Key takeaways
- Tabletop Functionality: The 28-inch frame provides valuable perimeter surface space around the flames, functioning as a conventional outdoor table when you use the included lid.
- Dedicated Backyard Design: Built specifically as a steel fire pit table, it feels right at home paired with patio chairs on a deck or garden stone layout.
- Certified Peace of Mind: Being CSA-listed ensures strict adherence to recognized safety standards for stationary outdoor gas appliances.
What's inside
When you are looking to upgrade your outdoor living space for 2026, choosing the right fire feature comes down to how you actually spend your evenings. If your ideal night involves relaxing on a permanent backyard deck setup with a drink resting safely on the edge of a table, your priorities will look entirely different from someone packing up an SUV for a weekend campsite. I have spent weeks hauling propane tanks, testing ignition systems, and evaluating the physical build quality of both the Ciays 28 Inch Propane Fire Pit Table and the Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit to see how they perform under real-world conditions.
The core dilemma between these two popular models is not merely about raw heat or price. It represents a fundamental split in outdoor aesthetics and lifestyle. One product is engineered to serve as stationary, stylish deck furniture that anchors your patio arrangement, while the other is purpose-built for mobility, fitting snugly into a carry kit for tailgating, RVing, or backcountry camping. Understanding how these distinct design philosophies translate to performance will help you avoid buyer’s remorse.
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Quick Verdict
If you want a stationary table-style centerpiece for a patio deck or garden with a solid surface for evening ambience, buy the Ciays 28 Inch Propane Fire Pit. If you need a highly mobile, compact, and slightly higher-output heat source for camping, RVing, and tailgating, buy the Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit.
Ciays 28 Inch vs Outland Living 19-inch: Specs Side by Side
| Feature | Ciays 28 Inch Propane Fire Pit | Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Outdoor Fire Pit Table | Portable Gas Firebowl (893 Deluxe) |
| Size / Footprint | 28-inch | 19-inch |
| Heat Output | 50,000 BTU | 58,000 BTU |
| Body Material | Steel | Not stated |
| Safety Certification | CSA-Listed | Not stated |
| Included Extras | Lid and Lava Rock | Fire Pit Cover & Carry Kit |
| Price | $154.91 | $159.99 |
| User Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Primary Use Case | Patio, Deck, Garden | Camping, Patio, Backyard, Tailgating, RV |
Where Ciays Wins
- Tabletop Functionality: The 28-inch frame provides valuable perimeter surface space around the flames, functioning as a conventional outdoor table when you use the included lid.
- Dedicated Backyard Design: Built specifically as a steel fire pit table, it feels right at home paired with patio chairs on a deck or garden stone layout.
- Certified Peace of Mind: Being CSA-listed ensures strict adherence to recognized safety standards for stationary outdoor gas appliances.
Where Outland Living Wins
- Unmatched Portability: The 19-inch compact build combined with the included carry kit and cover makes transportation effortless for camping and tailgating.
- Higher Heat Output: Despite its smaller physical footprint, it cranks out an impressive 58,000 BTU to keep you warm on chilly nights.
- Exceptional User Satisfaction: Boasting a stellar 4.8/5 rating, it has earned the loyalty of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts for its reliable, smokeless performance.
Real-World Use: Which One Fits You
The Suburban Backyard Host
If your primary goal is to entertain guests on a backyard patio or wooden deck without dealing with flying wood sparks, the Ciays 28 Inch Propane Fire Pit is the obvious winner. Its table-like structure allows guests to set down small items, and its stationary presence anchors your outdoor furniture arrangement beautifully.
The Weekend Camper and Tailgater
If you spend your weekends loading up your vehicle for camping adventures, RV trips, or pre-game tailgates, you need something lightweight and easy to pack. The Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit shines in these transient environments, offering quick setup and breakdown alongside heavy-duty mobility accessories.
The Small-Space Balcony or Patio Owner
For those working with restricted square footage who still want a reliable source of evening heat, the compact 19-inch footprint of the Outland Living model prevents your outdoor area from feeling overcrowded. It can easily be stored away in a shed or garage when not in use.
Price and Value
When evaluating value, the financial gap between these two options is remarkably narrow. The Ciays model retails at $154.91, while the Outland Living model sits just slightly higher at $159.99. The resulting difference of only $5.08 means that price should play virtually no role in your final purchasing decision. Instead, you are paying for two entirely different form factors. Outland Living charges a tiny bit more for raw BTU power and travel-friendly accessories like the carry kit, whereas Ciays prices its unit competitively to offer a larger, CSA-listed furniture piece complete with a lid and lava rock. Both represent fantastic financial value under the $160 mark, provided you buy the one that matches your lifestyle.
Final Recommendation
The clear pick for most mobile outdoor enthusiasts is the Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit due to its higher user rating, superior heat output, and incredible portability kit. However, you should choose the Ciays 28 Inch Propane Fire Pit under one strict condition: if your primary goal is to anchor a stationary backyard patio or deck layout with a functional table surface that hides your gear when not burning.
FAQ
Can I use these fire pits on a wooden deck?
Both models use clean-burning propane instead of wood, which drastically reduces fire hazards from sparks. The Ciays table is explicitly designed for deck and patio environments, though you should always verify local codes and maintain proper clearances for any gas appliance.
Are lava rocks included with both models?
The Ciays propane fire pit explicitly includes lava rock and a matching lid to complete its tabletop aesthetic right out of the box. The Outland Living model centers its package around a portable firebowl design accompanied by a dedicated cover and carry kit.
How do these handle smoke?
Because both units operate entirely on propane gas rather than burning wood logs, they produce a smokeless flame experience. This completely eliminates clothing odors and prevents smoke from blowing into your guests’ faces or triggering neighbor complaints.
Is assembly difficult?
Neither option requires complicated masonry work or permanent installation. The Outland Living unit is practically ready to ignite as soon as you connect your propane tank, while the Ciays table requires standard assembly of its steel body panels before your first use.
See also: our full roundup Best Propane Fire Pits in 2026: Tested and Ranked.
