Camplux Propane Fire Pit Review: The Budget Pick That Includes a 10-Foot Hose and Lava Rocks Out of the Box
Camplux Portable Propane Fire Pit 19-Inch
4.4★ · 1,200+ reviews
ETL Certified · 52,000 BTU · Auto-ignition · 10-ft hose · Lava rocks included
Check Amazon for current pricingThe Camplux is the propane fire pit for buyers who want auto-ignition, a long hose, and lava rocks already included — and don't want to pay Outland prices to get them. At 52,000 BTU with ETL certification, it trails the Outland models on maximum heat output (6,000 BTU less than the 870 or 823) and uses a different certification body (ETL vs. CSA). Neither difference is dramatic in practice. But both differences are worth understanding before you buy, especially the certification question if your campground has specific policy language.
How the Camplux Works
The Camplux 19-inch fire pit connects to a standard 20 lb propane tank via the included 10-foot hose — 4 feet longer than the Outland's 6-foot hose. This is a meaningful advantage in some layouts: the extra hose length lets you place the propane tank further away from the fire circle, out of the way of chairs and foot traffic, without the tank sitting directly adjacent to the bowl.
The push-button piezo ignition is straightforward: turn the control knob to release gas, press the button, and the lava rock bed lights in 1–2 seconds. The flame adjusts across a range from a low decorative glow to 52,000 BTU at full output. The 19-inch bowl with lava rocks produces a fire roughly 10–14 inches wide and 8–14 inches tall depending on output level.
Shutdown is instant — turn the knob off, flame extinguishes immediately. The lava rocks cool within 20–30 minutes; the bowl can be handled and moved safely. No ash, no embers, no wood fire logistics.
52,000 BTU vs. 58,000 BTU: Does It Matter?
The Camplux runs at 52,000 BTU versus the 58,000 BTU Outland models. That's a roughly 10% difference in maximum heat output. In practice, at moderate settings — which is how most people run these fire pits most of the time — the gap is imperceptible. Both produce substantial warmth at 5–6 feet from the bowl.
At maximum output on a cold night, the Outland models will produce slightly more heat. Whether that difference is detectable depends on ambient temperature and how many people are gathered around. In mild weather at moderate settings, you won't notice the difference.
The practical trade-off: lower BTU means slightly better fuel efficiency. A 20 lb tank at full Camplux output (52,000 BTU) lasts approximately 5 hours versus 4–5 hours for Outland at full 58,000 BTU. At moderate settings, expect 7–9 hours from the Camplux.
Will This Work During a Fire Ban?
The Camplux is ETL certified (by Intertek), not CSA certified. Both ETL and CSA are nationally recognized testing laboratories, and both certify to the same standard: ANSI Z21.97 for outdoor decorative gas appliances. From a safety engineering standpoint, they are equivalent.
The practical issue: some campground fire restriction policies were written with "CSA certified" in the language specifically. A campground host reading from a policy document may not recognize ETL as equivalent even though it is. This isn't common — most campground hosts are checking for a certification label, not the specific body — but it does happen.
How to verify before your trip: Call the campground and ask specifically: "Do you accept ETL-certified propane fire pits under the current fire restriction?" Mention Intertek ETL certification. If they say yes, you're fine. If they say CSA only, buy an Outland model.
Under the most severe fire restrictions (some Stage 3 or "extreme" classifications), all open flames including propane are prohibited regardless of certification.
The 10-Foot Hose: Genuinely Useful
The Outland models ship with a 6-foot hose. The Camplux includes a 10-foot hose. That extra 4 feet is more useful than it sounds in practice:
- Campsite layouts: a 20 lb propane tank placed 10 feet away from the fire circle is well clear of chairs, legs, and foot traffic around the fire.
- Patio use: you can tuck the tank behind a planter or to the side of the patio furniture without the hose being visible from the main seating area.
- Safety: more distance from the tank to an open flame is always the safer arrangement, even with safe fire pits.
If Outland's 6-foot hose has felt short to you on a patio, this is a meaningful reason to consider the Camplux even if you'd otherwise lean Outland.
You Still Need a 20 lb Tank — Not a 1 lb Canister
The Camplux connects to a standard 20 lb propane tank. It does not work directly with 1 lb Coleman camping canisters. This applies to all propane fire pits in this category — the hose fitting and the BTU output both require a full-size cylinder.
- 1 lb canister at full output (52,000 BTU): approximately 1 hour.
- 20 lb tank at full output: approximately 5 hours.
- 20 lb tank at moderate settings: 7–9 hours.
Who Should Buy the Camplux
The Camplux is the right choice if price is the primary consideration and your campground accepts ETL certification. Auto-ignition is included at a lower price point than the Outland 870. Lava rocks are included. And the 10-foot hose is a genuine advantage over Outland's 6-foot hose for buyers who want more tank placement flexibility.
If your campground explicitly requires CSA certification, or if you want the maximum BTU output in this category, go with an Outland model. The 870 and 823 both cost more, but both carry CSA certification and run at 58,000 BTU.
For backyard patio use where campground certification doesn't matter at all, the Camplux is a strong value play. ETL and CSA are both valid safety certifications — the campground policy distinction only matters when you're at a campground.
What 1,200+ Buyers Say
Recurring praise:
- Best price-to-performance in this category
- 10-foot hose is a meaningful advantage over shorter competitors
- Lava rocks and ignition ready to go out of the box
- Heat output matches expectations at typical settings
- Assembly quick, about 15 minutes
- ETL certification accepted without issue at several campgrounds
Recurring complaints:
- ETL vs. CSA issue at campgrounds that specify CSA only
- Slightly lower BTU than Outland models
- Fewer total reviews than Outland — shorter track record
- Igniter reliability in cold temperatures mixed
- Build quality not quite at Outland level on legs and fittings
Based on aggregate buyer feedback; individual experiences vary.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- +Best price in this category with auto-ignition included
- +10-foot hose — longest reach of any model compared here
- +Lava rocks included — ready to use out of the box
- +ETL certified — accepted at most campgrounds
- +Slightly better fuel efficiency than 58,000 BTU models
Cons
- −ETL, not CSA — some campgrounds specify CSA only
- −52,000 BTU — 10% less heat than Outland at max output
- −Fewer reviews than Outland — shorter established track record
- −No cooking grate included
- −Outdoor use only
Verdict
The Camplux delivers genuine value if you're buying for a backyard patio, or if you've confirmed your campground accepts ETL certification. Auto-ignition, a 10-foot hose, and lava rocks out of the box at a price below the Outland 870 is a legitimate deal. The BTU difference is real but modest. The certification difference is real and requires confirmation if you camp. If either of those is a dealbreaker, the Outland 870 is the right answer. If neither is, the Camplux earns its budget-pick status.
Check Amazon for current pricingFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Camplux fire pit legal during campfire bans?
The Camplux is ETL certified (equivalent safety standard to CSA). Most campgrounds accept ETL certification. Some with specific CSA-only policy language may not — confirm with your campground before traveling.
What is the difference between Camplux and Outland Firebowl?
Certification (ETL vs. CSA), BTU (52,000 vs. 58,000), hose length (10 ft vs. 6 ft), and price. The Camplux is cheaper with a longer hose; the Outland has higher BTU, CSA certification, and more reviews. Both include lava rocks and auto-ignition.
Does the Camplux fire pit come with lava rocks?
Yes. Lava rocks are included in the box. You can use it immediately without any additional purchase (other than the propane tank).
Can I connect the Camplux to a 1 lb propane canister?
No — it requires a standard 20 lb propane tank via the included 10-foot hose. At 52,000 BTU, a 1 lb canister lasts about 1 hour at full output. A 20 lb tank provides approximately 5 hours at full output, 7–9 hours at moderate settings.
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