There’s nothing better than sitting outside with friends and family late into the night. It’s the secret to happiness. However, when the sun goes down, it gets cold. Thankfully, we have a host of outdoor heating options available to get us warm and cozy outside. I’m reviewing the Insignia 28″ square fire table. As the name suggests, this is a fire pit table powered by a standard 20lb propane tank. With a cover lid that houses lava stones, this fire table keeps you and your guests warm around a clean fire. Is this the missing piece for your backyard patio or deck? Let’s find out.
Insignia 28″ square fire table notable specs
- 50,000 BTU creates a heat radius up to 16 feet
- Adjustable controls to choose the ideal level of heat
- Lava stones trap heat while adding a cozy ambiance to any outdoor space
- Fence-style steel tabletop design holds up to 441 lbs.
Unboxing the Insignia 28″ fire table
There are a total of 13 different pieces inside the box. This includes the table lid, burner assembly, side panels, door, bottom plate, and adjustable feet. A bag of lava rocks is also included along with the assembly instructions. Inside the screw packet you’ll find a small Phillips screwdriver so no tools are required.
Setting up the Insignia 28” square fire table
Out of the box, setting up the table requires some basic installation know-how. One person can do the entire install themselves. I followed the instructions step by step and ensured I was using the correct screws. The provided Phillips screwdriver is small so I opted to use my own.
Overall, the instructions are clear, but I still managed to assemble the bottom plate the wrong way. I only found this out when I was trying to install the door frame and the screw holes were on the wrong side. Otherwise, the assembly is pretty straight forward. Once setup, the Insignia fire table connects to a standard BBQ propane tank. It’s worth nothing that this is not included. After connecting the propane tank, I put it inside the bottom of the table and close the door. Now the fun part begins!
Using the Insignia 28” square fire table
I opened the propane valve and pushed the control knob to the ignite position. I heard a clicking sound and a flame popped out on top. The instructions suggested leaving the control knob to the high position for five minutes before turning to the designed temperature setting. After five minutes, I went through all the different temperature settings. Even at a low temperature, it effectively heated the area around the table.
Adjusting the flame is simple. Just turn the knob and the flame gets bigger. Best of all, there is no smoke. That’s always been my issue with camp fires. You always get the smell of smoke in your clothes. With this fire table, that is not an issue.
What I like about the Insignia 28” square fire table
After just a couple minutes of operation, I can see the utility of this fire table. There’s something primal about sitting around a fire with others for warmth. It elicits a calming, peaceful atmosphere. There’s a couple things I really appreciate. First is the adjustable feet. If the table is rocking on an uneven surface, simply adjust one of the feet until it stops. This makes it very practical. Second, is the lightweight design. Without the propane tank, I was able to pick it up by myself and move it to a different location. With a table this size, it’s important one person can pick it up by themselves.
What I didn’t like about the Insignia 28” square fire table
It’s been a while since I had to follow an instruction manual. These days, I much prefer to watch a how-to installation video. I wish the instruction manual came with a QR code that directed me to a YouTube video. There was one diagram that did not show which direction the bottom plate should be installed. If I made this mistake, I’m sure others will too. An instructional how-to installation video will fix this problem.
The space for the propane tank is also tight. There is very little room for error. The tubing that connects to the tank was sticking out a bit making it hard to shut the door. I had to move it all around a couple times. While that wasn’t a deal breaker per se, it certainly was annoying until I finally got that door closed.
Who is the Insignia 28” square fire table for?
Anyone that has an outdoor space could benefit from the Insignia fire table. Lest we forget, it comes with a top plate making it a 2-in-1 device. Use it as a standard table for food and drinks during the day, and as a fire table at night. Same table, but with two different functions! In that way, it’s a modular outdoor table. With a steel design, it’s capable of being exposed to rain. Still, I suggest keeping it in a covered area when not in use. Insignia also offers a 30″ square fire table with very similar features for those who want a bigger table for their space.
Final thoughts
If you have an outdoor patio to entertain friends and family, you’ll need a table. Chances are, you’ll want some heat too. With the Insignia fire table, you get 2-in-1. A table and a fire table within a single piece of furniture. You can easily have four to six people sitting around it keeping warm. The best part, no smoke. You can sit beside it all day and not smell of smoke. Basically you get a steady adjustable fire at the turn of a dial. Our ancestors would marvel at this luxury.
This season, make an effort to spend as much time as possible outside. Catch up with friends and family around a fire table. Not only does it keep everyone warm, it lights up an area with the glow of a burning fire. We’ve been doing this for centuries, it’s time we do it again. If you’re ready to create the ultimate outdoor space, check out the Insignia 28” square fire table at Best Buy Canada.
