There’s a certain romance to a traditional wood-burning fire. The crackle of logs, the distinct, nostalgic smell of woodsmoke clinging to your clothes, the primal satisfaction of building a fire from scratch. But let’s be honest—the romance often ends there. I can’t count the number of camping trips or backyard get-togethers that have been partially soured by the less glamorous side of wood fires. The frantic search for dry kindling after an unexpected shower, the constant shuffling of chairs to escape the ever-shifting cloud of smoke, and the lingering anxiety about stray embers, especially during dry seasons. Then there’s the inevitable cleanup: a messy pit of ash and half-burnt logs. For those of us living in areas with frequent fire bans, the simple joy of a campfire is often not an option at all, leaving a significant void in our outdoor experience.
- 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 pits 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. Lower profile increases the functional heat radius while new Helios...
- 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 an item; it’s a key solution for creating instant ambiance, warmth, and a social focal point without the drawbacks of a traditional fire. It solves the problems of smoke irritation, messy cleanup, the unpredictability of firewood, and the safety concerns of open flames and embers. The main benefits are clear: on-demand fire with the turn of a knob, smokeless operation that won’t have you or your guests playing musical chairs with the wind, and the ability to safely enjoy a fire during many campfire bans. It brings the best parts of a campfire—the warmth and the hypnotic flames—into a controlled, clean, and incredibly convenient package.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves the outdoors but values convenience and cleanliness. This includes RV enthusiasts, car campers, families with young children (where controlling embers is paramount), and homeowners who want a fire on their deck or patio without the mess or permanent installation. It’s perfect for those with respiratory issues like asthma, who are sensitive to smoke. However, it might not be suitable for traditionalists who feel the smell of real wood and the process of fire-building are non-negotiable parts of the experience. For those individuals, a high-efficiency wood-burning option like a “smokeless” wood fire pit might be a better, albeit messier, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Heat Output & BTU Rating: The heat output, measured in British Thermal Units (BTU), is the single most important factor for warmth. A 30,000 BTU fire pit provides ambiance, but a 50,000+ BTU unit like this one will provide significant, functional heat. Consider the size of your typical gathering and the climate you’ll be using it in.
- Portability & Dimensions: If your primary use is camping or tailgating, weight and size are critical. Look for a compact design, a manageable weight (under 30 lbs is ideal), and features like a carrying kit. For patio use, portability may be less of a concern, allowing for larger, more decorative models.
- Materials & Durability: The longevity of your fire pit depends on its construction. High-quality steel with a protective powder coating and enamel finish, like that found on the Outland Living, resists rust and high temperatures. Stainless steel burners are also a must-have for durability and consistent performance.
- Ease of Use & Safety Features: A great propane fire pit should be virtually assembly-free. Look for pre-attached hoses, clear instructions, and an adjustable regulator for flame control. CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approval is a critical safety certification that indicates rigorous testing and is often a requirement for use during fire bans.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Outland Living 21-inch Propane Fire Pit stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and see why it’s a top contender.
While the Outland Living 21-inch 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: Built for the Road and Ready in Minutes
Upon unboxing the Outland Living 21-inch Propane Fire Pit, the first thing we noticed was its solid, purposeful build. The alloy steel construction feels robust, and the black enamel finish is sleek and uniform. At 26 pounds, it has a reassuring heft without being prohibitively heavy for one person to carry. It arrives fully assembled, a fact we deeply appreciate. There are no tools, no confusing diagrams, no frustrating hour spent aligning bolts. The only “assembly” required is placing the included 4.4 lbs of natural lava rocks into the bowl. One user noted their bag of lava rocks had broken open in transit, coating everything in dust; this was our experience as well, requiring a quick wipe-down before first use, but it was a minor inconvenience. The kit includes the fire bowl itself, the lava rocks, a pre-attached 10-foot hose with regulator, a propane tank stabilizer ring, and the Cover & Carry Kit, which consists of a hard lid and a nylon strap system—a simple but effective solution for transport.
Key Benefits
- Powerful 58,000 BTU heat output provides significant warmth
- Extremely portable, lightweight (26 lbs), and compact design
- Completely smokeless and ash-free for a clean experience
- Instant on/off with adjustable flame control; no setup tools required
- CSA-approved for safe use during most campfire bans
Potential Drawbacks
- Lava rocks can arrive dusty due to bag breakage in shipping
- The included “Carry Kit” is a strap system, not a full padded bag
A Deep Dive into the Outland Living Fire Pit’s Performance
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product’s value, you have to use it. We put the Outland Living 21-inch Propane Fire Pit through its paces in various settings—from a chilly backyard patio to a designated campsite—to see if its real-world performance lives up to its stellar reputation.
From Box to Bonfire in Under Five Minutes
The single greatest advantage of this fire pit is its sheer, unadulterated convenience. This cannot be overstated. We timed our first setup: from opening the box to having a roaring flame took less than three minutes. You simply lift the unit out, place the lava rocks in the bowl, position your standard 20 lb propane tank, attach the pre-installed hose, and light it. One user perfectly captured this experience, writing, “I grabbed it, ran inside and put it together by myself in less than 5 minutes. The easy, detailed instructions and safety precautions were appreciated.” This is the reality. There is no fumbling for matches in the dark, no nursing a stubborn, smoky pile of damp wood, no waiting. You decide you want a fire, and moments later, you have one. The included 10-foot hose is a thoughtful and crucial feature, allowing the bulky propane tank to be placed well away from the immediate fireside circle, maintaining the campfire illusion without a white tank spoiling the view. The shut-down process is just as magical. When you’re ready for bed, you just turn the knob off. No dousing embers with water, no worrying about a lingering fire hazard overnight. This “on-demand” nature fundamentally changes how and when you can enjoy a fire.
Heat and Flame: The Heart of the Campfire Experience
With a powerful 58,000 BTU output, the Outland Living 21-inch Propane Fire Pit is no mere decorative accessory; it’s a legitimate heat source. On a calm, 45°F (7°C) evening, we found four people could sit comfortably around it and feel significant warmth, especially once the lava rocks became fully heated and began to radiate. Many users agree, with one stating, “This thing puts out a ton of heat.” The adjustable regulator is excellent, allowing you to go from a low, ambiance-setting flame to a full, heat-cranking bonfire. We found that after about 10-15 minutes, even on a low-to-medium setting, the radiant heat from the rocks was substantial. The flame itself is impressive, thanks to the Helios stainless steel burner. This design incorporates V-shaped tubes in the center of the ring, which breaks up the flame pattern and creates a fuller, more natural, and less “gas-ring” appearance than many competitors. It truly enhances the flickering effect and mimics a wood fire far better than a simple perforated circle. As one owner confirmed, “The Helios burner makes a beautiful flame that looks just like the real thing.” While it can’t perfectly replicate the crackle and pop of burning logs, the visual and thermal experience is remarkably close and deeply satisfying.
Unmatched Portability for Any Adventure
Designed for life on the move, this fire pit’s portability is a core part of its identity. At 21 inches in diameter and weighing only 26 pounds, it’s easy to lift and place in the trunk of a car, the storage bay of an RV, or carry to a backyard spot. We confirmed what many users celebrate: it is incredibly easy to move around. The included Cover & Carry Kit is functional for this purpose. The hard cover fits snugly, and the adjustable nylon straps clip securely, providing a handle for transport. While it’s not a padded, weatherproof bag (which Outland Living sells separately), it does the job of keeping the rocks contained and making it a one-handed carry. This portability is a game-changer for campers, particularly in regions prone to fire restrictions. Numerous users from California shared stories of being the only ones in a campground with a “fire,” allowing them to preserve the social heart of their camping trip. One reviewer called it a “game-changer,” allowing their group to “finally be able to congregate around it” after years of no campfires. Its compact footprint also means it’s safe and suitable for use on wooden decks, with multiple users reporting the surface beneath the pit remained cool to the touch even after hours of use.
The Clean, Smokeless, and Healthy Alternative
For many, the biggest selling point is the complete absence of smoke. We found this to be a transformative benefit. You can sit anywhere you like without fear of being engulfed in an acrid cloud. Your clothes, hair, and camping gear don’t end up reeking of smoke for days. This is more than a matter of comfort; for individuals with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities, it’s a health necessity. One user, whose husband has asthma, called the fire bowl a blessing, stating, “This fire bowl has brought us back to being able to enjoy flames without the smoke, embers and mess of a typical fire.” Beyond the smoke, there is no ash to clean up and no dangerous embers to worry about. This is particularly reassuring for families with children or pets, or for anyone who has ever found a tiny burn hole in their favorite camping chair or tent fabric from a stray spark. The low-maintenance aspect extends its lifespan; simply keep it covered when not in use, and there’s very little that can go wrong. The simplicity and cleanliness make you far more likely to use it on a whim, turning a regular Tuesday evening into a cozy night by the fire. You can see how this convenient, clean design could fit into your outdoor lifestyle here.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Outland Living 21-inch Propane Fire Pit is overwhelmingly positive. A common refrain, echoed by one enthusiastic reviewer, is, “Why didn’t I buy this years ago?!” The themes of convenience, powerful heat output, and the joy of a smokeless fire are mentioned in nearly every review. Many users, initially on the fence between this and a wood-burning “smokeless” stove like a Solo Stove, ultimately chose the Outland for its on-demand nature. As one person articulated, “I decided clean, odorless, on-demand fire that turns off when I’m ready for it to be off was enough to tip the scales.” The ability to use it during fire bans is consistently cited as a primary reason for purchase and a source of immense satisfaction.
Negative feedback is minimal and generally focuses on minor issues. The most frequent complaint, as we also experienced, is the bag of lava rocks breaking in transit, creating a layer of dust on the new unit. A few users have also pointed out that the included “Cover & Carry Kit” can be slightly misleading, as it’s a strap-and-lid system rather than a full, enclosed carry bag, which is a separate purchase. These are small blemishes on an otherwise universally praised product.
How Does the Outland Living Compare to the Alternatives?
The Outland Living 21-inch Propane Fire Pit excels at portable, propane-fueled ambiance. However, depending on your needs for cooking, aesthetics, or fuel type, other options might be a better fit.
1. Devoko 32 Inch Outdoor Fire Pit with Cover
- [ Top-notch Material ]: Outdoor fire pit is made of heavy-duty steel frame treated with high-temperature coating, and comes with a waterproof cover to ensure long-lasting durability outdoors while...
- [ 3-in-1 Fire Pit ]: Multi-functional design concept which is in line with culture gives you enough freedom to get creative with it - whether you're using it as a fire pit, barbecue grill or ice...
- [ Reliable Security ]: Firepit table features square design with sturdy legs for stability, while the mesh spark screen and poker provided effectively prevent sparks from flying and safely move the...
The Devoko fire pit represents a different category entirely. This is a stationary, wood-burning fire pit designed to be a semi-permanent fixture on a patio. Its 32-inch square design with a wide ledge acts as a table, providing space for drinks and plates. It’s built for those who prioritize the traditional wood-fire experience and want a decorative centerpiece for their backyard. It’s not portable and requires all the work of a wood fire—sourcing wood, dealing with smoke, and cleaning ash. This is the choice for a homeowner building a dedicated outdoor living space, not for the camper, RVer, or someone needing flexibility.
2. hykolity 35 Inch Fire Pit BBQ Grill
- 【3-IN-1 Outdoor Fire Pit】: Measures 35” Dia x 26” H, This wood burning fire pit from Hykolity features a multi-functional design, ideal for outdoor heating and grilling. The round cover lid...
- 【Convenient Design】: The large cooking grate has a diameter of 18.5 inches, while the small one has a diameter of 15 inches, making it safe to cook on. With built-in handles at both ends, the...
- 【Accessories Complete】: The fire pit also features a log rack, a charcoal pan, and a poker. The log rack can help promote efficient log burn while the charcoal pan can be placed into the fire pit...
The hykolity model is a multi-function unit for the wood-fire enthusiast who also loves to cook. Its primary selling point is the included cooking grate and charcoal pan, transforming it from a simple fire pit into a rustic BBQ grill. This is a major advantage for anyone who enjoys the flavor of food cooked over an open flame. Like the Devoko, it is a wood-burning unit, meaning it shares the same drawbacks regarding smoke, mess, and fire restrictions. If your vision of a perfect evening involves grilling burgers over real logs and you don’t need portability, the hykolity offers a compelling two-in-one value proposition that the propane-only Outland Living cannot match.
3. Outland Living Firebowl Smokeless Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit 24-Inch
This is the big brother to the model we’re reviewing. The Outland Living 883 Mega is a 24-inch fire bowl that maintains the same 58,000 BTU output. The key difference is the larger diameter, which creates a wider flame presentation and a slightly larger heat radius, making it better suited for bigger groups. It comes at the cost of increased size, weight (around 34 pounds), and a higher price point. It lacks the Helios burner of the newer Cypress model, but it remains a fantastic option. This is the right choice if you consistently host larger gatherings and are willing to sacrifice a bit of the 21-inch model’s ultra-portability for a more substantial presence.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Outland Living Fire Pit Worth It?
After extensive testing and poring over countless user experiences, our conclusion is clear: the Outland Living 21-inch Propane Fire Pit is an absolutely outstanding product that delivers precisely on its promises. It masterfully solves the most significant pain points of traditional fires, offering instant, clean, and warm ambiance with the turn of a knob. Its combination of high heat output, extreme portability, and smokeless operation makes it an indispensable tool for campers, RV owners, and anyone who wants to enjoy a fire on their patio without the hassle and mess.
While it won’t replace the specific sensory experience of a crackling wood fire for die-hard traditionalists, its convenience is so profound that even skeptics are often won over. It allows you to have more fires, in more places, with zero stress. For anyone tired of smoke-filled evenings, fire ban disappointments, and ashy cleanups, this fire pit isn’t just a good purchase—it’s a genuine upgrade to your entire outdoor lifestyle.
If you’ve decided the Outland Living 21-inch Propane Fire Pit is the right fit for your adventures, you can check its current price and make your purchase here.
Last update on 2025-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API