I’ll never forget that camping trip to the Rockies a few years back. We’d spent all day hiking, dreaming of the perfect evening: cracking open a cold drink and relaxing around a roaring campfire under the stars. The reality was less romantic. A sudden afternoon shower had left every piece of available firewood damp and stubborn. We spent an hour fumbling with fire starters, getting blasted with acrid smoke that seemed to follow us no matter where we moved our chairs. We finally managed a sputtering, smoky flame that offered little warmth and a lot of frustration. To top it off, a park ranger informed us that a fire ban was going into effect the next day. The quintessential camping experience was, quite literally, extinguished.
This experience is all too common for outdoor enthusiasts. The classic wood campfire, while nostalgic, is fraught with challenges: finding dry wood, the constant stoking, the messy ash cleanup, and the perpetual game of musical chairs to dodge the smoke. More critically, increasing wildfire risks have made traditional campfires illegal in many parks and regions. This is where a product like the Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit enters the scene, promising to deliver all the warmth and ambiance of a fire with none of the hassle, smoke, or sparks.
- Perfect No-Mess Campfire: With our fire pit, say goodbye to dirty ash, expensive firewood, and bothersome smoke and enjoy a clean, realistic propane fire pit for outside. The perfect outdoor fireplace...
- Compact and Easy to Transport: Travel-size fire pit is lightweight and portable. Easily set up in minutes with no tools required. All-weather fire bowl, outdoor fire pits delivers a clean and...
- 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 Portable Propane Fire Pit
A portable propane fire pit is more than just an outdoor appliance; it’s a key solution for instant, clean, and safe outdoor ambiance. It addresses the core frustrations of traditional fires by providing a consistent, controllable flame at the turn of a knob. There’s no need to source and transport firewood, no waiting for embers to die down before going to bed, and most importantly, no bothersome smoke. The primary benefit is convenience and compliance, allowing you to enjoy a fire during most burn bans where propane appliances are still permitted, transforming a restricted camping trip or a chilly backyard evening into a memorable gathering.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values convenience and spontaneity. This includes RV owners with limited storage, car campers who want a quick setup after a long day of driving, and homeowners who desire a cozy fire on their patio or deck without a permanent installation or messy cleanup. It’s perfect for tailgaters, beachgoers, and anyone living in an area with frequent fire restrictions. Conversely, it might not be suitable for die-hard traditionalists who cherish the ritual, crackle, and specific smell of a wood-burning fire. If you’re an off-grid survivalist who relies on wood for cooking and warmth, this propane-dependent unit isn’t for you.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Portability is key. The Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit measures 19 inches in diameter and weighs around 22 pounds. This size is compact enough to fit easily in a car trunk or an RV storage bay, yet large enough to provide a substantial flame and warm a small group of people. Always consider where you’ll store it and how much space you have at your typical campsite or patio.
- Capacity/Performance: Heat output, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), is the single most important performance metric. At 58,000 BTU, this unit is a powerhouse in its class, capable of producing significant warmth and impressive flame height. Look for models with an adjustable regulator, which allows you to dial the flame down for gentle ambiance or crank it up to combat a chilly evening, giving you control over both heat and propane consumption.
- Materials & Durability: An outdoor appliance must withstand the elements. The Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit is constructed from high-quality alloy steel with a protective enamel finish to resist heat and prevent rust. Critical components like the burner and fasteners are made from superior stainless steel for enhanced longevity. Cheaper models may use lower-grade materials that can degrade quickly when exposed to high heat and moisture.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of a propane fire pit lies in its simplicity. Look for features like a pre-attached hose and regulator, which eliminates assembly headaches. Maintenance should be minimal; with no wood or ash, cleaning typically involves just wiping down the unit and ensuring the burner is clear of debris. The absence of soot and embers means no messy cleanup the next morning.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Outland Living 19-inch Portable 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...
Unboxing the Outland Living 823: First Impressions and Key Features
Upon arrival, the Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit immediately gives an impression of quality and thoughtful design. The unit is securely packed, and everything you need to get started—minus the propane tank itself—is included in the box. Inside, we found the main 19-inch fire bowl, a generous 4.4 lb bag of natural lava rocks, the pre-attached 10-foot hose with its regulator, and a handy propane tank stabilizer ring. There is no assembly required, a fact we greatly appreciated. The process is simply to place the rocks and connect the hose.
The fire bowl itself feels substantial. The steel construction is robust, and the black enamel finish is smooth and appears durable enough to handle the rigors of travel. At 22 pounds, it has enough heft to feel stable without being a burden to carry from the car to the campsite. The stainless steel burner ring is well-machined and sits securely in the base. The lava rocks, while a bit dusty initially (a quick rinse is a good idea), are porous and varied in size, perfect for creating a more natural-looking flame pattern. Overall, the initial look and feel inspire confidence that this isn’t a flimsy, one-season product but a reliable piece of outdoor gear.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional 58,000 BTU heat output for genuine warmth
- Completely smokeless and spark-free for comfort and safety
- Extremely simple, tool-free setup in minutes
- CSA-approved for safe use during most campfire bans
- Durable steel construction with high-quality components
Limitations
- Can consume propane quickly on the highest setting
- Lacks a built-in auto-igniter (requires a lighter)
From Backyard to Backwoods: A Deep Dive into Real-World Performance
A product can look great out of the box, but its true value is revealed through hands-on use in the environments it was designed for. We put the Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit through its paces on a cool backyard patio, a windy beach, and a remote campsite to see if its performance matched its promises. The results were, in a word, impressive.
Effortless Setup and Ignition: From Box to Bonfire in Under Five Minutes
The single greatest advantage of this fire pit is its sheer convenience. As one user aptly put it, it makes the first night of camping so much better, especially when arriving late. We can confirm this wholeheartedly. Our first time setting it up took less than three minutes. We simply removed the unit from its box, arranged the lava rocks in the bowl to cover the burner ring, placed our 20lb propane tank in the included stabilizer ring, and connected the regulator. The pre-attached hose means there are no tools, no confusing diagrams, and no fumbling with wrenches in the dark.
Ignition is straightforward, though it requires an external flame source like a long-nosed lighter. The key, as noted in several user reviews and confirmed in our testing, is to open the propane tank valve *very slowly*. This prevents the tank’s excess flow safety device from tripping, which can result in a frustratingly low flame. Once the gas is flowing, you turn the control knob on the regulator and light it. The fire catches instantly, producing a gentle blue flame that quickly turns into a robust yellow fire as the burner heats up. The ability to go from a stored unit to a warm, inviting fire in the time it takes to grab a chair is a paradigm shift for anyone accustomed to the labor of a wood fire.
The 58,000 BTU Question: Real Heat and Flame Ambiance
Many propane fire pits offer ambiance but fall short on actual warmth. This is not one of them. The 58,000 BTU output is genuinely powerful. On a crisp 50-degree evening, we sat comfortably around the fire pit in just light jackets. As one user and their dog “Gus” discovered, it gives off “nice heat” that turns an otherwise useless chilly fall night into a cozy experience. The adjustable regulator is essential here. On its lowest setting, the flames dance just a few inches above the rocks, providing a beautiful glow perfect for conversation. On high, the flames can reach over a foot tall, throwing off serious heat that can warm a circle of four to six people effectively.
The “smokeless” claim is 100% accurate. We enjoyed hours of warmth without once having to reposition our chairs or end the night smelling like a smokehouse. This is a massive quality-of-life improvement. Furthermore, the lava rocks play a crucial role. Not only do they help disperse the gas to create a more random, natural flame pattern, but they also absorb and radiate heat beautifully. Several users mentioned, and we confirmed, that the rocks remain “very, very hot” for a good 20-30 minutes after the gas is turned off, providing a gentle, lingering warmth as you wind down the evening. The ability to simply turn a knob and go to bed, with no worries about smoldering embers, provides unparalleled peace of mind, especially when camping.
Portability and Durability: Built for the Road
For a product to be truly “portable,” it needs to strike a balance between being lightweight enough to carry and sturdy enough to survive the journey. The Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit nails this balance. At 22 pounds (without the rocks, which can be transported separately if needed), it’s easy for one person to move. It fit perfectly in the back of our SUV and would be right at home in an RV’s pass-through storage. We were impressed by how well the enamel finish held up after being used on sandy, dusty, and grassy surfaces. It’s easy to wipe clean and shows no signs of chipping or heat damage after multiple uses.
The design also contributes to its road-worthiness. The short, stout legs provide a stable base on uneven ground. The 10-foot hose is another masterstroke of design. It’s long enough to tuck the bulky and less-than-aesthetic propane tank behind a chair or vehicle, keeping the focus on the beautiful fire itself. This length also adds a layer of safety, keeping the fuel source well away from the heat. This fire pit feels like a purpose-built piece of gear, not a fragile patio decoration.
Propane Consumption and Versatility: The Real Cost of Convenience
If there’s one consistent piece of feedback from users, it’s that this fire pit can be thirsty on its highest setting. We found this to be true. Running at full blast, it will consume a 20lb propane tank in about 7-10 hours. As one camper noted, they burned through about half a tank in a day and a half of evening use. However, this is the price of 58,000 BTUs of heat. The good news is that you rarely need to run it on full power. We found that on a medium-low setting, which still provided ample warmth and a lovely flame, the consumption was far more reasonable. Another user confirmed that on medium, a single tank lasted them “all weekend.” We estimate you can get 15-20 hours of use from a 20lb tank on these more moderate settings.
The versatility of this unit is another major selling point. We’ve seen users drop it into the center of a patio table to create a custom fire feature. Others have taken it to a new level, with one adventurous owner using it to cook everything from steaks to funnel cakes by placing a wok on top (after removing the rocks). While we primarily used it for warmth and ambiance—and of course, roasting marshmallows, which it does perfectly—its powerful, clean-burning flame lends itself to creative applications. Its CSA approval and spark-free nature make it a perfect solution for enjoying an outdoor fire in places where it would otherwise be impossible. For anyone who loves the outdoors but is often hampered by fire bans, the Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit offers a ticket to freedom.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, sentiment for the Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit is overwhelmingly positive. The recurring themes are convenience, impressive heat output, and the joy of a smoke-free fire. Many users, like one who bought it for late-night campsite arrivals, praise its incredible ease of use, stating it “does make that first night better.” The ability to have an instant, warm fire without the hassle of wood is a game-changer for families and seasoned campers alike.
The heat it generates is a frequent point of praise. One user was emphatic, noting that “once rocks get hot it puts off a lot of heat. (MORE THAN I EXPECTED).” This sentiment is echoed by many who find it more than capable of keeping a group warm on a cold night. Another reviewer summed up the core benefit perfectly: “while all my friends that are camping around me are using wood they are constantly adding wood and dodging smoke which I hate. This is really warm and produces no smoke.” The most common critique, though minor for most, is its propane consumption. As one camper reported, when used frequently on high, “it does use a lot of propane.” This is a consistent observation, but most feel the convenience and performance are well worth the fuel cost.
How Does the Outland Living 19-inch Fire Pit Compare to the Competition?
The market for portable fire pits is diverse, but the Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit holds a strong position. Here’s how it compares to some popular alternatives.
1. Outland Living Firebowl 870 Smokeless Propane Fire Pit
- ✓ 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...
This is the premium sibling to the model we reviewed. The Firebowl 870 shares the same excellent 58,000 BTU heat output and durable construction but adds a few key convenience features. The most notable is the auto-ignition system, which eliminates the need for a lighter. It also comes bundled with a cover and carry kit, making transport and storage even easier. If you prioritize maximum convenience and are willing to pay a premium for features like push-button start and an included carrying solution, the Firebowl 870 is an excellent upgrade.
2. PAMASE Fire Pit Mat Fireproof Blanket
- Heat Resistant Material: Our carefully selected fire pit mats are all made by high quality fibreglass material and insulation coating, which are heat resistant, oil-and water-resistant. Our fireproof...
- Washable and Reusable: Our fire pit mats have excellent sewing and sealing edges, which are very durable and not easy to scatter. The wear-resistant and wrinkle resistant material makes it can be...
- Perfect Size: The size of our fire pit mats is 37.8x39.4inches, the big size is sufficient to meet your thermal protection needs. Our foldable fire blanket can be organized well in the storage bag,...
This product isn’t a fire pit but an essential accessory that every owner should consider. While the Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit doesn’t get excessively hot underneath, placing it on a heat-sensitive surface like a wooden deck or a pristine lawn always carries some risk. This fireproof mat provides a crucial layer of protection and peace of mind. It’s a small investment to safeguard your property and allows you to use your fire pit in more locations without worry. We consider this a must-have companion product.
3. CITYBONFIRES Portable Tabletop Fire Pit 2-Pack
- Safe and Easy to Use: City Bonfires is designed with convenience; Our compact fire pit is incredibly simple to light and extinguish; Just use a lighter to ignite it and cover the lid to extinguish it;...
- No Hassle Fire Pit for Any Adventure: Enjoy gathering around the open flames of a fire without worrying about ash, smoke, and cleanup; Bring City Bonfire camping, fishing, and hunting, or take it to...
- EASY, REUSABLE, AND SAFE TO USE: City Bonfires is easy to light and extinguish – put the lid back on, let it cool, and save for later; The non toxic fire from this mini tabletop fireplace is safe to...
This is an entirely different class of product, designed for ultimate micro-portability. Made from soy wax and recycled materials, these mini fire pits are about the size of a large candle and provide a small, personal flame for 3-5 hours. They are perfect for a small apartment balcony, a tabletop s’mores session, or as an emergency heat source. However, they cannot compete with the Outland Living fire pit in terms of heat output, flame size, or reusability. This is for someone who needs a tiny, disposable fire source, not a robust, group-warming campfire replacement.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit Worth It?
After extensive testing and evaluation, our answer is an enthusiastic yes. The Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit delivers magnificently on its promise of providing a warm, beautiful, and hassle-free campfire experience. Its combination of powerful 58,000 BTU heat output, rugged portability, and dead-simple operation makes it a top-tier choice in its category. It solves the most significant pain points of traditional wood fires—smoke, mess, and restrictions—without sacrificing the communal joy of gathering around a flame.
While it can be thirsty for propane on its highest setting, its adjustable flame allows for more economical use when maximum heat isn’t needed. This is a small price to pay for the immense convenience it offers. We wholeheartedly recommend it to RVers, car campers, tailgaters, and anyone with a backyard patio who wants an instant upgrade to their outdoor living space. It’s a reliable, well-built product that will enhance countless evenings outdoors.
If you’ve decided the Outland Living 19-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit is the right fit for your adventures, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API