Evenings in the Great Outdoors just aren’t the same without a crackling campfire. We think one of the best things about camping is relaxing to the sound of those flickering flames, and soaking up the heat while sitting under the stars.
Unfortunately, states and campgrounds often impose strict fire bans to reduce the risk of fires getting out of control, so enjoying a traditional wood campfire isn’t always possible. Because of this, many RV’ers and camping enthusiasts are looking to buy the best gas fire pit as a safe and realistic alternative to wood campfires.
In this guide, we take a look at the top-rated models on the market today, so you can find the best gas fire pit for your next outdoor adventure.
Contents
- 1 What is a Gas Fire Pit?
- 2 Best Gas Fire Pit
- 2.1 Outland Firebowl Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
- 2.2 Bond Manufacturing 54,000 BTU Backyard Gas Fire Pit
- 2.3 Volcano Grills 3-Fuel Portable Fire Pit
- 2.4 Outland Living Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit
- 2.5 TACKLIFE Lava Stone 50,000 BTU Auto-Ignition Outdoor Gas Fire Pit
- 2.6 Heininger 58,000 BTU Portable Gas Outdoor Fire Pit
- 3 Why Trust Us
- 4 What to Look for When Buying the Best Gas Fire Pit
- 5 Are Gas Fire Pits Safe
- 6 Gas Fire Pit Vs Wood Burning Fire Pit
- 7 Top Outdoor Fire Pits Video
- 8 Final Thoughts
What is a Gas Fire Pit?
Gas fire pits come in several different designs, but they all generally work in the same way.
Modern gas fire pits are free-standing, metal constructions, with a heat-resistant bowl in the center. The center of the bowl contains a burner, which is connected by a hose to a gas cylinder, usually propane, as a fuel source.
The bowl can be filled with imitation, heat-resistant logs or coals, or natural lava rocks for a decorative effect. This also creates an authentic flame flicker reminiscent of a real wood fire.
Some gas fire pits will come with built-in ignition mechanisms that are used to ignite the gas once it is turned on. Others will require the use of a hand-held lighter to get them going. The majority of fire pits feature a gas-flow knob, so you can quickly adjust the flame height and heat output to suit your preferences.
Best Gas Fire Pit
Gas fire pits are incredibly popular, and as a result, there’s a huge variety to choose from.
To help you find the right model for you, we’ve reviewed six of the best gas fire pits on the market today, covering a range of sizes, budgets, and features to suit everyone.
Read on to find the best gas fire pit for your next outdoor adventure.
Outland Firebowl Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
The Outland Firebowl Deluxe is clean-burning and easy to use, making it a fantastic choice for camping and Rving. A great alternative to a wood campfire, this model is attractive and lightweight but still kicks out a good amount of heat.
Ready to use straight out of the box with no tools required, this gas fire pit takes just a couple of minutes to set up, so it’s perfect for an impromptu evening around the fire. The 10-foot gas hose is long enough to keep your 20lb propane cylinder out of sight for a realistic feel – but keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase the cylinder separately.
This gas fire pit gives out up to 58,000 BTU an hour, which is plenty to keep yourself and your guests warm. The smokeless fire is perfect for busy campsites and, as it is CSA approved, it’s safe to use during campfire bans. It also comes complete with natural lava rocks for an authentic flickering appearance.
This gas fire pit doesn’t have built-in ignition, so you’ll need to have a lighter on hand to get it started. The flame height is easy to adjust, thanks to the large gas control knob on the front of the pit – so if the night goes on you can turn up the heat with a flick of the wrist.
Made from enamel-coated steel with a stainless steel ring burner, this gas fire pit is designed to last. The included cover and carry strap make it simple to transport and its heat output and quick setup make it a top pick for impulse gatherings.
Bond Manufacturing 54,000 BTU Backyard Gas Fire Pit
The Bond Manufacturing Backyard Gas Fire Pit boasts an attractive antique copper finish that’s sure to turn heads. Great for camping just relaxing in the backyard, this gas fire pit is easy to use and will keep you toasty on chilly evenings.
The heat output of 54,000 BTU is strong enough to warm a group of five people and can be set up in seconds with no tools required. This model is compatible with 20-pound propane cylinders and comes with a 10-foot gas hose for good reach. It also features a handy auto-ignition function – so you won’t be left in the cold if you forget your lighter.
The Bond Manufacturing Backyard Gas Fire Pit offers a much easier alternative to real wood campfires while still providing a realistic feel. The included lava rocks create a beautiful, warming flicker without all the soot and mess that comes with the real thing. It is clean-burning too, so there’s no smell or troublesome smoke that may upset your neighbors. The flame height can be immediately adjusted with the stainless-steel control panel – so when the sun goes down, you can still stay cozy and warm.
The stainless-steel construction is sturdy and resistant to rust, so it should last several seasons. We also like how the attached pit stand doesn’t get hot when in use, so you won’t need to worry about burning the surface beneath it.
Overall, we think this gas fire pit is a great lightweight and compact choice for camping trips or balmy evenings watching the sunset. The locking lid and carry handle makes it easy to transport to your favorite beauty spot, while the ease of use and generous heat output ensures you and your guests won’t feel the cold.
Volcano Grills 3-Fuel Portable Fire Pit
If you’re looking for a versatile gas fire pit, then the Volcano Grills 3-Fuel Portable Fire Pit could be just what you need.
Suitable for use as a charcoal grill, gas grill, gas fire pit, or wood fire pit – this multipurpose model can be used to keep you warm on chilly evenings and also cook your dinner.
Specially crafted to be compact and portable, this fire pit is perfect for camping or RVing. Instead of packing a gas fire pit and a separate grill, you can use this model instead and save yourself space. It pops open and folds down in seconds, collapsing to just 5-inches in height and 15.5-inches across – a very small footprint considering its multipurpose design.
When used with a compatible 20-pound propane tank, this gas fire pit can put out 19,500 BTU – which is suitable for cooking, but not as warming as other models on our list.
You can load it with wood to make a small wood fire for marshmallow toasting, or layer charcoal in the base and use the grill plate to chargrill dinner for yourself and your guests. Alternatively, you can remove the grate to use as a dutch oven, or place a wok or frying pan directly on the burner.
We also like that this multipurpose gas fire pit is durable and simple to use. To pack it away, just lift it from the bottom and the stove collapses within itself. The base does get very hot during use, though, so you’ll have to leave it to cool completely before you can put it away.
All in all, we think the Volcano Grills 3-Fuel Portable Fire Pit is great if you want a multipurpose model that acts as a relaxing fire pit as well as a cooking grill. The collapsible space-saving design is perfect for car camping and Rving, but it doesn’t put out as much warming heat as some other, less versatile models.
Outland Living Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit
If you’re looking for a large fire pit for your next family camping trip – the Outland Living Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit is an excellent choice.
At 24-inches in diameter, this propane fire pit is big enough for up to 10 people to sit around comfortably, so everyone can stay warm and cozy under the stars. Suitable for use with 20-pound propane cylinders, this model has an impressive output of 58,000 BTU, so you can feel the heat without needing to sit too close.
Despite its size, this gas fire pit is still easily portable, although it will take up a fair amount of space in your car or RV. It comes complete with a 10-foot gas hose so you can tuck your cylinder out of sight, and the chrome control knob makes it easy to adjust the flame to your preference. We particularly like the included lava rocks, that create an authentic flicker just like a real campfire.
Super simple to set up, this gas fire pit is ready to use right out of the box without the need for any tools. The thick, angled legs ensure it stays stable on slightly uneven ground, while the enamel-coated steel finish offers great durability.
Overall, this model is a top pick if you need a generously-sized gas fire pit to accommodate large groups. The only real drawback to this model is that it doesn’t have a built-in starter, so you’ll need to remember to pack a BBQ lighter to get it going.
TACKLIFE Lava Stone 50,000 BTU Auto-Ignition Outdoor Gas Fire Pit
Another great choice is the TACKLIFE Lava Stone Outdoor Gas Fire Pit. Boasting a deep, square bowl and antique copper surface – this gas fire pit is an attractive option for both camping trips and summer evenings in the yard.
This model is designed to be used with propane cylinders and comes with a 10-foot hose for plenty of reach. This hose also features fluorescent markers along its length to reduce the risk that you’ll trip over it in the dark. It can be set up quickly and easily without any tools, just connect the gas and it’s ready to use right away.
The flames are smoke-free and clean-burning, so your clothes won’t get smelly as you enjoy the heat. And as this model is CSA approved, it can also be safely used during campfire bans.
The heat output from the stainless-steel burner is impressive at 50,000 BTU, which is plenty hot enough to keep you and all your guests toasty warm when the sun goes down.
We like that this model comes with a generous amount of lava stones, so you can recreate the romantic flicker of a campfire at the flick of a switch. The auto-ignition is a convenient feature for quick start-up without the need for a lighter and the large stainless-steel external control knob makes it easy to adjust the flames to your liking.
Relatively lightweight, this portable gas fire pit also comes with a close-fitting lid that can be securely-fastened thanks to the attached buckles. A convenient handle is built-in to the top, so you can easily carry it from your car or RV to your chosen camping spot.
Heininger 58,000 BTU Portable Gas Outdoor Fire Pit
Last on our list is the Heininger Portable Gas Outdoor Fire Pit. With its compact and highly portable design, this gas fire pit makes a great choice for our outdoor adventures.
This model weighs only 22 pounds, so it’s lightweight enough to carry from your pitch to your chosen chill-out spot. The 10-foot gas hose means you can keep the propane cylinder at a safe distance, while the solid build ensures long-lasting performance.
The Portable Gas Outdoor Fire Pit is quick and easy to get set up, so you can enjoy the relaxing flicker of a campfire in just minutes. This model has an impressive heat output, too. It can reach 58,000 BTU at the twist of a switch, which is more than enough to keep yourself and up to 6 others toasty warm.
The smokeless and odorless flame is simple to adjust and is ideal for busy pitch grounds and sites where fires are forbidden. The flame burns high and has an authentic flicker that creates great ambiance, so you won’t feel that you’re missing out on a real wood campfire. You’ll have to pack a lighter, though, as this model doesn’t have built-in ignition.
To sum up, we think this portable gas fire pit is a worthy pick for RVing, camping or tailgating. It kicks out impressive heat, sets up in minutes, and offers a realistic campfire feel.
Why Trust Us
All of our reviews are compiled with a combination of expert input, years of hands-on testing of grilling products, curating the reviews of real-life buyers in a “wisdom of the crowd” system, and of course our own expertise. All the products listed are the ones we would buy if we were looking to purchase a new gas fire pit.
Methodology Used to Pick the Best Gas Fire Pit
When picking the best fire pit we looked at and then rated each pair on the following criteria. Price, BTU, portability, tank szie, ignition system, safety features, and build quality.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Gas Fire Pit
Before you rush out to purchase your new fire pit, here’s what you need to consider to make the right choice.
Price
There’s a wide range of gas fire pits on the market and the price can vary considerably.
For a good-quality portable camping fire pit, you should expect to spend between around $100-250 – depending on the size and number of features.
Custom-built gas fire pits or those designed to be built-in to your yard will cost significantly more, often running into the thousands of dollars.
BTU – Power and Heat Output
The heat output of gas fire pits is measured in “British Thermal Units” or “BTUs”. The higher the BTU, the greater the heat output. It’s also a good indicator of how gas-hungry your fire pit will be.
To ensure you and your guests stay cozy and warm, we recommend opting for a camping fire pit that has an output of at least 40,000 BTU. Most of our gas fire pit reviews feature models that exceed this level, so you can be confident that they will heat a generous area.
Portability
As with any camping product, portability is an important consideration. If your gas fire pit is too heavy or bulky to easily bring with you, you’re unlikely to get the most out of it.
All of our gas fire pit reviews feature models that are perfect for bringing on your outdoor adventures. You should look for those that are lightweight and compact for effortless storage and transport to your chosen location.
Some models collapse into themselves to save space, while others will have locking lids and built-in handles to make them easy to carry. Keep in mind that you’ll need to bring a propane tank with you too!
Tank Size
The propane cylinder that your gas fire pit required will depend on the size of the burner ring.
The vast majority of gas fire pits for camping will use standard 20-pound propane tanks. Some models can also be adapted to hook up to natural gas, or used with an adaptor to fit a differently sized propane cylinder.
We recommend checking the manufacturers’ specifications before buying. After all, your new gas fire pit isn’t going to be much use if you can’t connect it to a fuel source.
Ignition System
Some gas fire pits will feature built-in ignition systems, whereas others require you to light them yourself.
Built-in spark ignition systems are a safer and more convenient option, as you won’t need to put your hand close to the fire or get caught short if you forget to pack a lighter. However, in cheaper models, they can sometimes become unreliable and fail with time.
If you opt for a model that doesn’t have built-in ignition, it’s best to get yourself a long nose lighter or some extra long matches so you can keep your hands safely away from the flame.
Safety Features
Gas fire pits are wonderful products that recreate the ambiance and warmth of a real campfire. But they can also be dangerous for obvious reasons.
Thousands of people suffer injuries caused by gas fire pits every year, so when choosing your fire pit, you should pay special attention to safety features.
All gas fire pits should be tested and certified by an independent product safety body, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) before they are approved for sale.
You should also make sure the gas hose is a good length to keep the propane tank a safe distance from the flames, and that the fire pit has an emergency shut-off option so you can kill the flames quickly if required.
Build Quality
The outdoors can be tough on camping equipment, so you should look for a gas fire pit with a strong build quality to ensure it will last several seasons.
The best gas fire pits will feature a heat-resistant steel or stainless steel construction that is both durable and lightweight for easy portability. Some models will also have a porcelain coating for extra protection against the elements. Thick legs and wide stands are recommended for stability, especially if it gets windy.
It’s also a good idea to look for a model that includes a lid to keep the burner protected when not in use.
Are Gas Fire Pits Safe
Gas fire pits are very safe, so long as they are used correctly. They should only be used outside. Never bring a gas fire pit into your home, tent or vehicle.
You should always read the manufacturers’ instructions carefully before using your fire pit. They will guide you on how to set up and install it properly, and advise of any particular precautions that need to be taken with that model. We recommend keeping the manual in a safe place so you can easily refer to it later if needed.
You should set up your gas fire pit in a secure location at a safe distance of at least 3 meters from your tent vehicle and gas cylinder. There should be no flammable objects within reach of the flames.
Never leave your gas fire pit unattended and you should make sure children or pets are not left unsupervised when using your fire pit.
It is also important to remember that gas fire pits will take a long time to cool down after they are turned off – so will still present a risk of burns.
Gas Fire Pit Vs Wood Burning Fire Pit
Wood fire pits are considered to be the most authentic campfire experience, but a gas fire pit is a safer and more convenient choice.
Gas fire pits are much quicker to light than wood fire pits. With the turn of a nozzle and flick of a switch, gas fire pits provide generous warming flames that can be immediately adjusted to suit your liking. On the other hand, wood fires require time and skill to get burning, and also need constant refueling to prevent them from dying out.
Gas is also a much safer and cleaner choice of fuel than wood. Wood fires create a lot of smoke and tend to spit and spark, increasing the risk of burns and fires. States and campsites often have fire bans in place, but gas fire pits are usually allowed, even during a fire ban.
Lastly, unlike wood fires, gas fire pits can be turned off in a second, while wood fire pits can smolder for hours before they no longer pose a risk. Pouring water over a wood fire will certainly put it out, but it will also create an unpleasant mess and make it more difficult to light again the next night.
Top Outdoor Fire Pits Video
Final Thoughts
Gas fire pits offer a convenient, realistic, and user-friendly alternative to real wood campfires. Cleaner and safer than wood fires, gas fire pits are easily portable and perfect for bringing warmth and ambiance to outdoor evenings.
Any of the models featured in our best gas fire pit reviews would make fantastic choices, but the right option for you will depend on your needs and lifestyle.
For camping trips with large groups of friends and family, the Outland Living Mega Outdoor Propane Gas Fire Pit is a top pick. At 24-inches in diameter, this large gas fire pit is big enough to keep up to 10 people cozy and warm. It has a powerful heat output of 58,000 BTU for far-reaching warmth, but is still highly portable and quick to set up.
If you like to combine campfires with cooking, then the Volcano Grills 3-Fuel Portable Fire Pit is your best bet. Highly versatile, this collapsible model can be used as a charcoal grill, gas grill, gas fire pit, or wood fire pit. Its unique design is compatible with woks and frying pans, and you can even use it as a dutch oven to cook delicious meals for your guests.
For smaller groups and remote adventures, the Outland Firebowl Deluxe Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit is a simple, yet effective choice. It sets up in just seconds with no tools required, and kicks out an impressive 58,000 BTU that will keep you and your friends toasty warm. The included lava rocks create an authentic flicker for a relaxing feel, and the included cover and carry strap make it simple to transport to your favorite beauty spot.
Whatever your lifestyle, you’re sure to find the best gas fire pit for you in our selection.
