Good company and conversation around a campfire often highlight many campers’ experiences. Still, with fire bans in place in many areas, a traditional campfire isn’t always possible or legal. One alternative, dependent on restrictions, is a propane fire pit, but which ones are suitable for campers?
If you’re in a rush, those looking for an attractive and easy-to-use propane fire pit should look closer into the Bond Aurora propane fire pit. Campers looking for an established camping fire pit brand must check out Outland Living Firebowls.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ll look at the aspects of propane pits: their heating power, how easy they are to set up and use, how easy they are to transport to camp, whether there are any additional features, and the price.
Best Propane Fire Pits
- Bond Manufacturing BTU Aurora Fire Pit (Top Pick)
- Outland Living Firebowl Portable Fire Pit
- Flame King Smokeless Propane Fire Pit (Budget Buy)
- Outland Living Firecube Fire Pit
- Camp Chef Compact Fire Pit
- Fire Sense 62133 Sporty Fire Pit
- Camco Big Red Fire Pit (High End)
- Heininger Smokeless Fire Pit
Comparison Of The Top Propane Fire Pits
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Bond BTU Fire Pit | 84 |  Attractively designed fire-pit with auto-ignition function. | Check Out On Amazon |
 Outland Living Fire Pit | 82 | Camper recommended and easy to use. | Check Out On Amazon |
 Flame King Fire Pit | 82 |  Lightweight with an auto-ignition function. | Check Out On Amazon |
 Outland Living Firecube Fire Pit | 80 | Compact fire pit from a well-established brand. | Check Out On Amazon |
 Camp Chef Fire Pit | 80 | Very affordable fire pit with cooking options. | Check Out On Amazon |
 Fire Sense Sporty Fire Pit | 78 | Powerful fire pit with auto-ignition. | Check Out On Amazon |
 Camco Big Red Fire Pit | 76 |  Most powerful and most expensive fire pit. | Check Out On Amazon |
 Heininger Smokeless Fire Pit | 72 | Average heat output with a fairly expensive price tag. | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis Of The Best Camping Propane Fire Pits
1. Bond Manufacturing 67836 54,000 BTU Aurora Fire Pit
Overall Score: 84
Advantages
- Attractive design
- Auto-ignition function
Disadvantages
- Cheaper options are available
Heating power
As it produces 54,000 BTU (British Thermal Units), it’s not the most powerful fire pit you could get your hands on, but the heat produced by the Bond Aurora is more than enough for the average camper who isn’t looking for a heat source for extreme conditions.
Usability
What stands out with the Aurora is the auto-ignition function which means you don’t need to bring anything other than your propane pit to get yourself a comforting fire wherever you may be.
This hassle-free design is perfect for those who want an easy set-up, easy-start fire since no tools are required to get it ready to go either.
The adjustable dial allows you to control your flames, and it’s also safe to use on wooden decking, and around camp, so you can safely use it in the backyard too!
Features
We love the attractive design of this fire pit, which gets our attention more than others that tend to appear highly functional.
With a bronze finish and constructed of robust steel, the Aurora looks great without detracting from its usability or durability.
Included with your pit, you’ll also get a 10 ft hose, easy-carry lid, pumice stones, and a shelf for your propane tank.
Portability
At 18lbs, the Aurora is one of the more lightweight propane pits available and is easily transportable at 18.5″ in width and 14.7″ in height.
The locking lid and handle make it comfortable to carry and set up at the ideal location in your camp.
Price
At around $160 (less on sale), there are certainly cheaper options out there. However, we think the Aurora is a pretty good value for quality and style.
2. Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
Overall Score: 82
Advantages
- Easy to use
- Often recommended by campers
Disadvantages
- Fairly heavy
Heating power
Emitting 58,000 BTU of heat, the Outland Living Firebowl 893 isn’t the most powerful propane pit we’ll look into. Still, it packs enough heat to keep you pleasantly toasted around camp in cooler conditions.
Usability
With only a simple set-up required, you’ll have your cozy propane-fuelled campfire going in under 5 minutes.
An adjustable knob means you have a fully variable flame choice whether you need a low-burning glow on a warm summer night or a roaring fire for a winter camp.
This Outland Firebowl uses manual ignition, so if an automatic starter is something you’re after, you can also look at their Outland’s Premium Firebowl.
As campers highly recommend the Outland brand, you’ll surely find an excellent fire pit that suits your needs.
Features
With a 10-foot hose included, you can keep the less-than-slightly propane tank well away from the pit so you don’t detract from the ambiance at your camp, while 4.4 pounds of natural lava rocks add to the welcoming effect.
Well-made with top-quality material and a finish designed to prolong durability, you can be sure of the quality of this much-loved product.
Portability
A cover and ‘carry kit’ make this easily transportable fire pit a good option for campers. With dimensions of L 19″ x W 19″ x H 11″, it’s easy to pull out and set up at camp.
As with most of the fire pits we’re considering. However, it’s better suited to car camping than to overnight or multi-night treks since, at 25 pounds, it will be too bulky to carry over long distances.
Price
Normally priced at around $150, this is the average price for a portable propane fire pit. However, it’s also possible to find it on sale for less than half the price, making it outstanding value for money.
3. Flame King Smokeless Propane Fire Pit
Overall Score: 82
Advantages
- Self-ignition
- Compatible with most gas tank sizes
- Lightweight
Disadvantages
- Not enough natural lava rocks supplied
Heating power
58,000 BTUs is output with this smokeless propane fire pit.
Although this is standard for fire pits, some users feel that although the heat levels are good for cooler nights in summer, another heat source might be needed if temperatures get colder.
Usability
The self-ignition and easy set-up make the Flame King a breeze to use. A handy stabilizer for your propane tank is also included to ensure it stays securely in position while the pit is in use.
Features
As with other models, a 10-foot hose includes a cover and natural lava rocks. Some users, however, feel insufficient rocks were supplied to cover the pit nicely, and they had to dip into their extra supplies.
Usefully, although most fire pits are officially recommended for use only with 20lb gas tanks, the Flame King can be used with any standard 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 lb BBQ tanks and comes with a 10-ft hose with a regulator to easily connect with your standard BBQ propane tank.
Portability
Since it weighs only 18 pounds, the Flame King is certainly one of the lighter options available for portable fire pits; however, its dimensions of 19 “D x 19” W x 10.5 “H aren’t the most compact that you’ll find.
A fabric handle does help with easy transportation, though.
Price
With the price hovering around the $120 mark, this is a reasonably priced fire pit compared to others on the market.
4. Outland Living Firecube 805 Portable 14-Inch Square Propane Gas Fire Pit
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Very compact
- Attractive cubic design
Disadvantages
- You pay more for the compact model
Heating power
Another model from the market-dominating Outland Living brand, the Firecube, may be small, but it still gives off a more-than-decent 58,000 BTU of smokeless fire wherever you set up camp.
Usability
As the regulating knob allows you to control flames and set up can be completed with no tools in a matter of minutes, you’ll surely find the Outland Firecube extremely easy to use.
The underside of the Firecube also stays at a temperature that doesn’t pose any risk to the surroundings, so it’s the perfect accompaniment for any trips into nature.
If you are looking for automatic ignition, then you’ll be better off looking at the Bond Aurora since the Outland Firecube is manual, but this does not pose an issue for most campers who rate this mini-pit highly.
Features
Attractive looking and robustly made from good quality steel and with a coating to help preserve durability, the Firecube comes with a useful lid designed for easy transportation and the 10-foot gas hose seen in other models.
There are also 4.4 pounds of lava rocks that you can position to enhance the flames.
Portability
This is the most compact and lightweight fire pit model Outland offers, with dimensions of 14″ D x 14″ W x 9 “H, weighing 22.5 lb.
Although it’s not the lightest fire pit available, it is one of the smallest that we’re considering and is perfect for those looking to reduce the amount of room taken up by your pit.
Price
You pay more for the compactness than other larger models at around $170 full price (or $120 on sale).
5. Camp Chef Compact Fire Ring Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Basic cooking a possibility
- Very affordable
Disadvantages
- 5 foot gas hose
Heating power
The Camp Chef gives off 55,000 BTU of heat which is around average for the fire pits we’re looking at and should be plenty to keep you warm around the campfire while using gas economically.
Users are also happy with the size of the flames, creating a snug atmosphere wherever the pit is lit.
Usability
Extremely simple to set up and with a level that you can adjust to keep flames at the right level, the Camp Chef is a straightforward solution to your campfire needs during fire-ban periods.
Unlike other fire pits that may be affected by the grease and dirt from cooking, the Chef is designed to be able to toast marshmallows and hotdogs over the flames making it more multi-functional than other fire pits and ideal if you need s’mores to make it a true camping experience.
However, if you’re looking for something specifically for cooking, I suggest you check out my article on the best camping stoves.
Features
The Camp Chef comes complete with a bag for transportation, a huge amount of lava rock (12 pounds), and roasting sticks for your hotdogs and marshmallows.
The only drawback in terms of features, however, is the 5-foot gas hose, which is half the length of other fire pits in our list and doesn’t offer so much flexibility regarding the positioning of your propane tank.
Portability
At L 15″ x W 15″ x H 7″ and 23 pounds, this is a fairly compact propane fire pit, ideal for those with limited space, though it’s certainly possible to find lighter alternatives.
Price
At around $100 (or even $80) on sale, the Camp Chef is the most affordable fire pit option on our list and is a great option for those on a budget seeking guaranteed quality.
6. Fire Sense 62133 Sporty Campfire Portable LPG Gas 60,000 BTU Outdoor Fire Pit
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Powerful fire pit
- Auto-ignition
- Lightweight and compact
Disadvantages
- Shorter gas hose
Heating power
Giving off 60,000 BTU of heat, the Fire Sense is one of the more powerful fire pits we’re looking at and should give off a good amount of warmth even in winter if you huddle close.
Usability
The flames are adjustable to your preference, whether you’re seeking a low simmer or a roaring fire to keep away the cold.
There is an automatic igniter. However, users have experienced some difficulty with this, needing several clicks to get the burner alight.
Be aware, too, that the ignition only starts with the pit on high, so you’ll need to be careful of any flare-up when it catches.
Features
With lava rocks to make the fire pit look more attractive and a stand for your propane tank, the Sporty Fire Pit is pretty standard as far as features go, although the lid is also included.
One downside is that the gas hose is only 5 feet, meaning you don’t have much leeway to get your propane tank out of sight as with other options.
Portability
Legs with hinges make the Sporty Fire Pit well-designed to pack away. Similarly, the 18lb weight and 15 diameters make it a lightweight and compact option if you want to optimize space.
Price
You’ll shell out nearly $200 if you pay the list price for the Sporty Fire Pit, so this is not the propane pit to check out if you’re after a bargain, although it is possible to snatch it up for cheaper if it’s on sale.
7. Camco Big Red Campfire Outdoor Portable Tabletop Propane Heater Fire Pit Bowl
Overall Score: 76
Advantages
- Most powerful fire pit
Disadvantages
- Expensive
Heating power
With a top heating power of 65,000 BTU, the Big Red Campfire wins the most points for heating capabilities.
It might be small, but this propane pit packs a punch with its ability to produce strong campfire-like flames.
Usability
With only a simple set-up required, all you need to do is get your Big Red Campfire hooked up to your propane tank, and you’re on your way.
Instead of using a knob to adjust the flames, however, you’ll need to use the regulator attached to the gas hose, which may be a little more cumbersome for some.
There’s no auto-ignition, but it’s easy enough to use your own ignitor to get the Big Red Campfire burning away.
Features
A 10-foot hose is included to get your propane tank hooked up and hidden away.
Still, the most noticeable thing about the Big Red Campfire is the realistic mock-log design which aims to create the feel of a real campfire which may or may not be an advantage, depending on your taste.
Portability
The 13.25-inch diameter makes this highly transportable in terms of size, and at 19.55 lb, it’s by no means the heaviest option.
A tough lid keeps the campfire protected and together when transported, although some users have had problems with the latch quality.
If you’re seeking a lightweight option, Camco also produces the Little Red Campfire, which is even smaller and more compact and is recommended by campers.
Price
At over $250, this is the most expensive campfire on our list but you are shelling out for a staple name in the camping community.
8. Heininger 5995 58,000 BTU Portable Propane Smokeless Outdoor Gas Fire Pit
Overall Score: 72
Advantages
- Pretty easy to transport
Disadvantages
- Not a big difference between high and low settings
- Some flare up when igniting
Heating power
58,000 BTU of power is output with this fire pit, in line with many others we’re looking into.
Usability
Easy to set up within minutes and easy to hook up to the gas tank, you’ll have no problems creating an ambient environment in your camp in next to no time.
One factor you may want to consider with the Heininger pit is that users find that using the lowest setting doesn’t particularly reduce the flames, so it’s easy to burn through gas rapidly.
You’ll need to start the fire pit manually and be aware that there may be some flare when lighting, so make sure you use a lighter of reasonable length, so you don’t get singed.
Features
The Heineger comes with all the standard fire pit features and not too much extra. The 10-foot hose and 4.4lb of natural lava rock are included.
There is a cover for this pit, but it’s not automatically included when you purchase on Amazon, so you’ll have to pay extra to choose the bundle with a lid.
Portability
At 22 lbs and dimensions of 19.25 “D x 19.25” W x 11.5 “H, the Heineger is pretty easily transportable, but it’s not the lightest option we have available if you’re searching for the most portable option.
Price
The Heineger will set you back around $200 at the normal price, although getting it cheaper with a discount is possible.