Solo Stove's Bonfire Is the Perfect Smokeless, Portable Fire Pit for Backyards

If you're in the market for a fire pit, this one checks all the boxes.

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Updated on November 20, 2023

As the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor space. A fire pit creates an instant focal point for any patio or backyard and establishes a natural place to gather and converse, preferably while making s'mores. If you’re looking for an efficient, easy-to-use smokeless fire pit that’s also sleek and stylish, say hello to Solo Stove.

In case you haven’t seen their products advertised on Instagram, Solo Stove is a company that makes high-quality stainless steel fire pits, camp stoves and accessories for all of your fire needs. I recently tried out the best-selling Bonfire model, and, just like thousands of other reviewers, have glowing things to say about it. Thanks to the design, the fire pit burns super efficiently and emits almost no smoke, meaning there’s no need to shift your position every time the wind changes.

The Bonfire is just two parts: the actual fire pit and the flame ring, which provides protection from wind and enhances the look of the fire. An optional stand, which can be purchased separately or as part of a bundle, can rest under the fire pit, allowing you to use it on heat-sensitive surfaces. As a new homeowner who’s hesitant to risk any damage to my deck or home, I appreciated having the stand to protect my deck from the heat. Even while the fire was raging at full force, the stand below was cool to the touch.

The setup couldn’t be easier. First, set aside the fire ring, fill the fire pit with tinder, kindling and wood at the center, light the fire and place the flame ring on the top of the fire pit. Unlike a typical bonfire that usually requires poking, rearranging of logs and lighting multiple spots to get the flame going, this baby goes from match to full-on bonfire in just a few minutes. While the circular holes along the bottom may just look like an aesthetic element, it’s actually part of the smart design that helps air circulate to create smokeless flames. When you're done with the fire, simply let it die down on its own, and, once completely cooled, dump out the remaining ash and store.

At 20 pounds, 14 inches tall and 19.5 inches in diameter, the Bonfire is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move around your yard or patio or to and from storage. You could definitely bring it along for the occasional car camping trip, but if a campsite is the primary setting you plan to use this fire pit, the smaller Ranger model or a camp stove would probably be a better option for you.

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