Last Updated on July 9, 2023
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When it comes to Aldi, we’ve learned to expect the unexpected. While we’ve gotten familiar with many Aldi products — and we even know when certain limited-buy Aldi Finds will appear — the grocer still manages to throw us a curveball from time to time.
We know Aldi sometimes carries grills. We know Aldi sometimes carries fire pits. We even know Aldi sometimes carries tiki torches.
But a fire column?
What We Know:
The Gardenline Outdoor Fire Column (product code 700535) is an Aldi Find, meaning it’s only around for a short time. At the time of this post, it retails for $99.99, which is less than most other fire columns (yes, other people make fire columns) that we can find. This year (2020) is the first time we can recall seeing this product in Aldi stores.
The column measures 29.3 inches high, or roughly 2 1/2 feet. It is constructed of a fiberglass-reinforced cast concrete, topped by a stainless-steel burner. The column runs on a 1-pound propane tank, which is not included but is easy to find at many big box retailers or hardware stores. The flame height is adjustable, with a 15,000 BTU heat output. It also comes with lava rocks.
What We Don’t Know:
Because this is a first-time product, we don’t know anything about it. We’re not sure who makes it or whether it comes with a warranty. We don’t plan to test it, which is why we’ve created this open thread, so if you have used it, let us know.
Have an experience with this fire column? Let us know in the comments!
Cannot get this thing to light. Followed all instruction. One big flame and it goes out. Burned my hair!
I had the same problem. Not sure what to do.
Just figured it out. Turn knob to hi. Push in as you light and leave pushed in for about 2 more seconds then release.
Thank you!
Push the knob in and hold it in while lighting after it lights let the knob out. it is just like lighting a hot water tank. he instructions don’t tell you that.
Same problem here worked for 2 weeks now will not light
Follow lighting instructions. I also thought the thing was broken. You need to make sure knob is in “off” position. Then PRESS IT and turn counterclockwise to “high”. While still pressing use a lighter to light the thing. Then release the knob. It will burn without a hitch. Now you can adjust flame height just turning the knob ( no pressing).
Thanks bunches!
I almost blew my face off, but this worked!! Thank you!!!
We had to remove some of the stones and then it worked great
I bought this today and can’t get it to light. Don’t even hear the gas on.
Did a tank last long?
You have to turn it to high push in the button hold it down while you light it for a few seconds and let go..
Thanks, I was getting quite discouraged.
It lasts for literally 30 min per tank. Anyone else have this issue?
It does but the propane tank in my local Target only costs like $3. And the thing is for fun/decoration , not for heavy cooking or grilling. I personally love it. Especially that I dove it from ALDI dumpster ( in unopened, unused condition) and only pay for propane 🙂 Cheers
Check to ensure the gas is properly attached. Just bought two. One wouldn’t light at first and the second lit up immediately. We then disconnected then reconnected the first one and it lit up just as fast. We did turn the knob to high, lit it then held the know until after the fire came on. These are cute but prob need to have multiple gas tanks on deck since they’re so small.
Bought it today at Aldis! My splurge and I love it. I had to really tighten the tank and it just hangs there unsupported. Lighting it takes practice. First time, paflume! And I quickly turned it off then tried a second time. I’ve been enjoying it for about an hour so far and still going strong. I read somewhere that a 1 lb. tank lasts an hour and a half. I bought a 4 pack at local big box store.
So far so good….. tank still going after 1:40.
Enjoying as I “speak “….would like to buy a cover for it. Any possibilities? Also, saw same tower posted for $199 plus $90 shipping!!
Used this about 3 times in 2 months. It stopped lighting. The little tanks that it requires are about $6 a piece and last maybe 2 hours. We returned ours, not worth it at all. For $80 more dollars you can get the real one at mendards that holds a real propane tank.
its super cool for 5 minutes then a few months later one of them wont light etc…(I bought four four my restaurant patio) changing the tanks is a pain so keep it on low for longer duration. I really want to love it though. It’s a cool idea, light enough to move around etc.
Someone loved it so much, they stole mine off my patio! Along with my zero gravity lounge chair from Aldi 2019. I hope aldi brings them both back soon.
One of mine won’t light after a month. I only used it a few times.
Can someone explain how to connect the propane tank? I can’t find my instructions.
Please let me know as well. I tried to just turn it and screw it in but it won’t just keeps going around and around and does not tighten. It’s a 1lb tank. Please let me know if you figured out why??
Rachelle, I had the same problem,
screw it in
just keep turning but make sure you don’t cross – thread
Aldi’s lists Bond Mfr in CA as the source. I called them as my unit will not light this year. I had it covered over the winter. Turns out, they are not the manufacturer. It’s a chinese knock off. While it has a 2 year warranty, I can’t get a response from Aldi’s or the new manufacturer they told me to contact. Annoying. Since I had small tanks, and bought an adapter to fill them from large tanks, I reinvesting in another column from Target. We shall see