Best Propane Fire Pit

Last Updated: May 24, 2023 @ 1:11 pm.

Best Portable Gas Fire Pit: Outland Firebowl 893 Deluxe outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit

Propane fire pits come in two basic varieties: those designed to be portable for travel (or apartments). And semi-stationary fire “tables” that also double as a coffee table.

In between these two types are fire “bowls”—they aren’t designed as coffee tables, but more as decorative additions to a patio or deck.

For the best portable propane fire pit, we recommend Outland model 893. Our readers who’ve used this pit have been happy with its overall performance and ease of use.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Small yet powerful—this compact fire bowl has 58,000 BTU—that puts out quite a good amount of heat!

• Easy to transport.

• Excellent build quality.

• May be used even during campfire bans (check first!).

• Includes cover and carry kit. FYI: A carry bag is an extra purchase.

• Optional accessory can convert it to natural gas. That’s great if you plan a more permanent install on a deck or patio.

• Includes lava rock.

• 10 foot hose is pre-attached.

What Needs Work

• No auto ignition. Yes, you must manually light this fire pit with each use.

• Burns quite a bit of propane.

• Higher flames? Some folks are disappointed that the flames aren’t higher for this fire pit. We see their point, but think the flames are high enough for most uses!

Best Decorative Gas Fire Bowl: Bond Manufacturing 63172 Newcastle Propane Fire bowl

If you’d prefer a fire bowl with a bit more panache, we recommend Bond Manufacturing’s Newcastle propane fire bowl (model 63172). This bowl sits on a faux stone base that provides an upgraded look compared to other fire tables. And it works well! 

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• No assembly required.

• Easy to use.

• Auto ignition.

• Great flame height.

• Propane tank hides inside pillar.

• Exterior is made of Envirostone, which is an engineered material that is durable.

• Fits nicely on most decks (needs six feet of overhead clearance and four feet from walls).

What Needs Work

• Ignition can be finicky. Unfortunately, we noticed this is an issue with many fire tables and bowls—they work well initially and then give out. This model has the same drawback.

Best Gas Fire Pit Ceramic Top: Giantex Gas Fire Pit Table with Ceramic Top

We know—you like the concept of a fire pit, but all the plastic in most models looks . . . well, plastic-y.

If you have the budget, we suggest Giantex’s ceramic top fire pit table. As the name implies, this fire pit’s ceramic table is definitely a visual upgrade!

What We Liked

• Easy to assemble.

• 60,000 BTU burner: lots of heat!

• Electronic ignition.

• Tank hides inside table.

• Adjustable foot pads (in case your patio or deck isn’t level).

• Embossed side panels.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

• Heavy. At 65 lbs., this isn’t a fire pit you’ll be moving around much! It is best for semi-permanent installations.

• Clearer instructions? More than one user said this fire pit’s vague instructions could stand to be improved.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive product research, evaluating  brands with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

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