Campfire Restrictions

It has become a sad reality. California (and the west coast) has been hit with extreme drought and prolonged campfire restrictions due to the number of unfortunate, devastating wildfires that had been stretching the State’s firefighting resources thin. Our hearts go out to everyone affected! Last month saw something rightfully drastic that shocked our outdoor community: the US Forest Service shut down all CA USFS land for hiking, camping, and off-roading in its effort to prevent more wildfires!

Active Fires (Sept 7-14, 2021) /FIRMS US-Canada, NASA, USFS

As outdoor enthusiasts, the realization that fires and resulting restrictions will not go away anytime soon had me finally look into propane fire pits as safer alternatives to wood/charcoal campfires. They do not produce runaway ember (that could spark a fire elsewhere) and do not cause damage to the ground underneath. That also resulted in learning about refillable propane tanks as cheaper and more environmentally-friendly fuel than those green 16oz/1lb Coleman Propane Canisters.

Fires and resulting restrictions will not go away anytime soon with global warming.

Camping is just not the same without a campfire and most places in California do not restrict propane stoves or propane firepits during high fire season. You should always check local fire restrictions, however, although most often you only need to sign up for a free campfire permit.

In this article, I will go over the Outland Living Firebowl Propane Fire Pit, the various models, and why I now use a refillable propane tank instead of the green, 16oz canisters.

In A Nutshell

The Outland Living Firebowl is one of the most popular propane fire pits recommended by outdoor enthusiasts for camping, boondocking/overlanding, and backyard gatherings. It is portable, produces pleasant, dancing flames, and outputs sufficient heat to warm up a group of people. It also does unofficial double duty for cooking! I specifically chose the 19″ Firebowl Deluxe 893 model that includes a cover and carry strap for safety and easier transport. It struck me as the version with the best overall value, size, and weight suitable for a group of up to 10 people. Indeed, the first time we used it in our backyard for a California summer evening get-together produced quite an unbearable amount of heat at its highest setting!

Outland Living Firebowl 893 with Flame King 5lb Propane Tank

Safety was my biggest concern in finding a propane fire pit, followed by portability, reliability, and price. The Firebowl 893 Deluxe is certified by the CSA and looks to be sturdy and very well-made. Setup and usage was simple: Connect the pre-attached 10′ hose to a distant, secured, 20lb propane tank, check for gas leak, slowly and gradually light up the burner, and allow the included 4.4 lbs of porous lava rocks to heat up for 5+ mins for a vibrant flame. The heat intensity can then be adjusted through a valve knob — the lower the flames, the longer the fire lasts. A 5-pound propane tank could last about 2-4 hours, whereas a 20 lb would be usable for 7-12 hours according to anecdotes from users across the Internet. Various factors would affect the usage time, including heat setting, weather conditions, and ambient temperature. Do note that Outland Living will ONLY support the use of 20 lb propane tanks as that is what their products were certified for. My research found that 5-20 lb (1-5 gal) tanks are safe to connect to. I also use these cylinders to power the Mr. Heater Buddy indoor heater.

What I particularly like about the Firebowl is how quickly a fire could be started/stopped on demand (even when the surrounding campsite is wet), how it burns without any smoke, and that the heat intensity could be controlled — a valuable feature for predictable cooking. Wood and coal fires cannot easily claim those properties. Most importantly, propane fire pits can be used at most places during a campfire ban because they do not produce ember nor damage underneath vegetation.

Propane fire pits can be used at most places during a campfire ban. They also will not make you smell like smoke.

Firebowl with CampingMoon MS-1011 Grill

Propane fire pits, of course, also have their disadvantages. They usually are not certified for use other than what they were developed for. That means that cooking, although possible, is discouraged because fire pits like these are designed to produce yellow flames. Those result in soot, a black substance consisting mostly of carbon, that can cause breathing issues, heart disease, and even cancer. Furthermore, grease or food particles can clog the burner and give the fire pit an unsightly appearance — it certainly took some time to clean after a test of some delicious steak grilled in butter, rosemary, and garlic inside a cast iron pan. If you want the taste of charcoal or hear the fire crackling, propane is not able to provide that.

Outland Living skirts around the question of cooking and using third party products (like glass or non-lava rocks) with a generic statement that its products are not CSA-certified with other products or for use other than a fire pit. Many consumers, myself included, do not see a problem roasting marshmallows/hot dogs or boiling water over a sturdy cooktop grate, but be sure to not let any drip or fall into the pit. That would make for some messy cleanup or clogged burner holes! I had been using the CampingMoon MS-1011 Grill on top of the Firebowl with great success to boil water or cook in pots and pans with because of its sturdiness and compact size.

Outland Living has a natural gas conversion kit available for use at home, and the Deluxe version of the Firebowl comes with a carry strap and lid. The latter helps keep children and animals away from the cooling lava rocks while also holding said rocks in place during transport.

Camping is just not the same without a campfire, right? With fire restrictions increasingly more common in California and with our family also doing more dispersed camping, a portable, safe fire pit has become one of our favorite camping accessories to bring along. The Outland Living Firebowl 893 Deluxe fits perfectly in our Yakima SkyBox roof carrier and with that, we now have access to warmth, a natural TV show of flames, and cooking as needed. When there is no smoke, there also is no smelling like smoke! I cannot wait to use it during colder weather in a few months!

We love using the Mr. Heater Buddy or Outland Living Firebowl inside a canopy tent with all its sides covered. Just be sure to leave an opening for air to circulate through to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. We also use the tent with the EcoFlow Wave Portable AC to keep cool. Our favorite canopies are Clam Quick-Set Pavilion and Axa AxplorOutdoor as both come with built-in side covers.

Quick-Set Pavilion Pop-Up Camping Gazebo Tent /Clam

Model Comparison

Here is a summary of the various Outland Living Firebowl models and available accessories.

Notables:

• Standard (823) model is the same as the Deluxe (893) without a cover and carry kit included
• “Helios” burner adds two extra tubes to create a fuller, more natural-looking flame
• No difference in fuel consumption between the different model sizes (19″, 21″, 24″) and burner shapes (Standard vs Helios) as all burn at the same 58,000 BTU/hr rate

What’s Good? What’s Bad?

Pros

• Safe to use at most places when campfire bans are in effect
  • Check current fire restrictions before heading out!
• Easy and fast setup (takes less than 5 mins)
  • Quick to start and stop fire, even in mild rain
• CSA-safety certified
  • CSA is a Canadian standards organization recognized and accredited in the USA by ANSI and OSHA
• Creates nice ambiance and heat
• No smoke to irritate eyes with and no smelling like smoke!
• Lava rocks, once heated, retain their warmth for an additional 20-60 mins after gas had been turned off
  • Porous nature of lava rocks produce vibrant, dancing flames
  • Firebowl works with tempered glass rocks, though the manufacturer cites its safety certification to NOT include 3rd party products

Natural Lava Rocks (Unwashed, Washed)

• Heats up VERY quickly (almost instantaneously)
  • 58,000 BTU/hr output produces enough heat for up to about 10 people, depending on ambient temperature and weather conditions
    • You may consider looking into the larger, 21″ or 24″ models for bigger groups
  • Steady amount of heat even in wind
• Flame intensity control via a valve knob
• Portable and fairly compact at 22 lbs @ 19″ x 19″ x 11″ H
  • Less bulky to carry around than bunches of wood. No need to look for wood at campsites either
  • Less impact to the local environment
• Sturdy, durable, and well-made
  • No discolored or damaged paint thus far
• Virtually limitless fuel via a 20 lb propane tank that could last for multiple camping days under typical use
  • Burn time depends on various factors
    • 5 lb (1.3 gal) tank: 2-4 hours (1-2 nights)
    • 20 lb (4.6 gal) tank: 7-12 hours (3-6 nights)
      • A 20 lb tank is often associated with those used by BBQ gas grills
  • Refillable tanks can pay for themselves over time as 5 lbs of propane only costs about $5 to refill at the local gas station
    • Compare that to a 16 oz (1 lb) green propane canister that sells for more than $4.50 each
  • Stabilizer ring included to stabilize a 20 lb tank from falling
    • Note: It’s too large for my Flame King 5 lb tank

5lb Propane Tank with Stabilizer Ring for 20 lb Tanks

• 10′ hose pre-attached to help fire pit be safe to use by keeping the fuel far away from the flames
• Built-in excess flow safety device in the hose regulator as a safety precaution
  • Note: This can result in flames being low. See TIPS section to learn more
• Can be used over nearly any, non-combustible surface as I hardly feel any heat below the fire pit
  • Does not scorch the ground and probably will also not melt any snow underneath
• Metal legs can be secured with a chain to minimize theft risk
• Cover and Carry Strap included
  • Keeps children, animals safely away from hot lava rocks
  • Holds lava rocks in place during transport and keeps rain away from the fire pit
  • Strap makes it easier to carry pit around
    • Can be used to keep hose secured around the pit for storage

• Can be used for cooking, though do so with caution:
  • Yellow flames intentionally produced by propane fire pits create soot, a black substance that can lead to breathing issues, heart disease, and even cancer
    • I would not grill food directly over the flames
  • Cooking/boiling in a pan should be fine. Frying/grilling can spatter grease and oil that later would make the fire pit look unsightly
  • Marshmallows and hot dogs should be fine to cook with, but be mindful of drippings and grease that can clog the burner
  • Manufacturer notes that its products are not safety certified for use other than as a fire pit
• No need to spend time putting out a campfire like with wood/charcoal ones
• Natural gas conversion kit available for use at home
• Carry case available for easier transport and to protect against the elements (like those that can lead to rust)

Check it out!
Devos LightRanger is one of our favorite, full-coverage lights for camping, boondocking/overlanding, sports, and grilling with its built-in battery and 9′ telescoping pole.

Cons

• High initial investment cost
• Propane can leak and lead to accident or death
  • Always be sure to check the tank and connections. Ensure adequate ventilation wherever used
• Needs to be left to cool down before putting away (60+ mins)
• Does not give the same, wholesome feel as a wood fire, but when a campfire ban is in effect, that is better than the alternative
• No charcoal taste possible from propane
• Occasionally faint odor of propane for those sitting downwind

• No official cooktop grill crate available on which to boil water on
  • I really liked the CampingMoon MS-1011 Grill for its perfect height and compact size
  • Camco’s Little Red somewhat worked, but was not designed to be sturdy with the Firebowl
  • See other alternatives in the WHERE TO BUY section
• Carry strap is not fireproof. Be sure to let the lava rocks fully cool before attaching the strap. Otherwise, it could melt
• May be too bulky for some
• Not all sites allow propane fire pits during a campfire ban. Check current fire restrictions before heading out!

Outland Living warns to never fill liquid propane cylinders beyond 80% full.

• Propane tank needs to be refilled and maintained. Some areas may not have refill stations available
  • Home Depot, Blue Rhino, and AmeriGas, for example, have propane tank exchange programs available, but keep in mind that those tanks generally are not sold completely filled (see their fine print)
• Included stabilizer ring for 20 lb propane tanks does not (of course) work with a 5 lb cylinder
• Cannot officially be used for cooking or with third-party products like fire-rated glass rocks

Low flame output? A built-in excess flow safety device in the hose regulator can limit flame size. This is a safety feature. See TIPS section to learn more.

Tips

Usage

• Lava Rock must be heated 5+ mins by the Firebowl before it will produce vibrant flames
  • Lava Rock seemed to perform better after rinsing dust away with water and left to dry
• When done, turn off the gas at the tank first so any propane left in the hose gets used up
• Not all places allow the use of propane fire pits during a campfire ban. Check for local fire restrictions and obtain any required permits
• Do not use indoor or in any enclosed area
• Keep clear at least 80″ (or 7′) above and 36″ (or 3′) around the fire pit!
  • Propane tank should be at least 36″ (or 3′) away from the fire pit!
  • Always make sure there is no combustible material underneath, around, and above the pit! You would not want to accidentally cause a forest fire, would you?
• Carry strap is not fireproof. Be sure to let the lava rocks fully cool before attaching the strap. Otherwise, it could melt
• Wipe the Firebowl after each use with a damp paper towel or cloth to keep it looking pristine
• Metal legs can be secured with a chain to minimize theft risk

Ignition and Low Flames

Propane tanks and appliances have a built-in excess flow safety device. The Firebowl’s is located in the hose and those not aware may think their fire pit or propane tank is defective when it actually is a safety feature. If pressure builds up too fast in the hose, the hose regulator will limit the flow, keeping the flame size low and not responsive to the gas knob.

Firebowl’s maximum gas supply pressure is 250 PSI.

Troubleshooting a Low Flame

Flames and Lava Rocks

• Turn off the gas at both the propane tank and fire pit ends
• Open the fire pit gas valve to release pressure and close again
• Disconnect and reconnect the hose from the propane tank
• VERY SLOWLY open the propane tank’s valve. Going too fast will release too much pressure and trigger the hose safety device again
• Perform a leak test around the valve and hose
  • This should be done at least once a year
  • One simple way is to mix soap and water and spray onto the valve and hose
  • If you see bubbles forming or smell propane, you may have discovered the leak and should shut down the gas immediately
    • Wait an hour for the remaining gas to dissipate before disconnecting the hose. Take the part in for inspection
• If there is no leak, proceed to igniting the fire pit

Igniting the Fire Pit

• Manufacturer recommends 80″ (7′) clearance above and 36″ (3′) surrounding the fire pit
  • No combustible surface should be underneath
• Ensure the propane tank is at least 36″ (or 3′) away from the fire pit – THIS IS IMPORTANT!
  • If possible, put the tank into the included stabilizer ring to keep it from tipping over
• With the propane tank’s gas valve already SLOWLY opened, light up a match or lighter slightly above the fire pit
• VERY slowly open the gas valve on the fire pit until the fire ignites

Storage

• Always ensure the propane tank and fire pit are both turned off when not in use
• Firebowl can be stored indoors if not connected to any gas source
• Keep Firebowl out of rain and store in a dry place
• Considering getting a carry bag for the Firebowl
• Propane fuel itself does not expire, but the tank does have a shelf life shortened by rust. A well-maintained tank can last 10-30 years
• Propane tank must be stored outdoors in a well-ventilated area out of the reach of chilren
  • Should never be stored in the garage or any other enclosed area

Burn Time Calculation

BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures the amount of heat (energy) it takes to raise 1lb of water a single 1F. It is commonly used with heaters and air conditioners. There is 91,500 BTU of energy in 1 gallon (4.24 lbs) of liquid propane. Learn more

To calculate how many hours are available for the fire pit set on the “High” setting with 1 gallon of liquid propane:

• Calc: 91,500 BTU/hr / Appliance BTU/hr rating = Hours available per gallon
• Firebowl burns at 58,000 BTU/hr on “High” setting. It can last an approximate minimum of:
  • 1 gal (4.24 lbs) propane: 1.58 hours = 91,500 / 58,000
    • 5 gal (21.2 lbs) propane: 7.88 hours = 91,500 / 58,000 x 5
  • 1 lb propane: 0.37 hours = 91,500 / 58,000 / 4.24
    • 5 lb propane: 1.86 hours = 91,500 / 58,000 / 4.24 x 5
    • 20 lb propane: 7.44 hours = 91,500 / 58,000 / 4.24 x 20
• Online calculator: Rollingfox.com

Other Cooking Devices

We also recommend the following cooking devices:

Charcoal Grills

• ICECO 15.7″ Foldable Charcoal Grill
• Campingmoon Charcoal Grill MT-2 or X-Mini
• Snow Peak Takibi Combo

Wood Stoves

• Tomshoo vs Solo Stove Camping Stove

Propane Stoves

• Mr. Heater Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater
  • Yes, you can cook over it with a tripod-suspended platform!

Final Thoughts

Cover and Carry Strap

My children and fellow camping friends were ecstatic when they saw the Outland Living Firebowl turned on at camp. It turned their disappointment of not being able to have a campfire to one of joy and cheers, starting the evening off with a warm, cozy mood and intriguing storytelling. Sometimes, some neighbors walked by to remind us that a campfire ban was in effect until we shared we were running off propane, whereas some would come over to ask which fire pit we had or recommended.

I appreciated the ability to quickly turn on the fire in the chilly, early morning while the little ones slowly woke up and sat in their chairs with instant ramen or hot chocolate in their hands. Furthermore, refillable propane tanks are not only less expensive and more environmentally friendly than the 16oz/1lb green propane cylinders, they can also power our Mr. Heater Buddy indoor heater for longer periods of time. A 5 lb propane tank allows about 2-4 hours of use, perfect for a long weekend getaway.

If I had not yet made it clear, a propane fire pit has become an essential part of our camping gear now, especially when campfires are not allowed or when I don’t want any smoke to irritate the eyes of the youngest of the kids. It also has enabled us to have a campfire (without smelling like smoke afterwards) when boondocking/overlanding on dispersed land where new fire rings are not permitted. All in all, could not be happier with our choice. The Firebowl 893 Deluxe comes highly recommended.

Tip: We LOVE pairing a canopy tent with side panels (Clam or Axa) with the Outland Living Firebowl or Mr. Heater Buddy to retain heat during the winter; or to keep cool with the EcoFlow Wave Portable AC.

Where To Buy

• Outland Living Firebowl
  • Propane Fire Pits
    • 19″ Standard (823) | 19″ Deluxe (893) | 19″ Premium (870)
    • 21″ Cypress (863) | 24″ Mega (883) | 14″ x 14″ Firecube (805)
  • Accessories
    • Carry Bag: #760 for Standard, Deluxe, Premium. Alternative: Leyespot / #761 for Mega / #762 for Cypress
    • Natural Gas Kit: #780 for Standard, Deluxe, Mega / #781 for Cypress / #782 for Firecube / #785 for Premium
• Propane Fuel Tank (Refillable)
  • 20 lbs (4.6 gal): Worthington | Flame King
  • 5 lbs (1.3 gal): Flame King | Worthington | Ignik | Manchester
  • 11 lbs: Flame King Tall / Wide
• Canopy Tent with Side Panels
  • Built-in Panels: Clam Quick-Set Pavilion / Axa AxplorOutdoor
  • Separate Panels: MasterCanopy + five panels (not available for door)
• Fire Glass: Hiland
• Grilltop Grates – Not supported by manufacturer. Use at your own risk
  • Recommended: CampingMoon MS-1011 Grill
  • Not tested, but look to work: Dracarys or Sintop | CampMax | RedSwing | Weber
  • Camco’s Little Red (not designed for Firebowl)
• Coleman Grill Adapter

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  • Mr. Heater Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater
  • EcoFlow Wave Portable Air Conditioner
• Lighting
  • Devos LightRanger: Portable, compact, full-coverage area light with battery and stand
  • Goal Zero Skylight: Heavy-duty, bright, portable, full-coverage area light with battery and stand
• Cooking
  • ICECO 15.7″ Foldable Charcoal Grill – Compact for Tabletop
  • Tomshoo vs Solo Stove Camping Stove
  • Osba 1L Travel Rice Cooker 12V (2-4 Cups) For Cars (CFXBOB-MR C2)
• Backcountry Meals: RightOnTrek / Mountain House
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