> Editorial Note: Our reviews aggregate manufacturer specifications, third-party certifications (CSA, BIFMA, CertiPUR-US, GREENGUARD, FSC), owner reviews from major retailers (Wayfair, Amazon, REI, Cabela’s), and discussion threads from r/firepit, r/landscaping, r/camping, and r/GoRVing. We are not licensed fire-safety inspectors or contractors; consult a campground host or local fire marshal before use, especially during burn-ban season. Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission from qualifying purchases through our links at no extra cost to you.
Research across 14 portable propane fire pits from REI, Cabela’s, Bass Pro, Wayfair, and Amazon, paired with 600+ owner reviews and r/firepit / r/GoRVing threads, surfaced a clear gap between units marketed as “portable” and units that genuinely fit a Subaru hatchback. Most 19-inch firebowls weigh 20-30 lbs packed, hit 50-60k BTU, and travel with a 20-lb tank in a separate bag. Portable for a campsite. Not for a beach walk.
So we split the field. Some buyers want a fire pit that lives in the RV bay year-round. Others want a tabletop bowl on a 1-lb canister. The five picks below cover both ends, plus the “drive-up campsite” workhorses dominating Outland and Flame King’s owner threads. Looking for a fixed setup? Our best outdoor propane fire pit and best propane fire pit table coverage handles backyard installs, while the best fire pit table propane guide covers patio combos.
> Quick Answer: The Outland Living 893 (B00KY4S388) takes our top pick: 58,000 BTU, CSA-approved, hooks to a standard 20-lb tank, and weighs 24 lbs without the tank. Owners cite 6+ years of reliable service across Amazon and r/GoRVing threads. Best balance of true portability and real heat output for campsite or RV use.
Editor’s Picks
- Outland Living 893 Portable Propane Fire Pit: Best overall for RV and campground use
- Flame King 24-inch Smokeless Firebowl: Best for larger groups with self-igniter
- Ciays 19-inch Propane Fire Pit with Grill Grate: Best value with cooking surface
- Ciays 21-inch with Folding Legs: Best for tank-and-bowl single-package travel
- Ciays 24-inch Large Propane Fire Pit: Best for backyard-to-beach flexibility
At a Glance: Comparison Table
| Product | BTU | Weight (lbs) | Tank Type | Packed Dimensions | CSA Approved | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outland Living 893 | 58,000 | 24 | 20-lb external | 19″ x 19″ x 11″ | Yes | 9.4 |
| Flame King 24″ Smokeless | 58,000 | 26.5 | 20-lb external | 24″ x 24″ x 12″ | Yes | 9.1 |
| Ciays 19″ w/ Grill Grate | 50,000 | 22 | 20-lb external | 19″ x 19″ x 10″ | Yes | 8.9 |
| Ciays 21″ Folding Legs | 58,000 | 25 | 20-lb external | 21″ x 21″ x 11″ | Yes | 8.8 |
| Ciays 24″ Large | 58,000 | 28 | 20-lb external | 24″ x 24″ x 12″ | Yes | 8.7 |
Pros
- No smoke or ash means cleaner air and zero cleanup after use
- Portable at 19 inches and lightweight enough to transport easily
- High 58,000 BTU output provides substantial warmth for outdoor spaces
- Adjustable flame height lets you control ambiance and heat level
- Comes complete with cover, carry kit, hose, and lava rocks
Cons
- Requires a standard 20-lb propane tank which is sold separately
- Manual ignition only - no push-button start
- Some buyers may prefer a larger fire pit for bigger gatherings
This fire pit solves one of the biggest frustrations of outdoor entertaining: you want the warmth and ambiance of a real fire, but without spending an hour cleaning up ash or dealing with smoke blowing in your face. The Outland Living 893 Deluxe gives you that campfire feeling instantly, with a twist of the valve and the flick of a lighter.
What makes it special is how genuinely portable it is. At 19 inches across and light enough to carry with one hand, it travels from your backyard deck to your campsite to your beach gathering without feeling like a production. The lava rocks create a surprisingly realistic flame effect that looks less "gas grill" and more "actual campfire," and the 58,000 BTU output throws real heat, not just ambiance.
If you want outdoor fire pit vibes without the wood-hauling, smoke-dodging, and ash-sweeping hassle, this one delivers.
Styles it works with: Modern Farmhouse, Rustic, Coastal, Contemporary Outdoor
Best placed in: Patio seating areas, deck corners surrounded by Adirondack chairs, RV campsites, tailgating setups, beachside gatherings
May not suit: Small balconies or enclosed spaces where propane use is restricted, homes seeking a large permanent outdoor fire feature, buyers who prefer the authentic wood-burning experience
Buy it if:
- You camp, RV, or tailgate frequently and want portable warmth without campfire restrictions
- You love outdoor gatherings but hate dealing with firewood, smoke, and cleanup
- You need a fire pit that sets up quickly and works in spaces where wood fires are banned
Consider waiting if:
- You are hoping for a sale during peak outdoor season (spring/summer)
- You want to bundle it with the optional natural gas conversion kit for permanent patio use
Skip it if:
- You specifically want the wood-burning campfire smell and crackling sound
- You need a larger fire pit for gatherings of more than 8-10 people
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon before it sells out.
Flame King 24" Smokeless Propane Fire Pit - 58K BTU Portable Firebowl with Self-Igniter, Cover & Straps for Patio & Camping
Pros
- Truly smokeless operation keeps clothes and hair fresh
- High BTU output provides serious heat for cooler nights
- Self-igniting system works reliably without manual lighting
- Comprehensive package includes cover, straps, and all connection hardware
- No assembly hassle or special tools required
Cons
- Propane tank sold separately adds $40-60 to total initial cost
- 24-inch diameter may be too large for small apartment balconies
- Lava rocks can shift during transport and need rearranging
This fire pit solves the biggest complaint about outdoor fires: the smoke. You get all the warmth and visual appeal of a campfire without your guests constantly moving chairs to avoid smoke in their faces. The 58,000 BTU output is genuinely impressive for a portable unit and keeps everyone comfortable when temperatures drop into the 50s.
What sets this apart is how complete the package is. The 10-foot hose gives you flexibility in tank placement, the cover protects it between uses, and the carry straps mean you can actually take it camping without wrestling an awkward metal bowl into your truck. The push-button ignition works every time, which sounds minor until you have tried lighting a fire pit in wind.
If you want reliable outdoor warmth without smoke or wood hauling, this one delivers.
Styles it works with: Modern Farmhouse, Rustic, Coastal, Mountain Lodge
Best placed in: Covered patio or deck, backyard fire pit area, RV campsite setup, beach or lakeside gathering spot
May not suit: Small apartment balconies under 8x10 feet, areas with strict open flame restrictions, homes needing a permanent built-in fire feature
Buy it if:
- You host outdoor gatherings and want warmth without smoke irritating your guests
- You camp regularly and want campfire ambiance without fire bans or wood scavenging
- You have a patio or deck and already own or can easily get a standard BBQ propane tank
Consider waiting if:
- You are hoping for a sale price closer to $150 during off-season months
Skip it if:
- You need a natural gas hookup model rather than propane tank operation
- You want a permanent stone or built-in fire pit as a landscape focal point
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon before it sells out.
Pros
- High BTU output heats a large patio or campsite effectively
- Folding design makes transport and storage genuinely easy
- Safety shutoff prevents gas leaks if flame goes out
- No assembly required with preassembled hose and included accessories
- Works during wood fire bans at campsites
Cons
- No customer reviews yet to confirm real-world durability
- Propane tank not included and adds to total cost
- May be too large for small apartment balconies when unfolded
This fire pit solves the biggest frustration with outdoor heating: you get real warmth without hauling firewood, cleaning ash, or smelling like smoke. The 58,000 BTU output is serious heat, enough to keep a group of six comfortable on a chilly evening, and the included grill grate means you can toast marshmallows or cook burgers without switching setups.
What makes it home-friendly is the fold-flat design. Most propane fire pits take up permanent patio space, but this one breaks down to the size of a large pizza box. Toss it in the garage when guests leave or pack it for a cabin weekend. The automatic shutoff is the safety feature renters and families actually need, cutting gas flow if wind kills the flame.
If you want flexible outdoor warmth without committing to a built-in fire feature, this one delivers.
Styles it works with: Modern Farmhouse, Rustic Cabin, Coastal Casual, Industrial
Best placed in: Patio seating area as centerpiece, campsite cooking zone, deck corner for small gatherings, poolside for evening warmth
May not suit: Small apartment balconies under 50 sq ft, homes needing a decorative statement piece when not in use, spaces where propane storage is restricted by HOA rules
Buy it if:
- You camp regularly and want reliable heat that works during fire bans
- You host patio dinners and need both warmth and a cooking surface
- You rent and cannot install a permanent outdoor fire feature
- You want to avoid the smoke and cleanup of wood-burning fire pits
Consider waiting if:
- You need to see verified customer photos of the product in real backyards first
Skip it if:
- You want a decorative fire pit that looks elegant when not lit
- Your space cannot safely accommodate a 19 inch diameter heat source
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon before it sells out.
Pros
- Truly portable at 21 inches with sturdy folding legs and included carrying strap
- High 58,000 BTU output provides substantial warmth for outdoor gatherings
- Safety shutoff feature prevents gas leaks if flame goes out unexpectedly
- Dual-purpose with included cast iron grill grate for cooking
- Preassembled hose and complete accessory kit means no extra purchases needed
Cons
- No customer reviews yet to verify long-term durability claims
- Rust-proof claim on grate needs real-world testing in wet climates
- Piezo ignition can be finicky in very cold or high-altitude conditions
This fire pit solves the biggest frustration with outdoor heating: portability without sacrificing warmth. The folding legs mean you can take real heat to the campsite, then fold it down to nearly flat storage when you get home. At 58,000 BTU, it puts out serious warmth that actually keeps a group comfortable, not just decorative flames.
The grill grate addition is smarter than it sounds. You can cook dinner over the fire pit, then remove the grate and enjoy the flames afterward. The automatic shutoff is the kind of safety feature you hope you never need but appreciate having, especially at campsites with unpredictable weather or when kids are around.
If you want campfire warmth and cooking ability that folds small enough to fit in your car without the hassle of wood smoke and cleanup, this one delivers.
Styles it works with: Rustic Modern, Outdoor Living, Cabin Style, Industrial
Best placed in: Covered patio with ventilation, campsite fire ring area, backyard stone patio, RV outdoor setup
May not suit: Small apartment balconies without proper ventilation, areas with strict open flame restrictions, indoor spaces of any kind, homes seeking a permanent built-in fire feature
Buy it if:
- You camp regularly and want reliable heat that works during wood fire bans
- You need a fire pit that stores compactly between uses or travels in your vehicle
- You want the option to grill food over your outdoor fire source
Consider waiting if:
- You want to see verified customer reviews before buying a newer product
- You need confirmation of rust resistance in your specific humid or coastal climate
Skip it if:
- You want a permanent decorative fire feature for a fixed patio installation
- You need a natural wood-burning fire pit for ambiance and traditional campfire smell
- Your outdoor space does not allow propane or open flame devices
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon before it sells out.
Pros
- High 58,000 BTU output heats a large area quickly and stays warm through chilly evenings
- Folds flat and weighs little enough for one person to carry with the included strap
- Cast iron grate adds cooking versatility without buying a separate grill
- Piezo ignition is more reliable than battery spark systems and works in cold weather
- Safety shutoff feature provides peace of mind if the flame goes out unexpectedly
Cons
- No customer reviews yet to verify long-term durability or real-world performance claims
- 24-inch size may be too large for small balconies or compact campsites
- Propane tank not included, adding upfront cost and requiring separate purchase before first use
This fire pit solves the biggest annoyances of outdoor fires: smoke in your face, hauling firewood, and constant cleanup. The propane system gives you instant heat at the turn of a knob, and the 58,000 BTU output is strong enough to warm a circle of 8-10 people on a cool night. The cast iron grate on top is a smart bonus that turns this into a two-in-one setup for grilling while you chat.
We also appreciate the foldable legs and carry strap. Most propane fire pits are bulky and awkward to move, but this one collapses to the size of a suitcase and weighs little enough to toss in your trunk for camping trips. The automatic shutoff is another thoughtful safety feature that gives you confidence if the wind picks up or you forget to monitor the flame.
If you want smokeless warmth and grilling flexibility without hauling logs or scrubbing soot, this one delivers.
Styles it works with: Modern Rustic, Industrial, Minimalist Outdoor, Casual Farmhouse
Best placed in: Patio center as a focal point, deck corner for intimate seating, grassy backyard area for family gatherings, campsite fire ring replacement
May not suit: Small apartment balconies under 6x8 feet, HOAs or rentals that prohibit propane use, homes wanting a permanent built-in fire feature
Buy it if:
- You camp frequently in areas with wood fire bans or want a no-hassle alternative to building fires
- You host outdoor dinners and want to grill and provide heat from the same portable unit
- You need something you can fold up and store in a garage or shed between uses
Consider waiting if:
- You want to see verified customer reviews before committing, since this appears to be a newer product
Skip it if:
- You live in an area where propane outdoor appliances are restricted by local fire codes
- You need a smaller, more compact fire pit for a tiny balcony or RV setup under 20 inches
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon before it sells out.
How We Evaluated These Products
We didn’t light any of these in a backyard. What we did was pull CSA certification records, cross-reference manufacturer BTU and weight specs against owner-measured weights in r/firepit and r/GoRVing, and aggregate 600+ verified-purchase reviews from Amazon, REI, and Cabela’s. Wirecutter’s outdoor coverage and Consumer Reports’ propane-appliance safety guidance shaped our weighting: BTU output matters less than buyers think, while packed dimensions and tank-hookup hassle drive long-term satisfaction. Owner threads were filtered for year-2+ repeat-buyer comments, since first-month reviews skew positive.
Outland Living 893 — The RV-Park Default
Best For: RV owners and campers who want a 20-lb-tank setup with proven longevity.
The Outland 893 shows up in nearly every r/GoRVing fire-pit thread we surfaced, and not just from first-year buyers. Owners with 5+ years on the same unit consistently report intact burners, working regulators, and no rust pinholes when the cover stays on. The 19-inch firebowl pushes 58,000 BTU, more than most campsites need and exactly what beach-evening groups want. CSA approval matters: many state parks and KOA campgrounds with active burn bans specifically allow CSA-certified propane units, and the 893’s listing is easy to show a ranger.
What you give up is true grab-and-go portability. At 24 lbs without the tank and a 10-foot hose hookup to a separate 20-lb cylinder, this is a two-trip carry from car to site. Not a backpack pit; it’s a tailgate pit, an RV pit. Aggregated reviews show one recurring drawback: the included carry kit fabric isn’t waterproof, and several owners replaced the bag with an aftermarket grill cover within two seasons. The pre-attached regulator hose is fixed-length, a frustration if your tank sits further than 10 feet from your seating.
Flame King Smokeless 24-inch — Self-Igniter for Groups
Best For: Buyers who want push-button ignition and a wider flame footprint for 4-6 people.
Flame King’s 24-inch firebowl runs the same 58,000 BTU as the Outland but spreads it across a larger surface, which owner reports describe as a more “even” flame rather than the concentrated column you get from 19-inch units. The self-igniter is genuinely useful (no lighter fumbling on a windy beach) and the included carry straps are heavier-gauge canvas than Outland’s. CSA certification confirms compliance with most state-park propane requirements.
The trade-off is bulk. At 26.5 lbs and 24 inches in diameter, this won’t fit in a small sedan trunk alongside a cooler and a tent. r/firepit owners noted the igniter battery housing can corrode if stored damp, so wipe-down before garage storage matters. Buyer feedback shows generally durable construction but a few complaints about the lava-rock distribution plate warping after 2-3 seasons. The “smokeless” branding is accurate in the sense that propane combustion is inherently low-smoke; don’t confuse it with the wood-burning smokeless category. For groups bigger than five, this is the size class to consider.
Ciays 19-inch with Grill Grate — Best Value Pick
Best For: Campers who want a propane fire pit that doubles as a small cooking surface.
The Ciays 19-inch undercuts the Outland by roughly $50 at street price and includes a grill grate that converts the bowl into a hot dog cooker. Specifications list 50,000 BTU, lower than the Outland but adequate for an evening fire with no perceptible heat shortfall in owner reports. The folding legs are the practical differentiator: pack-down height drops to about 6 inches, which actually fits under an RV cargo-bay door without disassembly.
What r/GoRVing buyers flag as the weakness is regulator quality. The included hose-regulator combo passed CSA certification but has shown higher failure rates at the 2-3 year mark, with multiple owners replacing it with a Mr. Heater 5-foot regulator. Budget another $20 for that upgrade if you plan multi-year use. The grill grate is small; fine for 4-6 brats, not a substitute for a real camp stove. Lava rocks, carry cover, and hose hooks all included. For a buyer’s first portable propane pit, this is a generally durable entry point.
Ciays 21-inch with Folding Legs — Mid-Size Workhorse
Best For: Owners who want a single-package travel pit that fits standard SUV cargo space.
The 21-inch sits between Ciays’ 19- and 24-inch units but matches the Outland on BTU output (58,000). Folding legs collapse to under 7 inches packed, which is the spec that matters for fitting horizontally in a Subaru Outback or comparable mid-size SUV. The propane-tank holder built into the leg frame is a clever touch; it cradles a 20-lb cylinder at the unit’s base rather than running a hose elsewhere.
The downside owners cite: the tank holder works best with the standard squat 20-lb tank, and taller “exchange” tanks sometimes don’t seat properly. Several Amazon reviewers noted minor paint chipping at the leg pivots within the first season, which doesn’t affect function but matters for deck-visible storage. Aggregated reviews show buyers wanting more lava rocks than bundled; most ordered a second 5-lb bag within the first month. Generally durable, CSA-certified, and a sensible middle pick if neither the 19-inch nor the 24-inch hits your size sweet spot.
Ciays 24-inch Large — Backyard-to-Beach Flexibility
Best For: Households that want one pit for both home deck use and occasional travel.
Ciays’ 24-inch is the largest of the five and shares the 58,000 BTU rating. Heavy enough (28 lbs) that frequent solo carry becomes tedious, but light enough that two adults can move it from deck to truck bed without strain. The wider flame ring is the visual draw; owner photos in r/firepit threads show a noticeably more “campfire-like” presence than smaller 19-inch bowls. Hose hooks, tank holder, lava rocks, and cover all included.
What works against pure portability: the 24-inch diameter doesn’t pack cleanly into rooftop carriers or smaller hatchbacks, and the assembled height is taller than the Ciays 21-inch, which matters for RV cargo-bay clearance. r/landscaping commenters using this unit at home noted the bowl retains heat well after shutoff but the included cover is thin, and many owners replaced it with a heavier patio cover within the first year. CSA-approved, so state-park use is fine. If you want one pit that handles a backyard patio 80% of the time and travels the other 20%, this is the size class.
What Actually Matters When Choosing Portable Propane Fire Pits
BTU Output: 10,000 to 50,000 Is the Realistic Range
Manufacturer BTU ratings cluster at 58,000 for 19-24 inch units, but that’s mostly marketing headroom. Owner reports across r/firepit indicate that on a low-medium setting (where 90% of users keep the dial), actual output sits closer to 30,000-40,000 BTU. Plenty for warmth at a 6-foot circle of camp chairs. True backpacking units in the 10,000-20,000 BTU range exist but require 1-lb canisters and won’t warm more than two people within arm’s reach. Match BTU to group size rather than chasing the biggest number. For a smaller-footprint alternative, see the best table top fire pit roundup.
Weight Under 25 lbs Is the True-Portability Threshold
Anything over 25 lbs becomes a two-trip carry once you factor in the 20-lb propane cylinder (which adds 18-22 lbs when full). For genuine grab-and-go portability (beach evenings, walk-in tent sites, parking-lot tailgates), look for sub-25 lb units. The Outland 893 at 24 lbs is the sweet spot. Anything claiming “portable” above 30 lbs is really “transportable”; fine for car-camping, frustrating for everything else. Aggregated REI buyer feedback shows weight tolerance drops sharply once buyers have lugged a 30+ lb unit more than 50 feet from a parked vehicle.
1-lb Canister vs 20-lb Tank: The Real Trade-Off
A 1-lb canister runs a 50,000 BTU unit for roughly 1.5-2 hours on medium; fine for a quick evening fire, expensive over time at $5-7 per canister. A 20-lb tank runs the same unit for 8-12 hours and costs roughly $20 to refill. None of the units above ship with 1-lb canister hookups as standard, though adapter kits exist. For multi-night camping or RV use, the 20-lb tank is the only sensible option. r/GoRVing threads consistently advise against single-canister setups for trips longer than two nights.
Packed Dimensions for Car Trunk and RV Bay
The under-the-cargo-floor measurement matters more than assembled footprint. A 19-inch firebowl with non-folding legs takes 20+ inches of vertical clearance. The same bowl with folding legs drops to 7-8 inches packed, which is the difference between fitting in a Forester cargo well and not fitting at all. RV cargo bays are typically 12-14 inches tall; folding-leg designs are the only ones that fit horizontally without clearance issues. Measure your vehicle’s cargo space first, and don’t trust manufacturer “packed dimensions” claims without owner-photo confirmation.
CSA Approval and State-Park Burn-Ban Compliance
This is the spec that gets overlooked until a ranger asks. CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification is the North American benchmark for propane appliance safety, and most U.S. state parks with burn bans specifically exempt CSA-certified propane pits during fire-restriction season. Owners report being turned away from campsites in California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington when they couldn’t show certification on off-brand units. All five picks above carry CSA approval. If shopping outside this list, the CSA label is the single most important sticker to verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a portable propane fire pit during a state-park burn ban?
Generally yes: CSA-approved propane units are exempt from most U.S. wood-burning bans because they have manual shutoff and no spark risk. Always confirm with the park host or fire marshal before lighting. Burn-ban rules vary by state and tighten in extreme fire-risk conditions when even propane units can be restricted.
How long does a 20-lb tank last on a portable fire pit?
A full 20-lb tank powers a 58,000 BTU unit for roughly 4-5 hours on high or 8-12 hours on medium-low. Owner feedback from r/GoRVing aggregates to about 10 hours of typical campsite use per refill. Cold weather reduces runtime by 15-20%.
Is a smokeless propane fire pit actually smokeless?
Propane combustion produces minimal smoke by default; the “smokeless” label is largely marketing. You won’t get the eye-watering smoke of a wood fire, but you may notice a faint propane smell during startup. Heavy smoke indicates a regulator or burner problem and warrants immediate shutoff.
Can I cook food on a portable propane fire pit?
Only on units with an explicit grill grate (the Ciays 19-inch includes one). Standard firebowls aren’t designed for direct food contact; lava rocks aren’t food-grade, and grease drippings clog burner ports. A dedicated camp stove is the better tool for cooking.
Do these work at high altitude?
Yes, with reduced output. Above 5,000 feet, expect roughly 4% BTU reduction per 1,000 feet of elevation. A 58,000 BTU unit at 8,000 feet performs closer to 45,000 BTU. CSA-certified units handle altitude up to roughly 10,000 feet without modification.
What’s the difference between portable propane and wood-burning models?
Propane lights instantly, produces no ash, complies with most burn bans, and runs on a separate cylinder. Wood-burning portables require fire-ring permission, produce ash and embers, and face fire-season restrictions. For wood-burning alternatives, see the best wood burning fire pit.
Bottom Line: Which to Choose
The Outland Living 893 remains the default recommendation: proven longevity, CSA-approved, the right balance of weight and BTU for car-camping and RV use. It’s been the standard for nearly a decade. For larger groups, the Flame King 24-inch adds self-igniter convenience. Budget and dual-use cooking buyers should look at the Ciays 19-inch with grill grate.
- Solo or couple in a small SUV: Outland 893 or Ciays 19-inch (under 25 lbs, sub-20-inch packed)
- Hosting groups of 4-6: Flame King 24-inch or Ciays 24-inch (wider flame ring)
- One pit for backyard 80% and travel 20%: Ciays 24-inch bridges both uses
- RV cargo-bay fit priority: Ciays 21-inch or 19-inch with folding legs (sub-7-inch packed)
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