In-depth review
Outland Firebowl 870 Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Outland Firebowl 870: auto-ignition, heat, portability, and who should buy a propane pit.
Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium
The best propane pit: a 19 inch auto-ignition firebowl with a cover and carry kit, ready for patios and campsites alike.
Our verdict
The Outland Firebowl 870 is the best propane fire pit, because it removes every chore that puts people off a wood fire: no logs, no smoke, no ash, and ignition at the push of a button. The 58,000 BTU burner warms a small circle well, and the cover, carry kit, and 10 ft hose all come in the box. It is not a wood fire, and it never pretends to be: there is no crackle and no wood smell. Buy it if you want fire on a weeknight, on a campsite with a wood-fire ban, or anywhere that ash is a problem.
What we like
- Push-button auto-ignition lights the fire in seconds, with no lighter, no kindling, and no smoky start-up.
- It burns propane cleanly with no smoke and no ash, so there is nothing to sweep up afterwards.
- The cover, carry kit, lava rocks, and a 10 ft hose with regulator all come in the box, so it is complete from day one.
What to watch out for
- It needs a propane tank, which is bought separately and adds weight and a refill chore.
- The flame looks and feels different from a wood fire, with less crackle and no wood smell.
- The heat output suits a small circle well, but a large group will want to sit close or add a second source of warmth.
Who it is for
Campers, weeknight fire lovers, and anyone who wants instant fire with no smoke and no clean-up.
Ignition and flame
The 870 lights with a push-button auto-ignition, which is the feature that changes how often the pit gets used. There is no kindling, no lighter, and no smoky start-up: turn the knob, press the button, and the flame is there. The flame is clean and steady, and the heat is adjustable, so it can be turned down for a quiet evening or up for a cold one. The lava rocks spread the flame and give it a finished look, though they will soot over time and need an occasional clean.
Portability and the tank question
The 870 is the most portable propane pit here, with a carry kit and a 19 inch bowl that fits in a car boot. The catch is the propane tank, which is bought separately and has to be carried, stored, and refilled. A standard tank lasts several evenings at moderate flame, but a high flame on a cold night uses gas faster than most buyers expect. Check the tank level before a trip, and keep a spare if the pit is the only heat source.
How it stacks up
Against the Outland Firebowl 883 Mega, the 870 wins on portability and auto-ignition, while the 883 wins on bowl size and flame width for larger circles. Against the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, the 870 wins on instant light and zero clean-up, while the Bonfire wins on the wood-fire experience and heat. Against the Solo Stove Ranger 2.0, the 870 wins where wood fires are banned, while the Ranger wins on the real wood smell and crackle.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners love lighting the fire with a push of a button
- Many say the lack of smoke and ash makes weeknight fires easy
- Campers like the carry kit for taking the bowl on trips
Common complaints
- Some wish a propane tank came included
- A few say the flame lacks the feel of a wood fire
- Some find the heat suits a small circle better than a large group
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Diameter
- 19 inches
- Heat output
- 58,000 BTU
- Fuel
- Propane
- Ignition
- Push-button auto-ignition
- Hose
- 10 ft hose with regulator
Also consider
Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega
The big propane bowl: a 24 inch firebowl on legs with the same 58,000 BTU burner, made for larger circles.
- Diameter: 24 inches
- Heat output: 58,000 BTU
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand
The smokeless pick for most patios: a 19.5 inch wood burner with a stand, a removable ash pan, and very little smoke once it is going.
- Diameter: 19.5 inches
- Height: 16.75 inches with stand
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Does the 870 come with a propane tank?
No. The hose, regulator, lava rocks, cover, and carry kit are included, but the propane tank is bought separately. A standard 20 lb tank fits the hose and lasts several evenings at a moderate flame.
Can I use it during a fire ban?
Often yes, since many bans target wood fires and allow propane fire pits, but the rules vary by area and by season. Check the local fire authority before you light it, and never assume a ban has an exception for propane.
How long does a tank last?
It depends on the flame height. At a moderate flame a standard tank lasts several evenings, while a high flame on a cold night uses gas much faster. Keep an eye on the tank level and keep a spare if the pit is your only heat source for the evening.