BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit Review: The High-Value Blaze We Didn’t Expect

There’s a universal moment of defeat that every backyard fire enthusiast knows well. You’ve gathered the family, the marshmallows are ready, the evening air is crisp and perfect. You light the fire, and within minutes, a plume of thick, acrid smoke decides to follow one person around the circle like a persistent ghost. Chairs are shuffled, eyes water, and clothes become imbued with an odor that lasts for days. We’ve been there countless times. The dream of a cozy, crackling fire devolves into a game of musical chairs to escape the smoke. This frustrating experience is why the “smokeless” fire pit category has exploded in popularity, promising all the warmth and ambiance of a traditional fire without the tear-inducing, lung-clogging downside. It’s a promise of reclaiming your patio, and a product like the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit aims to deliver on that promise without the premium price tag of its more famous competitors.

What to Consider Before Buying a Fire Pit

A fire pit is more than just a metal container for burning wood; it’s a key solution for creating a focal point for social gatherings, extending the usability of your outdoor space into cooler months, and providing a primal, comforting ambiance that no patio heater can replicate. The main benefit of a modern smokeless fire pit is its advanced airflow technology. By superheating air and re-injecting it into the fire chamber, it burns off smoke particles before they can escape, resulting in a cleaner, more efficient, and hotter fire. This means less time dodging smoke and more time enjoying the conversation and the mesmerizing flames.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves the experience of a real wood fire but is frustrated by the excessive smoke produced by traditional pits or ground fires. They likely have a small-to-medium-sized patio, deck, or backyard and value both aesthetics and performance. This product is perfect for families looking for a safer, more contained fire experience. However, it might not be suitable for those who desire the instant-on, zero-effort convenience of propane, or for hardcore campers who prioritize extreme portability above all else. For them, alternatives like a propane fire table or a collapsible mesh pit might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The diameter of a fire pit dictates the size of the fire you can build and how many people can comfortably gather around it. A 22-inch diameter, like that of the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit, is a fantastic sweet spot. It’s large enough for standard 16-inch logs and a gathering of 4-6 people, yet compact enough that it doesn’t dominate a smaller patio space. Always ensure you have adequate clearance from combustible materials—a minimum of 10-15 feet is recommended.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance in a smokeless fire pit is all about airflow. Look for a double-wall construction with vent holes at both the bottom and the top rim. This design is what facilitates the “secondary burn” that eliminates smoke. The efficiency of this burn also determines how much heat is produced and how little ash is left behind, making performance directly tied to your overall enjoyment and cleanup effort.
• Materials & Durability: Stainless steel is the gold standard for wood-burning fire pits due to its resistance to high temperatures and rust. However, not all stainless steel is created equal, and some models may use a mix of materials to keep costs down. A heavier gauge steel generally indicates a more robust and long-lasting product. The finish—be it brushed, polished, or painted—also plays a role in its long-term appearance and resistance to the elements.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A great fire pit should be easy to set up, easy to light, and easy to clean. Look for features like a built-in ash pan, which can significantly simplify the post-fire cleanup process. Portability can also be a factor; while not something you’d take backpacking, the ability to easily move the pit from the patio to the driveway or into storage for the winter is a major convenience. We found the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit strikes a good balance here, which you can see in its full feature set and user reviews.

Investing in the right fire pit transforms your outdoor living. While we focus on this specific model today, understanding these core principles will empower you to make the best choice for your home.

While the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit is an excellent wood-burning choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially if you’re considering different fuel types. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Sturdy, Stylish, and Surprisingly Simple Setup

Upon unboxing the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit, the first thing we noticed was its substantial feel. At just under 25 pounds, it’s heavier than we anticipated for its size, which we immediately took as a good sign of its build quality. It’s light enough for one person to move around the yard, but hefty enough that it won’t be knocked over by a gust of wind or an errant pet. The brushed black stainless steel finish gives it a modern, sleek appearance that looks far more premium than its price point suggests.

Assembly was refreshingly straightforward. Echoing the sentiment of one user who was delighted to put it together solo with just a cordless screwdriver, we found the process to be a breeze. All the parts were clearly labeled, and the instructions were unambiguous. From opening the box to having a fully assembled fire pit ready for its first burn, the entire process took less than 20 minutes. The three-legged stand provides excellent stability and elevates the main drum, a crucial feature for protecting our deck from scorch marks. It’s this thoughtful design and quality feel right out of the box that makes a strong first impression and suggests you’re getting excellent value, a fact you can confirm by checking the latest price and availability.

Deep Dive: Performance Under Fire

A fire pit can look great on the patio, but its true worth is only revealed when it’s filled with roaring flames. We put the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit through its paces over several cool evenings, using a variety of woods and conditions to see if it could live up to its name. Our testing focused on the key areas that matter most: assembly and build quality, the reality of its “smokeless” claim, and its overall heat output and user-friendliness.

Assembly and Build Quality: Built to Burn

As mentioned, the assembly process is a significant win for this fire pit. The clear labeling and perfect fit of every component speak to a level of manufacturing precision that isn’t always present in budget-friendly outdoor equipment. One user noted they work 60-70 hours a week and don’t have time for fussy products; their praise for this pit’s beautiful, issue-free assembly resonated with our own experience. It feels like the designers genuinely considered the end-user experience.

The material choice is primarily stainless steel, which is exactly what we want to see. However, delving deeper and confirming user observations, some components, like certain screws or internal brackets, appear to be standard steel. While the main body and fire chamber are robust stainless steel, this is a clear cost-saving measure. Will it affect long-term durability? Potentially. We’d recommend storing the pit in a dry place or using a cover when not in use to maximize its lifespan. That said, for the price, the overall construction is solid. The welds are clean, the body is rigid, and the three-legged stand is far more stable than it looks. It’s a well-built unit that feels secure and safe during operation, which is paramount. You can get a closer look at the build and materials online.

The “Smokeless” Experience: Managing Expectations

This is the most critical test, and where user reviews show the most division. So, is the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit truly smokeless? The honest answer is: it depends. “Smokeless” is a marketing term for “less smoke,” and achieving that state requires understanding how the technology works. The pit’s double-wall design pulls in cool air from the bottom vents, heats it between the walls, and ejects it as hot oxygen through the upper vents. This ignites the smoke particles in a “secondary burn,” creating a cleaner fire.

Our testing confirmed this process, but with important caveats. During the initial startup, as the wood kindles and the fire pit itself comes up to temperature, there will be smoke. This is unavoidable and completely normal. We found it took about 10-15 minutes of a healthy fire for the secondary burn to kick in effectively. Once it did, the reduction in smoke was dramatic and impressive. A swirling vortex of flame danced around the top rim, and the visible smoke almost completely vanished. The key, as some users discovered, is proper fire management. You must use dry, seasoned hardwood, and crucially, you must keep the logs below the level of the upper vent holes. Overloading the pit or using damp wood will defeat the airflow system and result in a smoky fire, leading to the disappointment some users expressed. When used correctly, it “works just like advertised,” as one happy customer noted. It’s not magic, it’s science, and it requires a little technique to get the incredible results this advanced airflow system is capable of.

Heat Output and User Experience

One of the fantastic byproducts of that efficient secondary combustion is a tremendous amount of heat. The BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit throws off radiant heat that is palpable several feet away. As one user aptly put it, “Once you get it going, stand back.” The design channels the heat upwards and outwards, creating a warm and inviting circle that is perfect for cool evenings. Because the fire burns so hot and completely, it consumes wood efficiently, turning full logs into a very fine, powdery ash. This is a testament to the excellent ventilation that another user praised after struggling with their old, poorly designed pit from a big-box store.

In terms of user experience, it’s mostly positive. Lighting the fire is easy thanks to the ample airflow from below. The 22-inch diameter is perfect for standard firewood, avoiding the need for extra chopping. The main point of contention for us, and a critique shared by another reviewer, is the ash cleanup. The integrated ash pan catches everything beautifully, but it’s not removable. This means you have to wait for the entire unit to cool down completely, then tip it over or use a small shovel and brush to clean it out. A removable, slide-out tray would have been a massive improvement in convenience. It’s a minor design choice that slightly tarnishes an otherwise user-friendly experience, but it’s certainly not a dealbreaker for a fire pit that delivers so much performance for the price.

What Other Users Are Saying

Looking at the spectrum of user feedback provides a balanced, real-world picture of the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit. The positive sentiment is overwhelmingly centered on value and ease of use. One user, who was initially hesitant about the 22-inch size, found it “a perfect size for a small family” and praised the flawless assembly. Another explicitly stated, “If this sub-$150 pit burns this good then I don’t need to spend $500 for the Han Solo version,” perfectly capturing the product’s core appeal as a budget-friendly alternative to brands like Solo Stove.

On the other hand, the negative feedback almost exclusively focuses on the “smokeless” claim. One user was “very disappointed,” stating, “There is nothing smokeless about this fire pit.” Another complained that their kids couldn’t cook marshmallows because “the smoke keeps getting in my eyes.” This feedback is crucial as it highlights the expectation gap. As we discovered in our testing, the pit is not inherently smokeless—it is *capable* of a low-smoke burn under the right conditions. This confirms our assessment that user education on how to properly build and maintain a fire in this specific type of pit is key to satisfaction.

How Does the BALI OUTDOORS Firepit Compare to the Alternatives?

The BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit occupies a sweet spot in the market, but it’s important to understand the other options available to see if it’s truly the right fit for you. We looked at three distinct alternatives that cater to different needs and preferences.

1. Kikerike 22-inch Portable Collapsing Fire Pit

If your primary need is portability for camping, tailgating, or beach fires, the Kikerike Collapsing Fire Pit is a compelling choice. Its key feature is its ability to fold down into a compact carrying bag. It uses a stainless steel mesh to contain the fire, which allows for excellent airflow but offers less heat radiation and containment than the solid, double-walled design of the BALI OUTDOORS pit. Someone would choose the Kikerike over the BALI for its supreme portability and lightweight design, accepting a trade-off in terms of durability, heat output, and the advanced low-smoke features.

2. Mystical Fire Color Changing Packets 12 Pack

This product isn’t a fire pit at all, but rather an accessory that enhances the experience of any wood-burning fire. The Mystical Fire packets are tossed directly into the flames to create vibrant, long-lasting colors of blue, green, purple, and red. This isn’t an alternative but a fantastic complement to the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit. A buyer would choose this to add a magical, fun element to their backyard fires, especially for parties or evenings with children. It’s an inexpensive way to elevate the visual appeal of the already mesmerizing flames produced by the BALI pit.

3. Grand patio 29 Inch Propane Fire Pit

The Grand Patio fire pit represents a completely different approach to outdoor warmth. As a propane-fueled fire table, it offers the ultimate in convenience and is truly, 100% smokeless. With the push of a button, you have an instant, consistent, and clean-burning fire with no need for wood, tending, or cleanup. A user would choose the Grand Patio fire pit if their priority is ease of use, a smoke-free guarantee, and a piece of functional patio furniture. They would be sacrificing the authentic crackle, smell, and intense radiant heat of a real wood fire that the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit provides so well.

The Final Verdict: A Must-Buy for the Savvy Shopper

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit is an outstanding value and a fantastic performer for its price class. It delivers on its core promise of a more enjoyable fire with significantly less smoke, provided you’re willing to learn the simple techniques to maximize its performance. Its sturdy construction, easy assembly, and powerful heat output make it a serious contender against brands that cost two or three times as much.

While it’s not magically “smokeless” from the moment you light it, and the non-removable ash pan is a minor inconvenience, these are small trade-offs for the immense quality and enjoyment you receive. We recommend this fire pit to any homeowner who loves the ambiance of a real wood fire and wants to dramatically upgrade their backyard experience without breaking the bank. If you’re ready to say goodbye to the constant game of dodging smoke and hello to cozy, memorable evenings around the fire, this is the pit for you. Check the latest offers and make the BALI OUTDOORS 22 inch Smokeless Firepit the new centerpiece of your outdoor life.