORT: Travel size fire pit is lightweight and portable; easily set up in minutes with no tools required. Matchless auto-ignition feature ensures a fast and simple...
- ✓ BEAT THE CAMPFIRE BAN: CSA approved fire pit is safe to use during most campfire bans; always check with the current fire restrictions in your area. Spark free propane campfire helps protect...
What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Fire Pit
A propane fire pit is more than just a piece of outdoor equipment; it’s a key solution for instant, clean, and controlled ambiance. It solves the core problems of traditional wood fires: the smoke that follows you relentlessly, the messy ash cleanup, the risk of unpredictable sparks and embers, and the uncertainty of finding or buying dry firewood. The main benefits are profound: push-button ignition, adjustable flame height, and the ability to turn it off instantly for complete safety and peace of mind. Best of all, because they are spark-free, CSA-approved models like the Outland Living Firebowl are often permitted for use even during regional campfire bans, making them a game-changer for campers in fire-prone areas.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values convenience, safety, and a clean experience. This includes RV enthusiasts who need a portable and reliable heat source, families with young children who want to avoid smoke and sparks, and homeowners who desire a fire feature for their patio without the permanence or mess of a wood-burning pit. It’s for anyone who has ever said, “I’d love a fire, but I just don’t want the hassle.” Conversely, this might not be the right fit for traditionalists who feel the experience is incomplete without the distinct crackle and aroma of burning wood. For those individuals, a classic steel wood-burning fire bowl might be a better, albeit less convenient, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: A key advantage of models like this is their portability. Consider the unit’s weight and dimensions (19x19x11 inches and 25 lbs for the Outland 870). Is it light enough for you to carry from the garage to the patio or load into your car for a camping trip? Does it include features like a lid and carry handles to make transport clean and easy?
- Heat Output & Performance: Heat output is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A higher BTU rating generally means more heat and a larger flame. The Outland 870 boasts a powerful 58,000 BTU rating, which is substantial for its size. You should also consider the flame control—a good regulator allows you to go from a low, ambient glow to a roaring fire for maximum warmth.
- Materials & Durability: Look for high-quality materials that can withstand high temperatures and the elements. The Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Smokeless Propane Fire Pit uses high-quality alloy steel with a protective enamel finish, and crucially, a superior stainless steel burner and fasteners. This combination resists rust and ensures longevity, a critical factor for any piece of outdoor gear.
- Ease of Use & Safety: How quickly can you go from stored to burning? Look for features like a pre-attached hose and tool-free setup. A matchless auto-ignition system is a significant convenience upgrade. Most importantly, ensure the product is CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved, which certifies it has passed rigorous safety and performance standards.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Smokeless Propane Fire Pit stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Smokeless Propane Fire Pit is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- [3 IN 1]: OutVue fire pit is equipped with 2 cooking grills, 1 lid and tabletop. When you fix grills and tabletop to the fire pit, you can enjoy the roast and bonfire. When it not make fire and cover...
- 3-in-1 Fire Pit: Panovue outdoor fire pit can provide inviting warmth for your patio, yard, or garden, also be used as an outdoor BBQ to cook food or as an ice bucket to keep beverages cold. When you...
- [3 IN 1]: OutVue fire pit is equipped with 2 cooking grills, 1 lid and tabletop[No waterproof cover]. When you fix grills and tabletop to the fire pit, you can enjoy the roast and bonfire. When it not...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Outland Living Firebowl 870
Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Smokeless Propane Fire Pit was its reassuring heft and build quality. This isn’t a flimsy, thin-gauge metal bowl. The steel construction feels substantial, and the protective black enamel finish is sleek and uniform. The unit arrives almost fully assembled; the 10-foot hose and regulator are pre-attached, a thoughtful touch that eliminates one of the more tedious setup steps common with other gas appliances. The box contains the fire bowl itself, a steel lid, a clever Cover & Carry Kit (a set of straps), a bag of natural lava rocks, and a propane tank stabilizer ring.
Compared to other portable fire pits we’ve tested, the 870 Premium feels like a deliberate upgrade. The base is a solid, continuous ring rather than three or four spindly legs, providing a much more stable footprint on uneven ground. The inclusion of the steel lid and carrying straps as a standard feature in the “Premium” package is a significant value-add, immediately solving the problem of how to transport the unit once the lava rocks are inside. It felt well-thought-out, designed by people who actually use the products they create.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional portability with included cover and carry kit
- Powerful 58,000 BTU output provides significant heat
- Smokeless operation eliminates odor and irritation
- Extremely durable construction with stainless steel components
- CSA-approved for safety and use during most fire bans
Limitations
- Auto-ignition can become unreliable over time
- Higher propane consumption compared to smaller units
A Deep Dive into the Firebowl 870’s Performance
A fire pit’s true worth is only revealed through use. We put the Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Smokeless Propane Fire Pit through its paces in various settings—from a chilly evening on our backyard patio to a damp weekend at a forested campsite—to see if its real-world performance lived up to its premium branding. We focused on the entire user experience, from the initial setup to the quality of the fire and its long-term durability.
Setup and Portability: The 5-Minute Campfire
Outland Living’s promise of a quick, tool-free setup is not an exaggeration. From box to flame, our first setup took less than five minutes. The process is laughably simple: place the bowl on a level surface, open the bag of lava rocks and distribute them evenly over the stainless steel burner, place the propane tank stabilizer ring on the ground, set your 20-lb propane tank in it, and connect the pre-attached hose. The connection is a standard hand-tightened fitting, requiring no wrenches. One user aptly called it “the easiest campfire I’ve ever set up,” and we wholeheartedly agree. The pre-attached 10-foot hose is also a generous length, allowing you to tuck the propane tank out of sight, preserving the campfire illusion and keeping it a safe distance from the flames.
Where the 870 Premium truly shines is in its portability. At 25 pounds, it’s easy for one person to carry. The included Cover & Carry Kit is the star of the show here. After the bowl has cooled, you place the steel lid on top, which securely contains the lava rocks. Then, you loop the durable nylon straps around the bowl and cinch them tight. The integrated handle makes it feel like you’re carrying a compact piece of luggage. We transported it in the back of our SUV without a single lava rock spilling out. This system makes it an RVer’s dream and perfect for anyone who wants to move their fire pit around, as confirmed by one user who said, “We will take it on RV trips or visits with family. It is very portable.”
Heat Output and Flame Performance: 58,000 BTUs of Smokeless Warmth
The 58,000 BTU burner is the heart of the Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Smokeless Propane Fire Pit, and it is a powerhouse. When you first light it, the flames can seem a bit modest. However, the magic begins after about 5-10 minutes. The natural lava rocks absorb and then radiate an immense amount of heat. One user provided an incredible data point, measuring the rocks’ temperature at a blistering 1,017°F while the ground directly underneath the pit remained a cool 74°F. Our experience confirmed this; the heat radiating outward is substantial and cozy, not just vertical. We found that six to eight people could comfortably gather around it and feel the warmth on a cool 45°F night.
The flame itself is controlled by a high-quality, adjustable regulator with a chrome knob that offers precise control. You can dial it down for a low, flickering ambiance perfect for conversation or crank it up for a vibrant, dancing fire that provides maximum heat. But the most “game-changing” aspect, as multiple users noted, is the clean, smokeless burn. There is no eye-stinging smoke, no campfire smell that clings to your hair and clothes for days, and no dangerous embers floating into the night. For those with sensitivities like asthma or who simply hate the hassle of smoke, this feature alone is worth the price of admission. It allows you to simply enjoy the mesmerizing flames and radiant heat, hassle-free. If you’ve been searching for a fire pit that delivers all the warmth without any of the drawbacks, the performance of the Firebowl 870 is hard to beat.
Durability and Design: Built for the Long Haul
An outdoor product is an investment, and durability is paramount. Outland Living didn’t cut corners with the 870 Premium. The bowl’s alloy steel construction feels robust, and the protective enamel finish has held up beautifully against high heat and minor scuffs during transport. The key upgrade in the Premium model is the use of stainless steel for the burner and fasteners. This is a critical detail, as these are the components most susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially if the unit is left outdoors. This focus on superior materials speaks to a design meant for longevity.
The most compelling evidence of its durability comes from a long-term user in northern Ohio who reported their Firebowl, purchased in 2016, “still works like new” after surviving nine winters outdoors (while covered). They’ve never had to replace a single part, and it lights immediately every year. This is a powerful testament to the product’s build quality. The one component that seems to have mixed reliability is the matchless auto-igniter. While ours worked perfectly during testing, several users noted that it stopped working after a few uses. Some were able to fix it by cleaning the contact point, while others simply resorted to using a long lighter. Frankly, we see this as a minor inconvenience on an otherwise stellar product. The core components—the bowl, burner, and regulator—are built to last, which is what truly matters for a long-term investment in outdoor enjoyment.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Smokeless Propane Fire Pit is overwhelmingly positive. A common theme is that it’s a “game changer,” particularly for those who camp in areas with frequent fire bans. One user from the Pacific Northwest was “super bummed” about a burn ban until they realized propane pits were allowed, stating the Outland Firebowl saved their trip. Many praise its incredible ease of use, with one person summing it up as, “Throw the rocks in, connect the hose to your propane tank, crank it up and there you go!” The smokeless aspect is another huge point of praise, with one asthmatic user celebrating that it’s “just flames and heat,” allowing them to enjoy the experience without respiratory issues.
The few criticisms are consistent and relatively minor. The most frequently mentioned issue is the unreliability of the auto-igniter over time. One owner noted that after a few fires, it only ignited properly “maybe 2 out of 10 tries,” and they now just use a lighter instead. Another point of confusion for some was the “Cover & Carry Kit,” which consists of a lid and straps, not the full vinyl carry bag that is sold separately. Finally, a single user felt it “guzzles propane,” stating they went through a 20lb tank in three nights of light use. While propane consumption will vary based on flame height, this is a valid point for prospective buyers to consider for extended trips.
How the Outland Living Firebowl 870 Compares to the Alternatives
The Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Smokeless Propane Fire Pit excels in its niche of portable, high-power propane fire pits. However, the market offers different solutions for different needs, primarily centering on fuel type and form factor. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular wood-burning alternatives.
1. EcoNook 36 inch Square Outdoor Fire Pit
- 3-in-1 Fire Pit: EcoNook outdoor fire pit can provide inviting warmth for your patio, yard, or garden, also be used as an outdoor BBQ to cook food or as an ice bucket to keep beverages cold. When you...
- Deeper & Bigger Fire Bowl : Equipped with a fire bowl which depth is 4.6'' and width is 24'', EcoNook outdoor fireplace can hold more wood and burn longer for lasting comfort. The firepit bowl is...
- Durable & Beautiful: EcoNook fire pit table frames are built with thicker iron. Each leg is reinforced with triangular metal plates on the top and bottom for maximum strength. This outdoor fire pit is...
The EcoNook 36-inch Fire Pit represents a completely different approach. This is a large, square, wood-burning fire pit table designed for a more permanent patio or backyard setting. Its primary advantage is its multi-functionality; it serves as a large fire pit, a barbecue grill with an included grate, and an ice bucket for parties. It offers the traditional wood-burning experience—the crackle, the smell, the larger firebox—that some users prefer. However, it lacks any of the portability, convenience, or fire-ban compliance of the Outland Firebowl. This is the better choice for someone who wants a stationary, multi-purpose backyard centerpiece and is committed to using firewood.
2. SINGLYFIRE 22 inch Steel Outdoor Fire Pit
- RURABLE & RUST RESISTANT: Crafted with a heavy-duty steel frame and treated with high-heat paint, this fire pit ensures long-lasting durability and resistance against rust. It is built to withstand...
- PERFECT SIZE FOR SMALL GROUPS: With an overall size of 22 inches in diameter and 20 inches in height, this fire pit is ideal for gatherings of 3-5 people. It provides a comfortable and intimate...
- ENHANCED SAFETY FEATURES: Comes with a fire poker and a mesh spark screen. The fire poker enables you to move wood and lift the lid safely, while the spark screen prevents potentially dangerous fly...
The SINGLYFIRE 22-inch Fire Pit is a closer competitor in terms of size and intent. It’s a simple, portable, wood-burning steel bowl. Its main appeal lies in its simplicity and lower price point, offering a classic campfire experience for those on a budget. It’s lightweight and easy to move around the yard. The trade-offs, however, are significant. You’re back to dealing with firewood, smoke, and messy ash cleanup. It cannot be used during most fire bans, and its thinner steel construction may not offer the same longevity as the Outland’s heavy-duty build. This is a good option for the occasional user who prioritizes the authentic wood-fire experience over all else.
3. Amazon Basics 27-inch Steel Round Lattice Fire Pit
The Amazon Basics 27-inch Fire Pit is another popular wood-burning option that focuses on value and aesthetics. Its larger 27-inch diameter and decorative lattice design make it an attractive addition to a patio. It comes with a spark screen for added safety against popping embers. Like the SINGLYFIRE, it delivers a traditional wood fire but comes with all the associated drawbacks: smoke, mess, and ineligibility during burn bans. It’s less portable than the Outland due to its size and multi-piece construction. This model is best suited for homeowners looking for an affordable, decorative wood-burning fire pit for their backyard who don’t require the portability or clean-burning convenience of propane.
Our Final Verdict on the Outland Living Firebowl 870
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Smokeless Propane Fire Pit is an exceptional product that delivers exactly what it promises. It successfully captures the warmth and ambiance of a campfire while systematically eliminating every single one of its frustrations. The combination of its powerful 58,000 BTU heat output, incredible ease of use, and thoughtful portability features like the integrated Cover & Carry Kit makes it a top-tier choice in its category.
While the occasional hiccup with the auto-igniter is a minor blemish, it does little to detract from the overall outstanding performance and build quality. This fire pit is an absolute must-have for RV owners, frequent campers in fire-restricted areas, and anyone who wants an instant, beautiful, and smoke-free fire on their patio at a moment’s notice. It is a well-built, reliable, and convenient solution that genuinely enhances the outdoor experience.
If you’ve decided the Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium Smokeless Propane Fire Pit is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API