I have a "Lil' Red Campfire" also that we love. Being able to just shut it off and go to bed is great. No worries about an untended fire or a steaming smoking mess in the fire pit.
Propane IS expensive, but with the restrictions to use "Recycled Logs" or buy your firewood at or near the campground it is way cheaper than either alternative.
Most FamCamps we stay at (Military Campgrounds) prohibit open fires; but grills are allowed. The Lil Red is a "grill."
Amazon.com: Little Red Campfire Portable Campfire Can Fire Pit for Camping: Everything Else
Shop around and you can one less than retail.