Solo Stove Bonfire with Stand Smokeless Fire Pit Review: The End of the Campfire Smell?

There’s a ritual as old as humanity itself: gathering around a fire. The crackle of wood, the hypnotic dance of flames, the shared stories under a starlit sky. Yet, for all its primal magic, the modern campfire experience often comes with an unwelcome guest—smoke. We’ve all played that frustrating game of musical chairs, shuffling around the pit as the wind shifts, trying to escape the acrid cloud that stings our eyes and clings to our clothes. I’ve ended countless beautiful evenings rushing inside to shower, my hair and jacket smelling like I’d spent the night in a smokehouse. This persistent annoyance is more than just an inconvenience; it can ruin an otherwise perfect outdoor gathering, sending guests home early with watery eyes. The dream has always been to capture the warmth and ambiance of a real wood fire without the pesky, pervasive smoke. For years, we thought it was an impossible ask.

What to Consider Before Investing in an Outdoor Fire Pit

A fire pit is more than just a metal container for burning wood; it’s a key solution for transforming an outdoor space into a welcoming, functional, and year-round gathering spot. It becomes the heart of a backyard, the focal point of a patio, and the warm, inviting centerpiece of a camping trip. The main benefit is the ability to create a controlled, safe, and immensely enjoyable fire experience, extending the hours you can comfortably spend outdoors. It bridges the gap between seasons, making a crisp autumn evening or a cool spring night the perfect occasion for s’mores, conversation, and connection. It’s an investment in lifestyle, in creating memories, and in maximizing the potential of your personal slice of the outdoors.

The ideal customer for a modern, high-performance fire pit like this one is someone facing the classic campfire conundrum: they love the idea of a real wood fire but loathe the smoke, the messy cleanup, and the inefficiency of traditional pits. This includes homeowners looking to upgrade their backyard entertaining, families who want a safer and cleaner fire experience for their kids, and avid campers who value portability and efficiency. However, this type of product might not be suitable for those who prioritize the absolute lowest cost above all else, or for individuals who prefer the instant, push-button convenience of a propane or natural gas fire table. For those seeking a permanent, integrated landscape feature, a custom-built masonry fire pit might be a better, albeit far more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider where you’ll use the fire pit most. A 19.5-inch diameter like the Bonfire’s is a versatile sweet spot, large enough for a group of 4-6 people but compact enough for a smaller patio. Crucially, ensure you have proper clearance from combustible materials. The included stand is a non-negotiable feature for use on heat-sensitive surfaces like wood decks or lush grass, preventing damage by elevating the hot base.
• Capacity/Performance: Think about how many people you typically host. The Bonfire is rated for 4-6 people, which we found to be accurate for comfortable seating. Performance isn’t just about size, but also about burn efficiency and heat direction. A smokeless design channels heat upwards, creating a tall, beautiful flame but less radiant heat from the sides, which is a key performance characteristic to understand.
• Materials & Durability: The material dictates the lifespan of your fire pit. The Solo Stove Bonfire with Stand Smokeless Fire Pit uses 304 stainless steel, which is highly resistant to rust and corrosion and can withstand extreme temperatures. Cheaper fire pits often use painted or powder-coated steel, which can chip and rust over time. Be aware that even high-quality stainless steel will develop a golden or bronze patina from the heat, which is a normal and expected part of its character.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How much effort are you willing to put into starting a fire and cleaning up afterward? Look for designs that promote good airflow for easy lighting. For maintenance, a removable ash pan is a game-changing feature. It transforms cleanup from a dusty, awkward chore of tipping over a heavy drum into a simple, two-minute task.

While the Solo Stove Bonfire with Stand Smokeless Fire Pit is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Legend: First Impressions and Key Features

From the moment the box arrived, the experience felt premium. The Solo Stove Bonfire with Stand Smokeless Fire Pit is packaged securely, and upon opening, you’re greeted by the gleaming 304 stainless steel. At just under 22 pounds, it has a satisfying heft that speaks to its quality construction, yet it’s light enough for one person to carry easily, especially with the included heavy-duty nylon travel bag. There is virtually no assembly required. You simply place the main drum onto the stand, set the perforated base plate and ash pan inside, and place the flame ring on top. The entire process takes less than 60 seconds. The minimalist, modern aesthetic is striking; as one user perfectly put it, it “looks like it belongs in both a campsite and a modern art museum.” The polished finish is flawless, and the precision-drilled holes give it a high-tech look that hints at the advanced engineering within. It immediately feels like a significant upgrade from any rusty, traditional fire ring we’ve used in the past.

Performance Under Fire: A Detailed Analysis of the Solo Stove Bonfire

A sleek design and clever marketing mean nothing if the product doesn’t deliver in the real world. Over several weeks of testing in various conditions—from calm backyard evenings to breezy nights at a friend’s property—we put the Solo Stove Bonfire with Stand Smokeless Fire Pit through its paces. We burned different types of wood, hosted groups of various sizes, and paid close attention to its core promises: is it truly smokeless? Is it as efficient as claimed? And is it easy to live with? The short answer is a resounding yes, but the details are what make this fire pit so exceptional.

The “Smokeless” Promise: Deconstructing Solo Stove’s Signature Airflow

The term “smokeless” can trigger skepticism, and rightly so. We went into this test expecting a reduction in smoke, not its near-total elimination. However, we were genuinely astonished by the performance. The magic lies in Solo Stove’s patented 360° Airflow Design. Here’s how our testing revealed it works: cool air is drawn in through the vents at the bottom of the stand and the outer wall. This air travels up through the double-walled structure, getting super-heated along the way. It then exits through the row of holes lining the inner top rim. This rush of hot, oxygen-rich air ignites the smoke (which is essentially unburned particles) as it rises, creating a spectacular “secondary burn.”

In practice, for the first 10 to 15 minutes, as the fire gets established and the steel heats up, you will see some smoke. This is normal for any wood fire. But once that secondary burn kicks in, it’s a spectacle. The flames become more vibrant and seem to dance right at the rim of the fire pit, and the visible smoke vanishes. We could sit directly beside it, walk a full circle around it, and not once have to move to dodge a plume of smoke. This was confirmed by one user who jubilantly reported, “I didn’t have to play musical chairs around the fire trying to avoid the smoke monster.” Another was so impressed they noted they “went to bed wearing the same tshirt that I sat by the fire with, and didn’t bring the campfire smell inside with me AT ALL.” This isn’t just a feature; it’s a complete redefinition of the campfire experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially those with sensitivities to smoke. For anyone on the fence, we can confirm this single feature justifies the investment.

Burn Efficiency and Cleanup: The Joy of a Removable Ash Pan

The same airflow system that eliminates smoke also creates an incredibly hot and efficient fire. We found the Solo Stove Bonfire with Stand Smokeless Fire Pit to be a voracious, yet methodical, consumer of wood. It rips through logs, even slightly damp ones as one user pointed out, with an intensity that traditional fire pits can’t match. The benefit of this is twofold. First, you get a bigger, more vibrant fire from your wood. Second, the combustion is so complete that it reduces logs to a minuscule amount of ultra-fine, white ash. Multiple users, and our own tests, confirmed that there are “no leftover chunks of coal the next morning.” All that remains is a small pile of powder.

This is where the Bonfire 2.0 design truly shines. Older models required you to turn the entire (and often dirty) fire pit upside down to empty it. The new model includes a removable base plate and ash pan, a design upgrade that cannot be overstated. After the fire is completely cold—we usually waited until the next morning—cleanup is effortless. You simply lift out the flame ring, remove the perforated base plate, and lift out the ash pan. The pan contains 95% of the ash, which can be dumped into a trash bag or compost bin. It takes less than two minutes and creates virtually no mess. This feature transforms the fire pit from a weekend novelty into something you’re happy to use on any given weeknight, knowing the cleanup is a breeze. As one owner put it, the removable ash pan means “I don’t have to wrestle a Shop-Vac after every s’mores night.”

Heat Output, Portability, and Real-World Use

There is one crucial characteristic of the Bonfire’s design to understand: its heat profile. The double-wall insulation is so effective at containing heat and channeling it upwards that the sides of the fire pit do not radiate significant warmth. We could stand within a foot of the unit without feeling much heat on our legs. The warmth is almost entirely convective, rising in a column directly above the fire. This is fantastic for standing around the fire and creates a visually stunning flame, but if you’re seated in chairs a few feet away, you might find yourself missing the radiant heat of a traditional fire pit. As one astute user noted, “the heat does not deflect very well without the heat deflector.” This is an honest assessment; for those who want that toasty, full-body warmth while seated, investing in the optional Heat Deflector accessory is highly recommended.

In terms of size and portability, the Bonfire hits the perfect balance. We were initially concerned, like some users, that the 19.5″ diameter might be too small for standard firewood. However, we had no trouble fitting pre-packaged bundles of firewood from the local store. The size is ideal for 4-6 people to gather around comfortably without it dominating a smaller patio. And at 21.75 lbs, it is genuinely portable. We packed it into the included carry case and took it to a family gathering, setting it up in minutes. This versatility is a major selling point, making it a single solution for backyard hangs, beach bonfires, and camping trips. You can explore the full range of its portable features and see how it fits your lifestyle.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scanning through feedback from fellow owners, a clear and consistent picture emerges: people are blown away by the Solo Stove Bonfire with Stand Smokeless Fire Pit. The most common refrain is one of pleasant surprise, with many admitting they were skeptical of the “smokeless” claim but are now true believers. One user called it the “best firepit experience ever!!!” while another declared, “Very impressive, literally no smoke.” This sentiment is the overwhelming consensus.

Many users echo our findings on the burn efficiency and ease of cleanup, praising the design for leaving nothing but fine ash. A particularly humorous and relatable review mentioned achieving “suburban icon status overnight” simply by having a fire without the smoke. However, the feedback is also balanced and insightful. Several users confirm our assessment of the heat output, with one stating, “You have to be very close to it to feel the heat without the deflector.” Another helpful tip shared by an owner is that the beautiful silver finish will change color, developing a lovely golden-bronze patina after a few uses due to the intense heat. This isn’t a flaw but a natural characteristic of heated stainless steel, and it’s a helpful expectation for new buyers to have.

How the Solo Stove Bonfire Compares to the Competition

While the Solo Stove Bonfire has carved out a legendary status in the fire pit world, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other options that serve different needs and budgets. The market is filled with alternatives, from traditional open-style pits to multifunctional tables.

1. Verdeluxe 43 Inch Octagonal Outdoor Fire Pit

The Verdeluxe represents the classic, large-format fire pit experience. Its massive 43-inch octagonal design is built for big gatherings and a roaring, traditional bonfire. Unlike the Solo Stove’s focused, vertical flame, the Verdeluxe’s open design provides 360-degree radiant heat, warming everyone sitting around it. However, it lacks any smokeless technology, so you’ll be contending with shifting winds and the classic campfire smell. It’s also far less portable and requires more assembly. This alternative is best for someone with a large, dedicated backyard space who prioritizes maximum size and radiant heat over smoke control and portability.

2. EAST OAK 17” Smokeless Portable Fire Pit

The EAST OAK fire pit is a direct competitor in the portable smokeless category. It employs a similar double-wall airflow design to achieve a secondary burn and reduce smoke. At 17 inches, it’s slightly more compact than the 19.5-inch Bonfire, making it potentially better suited for those with very limited space or who prioritize ultimate portability for solo trips or couples’ camping. While it offers a similar core function, the Solo Stove brand carries a longer reputation for build quality and performance refinement. The EAST OAK is a strong contender for those seeking a smaller, potentially more budget-conscious entry into the world of smokeless fire pits.

3. Yaheetech 32in Square Multifunctional Fire Pit Table

The Yaheetech fire pit table takes a completely different approach, blending the fire pit with patio furniture. Its 32-inch square design includes a wide ledge around the fire bowl, providing a convenient surface for drinks and plates, making it a social hub. It often includes a mesh spark cover for safety and a poker. However, this is a traditional fire pit at its core—it will produce smoke and won’t burn as efficiently as the Solo Stove. This product is ideal for someone whose primary goal is to have a functional, attractive centerpiece for their patio that combines a fireplace with a table, and who is less concerned with high-performance, smokeless burning.

The Final Verdict: Is the Solo Stove Bonfire Worth the Hype?

After extensive testing and poring over the experiences of countless other users, our conclusion is clear: the Solo Stove Bonfire with Stand Smokeless Fire Pit absolutely lives up to the hype. It is a masterfully engineered product that solves the single biggest problem with traditional wood fires. The smokeless performance is not a gimmick; it is a transformative feature that fundamentally improves the outdoor experience. This, combined with its incredible burn efficiency, premium construction, and simple cleanup, places it in a class of its own.

Yes, the heat is directed upwards, and yes, the best experience may require investing in additional accessories. But these are minor footnotes in an otherwise stellar performance review. We recommend it without reservation to anyone—from backyard entertainers to avid campers—who wants to reclaim the pure joy of a wood-burning fire without the smoke, the smell, and the mess. It is a premium product with a premium price tag, but it’s one of the few purchases where you truly get what you pay for: perfect, hassle-free fires, every single time. If you’re ready to stop dodging smoke and start truly enjoying your evenings outdoors, you can check the latest price and make the best outdoor upgrade you’ll make all year.