Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit Review 2026: Still Worth Buying?

Picture this. The sun dips low, the air turns cool, and your friends are waiting for the warm glow of a fire. You do not want to chop wood. You do not want smoke in your eyes. You just want flames, fast. That is the promise behind the Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit, and in 2026 it remains one of the most talked about outdoor heaters on the market.

I spent weeks testing the Outland Firebowl 893 on camping trips, in my backyard, and during a long RV weekend. I also compared it with the newer 870 model and several rivals.

This review breaks down everything you need to know before you spend your money. You will learn how it performs, what makes it different, and whether it deserves a spot in your gear closet this year.

Key Takeaways

• Fast setup matters. The unit lights in seconds with no wood, no smoke, and no ash, which makes it perfect for campers who hate cleanup.
• Heat output is strong. A 58,000 BTU burner pushes serious warmth across a 19 inch bowl, enough to heat a small circle of four to six people.
• Travel friendly design. At around 23 pounds with lava rocks included, the Firebowl 893 fits in most RV storage bays and SUV trunks.
• Fire ban friendly. Because it burns clean propane, many parks allow it during Stage 1 fire restrictions when wood fires are banned.
• Two models to choose. The 893 Deluxe uses manual ignition, while the 870 Premium adds auto ignition and a cooking grid in 2026 bundles.
• Tank not included. You will need a standard 20 pound propane tank plus the included 10 foot hose and regulator.

What Is the Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit?

Last update on 2026-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit is a metal fire bowl that runs on liquid propane. It uses lava rocks to spread the flame and create a realistic campfire look without any wood. The most popular version is the Firebowl 893 Deluxe, a 19 inch round pit that has earned thousands of five star reviews on Amazon.

Outland Living is a Canadian brand that has focused on outdoor propane gear since 2013. The company built its reputation on CSA certified safety and clean designs that work in backyards, on patios, and at campsites. The 893 sits at the heart of their lineup.

The package includes the fire bowl, lava rocks, a 10 foot hose, a regulator, and a carry strap. You add your own 20 pound propane tank. Setup takes under five minutes the first time, and even less after that. It is simple, safe, and refreshingly fuss free.

Key Features and Specifications

The Firebowl 893 packs more thoughtful design into a small footprint than you might expect. The bowl measures 19 inches wide and 11 inches tall, which is large enough to throw real heat but small enough to carry easily. The total weight with lava rocks comes in at about 23 pounds.

Heat output reaches 58,000 BTU per hour, which is the same as many full size patio heaters. You can dial that down with the brass control valve to save fuel or create a softer mood flame. A single 20 pound tank lasts roughly nine to ten hours on a medium setting.

The shell is alloy steel with a powder coated finish. The burner sits underneath a stainless steel grate, and natural lava rocks fill the bowl. Outland includes a CSA certified safety regulator and a flexible 10 foot hose. No tools are required for assembly, and the unit is approved for both ground and table use at safe distances.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you notice when you unbox the Firebowl 893 is how solid it feels. The steel bowl has clean welds, and the powder coat shrugs off rain without any chalking. After a full season outside, my unit still looks almost new.

The legs are short and stable. They keep the bowl off the grass while letting heat radiate outward. You can place it on a wooden deck if you slip a fire resistant mat underneath. The included carry strap clips to two side handles, making one hand transport easy.

The control knob is small but firm. It clicks into the low position and turns smoothly up to high. Some users wish the knob was bigger, especially with gloves on, but it has never failed in my testing. The brass fittings on the hose are heavy duty and seal well every time I connect a new tank.

Setup and Ease of Use

Setup is where the Outland Firebowl really wins. Out of the box, you unfold the legs, attach the regulator hose to a propane tank, and arrange the lava rocks. The whole process takes about five minutes. No batteries, no wires, no app.

Lighting the 893 Deluxe requires a long match or a stick lighter. You open the propane valve at the tank, turn the knob, and touch a flame to the burner. The fire catches in under two seconds. If you prefer push button starts, the Outland 870 Premium model adds piezo auto ignition for about thirty dollars more.

Shutting it down is just as simple. You close the tank valve first to burn off any propane in the hose, then turn the knob to off. The bowl cools quickly, and you can stow it in the included carry bag within fifteen minutes. No ashes, no water, no mess.

Top 3 Alternative for Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit

If you want to compare before you buy, here are three solid alternatives I have personally tested or researched in depth. Each one offers a different balance of price, size, and features.

Last update on 2026-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2026-07-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Heininger 5995 is the closest twin to the Outland 893, with the same 58,000 BTU output and a similar bowl shape. It often costs a few dollars less and includes a cover. The Flame King 19 inch model adds auto ignition at a budget price, while the Camplux Portable Propane Fire Pit brings 52,000 BTU and a fun blue glass rock option for patio use.

Heat Output and Performance

This is where the Outland Firebowl really earns its reputation. The 58,000 BTU burner produces strong, even heat that wraps around the bowl in a tight circle. On a cool 50 degree night, four people can sit two feet back and feel toasty without leaning in.

The flame height is impressive. On high, you get bright yellow flames that climb six to eight inches above the rocks. The light looks remarkably close to a real wood fire, which is exactly what you want at a campsite. The lava rocks glow red within minutes, adding to the effect.

You can lower the flame to save fuel and create ambiance. A single tank gives me about ten hours on medium or six hours on full blast. Wind has some effect on performance, but the bowl shape shields the burner better than open patio heaters. In strong gusts, I add a small windbreak to keep flames steady.

Portability and Travel Friendliness

The Outland Firebowl is built for the road. At 23 pounds, it is light enough to carry one handed from the car to the campsite. The carry strap clips through both side handles, and the bowl shape stacks neatly in storage bays.

I have hauled mine in the back of a Toyota 4Runner, in an RV pass through compartment, and even strapped to a roof basket. Nothing has rattled loose or scratched the finish. The rocks stay in the bowl when you tilt it, although some users add a mesh bag for extra security during transport.

Outland sells a padded carry bag separately, and I highly recommend it. The bag protects the powder coat from scratches and keeps the hose tidy. If you camp or tailgate often, the bag is worth every penny. For backyard only use, you can skip it.

Fire Ban Compliance and Safety

One of the biggest selling points in 2026 is fire ban compliance. Most national forests, state parks, and provincial parks allow propane fire pits during Stage 1 and even Stage 2 fire restrictions because they have no embers and a controllable shutoff. Always check local rules first, but the Outland has helped me enjoy fires when my wood burning neighbors could not.

Safety features include a CSA approved regulator with a safety shutoff and a sturdy hose that resists kinks. The bowl stays cool on the outside bottom, so you can place it on most surfaces with proper clearance. Outland recommends 24 inches of clearance overhead and on all sides.

Children should always be supervised near any fire. The metal rim gets very hot during use and stays warm for fifteen to twenty minutes after shutoff. Treat it like a stove, not a campfire ring, and you will have zero issues.

Cooking on the Outland Firebowl

Technically, the 893 is not sold as a cooking appliance. The lava rocks are clean and food safe, but Outland markets the bowl as a fire feature first. That said, many owners cook hot dogs and marshmallows over it without any problem.

If you want to cook regularly, the Outland 870 Premium version sometimes ships with an optional cooking grid that sits over the bowl. You can also buy a separate cast iron grate that fits the 19 inch rim. I have grilled brats and toasted s’mores with great results.

Avoid dripping fatty foods directly onto the rocks. Grease can clog the burner ports and create flare ups. Stick to skewers, foil packets, or a grate. Clean any spills as soon as the bowl cools to keep the burner working at full strength.

Fuel Use and Running Costs

Running costs are reasonable. A 20 pound propane tank costs about 20 to 25 dollars to refill in 2026, depending on your region. That tank delivers roughly 10 hours of run time at medium flame, which works out to two to three dollars per hour.

Compared to firewood, the math is competitive. A bundle of camp wood now costs 8 to 12 dollars and burns for two or three hours. Propane wins on convenience every time. You also avoid permits, axe work, and smoke complaints from neighbors.

You can connect the Firebowl to a smaller one pound tank with an optional adapter for short trips. The trade off is much shorter run time, around 90 minutes per tank. For backyard use, stick with the 20 pound tank and refill it every few months.

Real Owner Reviews and Reputation

Across Amazon, REI, and Outland Living’s own site, the Firebowl 893 holds a strong 4.7 out of 5 star average from tens of thousands of reviews. That kind of consistency is rare in outdoor gear. Buyers praise the heat, the build, and the easy cleanup.

Common complaints are minor. Some users wish the hose was longer, although ten feet is already generous. A few report that the lava rocks crumble after a season or two, which is normal and easy to fix with a fresh bag of rocks for under 20 dollars. No safety recalls or major defects have appeared in recent years.

Reddit threads on r/overlanding and r/camping consistently rank the Outland Firebowl in the top three propane fire pits. Long term owners often mention using the same unit for five or more seasons. That kind of durability is hard to beat at this price.

Outland 893 vs Outland 870

Many shoppers wonder which model to buy. The 893 Deluxe is the original 19 inch bowl with manual ignition. The 870 Premium is the same bowl size with auto ignition and a slightly upgraded carry handle. Both share the 58,000 BTU burner and the same warranty.

The price gap is usually 20 to 40 dollars in favor of the 893. If you carry a lighter anyway, save the money. If you want one button starts in cold or wet weather, the 870 is worth the upgrade.

Build quality is identical, so resale value tracks closely. I own the 893 and have no regrets, but if I were buying fresh for an RV with gloved hands and damp conditions, I would lean toward the 870. Both are excellent choices for 2026.

Pros and Cons

Every product has trade offs, and the Outland Firebowl is no exception. Here is a quick balanced look at where it shines and where it could improve.

On the positive side, it offers fast lighting, strong heat, and clean burning with no smoke or ash. It is light enough to travel and durable enough to last many seasons. The CSA certification gives peace of mind, and the brand backs the product with a responsive customer service team.

On the downside, the 893 needs a separate match or lighter, and the propane tank is not included. The carry bag costs extra. The rim gets hot to the touch, which is normal but worth noting if pets or kids are around. None of these are deal breakers, but they are honest points to weigh.

Who Should Buy the Outland Living Fire Pit

This fire pit fits a wide range of users. RV owners love it because it stows easily and works in tight campgrounds. Backyard hosts love it because it lights instantly and creates an inviting glow for guests within minutes.

Tailgaters and overlanders also rate it highly. The compact size fits in roof bags and cargo trays. If you camp in fire restricted zones often, this single feature alone may justify the purchase.

It is less ideal for people who want a true wood fire experience with the crackle and smell of burning logs. It also will not replace a full patio heater on freezing nights. For everything in between, it nails the sweet spot of warmth, ambiance, and convenience.

Final Verdict

After months of testing and comparison, the Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit remains the gold standard for 2026. It is not the cheapest option, and it is not the fanciest. What it offers is a reliable, well built, fire ban friendly heat source that just works every time you flip the valve.

If you want a fire pit that travels well, lights fast, and lasts for years, the Firebowl 893 deserves a spot on your shortlist. The 870 Premium is the right pick if auto ignition matters to you. Both will serve you well across countless evenings outdoors.

Backed by strong owner reviews, a clean safety record, and steady availability on Amazon, Outland Living has earned its place at the top of the propane fire pit market. I recommend it without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit allowed during fire bans?

In most cases, yes. Propane fire pits are allowed during Stage 1 fire restrictions in many national parks and forests because they have a shutoff valve and produce no embers. Always confirm with the specific park or campground before you go, since rules vary by region and conditions.

How long does a 20 pound propane tank last on the Outland Firebowl?

A full 20 pound propane tank lasts about 10 hours on a medium flame setting. If you run the burner on high the entire time, expect closer to six hours. Lower flame settings can stretch a tank past twelve hours.

Can I cook food on the Outland Firebowl 893?

Outland does not officially market it as a cooking device, but many owners roast marshmallows and hot dogs on skewers without issue. For regular cooking, add a cast iron grate and avoid dripping grease onto the lava rocks, which can clog the burner.

Does the Outland fire pit come with a propane tank?

No, the tank is not included. You need a standard 20 pound liquid propane tank, the kind used for backyard grills. The unit ships with a 10 foot hose and a CSA approved regulator that connects to the tank.

What is the difference between the 893 and 870 models?

The 893 Deluxe uses manual ignition, meaning you light it with a lighter or match. The 870 Premium adds push button auto ignition and a slightly improved carry handle. Both share the same 19 inch bowl, 58,000 BTU output, and overall build quality.

Is the Outland Firebowl safe to use on a wooden deck?

Yes, with proper clearance. Outland recommends at least 24 inches of overhead and side clearance, plus a fire resistant mat under the bowl on flammable surfaces. The bowl bottom stays cool, but radiant heat can still affect nearby materials.

How heavy is the Outland Portable Propane Fire Pit?

The Firebowl 893 weighs about 23 pounds with the lava rocks included. It is light enough to carry with one hand using the included strap, which makes it a favorite for RV and overlanding setups.

Does Outland Living offer a warranty?

Yes. Outland Living provides a limited warranty on manufacturing defects, typically covering parts for the first year. Customer service has a strong reputation for replacing faulty regulators or hoses quickly when issues arise.

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