I researched quite a few propane pits before buying the one lowes has for $99. It's between the Little red and the campfire in a can as far as size and flame height. From what I could see the camp fire in a can can be really cranked up to bon fire levels if you wanted. I'm not sure how long a tank would last at those levels.
We use both the propane pit and wood fires if allowed. The pit is nice not just when fire bans are on but also that first night before I have wood or any night we don't want to have to be out there half the night. It is less heat but once the light drops all you see is the flames and you can't tell it from real.
