Outland Living Mega Review: A Wood Fire Convert’s Take

This Outland Living Mega review covers a gas fire pit that delivers a smokeless outdoor flame experience.

This larger model brings warmth and ambiance to any outdoor gathering.

The 24-inch diameter accommodates multiple people comfortably around the flame.

After extensive testing as a former wood fire purist, here’s why this might become your essential outdoor accessory.

Design and Build Quality

The Outland Living Mega fire pit features solid steel construction with protective powder-coated finish.

Its circular design sits lower to the ground. This creates a stable base that resists tipping.

The powder coating process provides superior UV resistance and durability compared to standard paint finishes.

Furthermore, the stainless-steel burner ensures durability against outdoor elements. The recessed design protects the flame from wind interference.

Additionally, the carrying points along the lip make transport manageable.

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.

However, this perspective changed dramatically after using the Mega.

The convenience factor proved revolutionary for spontaneous gatherings. Wood fires require gathering materials, building the fire, and constant tending.

Then you must wait hours for complete cooldown before storage.

In contrast, gas fires start instantly and shut off completely. You can store the unit within an hour of use.

This convenience transforms how you approach outdoor fires, especially for weeknight driveway gatherings with neighbors.

Setup and Real-World Performance

Setting up takes literally minutes with no tools required.

Importantly, startup time remains consistent across all seasons. We’ve tested from 30°F winter nights to 80°F summer evenings.

The performance stays reliable regardless of temperature.

The adjustable flame dial controls heat output through a chrome knob. The comfortable grip makes adjustments easy even while wearing gloves.

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 of the fire pit.

Consequently, wind rarely extinguishes the flame.

During our fires, we experienced various weather conditions without flame interruption.

The recessed burner design protects against wind gusts effectively. This reliability makes it perfect for unpredictable weather situations.

Heat Output and Warmth Reality Check

The 58,000 BTU output generates significant heat for multiple people. Our temperature measurements reached 600-700°F during testing.

The fire pit produces lively, natural-looking flames through its well-designed burner system.

However, let’s be honest about warmth levels. The radiant heat won’t match a blazing wood fire.

You’ll need to sit relatively close for maximum warmth. Nevertheless, it definitely gets the job done for 5-6 people gathered around.

For winter use, we typically run it on the lowest setting. Summer gatherings often require higher settings for ambiance rather than warmth.

Fuel Efficiency: Real-World Numbers

Forget manufacturer estimates—here’s actual consumption data from regular use:

• 7-9 hours total burn time per 20lb propane tank

• Winter sessions on low setting extend burn time significantly

• Summer higher settings still deliver excellent efficiency

• Typical usage: 1-2 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.

For a more precise estimate of how long your propane tank will last with any BTU rating, check out our detailed guide: How Long Will a Propane Fire Pit Tank Last?

The article includes a calculator tool that helps you figure out tank duration based on your specific fire pit’s BTU rating and usage patterns.

Portability Considerations

At 34 pounds, the Mega offers reasonable portability for a 24″ unit. The circular design includes carrying points along the lip.

Its self-contained design makes transport straightforward.

However, it’s noticeably heavier than smaller portable models. Plan accordingly if you’ll move it frequently.

For permanent patio use, the weight becomes irrelevant.

Maintenance Made Simple

Cleaning requires 20-30 minutes for thorough maintenance.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

• 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 any food residue if you’ve cooked on it

• Rinse and dry lava rocks before replacing

• Reassemble everything for next use

This maintenance becomes essential if you roast hot dogs or marshmallows. Food debris can clog outlet holes, affecting flame quality.

Fortunately, the cleaning process stays straightforward and manageable.

We haven’t noticed flame quality degradation over extensive use. Regular cleaning likely contributes to this consistency.

Safety Features and Gas Line Management

The Outland Living Mega earns the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approval for gas safety standards.

This certification keeps it legal during most fire bans. It generates no sparks or embers, reducing wildfire risk significantly.

The stable base design prevents accidental tipping.

However, the 10-foot hose creates a practical challenge. Multiple people moving around can trip over the gas line.

This problem affects all portable gas fire pits, not just this model.

Our solution involves positioning a chair over the line between fire pit and tank.

This strategy effectively manages foot traffic, especially with children present.

Benefits Over Wood Fires

Gas fires offer several key advantages over traditional wood fires:

• No smoke means no coughing or constantly moving chairs away from drifting smoke

• Clean burn leaves zero ash or mess to clean up afterward

• Consistent heat output without adding wood or tending flames

• Instant flame control with the dial for immediate adjustments

• Quick shutdown allows faster cleanup and storage

• Perfect for spontaneous fires when time is limited

These conveniences make spontaneous fires actually spontaneous.

You’ll find yourself using it more often simply because it’s so easy.

Versatility and Applications

Perfect for backyard gatherings, camping trips, and RV adventures. The propane system bypasses wood-burning restrictions at many campsites.

The 24″ size accommodates 4-6 people comfortably.

We use it primarily for small family gatherings and neighborhood driveway meetups. The quick start makes weeknight fires feasible.

Weekend gatherings benefit from the smoke-free experience.

Weather Resistance and Durability

The powder-coated finish withstands outdoor exposure well. Surprisingly, the included weather-resistant cover exceeds expectations.

The well-stitched nylon construction shows the company didn’t skimp on accessories.

Stainless steel components resist rust and corrosion effectively. After extensive outdoor use, the unit maintains its appearance and function.

Available Outland Living Accessories

Outland Living offers several useful accessories to enhance your Mega fire pit experience. These optional add-ons address common needs like permanent installation, easier transport, surface protection, and expanded functionality.

• Natural Gas Conversion Kit (Model 780) – Convert from propane to natural gas for permanent patio installations, eliminating the need for tank refills.

• Mega 24″ Carry Bag (Model 761) – Padded carrying case makes transport and storage much easier, especially for camping or seasonal storage.

• Propane Tank Cover (Model 741) – Decorative cover hides the propane tank for a cleaner, more finished appearance during use.

• Fire Mat (Model 166) – Protective mat shields deck surfaces from heat damage and provides a stable base on uneven ground.

• Y Splitter (Model 731) – Allows connection of multiple propane devices to a single tank, perfect for outdoor kitchens or multiple fire features.

All items are available at Outland Living’s online store or Amazon.

Value Assessment

At $229.99 regular price, the Mega represents solid value. We purchased ours for $170, making it an exceptional bargain.

The included accessories, build quality, and performance justify the investment.

Would we buy it again at full price? Absolutely. The convenience and reliability make it worthwhile for regular outdoor enthusiasts.

How the Outland Living Mega Compares to Top Alternatives

Full disclosure: while we haven’t personally tested these competitor models, we’ve researched them through manufacturer specs, specialty retailer sites, discussions with owners and customer feedback to give you a complete picture of your options.

When evaluating alternatives to the Outland Living Mega, two models stand out based on similar BTU output and design approach.

We selected these specific competitors using heat output and diameter as primary criteria, since warmth delivery is typically the top priority for most buyers.

Bond Platinum Portable Propane Fire Pit: The Close Competitor

The Bond Platinum delivers impressive performance with its 65,000 BTU output—notably higher than the Mega’s 58,000 BTUs.

At 22.85 inches in diameter, it’s virtually identical to the Mega’s 24-inch size, meaning you’ll accommodate the same number of people around the fire.

What impresses us most about the Bond model is its simplicity and solid construction.

These stamped steel portable units can feel flimsy, but the Bond appears to nail the fundamentals with quality weld points and smooth edges.

The circular base design significantly reduces tipping risk compared to leg-style fire pits, especially important when dealing with propane hoses that create tripping hazards.

The Bond includes pumice stones, a 10-foot gas hose, steel tank seat, and a locking lid with handle.

However, it features standard high/medium/low heat settings and comes with the expected 10-foot hose setup—matching the Mega’s configuration.

At 30.14 pounds, it’s actually lighter than the Mega while delivering more heat output.

Pricewise, the Bond typically retails around $235, putting it right in line with the Outland Living Mega’s regular pricing.

However, fire pits aren’t Bond’s primary business focus, and their products are generally considered entry-level despite competitive pricing.

After extensive searching, we couldn’t locate an official company website, which raises concerns about long-term support and parts availability.

Fire Sense Sporty: The Budget-Friendly Option

The Fire Sense Sporty takes a different approach, delivering 60,000 BTUs from a more compact 15-inch diameter design.

While this means fewer people can gather around comfortably, you’re still getting more heat output than the Mega at a significantly lower price point—typically in the low-to-mid $100 range.

The design remains simple and functional, with folding legs that make transport and storage easier.

The included package provides a locking lid with handle, hose and regulator, and a propane tank stand.

At just 18 pounds, it’s the lightest option of the three.

Our main concern with the Fire Sense model is the 5-foot hose length. When we already consider the Mega’s 10-foot hose barely adequate for safe propane tank placement, having the tank even closer to seating areas feels problematic.

Additionally, the leg design increases tipping risk compared to the more stable circular bases of the other models.

While the Sporty sits on the budget end of portable gas fire pits, most Fire Sense products target the midrange market and are sold through reputable fire pit specialty stores.

This suggests better support infrastructure than some budget alternatives.

Why We Still Favor the Outland Living Mega

Despite the competitors’ higher BTU outputs, we continue to recommend the Outland Living Mega for several key reasons.

Outland Living has established a solid reputation specifically in the fire pit manufacturing space, with dedicated focus on outdoor heating products rather than treating fire pits as a side business.

A significant quality difference lies in the finish coating. The Outland Living model utilizes powder coating for its finish, while the Bond model uses enamel coating and the Fire Sense model is finished with high heat paint.

While powder coating is a more expensive process, it provides significantly better UV resistance, superior durability, and delivers a smoother, more even finish compared to the other two options.

This translates to better long-term appearance and protection against outdoor elements.

Their customer support consistently receives positive feedback, and they maintain an easily accessible parts supply chain—crucial for long-term ownership.

The Mega comes with a comprehensive package including a UV and weather-resistant soft cover, pre-attached 10-foot hose and regulator, 10.6-pound natural lava rock set, and propane tank stabilizer ring.

The Bottom Line on Outland Living Mega Alternatives

While the Bond Platinum offers more heat output at similar pricing, the lack of clear company presence and support infrastructure concerns us.

The Fire Sense Sporty serves budget-conscious buyers well, but space limitations and the short hose create practical challenges.

Our real-world experience with the Mega’s reliability, wind resistance, company support, and overall user experience still makes it our top recommendation for most users seeking a dependable, long-term fire pit solution.

Outland Living Mega Pros & Cons

As we wrap up this comprehensive review, let’s summarize the key strengths and limitations of the Outland Living Mega.

After extensive real-world testing and comparison with competitors, here’s what stands out most:

Pros

• Larger 24″ diameter accommodates more people

• Powerful 58,000 BTU heat output delivers reliable warmth

• Superior powder coating finish for UV resistance and durability

• No smoke, ash, or fire tending required

• Allowed during most fire bans

• Durable construction with quality materials

• 10-second startup time in any weather

• Excellent wind resistance

• Quality weather cover included

Cons

• Heavier than comparable smaller portable models

• Less radiant heat than wood fires

• Requires propane tank purchases and refills

• Manual ignition (electric start would be nice)

• Gas line creates tripping hazard with multiple people

FAQs: Outland Living Mega Review

Final Verdict: Outland Living Mega Review

The Outland Living Mega fire pit delivers a hassle-free outdoor fire experience. Its combination of portability, heat output, and clean operation makes it ideal for various outdoor settings.

As a converted wood fire purist, I now use both depending on the situation. For quick weeknight fires or smoke-sensitive guests, gas wins every time.

The Mega’s reliability and convenience have genuinely changed how we approach outdoor fires.

Final Rating: 4.5/5

Highly recommended for anyone seeking reliable outdoor fire without traditional wood fire drawbacks.

The convenience factor alone justifies the investment for regular users.