EcoNook 22 inch Portable Propane Fire Pit Review: The Ultimate Companion for Smokeless Campfires?

There’s a universal magic to gathering around a fire. It’s primal, comforting, and the centerpiece of countless memories under the stars. But as any seasoned camper or backyard host knows, the traditional wood fire comes with a host of frustrations. I can still recall a crisp autumn camping trip in the Sierras, where my friends and I spent half the evening playing a frustrating game of musical chairs, dodging the relentless plume of smoke that seemed to have a personal vendetta against our eyes and lungs. We left smelling like an old chimney, with irritated sinuses and the lingering chore of dousing embers and cleaning up ash. Worse yet are the trips cut short by sudden burn bans, a growing reality in many of our favorite wild spaces. The disappointment of being denied that quintessential campfire experience can put a real damper on an otherwise perfect outdoor adventure. This is the exact problem that sends so many of us searching for a better way—a way to have the warmth, the light, and the s’mores without the smoke, the mess, and the regulatory headaches.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Fire Pit

A portable propane fire pit is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for modern outdoor enthusiasts. It grants you the freedom to enjoy a beautiful, warm fire almost anywhere, instantly. The main benefits are profound: they are smokeless, eliminating the common annoyances of wood fires; they are clean, leaving no ash or soot to deal with; and they are often compliant with Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions, allowing you to have a campfire when traditional wood fires are forbidden (though you must always verify local regulations). They offer instant-on, instant-off convenience with adjustable flame control, a level of mastery you simply can’t achieve with logs and kindling. When it comes to finding the perfect model, the EcoNook 22 inch Portable Propane Fire Pit has emerged as a serious contender.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges I described: the RV owner who wants an easy setup at each new site, the family camper tired of buying expensive and often damp local firewood, or the suburban homeowner who wants a quick, clean fire on their patio without upsetting the neighbors. It’s for anyone who values convenience and a clean, predictable experience. On the other hand, this might not be suitable for those who are campfire purists—individuals who cherish the specific crackle, smell, and ritual of building and tending a real wood fire. If your idea of camping is incomplete without the scent of pine or oak smoke, a propane unit will feel sterile. For those who need to generate immense, radiating heat for very large groups in freezing conditions, a large, permanent wood-burning fire pit might still be a better option.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Portability: A fire pit’s size dictates its heat radius and its portability. A 22-inch diameter, like that of the EcoNook, hits a sweet spot, providing a substantial flame presence while remaining manageable. Look for features that enhance portability, such as foldable legs and integrated handles, as these dramatically affect how willing you’ll be to take it on the road. The total weight, in this case a nimble 23 pounds, is a critical factor for easy transport from your car to the campsite.
• Performance & Heat Output: Performance is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and the quality of the flame. While the BTU for this model isn’t listed, user feedback consistently points to “serious heat” output. A key feature to look for is an adjustable regulator. The ability to go from a low, gentle flame for ambiance to a roaring fire for warmth and cooking is what makes a propane fire pit truly versatile.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of your fire pit depends entirely on its construction. High-quality steel with a protective finish is a solid standard for the body, offering a good balance of durability and weight. The most critical component is the burner; always look for stainless steel, as it offers superior resistance to heat, corrosion, and rust, ensuring your fire pit will light reliably for years to come.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The primary appeal of a propane fire pit is its simplicity. Setup should be intuitive, involving little more than unfolding the legs, placing the included lava rocks, and connecting the hose to a standard propane tank. Maintenance should be virtually nonexistent. With no ash to scoop or soot to scrub, “cleanup” simply means turning it off and letting it cool.

While the EcoNook 22 inch Portable Propane Fire Pit is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Thoughtful Design Out of the Box

Upon unboxing the EcoNook 22 inch Portable Propane Fire Pit, the first thing we noticed was its thoughtful, all-in-one design. At 23 pounds, it felt substantial and sturdy, not flimsy. The polished black steel finish gives it a modern, clean aesthetic that would look just as good on a backyard patio as it would at a rustic campsite. Assembly was, as many users confirmed, incredibly simple. We unfolded the three stout legs, which clicked securely into place, placed the included protective mesh screen over the burner, and arranged the bag of natural lava rocks. The entire process took less than five minutes, with no tools required.

What immediately sets the EcoNook apart is its integrated lid and handle system. The lid fits snugly on top and is secured by two latches, allowing you to carry the entire unit like a single piece of luggage. This is a brilliant design choice that eliminates the need for a separate, often clumsy, carry bag. The package also includes a pre-attached 8.5-foot hose—a generous length that allows the propane tank to be tucked well away from the fireside circle—and a dedicated plastic support stand to keep the tank stable on uneven ground. These inclusions show a real consideration for the user experience, making this fire pit feel like a complete, ready-to-go kit right out of the box.

Deep Dive: Performance, Portability, and Power

After our initial setup, we put the EcoNook 22 inch Portable Propane Fire Pit through its paces over several evenings, from a chilly backyard gathering to a simulated campsite scenario. We focused on the core promises of the product: its portability, its heat performance, and its overall convenience. The results were largely impressive, confirming that this little firebowl is more than just a pretty accessory; it’s a highly functional piece of outdoor gear.

Setup and Portability: From Box to Bonfire in Minutes

The standout feature of the EcoNook is, without a doubt, its portability. The design team clearly prioritized the “grab-and-go” mentality of campers and RVers. The 23-pound weight is manageable for almost anyone to carry a short distance. The foldable legs are sturdy and lock firmly in place, providing a stable base on both patio stones and uneven dirt. But the real game-changer is the locking lid. After the unit has completely cooled, you simply place the lid on top, fasten the two latches, and lift it by the central handle. All the lava rocks stay securely inside, and you’re ready to move. This transforms a potentially awkward, multi-part item into a single, self-contained package. We found this to be a feature that really sets it apart from competitors that require separate carry kits.

However, we did note the same minor concern some users raised about the latches. While they held firm during our testing, they don’t inspire the same confidence as the heavy-gauge steel of the bowl itself. We wouldn’t recommend swinging it around carelessly, but for careful transport from the garage to the car or from the RV to the fire ring, they function perfectly well. The assembly is so straightforward it barely qualifies as “assembly.” One user noted it “took like two minutes nothing to it,” and our experience was identical. You simply distribute the lava rocks over the burner, connect the hose to your propane tank, and you’re ready to ignite. This effortless transition from stored to operational is a massive win for anyone who wants to spend more time relaxing and less time fussing with gear.

Heat Output and Flame Control: Cozy Ambiance on Demand

A portable fire pit is useless if it doesn’t provide adequate warmth. We were pleasantly surprised by the heat generated by the EcoNook 22 inch Portable Propane Fire Pit. On a cool evening, with the valve turned to high, it produced enough radiant heat to keep four people sitting in camp chairs comfortably warm. This finding echoes numerous user reports of it putting out “great heat” and being “toasty warm.” The adjustable regulator is fantastic, offering a sensitive range of control. At its lowest setting, it produces a small, gentle flame that’s perfect for background ambiance and conversation. Cranked to its highest, it creates a vibrant, dancing fire that easily reaches 10-12 inches high, perfect for roasting marshmallows and chasing away the chill.

Lighting the unit can require a moment of patience, as one user wisely pointed out. Following the instructions is key: you must push in the valve knob, turn it to low, and then hold it in for about 15-20 seconds after ignition to allow the thermocouple to heat up before releasing. Once we got the hang of this, it lit reliably every time. We also took note of the user who complained of “just 1 ring of fire.” We discovered this is directly related to the placement of the lava rocks. If the rocks are piled too densely over the burner ports, they can obstruct gas flow. We found that by creating a more porous, pyramid-like arrangement, we achieved a much fuller, more natural-looking flame pattern that danced beautifully across all the rocks. The initial burn-off did produce a slight “weird smell,” as one reviewer noted, but this dissipated within the first 20 minutes and is a common occurrence with new gas appliances and lava rocks.

Smokeless Operation and Burn Ban Benefits

This is where the EcoNook truly shines and justifies its existence. The experience of sitting around a fire without constantly shifting seats to avoid smoke is a luxury you won’t want to give up. We spent hours by the fire, and our clothes and hair remained completely free of that clingy, acrid campfire smell. For those with allergies or sensitivities to wood smoke, this feature alone makes the EcoNook 22 inch Portable Propane Fire Pit a must-have.

More importantly, this fire pit is a potential solution for enjoying a fire during dry conditions. Several users explicitly purchased it to navigate burn bans in their state parks and national forests. The spark-free propane flame is inherently safer than an unpredictable wood fire with its flying embers. It provides the warmth and social focus of a campfire in situations where it would otherwise be impossible. We cannot stress this enough: you must *always* check the specific, current fire regulations for your location, as rules can vary and change rapidly. However, in many jurisdictions where Stage 1 or 2 bans are in effect, approved propane devices like this are permitted, making it an invaluable piece of camping equipment for ensuring your trip goes as planned.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus on the EcoNook 22 inch Portable Propane Fire Pit is overwhelmingly positive. Users consistently praise its incredible ease of setup, its impressive heat output for its size, and its brilliant portability. Phrases like “perfect size,” “works great,” and “well worth the money” are common refrains. Many, like us, highlight the smokeless operation and the long 8.5-foot hose as major advantages that enhance both comfort and safety.

However, a balanced view requires acknowledging the criticisms, which primarily revolve around manufacturing consistency. We came across several reports of units arriving with minor shipping damage, and more concerningly, a few instances of functional defects. One user received a unit with misaligned latch holes for the lid, another had a leg with a faulty weld that broke off, and a couple of people reported missing the lid handle upon arrival. While one customer noted the company was responsive in sending a replacement part, this pattern suggests that quality control could be improved. These issues appear to be the exception rather than the rule, but they are worth being aware of when you check the latest price and availability.

How the EcoNook Compares to the Competition

While the EcoNook is a strong performer, it’s helpful to see it in the context of other popular outdoor fire products. Here’s how it stacks up against some common alternatives.

1. Mystical Fire Color Changing Fire Packets 6 Pack

This isn’t a direct competitor but rather a fantastic accessory that can enhance the EcoNook experience. These packets are designed to be tossed into a fire to create vibrant, multi-colored flames of blue, green, and purple. While they are most often used in wood fires, they can be used with care in a propane fire pit. For those looking to add a touch of magic and whimsy to their evening, especially if kids are present, pairing these packets with the EcoNook’s steady flame can create a truly memorable light show. It’s an upgrade, not an alternative.

2. Solo Stove Bonfire Heat Deflector

This product serves a completely different purpose for a different type of fire pit. The Solo Stove is a popular brand of wood-burning, smokeless fire pit, and this heat deflector is an accessory designed to sit on top of it. Its purpose is to redirect the convection heat, which normally travels straight up, outward toward the people sitting around it. It’s a solution for a wood fire’s inefficiency, whereas the EcoNook, being a propane unit, already provides more direct, radiant heat. This is for the dedicated wood-burner, not someone seeking the convenience of propane.

3. Outland Living 21-inch Portable Propane Fire Pit

This is the EcoNook’s most direct and well-known competitor. The Outland Living Cypress is a highly-rated 21-inch fire bowl that boasts a powerful 58,000 BTU output. It’s a benchmark in the portable propane fire pit market for its robust build and high heat. The primary difference lies in the design philosophy. The Outland typically requires a separate “Cover & Carry Kit” to achieve the same level of portability that is built directly into the EcoNook’s integrated lid and handle design. The EcoNook is slightly larger at 22 inches and presents a more streamlined, all-in-one solution. The Outland may offer higher peak BTUs, but the EcoNook counters with superior out-of-the-box convenience and a very competitive price point.

Our Final Verdict: Is the EcoNook Fire Pit a Buy?

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is a resounding yes. The EcoNook 22 inch Portable Propane Fire Pit delivers exceptionally well on its core promises. It provides a warm, beautiful, and mesmerizing fire without any of the smoke, mess, or hassle of a traditional wood-burning pit. Its clever integrated lid and handle design makes it one of the most genuinely portable and convenient options on the market. For campers, RVers, tailgaters, and anyone who wants to add instant ambiance to their patio, this fire pit is an absolute game-changer, especially when facing fire restrictions.

While the potential for isolated quality control issues is a valid concern, the overwhelming majority of experiences are positive, and the product’s performance and thoughtful design offer tremendous value. It strikes an ideal balance between size, heat output, and portability. If you’re ready to ditch the smoky chase and upgrade your outdoor gatherings with the clean, effortless glow of a propane fire, the EcoNook is an excellent investment. We highly recommend it for anyone looking to make their next campfire experience simpler, cleaner, and more enjoyable. You can see its full feature set and learn more by checking it out online.