solo stove bonfire

Solo Stove Bonfire Review: Best Smokeless Fire Pit 2022

Last Updated on October 15, 2022

If you’re looking for a quality, real wood burning, portable fire pit that your family and friends can gather around and enjoy cozy evenings,

… watching the dancing flames cast their hypnotic spell

… lulling you into a safe warm, magical place without choking on smoke,

… in your backyard, on your patio, or camping out,

… the solo stove bonfire does all that and more.

What makes this fire pit so popular, and is its popularity justified?
Lets explore.

What’s in the box?

solo stove carry bag
  • Stainless Steel Drum
  • Stainless Steel Fire Ring
  • Nylon Carry Bag

 

Solo Stove Bonfire

How does it work?

There are no steel fans inside or bulky batteries
with any of the Solo Stove smokeless fire pits.

Instead it’s all in the design of this unique fire pit.

A stainless steel double-wall construction that allows cool air to flow in through the bottom vent holes and move up between the two steel walls.

When this pre heated air reaches the top vent holes, it then flows directly into and over the flame producing a hotter fire.

It’s this action of the air flow that creates a secondary burn.


solo-stove-secondary-burn-diagram
 

Is the Solo Stove really smokeless?

Not 100%. However, there’s almost no smoke produced by the fire (unless you use damp wood or too much wood).

The unique design of this fire pit means you will get a more complete burn from the wood inside the stainless steel cylinder and less smoke than you would from an open fire pit.

The airflow holes in the bottom of the solo pit are strategically placed to naturally draw air inside from the bottom and feed this heated oxygen to the top of the fire.

This results in a more efficient fire, an attractive flame, intense heat, and virtually no smoke at all.

 
Actual Buyer reviews

“I have allergies, and while I love a fire the smoke causes me problems. This stainless steel stove is virtually smoke-free allowing me to enjoy the outdoor fire without getting a stuffy nose/head”.

Verified buyer
Source: Solo Stove website
April 2021

“Super happy with my purchase. I have been wanting one for a while now and finally decided to buy one. Super worth it. Puts out great heat, burns beautifully, and I don’t need a shower after having a fire. Highly recommend”

Verified buyer
Source: Solo Stove website
April 2021

Where can you use the Solo Bonfire?

Its one-piece stainless steel construction makes the Solo Bonfire easily portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

This wood-burning fire pit is ideal for:
* any home setting: patio, driveway, or backyard
* a trip: camping, picnic by the river or the beach

When using away from home always check with local regulations about the use of fire pits that burn wood and take all the safety precautions that are advised.

How to set up and fire up a Solo Stove Bonfire

Setting up the fire pit is super easy. There’s nothing to assemble, no screws or tools needed. It’s ready to go as soon as it arrives.

Lighting the bonfire is also very easy.
Step 1: Make sure it’s on flat ground then remove the flame ring.
Step 2: Place 4 small pieces of kindling in the bottom in a square, along with two or three firelighters, then add some more kindling laid in like a tee pee fashion.
Step 3: Light the firelighters, replace the fire ring and wait a few minutes until you get a good burn going.
Step 4: Drop in some larger firewood logs, that’s it enjoy your bonfire.


Solo Stove Bonfire

solo stove bonfire wood burning almost smokeless firepit
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Tip: How to store your fire pit

It’s always best to store your bonfire in a dry and cool environment when not in use,
such as a garage or shed.
That’s the safest way to protect it from the elements but, if you don’t have any inside space available then it would be wise to invest in a protective waterproof cover.

Watch this video to see it in practice

 

How to clean your Solo Stove fire pit?

To clean your fire pit at the end of the night, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Allow your pit to cool down.
Step 2: Turn it upside down to empty out the ashes from inside the
burn chamber. (or use a vacuum).
Step 3: If you won’t be using it for some time it’s best stored with a cover
in place or indoors for weather protection.

Watch this video to see it in practice

https://youtu.be/Y2vY-kkYh5A
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Good to know

There’s very little ash remaining at the end of your bonfire the ash pan at the bottom is designed to catch any loose ashes preventing the system from clogging and stopping the airflow.

Solo Stove fire pit: pros & cons

To give you a deeper insight into what actual buyers like and dislike about the Solo Stove Bonfire we compared 157 real customer reviews from Amazon (1,363-88% 5*-8% 4*), Solo stove (11,400- 90% 5*).

The main negative reviews were about customer service and their slow response, these were made just prior to national holiday periods.

Pros:

  • Low Smoke
  • Quick & easy set up
  • Clean up fast & simple
  • Sleek modern design
  • Lightweight & portable
  • Good build quality
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Very hot during use
  • Not cheap
  • Can be cumbersome to pick up (now made easier with new carry handles)
  • New handles have to be bought separate

Here is their video that demonstrates the insertion of the handle

https://youtu.be/OtaBGGAoDJ0

FAQ’s

#Q1: What is the best firewood to use with any Solo Stove fire pit?

As with any fire pit, you will get the best results when you use the best materials. undoubtedly, the very best wood to burn is dried hardwood as this burns completely maximizing the fire value you get from your wood.
Some of the best options include hickory, maple, oak, birch, black walnut, ash elm, poplar, and more. These woods tend to burn longer than any softwoods.

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Tip: Get dry fuel for a song…..or even Free!

Many of these woods are top choices used by furniture builders and cabinet makers. You can often get a box full of off-cuts at very little cost.
Due to the small size of the off-cuts, typically consisting of odd sizes and shapes, with knots or other blemishes in the wood the manufacturer cannot use these pieces so they become the perfect fuel for your backyard fire pit.
Their only other option would be to pay for disposal, so most would rather sell them for a small fee, try it, you might be pleasantly surprised by what you can get.

 

#Q2: Can you place the Solo Bonfire inside an existing fire pit?