Outland Living Mega Review

The Outland Living Mega is a propane-fed fire pit ideal for bypassing fire restrictions and offers a quick and easy startup. The larger size helps accommodate multiple individuals, and using propane means no smoke or cleanup.

We have held onto the Outland for years and used it throughout Tahoe summers and winters. One recent upgrade was to replace the volcanic rocks with Barton Ceramic Wood Log Set. This not only gives you the traditional fire look, but it also keeps you from constantly picking up little rocks. We also think it looks and feels more cozy to be around.

Tested and Rated

GearLab always tests our products independently, free of any influence. This fire pit and a dozen others were subjected to months of side-by-side testing to ensure we are creating accurate, thorough reviews. I used the Outland Living Mega for months in different campsites and backyards, noting and identifying what stood out and could be improved.

Heat Output

Though the size of the Outland Living partially makes up for the lack of radiant heat, it's still no comparison to a wood-burning pit. Still, at 58,000 BTUs, this pit produces enough heat to keep multiple folks warm. During our infrared thermometer test, I gathered readings exceeding 650°F, placing them in the middle of our lineup for heat output. I did appreciate having an adjustable flame dial, which offers more control over the flame size and heat output, which is especially useful in inclement weather and for managing fuel consumption.

While comparing burn time for a propane fire pit is hard, that makes the Outland Living Mega an enticing option. Using a 20-gallon propane tank, this model can burn on high for over 6 hours on a single tank. You'll have to consider the rate you'll burn through propane if you frequently use it at a higher setting, since replacing propane can become expensive. While it may not compete with some of the wood counterparts in the heat department, it more than makes up for it with its long-lasting burn, which is free of smoke and ash.

Smoke Management

One of the most enticing reasons to opt for a propane fire pit is the absence of smoke. Even with smokeless pits, smoke still occurs in various degrees, affecting the smell of clothes, spreading ash, and requiring clean-up. The Outland Living Mega also does not produce sparks, making it a safer alternative in fire-prone areas during summer.

With the Outland Living Mega, you can avoid the game of having to move out of the direction of the smoke constantly. That alone is a huge benefit to using a propane-fed fire pit.

Portability

It's not the most portable, but certainly not the worst; the Outland Living Mega lives in the middle. Its beefier steel construction adds some weight to the pit, but the circular shape and lip around the bowl help with carrying points. At 25 lbs, I found you can carry it reasonably with two sets of hands, but it is still manageable with one person.

The built-in legs on the Outland help keep it all in one piece. This benefits road trips and camping, where extra parts can easily be misplaced. The circular shape with built-in legs also allows belongings to get stashed under or on top of the bowl, which helps with more efficient packing.

Ease of Cleaning

Once again, I was a big fan of the Outland Living Mega because it's incredibly easy to care for. No ash means little to no cleanup is needed between each use. A cleaning is only necessary if food residue, such as marshmallows, spills onto the lava rock inside the bowl.

No cleanup is another enticing reason to opt for the Outland Living Mega when traveling and camping. Not having to clean and dispose of ash can be incredibly convenient when on the move. Not to mention, you do not have to wait to put away your pit after a fire. Wait 15-30 minutes; the fire pit should be cool enough to transport with gloves. It takes longer for the pit to cool down before being fully put in a car. Compare that to the hours and hours it takes for the wood-burning fire pit to cool down.

Ease of Assembly

To gather a score for each pit's ease of assembly, I ran a timer when setting up from start to finish. Setting up the Outland Living Mega was straightforward and required very little setup. It only requires unpacking the rock set and dispersing them into the bowl. The attachment and dial are already installed, which is convenient.

The only other aspect of getting set up is connecting your propane tank to the pit, and then you're ready to go. The ignition process is also quite a bit faster than a wood pit since it ignites with a turn of a dial and the flick of a lighter.

Should You Buy the Outland Living Mega?

The Outland Living Mega combines convenience and functionality, making it a great option for those interested in a propane fire pit. While not the hottest burning pit, the ease of use and ability to bypass fire restrictions make the Outland Living an enticing option. This propane pit is best suited for someone who values the ability to ignite a fire as they please and not have to worry about the nuances of a wood-burning pit. The Outland Living deserves consideration as your next fire pit, whether on the road or in the backyard.

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