Solo Stove Review: Is It The Best Smokeless Fire Pit?
What screams cozy more than a roaring bonfire paired with some s’mores and laughs? While the concept of an open fire is dreamy and romantic, that fantasy can be rudely interrupted by smoke and its inconveniences — namely burning eyes, allergies, and a smell that sticks to your clothes and hair for days. If you want to enjoy the memories and campfire snacks without the frustrating side effects of starting a fire, a low-maintenance smokeless fire pit from a brand like Solo Stove may be your best bet.
No matter what season it is, the light, warmth, and ambiance that a fire pit can provide are unparalleled, but smoke isn’t the only inconvenience; they’re also difficult to start, clean, and transport. So you can host a gathering wherever you are, Solo Stove developed a portable solution that isn’t a headache to set up or travel with.
Although many smokeless fire pits exist on the market in 2023, few are as compact, easy to use, and efficient as the Solo Stove. Plus, their gorgeous stainless steel exteriors are more than a chic design touch; they actually make the pit more durable and enhance performance. If you’re looking to relax by a mesmerizing flame but can’t tolerate the smoke or upkeep from a normal fire pit, check out our detailed Solo Stove review and see why their functional products can improve your outdoor experience exponentially.
In a rush? Get the fast facts:
A sleek fire pit that minimizes cleanup and smoke
A portable, lightweight alternative to bulkier fire pits
A guaranteed reliable burn, regardless of the weather
More efficient and eco-friendly than traditional fire pits
Can be used on all types of surfaces
A more attractive alternative to other fire pits
Extremely easy to set up and use
What is a Solo Stove?
First things first: What is a smokeless fire pit? While this might appear to be a contradiction initially, smokeless fire pits don’t literally remove smoke from your fire. Instead, they contain it using an innovative combustion process, which minimizes the output of smoke.
A Solo Stove is a smokeless fire pit made from sleek stainless steel. Because it’s so easy to start, it’s suitable for fire pit newbies and experts alike. Whether it’s for backyard fires or a rugged car camping adventure, Solo Stove can facilitate warmth, light, and even open-flame cooking. If you live in an urban setting, the Solo Stove Mesa has your back on any balcony or patio.
How does Solo Stove work?
A smokeless fire pit is accomplished via combustion that re-burns material to provide more heat and less smoke. Manufacturers like Solo Stove accomplish this with a double-walled design and 360-degree Airflow technology. A double-walled fire pit means that smoke can escape through a gap before traveling through air vents on the surface. The bottom vent holes bring oxygen in to feed the fire, simultaneously channeling that warm air up between the walls of the stove and back into the fire. The combination of creative combustion and a high heat output allows you to enjoy all the benefits of staying warm by the fire without dealing with the hassle of smoke.
What are the benefits of using a smokeless fire pit?
There are many benefits to using an appliance like Solo Stove beyond avoiding sinus and eye irritation. Other factors to consider include easier cleanup and a consistent burn guaranteed with each fire, regardless of windy conditions. With better fuel efficiency, it’s also a more sustainable alternative to normal fire pits. While not all smokeless fire pits are compact, Solo Stove models are a more portable option for camping trips. Additionally, it benefits those who often move their chair around the fire pit to try and avoid the smoke.
What are the best fire pits from the Solo Stove line?
There are several models in various sizes for different purposes, and all of them are more portable than your average fire pit. Every model comes with a stand that lets each pit be used on non-combustible surfaces like decks, grass and more.
- The Solo Stove Yukon is their biggest freestanding pit, but it’s still very lightweight, making it ideal for those who host large gatherings.
- The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 is a step down in size and is the most portable model, making it perfect for camping or backpacking trips. Despite the small size, it still has fantastic heat output.
- Finally, the Solo Stove Mesa is the brand’s first tabletop fire pit, and it also has the smallest footprint of all the models. It can be fuelled by either pellets or wood, making it one of their most versatile options. It’s also the only pit available in multiple colors.
How to clean Solo Stove fire pits
This is one of the most appealing things about owning a Solo Stove. Though the price tag may be steep compared to budget models, the Solo Stove requires little to no cleanup thanks to the removable, raised ash pan that comes with every 2.0 model. This pan catches loose ash and stops it from clogging the airflow. Since the stove consumes the wood completely, just wait until the fire pit is cool to the touch. Only the Mesa needs to be tipped for ash removal, but with its small size, this is very simple.
How much is a Solo Stove?
Although some raise an eyebrow at the price tag attached to buying a Solo Stove, happy customers and five-star reviews ensure that this is a long-term investment you won’t regret. Plus, the site and their Amazon store often host sales, so check back if a model isn’t within your budget.
- The Solo Stove Yukon is one of the more expensive models, hovering just below a $500 price point.
- The Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 is smaller but costs half the price at $264.99, making it a popular starter choice.
- If you want a chic tabletop piece for mini fires anywhere, the Solo Stove Mesa will only run you $109.99.
Is a Solo Stove actually smokeless?
While there’s no such thing as a truly smokeless fire, this is the closest thing you’ll get to one. Although some smoke might occur as the fire starts, it will reduce once you get a steady burn. To maximize that smokeless experience, the brand recommends burning hardwoods like birch, hickory, oak and maple rather than a softwood like spruce, but both will produce significantly less smoky results than your traditional pit. You’ll also want to arrange your logs so they don’t cover the holes at the top of the fire pit.
How to put out Solo Stove fires
Putting out your bonfire properly is an important step that you can’t forget. Luckily, with this easy-peasy process, you just need to let the wood or coals burn all the way through until nothing but ash is left. Once it’s burned down, it needs a few hours to cool. Never use water to put out this fire, but if you want to put it out before the fuel has completely burned down, dry sand can be an effective way to smother the flames. Alternatively, you can use the Solo Stove lid and cover to suffocate flames. While it won’t immediately snuff out the fire, it will decrease oxygen flow and speed cooling. Note that right now, the lids are only for purchase with the bundles on their website.
Interested? Shop Solo Stove Here.
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