Reviewed by John Herwick â Fire pit enthusiast with 6+ years of hands-on testing, 150+ articles on fire pits and outdoor living. Lifelong wood fire purist who finally gave gas a real shot.
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This Outland Living Mega review covers a gas fire pit that delivers a genuinely smokeless outdoor flame experience. The 24-inch diameter accommodates multiple people comfortably. After extensive testing as a former wood fire purist, here’s what I found â and why this may become your go-to outdoor accessory for weeknight fires.
Product Specifications
- UV and weather-resistant soft cover
- Pre-attached 10-foot hose and regulator
- 10.6 lb natural lava rock set
- Propane tank stabilizer ring
- Complete setup and safety instructions
Design and Build Quality
The Outland Living Mega features solid steel construction with a protective powder-coated finish. The circular design sits lower to the ground, creating a stable base that resists tipping â which matters more than you’d think once you have a propane hose running to a tank nearby.
The powder coating process provides superior UV resistance and durability compared to standard paint finishes. This is actually one of the key differentiators between the Mega and its competitors â more on that in the comparison section. The stainless-steel burner resists outdoor elements well, and the recessed design protects the flame from wind interference. Carrying points along the lip make transport manageable for one person, though the 34-pound weight means you’ll feel it.
A Wood Fire Purist’s Conversion Story
I’ve used wood burning fire pits exclusively for years. Frankly, I resisted gas fire pits as somehow “cheating” the authentic fire experience. That perspective changed after using the Mega.
The convenience factor proved the turning point for me. Wood fires require gathering materials, building the fire, and constant tending â then waiting hours for complete cooldown before storage. Gas fires start in ten seconds and shut off completely. You can store the unit within an hour of use. That difference transforms how you approach outdoor fires, especially for weeknight driveway gatherings with neighbors when you only have an hour or two.
I now use both depending on the situation. Weekend fires with time to spare? Wood, every time. Spontaneous weeknight fire with neighbors? The Mega wins. Having both options has genuinely expanded how often I use fire outdoors.
Setup and Real-World Performance
Setup takes literally minutes with no tools required. Here’s the full process:
- Connect the pre-attached 10-foot hose to your propane tank
- Turn on the gas valve at the tank
- Press the ignition button while turning the control knob
- Adjust flame height with the chrome control dial
- Enjoy flames in about 10 seconds
Startup time stays consistent across all seasons. We’ve tested from 30°F winter nights to 80°F summer evenings â the performance is reliable regardless of temperature. The adjustable flame dial controls heat output through a chrome knob with a comfortable grip that works even with gloves on.
Wind Resistance and Weather Performance
The Outland Living Mega performs exceptionally well in windy conditions. The lava rock sits far enough below the external wall that wind rarely extinguishes the flame â a design detail that sounds minor but makes a real difference on breezy evenings.
During our testing we experienced various weather conditions without flame interruption. This reliability makes it a genuinely practical choice for unpredictable weather situations, unlike some portable gas fire pits where moderate gusts become a constant battle.
Heat Output and Warmth: A Realistic Assessment
The 58,000 BTU output generates significant heat for multiple people. Our measurements reached 600â700°F during testing, and the fire pit produces lively, natural-looking flames through its well-designed burner system.
Let’s be honest about warmth levels though. The radiant heat won’t match a blazing wood fire â you’ll need to sit relatively close for maximum warmth. That said, it handles 5â6 people around the fire comfortably. For winter use, we typically run it on the lowest setting. Summer gatherings often call for higher settings for ambiance rather than heat.
If you’re replacing a full wood-burning fire as your primary heat source for cold winter evenings, you may find the Mega underwhelming. For outdoor entertaining where ambiance matters as much as heat, it delivers exactly what you need.
Fuel Efficiency: Real-World Numbers
Forget manufacturer estimates â here’s actual consumption data from regular use:
- 7â9 hours total burn time per 20 lb propane tank
- Winter sessions on low setting extend burn time significantly
- Typical usage runs 1â2 hours per session, about 20 times yearly
- 10-second startup time regardless of outdoor temperature
- Consistent performance from 30°F to 80°F+ conditions
Propane costs remain reasonable for occasional use. The convenience often outweighs the fuel expense compared to free wood â especially once you factor in the time and effort of sourcing, storing, and tending wood fires. For a precise estimate of how long your tank will last, check out our propane tank duration guide, which includes a calculator based on your specific BTU rating.
Portability and Maintenance
At 34 pounds, the Mega offers reasonable portability for a 24-inch unit. The circular design includes carrying points along the lip, and its self-contained design makes transport straightforward. It’s noticeably heavier than smaller portable models though â plan accordingly if you’ll move it frequently. For permanent patio use, the weight becomes irrelevant.
Maintenance Made Simple
Cleaning requires 20â30 minutes for thorough maintenance:
- Remove all lava rocks and set aside
- Wipe down the interior fire bowl with a damp cloth
- Clean gas outlet holes with pipe cleaners to remove debris
- Check for food residue if you’ve cooked on it
- Rinse and dry lava rocks before replacing
- Reassemble for next use
This maintenance becomes especially important if you roast hot dogs or marshmallows â food debris can clog outlet holes and affect flame quality. We haven’t noticed flame quality degradation over extensive use, which regular cleaning likely explains.
Safety Features and CSA Certification
The Outland Living Mega carries CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approval for gas safety standards. This certification keeps it legal during most fire bans â it generates no sparks or embers, significantly reducing wildfire risk. The stable base design prevents accidental tipping.
The 10-foot hose creates one practical challenge worth flagging. Multiple people moving around can trip over the gas line â this affects all portable gas fire pits, not just this model. Our solution is positioning a chair over the line between the fire pit and tank. It effectively manages foot traffic, especially with children present.
The CSA certification generally keeps the Mega legal during most local fire bans that restrict wood burning. Always verify with your local fire authority before use during active restrictions â rules vary by jurisdiction.
Available Accessories
Outland Living offers several useful accessories that address common needs around permanent installation, transport, surface protection, and expanded functionality.
Convert from propane to natural gas for permanent patio installations, eliminating tank refills.
Padded carrying case for easier transport and storage â especially useful for camping or seasonal storage.
Decorative cover hides the propane tank for a cleaner appearance during use.
Protective mat shields deck surfaces from heat damage and provides a stable base on uneven ground.
Connects multiple propane devices to a single tank â useful for outdoor kitchens or multiple fire features.
How the Mega Compares to Top Alternatives
Full disclosure: while we haven’t personally tested the competitor models below, we’ve researched them through manufacturer specs, specialty retailer sites, and owner feedback to give you a complete picture of your options. We selected these competitors based on similar BTU output and design approach.
| Feature | Outland Living Mega đ | Bond Platinum Portable | Fire Sense Sporty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Output | 58,000 BTU | 65,000 BTU | 60,000 BTU |
| Diameter | 24 inches | 23 inches | 15 inches |
| Weight | 34 lbs | 30 lbs | 18 lbs |
| Finish | Powder coating | Enamel coating | High heat paint |
| Hose Length | 10 feet | 10 feet | 5 feet |
| Price Range | ~$230 | ~$235 | Low-mid $100s |
| Company Support | Established, strong | No official website found | Midrange, reputable retailers |
| Buy | View on Amazon â | View on Amazon â | View on Amazon â |
Why We Still Favor the Outland Living Mega
The Bond Platinum delivers more BTUs at similar pricing and is lighter â two real advantages. But the lack of a clear company presence and support infrastructure concerns us for long-term ownership. When something goes wrong with a gas fire pit, you want parts and support readily available.
The Fire Sense Sporty serves budget-conscious buyers well, but the 15-inch diameter limits your group size and the 5-foot hose places the propane tank uncomfortably close to seating areas. When we already consider the Mega’s 10-foot hose barely adequate, having the tank even closer feels like a meaningful safety compromise.
The finish coating difference is significant and underappreciated. Powder coating â which the Outland Living Mega uses â is a more expensive process than enamel coating or high heat paint. It provides significantly better UV resistance, superior durability, and a smoother finish. Over several seasons of outdoor exposure, that difference shows up in how the unit looks and holds up.
Pros and Cons
- 24″ diameter comfortably fits 5â6 people
- 58,000 BTU delivers reliable warmth
- Superior powder coating for UV resistance and durability
- No smoke, ash, or fire tending required
- Legal during most fire bans (CSA certified)
- 10-second startup in any weather
- Excellent wind resistance
- Quality weather cover included
- Strong company support and parts availability
- Heavier than smaller portable alternatives (34 lbs)
- Less radiant heat than a wood fire
- Requires propane tank purchases and refills
- Manual ignition only â no electric start
- Gas line creates tripping hazard with multiple people
Value Assessment
At $229.99 regular price, the Mega represents solid value. We purchased ours for $170, which made it an exceptional bargain. The included accessories â weather cover, pre-attached hose, lava rock set, and tank stabilizer ring â justify the investment alongside the build quality and performance.
Would we buy it again at full price? Without hesitation. The convenience and reliability make it worthwhile for any regular outdoor entertainer. The quality cover alone is better than most sold separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a propane tank last on the Outland Living Mega?
A standard 20 lb propane tank lasts 7â9 hours of total burn time on the Mega. Running on a lower flame setting extends that range, while higher settings burn through the tank faster. For typical 1â2 hour sessions, you’ll get through a full season of regular use on a modest propane budget. Use our propane tank duration calculator for a precise estimate based on your usage pattern.
Can you use the Outland Living Mega during a fire ban?
In most cases, yes. The Mega carries CSA certification and produces no sparks or embers, which keeps it compliant during most fire bans that restrict wood burning. However, fire ban rules vary by jurisdiction and can change rapidly during high fire danger periods. Always verify with your local fire authority before using any fire feature during an active restriction.
Can you cook on the Outland Living Mega?
You can roast hot dogs and marshmallows on the Mega â the open flame and lava rock setup makes it practical for casual campfire-style cooking. That said, it’s not designed as a cooking appliance. Food debris that falls into the burner can clog the gas outlets over time, so cleaning after any cooking session is important. For serious outdoor cooking, a dedicated grill is the better tool.
How does the Outland Living Mega handle wind?
Exceptionally well for a portable gas fire pit. The recessed burner design places the flame well below the outer wall, and the lava rock bed adds further protection. Moderate wind gusts rarely extinguish the flame. This is one of the Mega’s genuine standout features compared to leg-style portable fire pits where the burner sits more exposed.
Is the Outland Living Mega worth it compared to a wood burning fire pit?
It depends entirely on how you use your fire pit. If you want spontaneous weeknight fires with minimal prep and cleanup, and smoke is a concern for neighbors or guests, the Mega is hard to beat. If you love the ritual of building a wood fire, want maximum radiant heat on cold evenings, or prefer the authentic smell and crackle of burning wood, a quality wood fire pit still delivers something the Mega can’t replicate. For most casual outdoor entertainers, having both options is ideal.
What size propane tank does the Outland Living Mega use?
The Mega is designed to work with a standard 20 lb propane tank â the same size used by most gas grills. The included 10-foot hose and regulator connect directly to this standard tank. The included propane tank stabilizer ring keeps it upright and stable during use.
Final Verdict
The Outland Living Mega delivers a genuinely hassle-free outdoor fire experience. Its combination of portability, heat output, wind resistance, and clean operation makes it ideal for a wide range of outdoor settings.
As a converted wood fire purist, I now use both depending on the situation. For quick weeknight fires or smoke-sensitive guests, the Mega wins every time. For weekend fires where I want the full experience, wood is still king. The Mega’s reliability and convenience have genuinely changed how often I use fire outdoors â which I didn’t expect going in.
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