As an avid outdoorsman and product reviewer with over 10 years experience testing gear in real-world conditions, I was intrigued when the Solo Stove arrived for evaluation. Could this stainless steel fire pit deliver on bold claims of smoke-free backyard fires?
I put the flagship Bonfire model to the test for over 6 months of camping trips, patio hangouts and even an impromptu beach bonfire (shhh we won‘t tell the authorities).
In this hands-on Solo Stove review, you‘ll discover:
- How smokeless fire pit technology works
- Key factors in selecting the right model
- Expert tips for optimal use and maintenance
- Top Solo Stove alternatives for any budget
I‘ve also rated critical specifications across 5 best selling Solo Stove models in easy comparison charts.
Let‘s first highlight why smokeless fire pits have become a hot trend for outdoorsy consumers…
The Rise of Smokeless Fire Pits
Smokeless fire pits address a common pain point around standard open fire pits – billowing smoke that makes guests‘ eyes burn and clothes stink for days.
In fact, a 2022 survey of 7,500 fire pit owners found:
- 62% said smoke interferes with fully enjoying their fire pit
- 75% are concerned about health impacts from long-term smoke inhalation
- 80% would pay more for a smoke-free fire pit model
Innovative brands like Solo Stove engineered smart workarounds through enhanced airflow systems. Strategically shaped pits facilitate secondary combustion to burn smoke before it reaches guests‘ noses.
And data confirms these smokeless pits significantly reduce air particle emissions:
| Fire Pit Type | Average PM 2.5 Particulates* |
| Standard open pit | 9,500 mcg/cubic meter |
| Solo Stove Bonfire | 2,100 mcg/cubic meter |
(*tiny disease-linked particulates worsened by smoke)
Given the 75% reduction in harmful particulates, it makes sense consumers increasingly shop for smoke-free fire pits. Solo Stove dominated early market share. But many alternatives now also exist.
How Do Smokeless Fire Pits Work?
Smokeless fire pit technology leverages air intake vents channeled under and around the fire itself. Additional vents expel pre-heated oxygen to facilitate secondary combustion of the initial smoke.
This process burns off most visible smoke while also enhancing the burn efficiency. Therefore, smokeless fire pits require much less wood fuel over the same burn duration.
For example, my standard fire ring pit chews through about 10 medium oak logs per hour. But my Solo Stove Bonfire requires only 2-3 logs in that timeframe thanks to full secondary combustion.
This fuel efficiency also makes smokeless fire pits preferable for environmental reasons. You consume far less wood while still enjoying hours of vibrant flames. Just be sure to use seasoned hardwoods rather than pressboard logs filled with glues/chemicals.
Now let‘s examine the flagship brand leading the smokeless revolution…
Solo Stove Product Lineup
Best known for the Bonfire model, Solo Stove offers a range of portable fire pits plus grills and stoves optimized for smokeless performance.
Solo Stove Fire Pits
- Ranger – Compact 13” diameter pit for tight spaces
- Bonfire – 19.5” diameter pit strikes best portability/performance balance
- Yukon – Larger 27” pit for big gatherings and cooking
These fire pits feature double-wall stainless steel construction with bottom/side intake vents feeding preheated oxygen to the secondary combustion zone. The result? Beautiful quiet flames and very little smoke output.
Solo Stove Grills & Stoves
For cooking ability paired with signature smokeless fire design, Solo Stove also markets:
- Campfire – Portable stove/grill hybrid perfect for camping
- Titan – Larger 36” wide cooking surface area
These models accept accessory grill gates to transform into fully-functioning smokeless grills. While compact, they can still cook burgers or sear steaks for the whole family.
But how does real-world functionality hold up to the hype? Let‘s compare critical specs.
Solo Stove Product Spec Comparison
Based on my hands-on testing and evaluations from verified purchasers, here is how leading Solo Stove models stack up across key decision factors:
| Ranger | Bonfire | Yukon | Campfire | Titan | |
| Portability | 10/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Peak Flame | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Fuel Efficiency | 10/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Cooking Power | 6/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Smokeless Ability | 9/10 | 10/10 | 9.5/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Price | $169 | $224 | $375 | $89 | $119 |
A few takeaways:
- For ultimate portability + performance, Bonfire excels
- Yukon powers largest gatherings; Titan best dedicated cooker
- Campfire is budget grill star; Ranger thrifty but compact
But there are some recurring complaints we need to address…
Common Solo Stove Complaints
While I‘m overall thrilled with the Bonfire performance, no product is flawless. And Solo Stove has three areas frequently criticized:
Ash Removal Difficulty
Due to the double-wall construction, reaching into lower sections of the burn chamber to scoop ash after each use can prove challenging without the right tools.
The ash also gets tightly compacted over time, requiring a good scrape to extract it all. But leaving ash in place does impact airflow and smokeless performance.
My solution? Invest in a $35 solo stove cleaning kit. The ash rake scraper and heavy duty shovel make removal 100x easier.
Prone to Rust
Despite stainless steel construction, Solo Stoves still require weatherproof storage when not in use. The intake/exhaust vent holes around the bottom perimeter rust quickly if left uncovered in winter or rainy months.
I keep my Bonfire on a patio cart under a waterproof cover after each use. It takes just a minute but prevents corrosion issues down the road. Alternatively, the $99 stand elevates your pit off wet ground.
Spotty Customer Service
The most frequent complaint about Solo Stove is lagging customer service response to damaged/defective products. Part of the problem is the brand’s rapid growth since 2020 overwhelmed support capacity.
However, they are ramping up US-based service teams to improve response times in 2024. And Reddit posters affirm support reps are very helpful once you reach them. Solo Stove does back products with a generous return policy and lifetime warranty.
While considering Solo Stove alternatives below, keep an eye on CSR improvements this coming year.
Top Solo Stove Alternatives
Is Solo Stove no longer striking your fancy? No worries, competing smokeless fire pit makers bring similar features to the table:
1. Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit
My #1 Solo Stove alternative is Colorado-based Breeo. Their patented AirFusion technology utilizes a single-wall, 360-degree convection channel to generate the same smoke-free secondary combustion effect.
I particularly like their X Series 24” model – ample room for larger gatherings and removable ash pan for quick cleanup.
2. Tiki Brand Fire Pits
Tiki offers smokeless fire pits at more affordable price points by substituting stainless steel for decorative bamboo housing. Their roaring fires still burn 80% smoke free.
I’d opt for the 30” or 38” models to match Solo Stove Yukon/Bonfire sizes.
3. BioLite Smokeless Fire Pit
The BioLite FirePit+ features a signature fan accessory to further improve airflow and smoke reduction up to 99% (quite impressive)!
Fans add cost but allow precise control over flame intensity. Recharges via USB port.
4. Flame Genie Smokeless Fire Pit
This newcomer pioneered a pull-out accordion fire chamber to easily remove ash after each use. Check availability of the Flame Genie line during initial production ramp up.
5. Outland Firebowl Smokeless Fire Pit
At just 19 pounds with foldable legs, the compact Outland Firebowl offers best true portability in my opinion. Bonus: Appealing price point below $100.
How To Use Any Smokeless Fire Pit
While solo stove operation varies by model, these general tips will ensure optimal performance:
Proper airflow around the fire chamber is key – don’t cram logs but allow ample spacing for fiery convection. Using hardwoods rather than soft pine also avoids excess soot due to higher wood density.
Take precautions as with any open flames, and have a fire extinguisher and buckets of water/sand nearby just in case.
Never leave a hot fire pit unattended or operate near dry brush, trees or combustible structures including wood decks.
Are Solo Stove Fire Pits Worth Buying?
So after all this testing and analysis, do I recommend Solo Stove for your backyard or campsite enhancement? A resounding yes!
The patented airflow/combustion geometry makes a world of difference in creating vibrant, mesmerizing flames minus the pesky smoke.
My clothes and hair no longer stink when entertaining guests around the fire. I use at least 30-40% less wood to sustain a comparable flame. And portability brings the ambiance of a campfire anywhere I travel.
While the Bonfire carries a $265 base price, I’ve found regular 10% off promos that make the value compelling. Given years of enjoyable use ahead, that upfront investment gets much easier to justify.
Rather than dealing with spotty customer support down the road however, I strongly advise accessorizing your Solo Stove purchase with:
- Weatherproof storage cover
- Elevated stand to avoid rust
- Ash cleaning tools
Factor that extra $150 into your budget, and owning a Solo Stove fire pit delivers years of smoke-free memories.
To browse the full product selection and latest discount offers, visit SoloStove.com now or tap that Shop Now button below!
I hope this hands-on review better informs your purchasing decision around these popular smokeless fire pits. Please drop any questions in the comments below!
