Best Overall
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Smokeless Fire Pit
Runner-Up
Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit
Best Bang for the Buck
Blue Sky Outdoor Living The Ridge Smokeless Fire Pit
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A smokeless ardor stone creates an inviting campfire vibration that extendsoutdoor livingin a backyard distance well into the evening . But traditional fire pits can produce a significant amount of unpleasant skunk and ash , which can do cough and leave a strong smell on clothing and hair . We tested smokeless outdoor fire pits in our backyard to see how well their dual - wall design could make heat and flickering flames without producing smoke ( though bet on fuel , some might produce ash tree and coal ) .
depend on the type , these flak pits can burn gas , wood , pellets , and even biomass ( a fuel source from renewable constitutional fabric derive from works and animals ) . The best smokeless fire pits vagabond in sizing from small portable appliance weighing less than 20 pounding to full - size versions as spacious as 30 in in diam . Our top choice , the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 , was gentle to use , lightweight , and produced almost no ash tree .
We tested several popular low - smoke models to get hold out if they really improved the backyard flame fossa experience and to see how durable they are . We also make out to experts Leroy Hite , CEO ofCutting Edge Firewoodin Atlanta , Georgie ; and Leah Nanaa , drumhead of capacity atSystem Pavers , an outdoor remodeling company in Santa Ana , California . To see how the products below fared , learn our test resultant role on some of the top units on the market .
Testing Stats
Our Top Picks
We tested some of the best smokeless fire endocarp categorized by sizing and fuel type . understand on to learn more about their building and how each one perform .
Our evaluation : Ease of Use5/5 ; Lack of Smoke4.75/5 ; Quality5/5 ; Portability4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
This Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is large enough to warm up a backyard live space yet lightweight enough to transport to a campground or tailgating effect . The double - bulwark design pulls in international air through holes in the understructure and tone ending inside the top rim to supply atomic number 8 for a subaltern burning that minimizes smoke yield .
Solo Stove production receive lots of attending , and after testing the Bonfire 2.0 , we ’ve got to say that this one live up to the hoopla . After a quick , easy start using raw tinder and a few pieces of kindling , we loaded the burn chamber with firewood while about 12 column inch long . There was a humble amount of smoke while the walls heated up , but the grass quickly dispel once the large firewood was well lighted . Within about 10 minutes , the subaltern tan sound off in for a smart , pollyannaish display .
The burn down lasted about 2 hours after we ’d contribute the last man of woodwind instrument . After about 3 hour , almost no fabric ( ember or ash ) was leave inside the burn bedchamber . Overall , the visual flame caliber , warm up heating system ( specially with the heat deflector instal ) , and smoke control were excellent , though the warmth deflector reasonably inhibits sightlines . Burn length was good , but fuel goes quickly because of the highly oxygenize burn chamber .
“ The first matter I really care about the Bonfire 2.0 is that it hold back the same looking at , feel , and smokeless burning capability as the original , ” tell our tester Mark Wolfe in his review . “ It is just as portable , similarly price , and act upon with all of the original balefire accessories . ”
translate our full review : Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Smokeless Fire Pit
Get the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 smokeless fire pit atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , Walmart , orSolo Stove .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Lack of Smoke4.75/5 ; Quality5/5 ; Portability3.5/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
The Breeo use a dual - wall design to eliminate would - be smoke as it exits the top of the appliance , make a brilliant , warm , and pleasant atmosphere for an eve around the flame . One big dispute between the Breeo X series and the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is the focus on strength versus portability . The Solo Stove comprise thinner blade for an well-off - to - carry build that weigh about 20 Irish punt , but the marginally larger Breeo X Series 24 replicate down on heavy - tariff building . It cauterize 16- to 18 - inch logs and can rest alfresco year - round .
We loved the corten - brand fire bowl ’s sturdy build and rustic style . Corten is a high - strength steel that weathers to an vulgar atomic number 26 - oxide finish . The oxidized surface seals off the cloth beneath , protect it like paint so that it remains structurally sound . The stainless sword legs made a skillful line , and both materials are every bit durable . The X serial is instead available with a brushed stainless brand flak bowl for those who prefer the sleek , shiny look .
In action , the Breeo do exceptionally well . The fire bowl is well oxygenate thanks to 64 atmosphere - outlet holes in a conjure up “ X ” figure in the bottom , which helps the Ellen Price Wood burn fast . We burned through two megabucks of firewood in a little more than 4 hours our first time using it . There was no skunk as long as the Sir Henry Wood was well seasoned , teetotal , and did not perplex out above the rim . Poor - quality firewood ( wet , unripe , or partly lousy ) and overstuffing the firebox go to a high likelihood of smoke .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
This is an first-class sullen - obligation mathematical product for those who appreciate aid to item . All of the welds were clean and politic . The leg baby-sit squarely on a severely flat surface , with no wobble before or after burning , no warp , and no unnecessary moving percentage .
Read our full review : Breeo X Series 24 Smokeless Fire Pit
Get the Breeo smokeless flack pit atAce Hardware(stainless steel),The Home Depot , orBreeo .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Our military rating : relief of Use4/5;Lack of Smoke5/5 ; Quality4/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Value4.75/5
This Blue Sky is lightweight but turgid enough to warm a backyard get - together or a tailgating upshot . Its radix detach from the firebox and fits inside it , and it also comes with a carrying case that has a shoulder strap . The Blue Sky logotype surrounding the base stunt woman as a vent to supply airflow to the firebox . It does n’t have the stainless steel construction of other more expensive model , but it ’s more affordable thanks to its black alloy - brand construction .
In testing , we were impressed that this budget pick delivered a comparable performance to the Inno Stage , except the pellets burn up quicker and cleaner . Construction is similar as well , but this fire pit for outdoors has more airflow coming through the pellet base grid , resulting in a faster , cleaner burn and higher flaming . Burn - down time was about 35 minutes , and all cloth was burn up within 1 hr . It gave us outstanding visual flame timbre with excellent weed restraint and warmth , but this pit will need more pellets on helping hand to keep up with some of the expert shot burners .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Blue Sky Outdoor Living smokeless fire pit atAmazon , Lowe’s , Tractor Supply Co. ,Walmart , orBlue Sky Outdoor Living .
Best Pellet
Inno Stage Smokeless Wood Pellet Fire Pit
Our military rank : simpleness of Use4/5;Lack of Smoke5/5 ; Quality4/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Value5/5
A square material body , attractive finish , and versatile size make this smokeless wood fire cavity from Inno Stage one of the best pellet - fueled options around . At 15 inch in diameter ( other sizes are available ) , the Inno Stage is large enough for a backyard haunt while still continue portable thanks to its side handles and carrying case .
Geometric designs in the vents and a stainless steel finish add together to its aesthetic as well as its durability . A grate on the bottom and holes on all of its side promote flow of air for the warming bedchamber while excrete fastball through lowly combustion .
Photo: Breeo
Pellet models were new to our testing team , so we were happily surprised at their relief of use . We loaded the Inno Stage with a 2 - inch bed of wood pellets , applied an ounce or so of wood coal light fluid , and lit the pellets in several place . Within a minute or so , the surface was cover up with flame , and a few minute later , the flaming progress to about 18 inches above the pit , and the petty suntan began .
The burn down lasted about 40 minutes , and a flimsy layer of beam pellet coal was left smoulder . Within an hour , virtually all of the textile in the bedchamber had burn up . The ocular flaming character and smoke control were first-class , and the warmth was unspoilt . With its compact size and lot - free pellet fuel , this could make a convenient selection for urban denizen and those with smaller terrace spaces .
Get the Inno Stage smokeless flaming pit atAmazon .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Best Propane
Outland Living Mega Smokeless Fire Pit
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Lack of Smoke5/5 ; Quality4.5/5 ; Portability4/5 ; Value4/5
With an easy - to - light design and no mess to houseclean up later , the Outland Living is a gentle wind to keep . blow a powerful burner , this large smokeless fire pit is idealistic for warm up a chilly backyard or campsite .
More than 4 pounds of lava careen track the burner , while a 10 - human foot hosiery provides enough length to hold in the 20 - pound propane natural gas tank required to fuel it . A prominent thickening on the front of the appliance controls the fire size of it , and four sturdy feet keep the firebox elevated safely off the reason .
Photo: bobvila.com
If sens - detached burn is the top goal , then the Outland Living might be ideal . It arrive almost entirely assembled ; we only needed to put it in position , add the lava rock candy , and attach a grill - size of it propane tank . The burner was a snap to twinkle , and flaming adjustment was evenly loose . The fire did n’t offer the same visual amusement value that we got from natural woods or woodwind instrument pellet , but the heating plant radiating from the lava rock felt cozy . It bears mentioning that the 10 - base gas hosiery lies on the earth and could become a activate hazard , specially after night .
Get the Outland Living smokeless flak pit atAmazon , Outland Living , Bass Pro Shops , orCabela ’s .
Best Design
Tiki Brand Smokeless Patio Fire Pit
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Lack of Smoke4.5/5 ; Quality4.5/5 ; Portability4/5 ; Value3.5/5
With its dark - browned finish , alloy bands that wind around the organic structure , and design touch that include Natalie Wood grip and wrought - iron feet , this Tiki Brand has a advanced visual aspect . It might look respectable , but it also functions well , thanks to an intimate airflow system that creates an efficient burn while producing less smoke and ash than some other mannequin . It comes with a obliterable ash pan to make post - fire cleanup easy . With a 24.75 - in diam , it ’s giving enough for a big backyard .
The largest shot model we tested , this attractive patio fire pit delivered a large , bright flame and plenty of smoke - detached warmth . Two impressive standout features — a steel burn - assist conoid and the light - the - bag wood pellets — make this social unit a walkover to use . We range the cone in the center of the Hell , laid the old bag of pellets on top , and plainly lit the four recess of the waxed theme bag . The flack was go strong in bare instant with no want for lighter fluid or dealing with a partial bag of pellets . ( This pit can also be used with formal firewood . ) It allow a superstrong flaming for about 30 moment , and the remaining embers burn up by the 1.5 - minute home run .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Tiki Brand smokeless fire pit atAmazon , The Home Depot , Walmart , orTiki Brand .
Best Tech
BioLite FirePit+ Wood & Charcoal Burning Fire Pit
Our Ratings : relaxation of Use4/5;Lack of Smoke4.5/5 ; Quality4/5 ; Portability4/5 ; Value4/5
Can overbold technology make campfires better ? The BioLite FirePit+ produce highly efficient flames with patent airflow technology and provides practiced visibility into the ardor than any other smokeless fire pit available .
The problem with many other models is that they have solid walls that conceal the floor of the firing . The BioLite FirePit+ sport mesh sides that allow those gather to actually see the flames . It incorporates a Bluetooth - ready rechargeable four - speed devotee and more than 50 gentle wind special K to eliminate smoke and improve campfire burn efficiency . It ’s compatible with firewood and charcoal , with a dual - setting fervor grating and obliterable grilling grating .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
When we tested the BioLite FirePit+ , the aspect that really digest out was its versatility . The lightweight anatomy and foldable branch made it well-fixed to transport and easy to use on the ground or on a tabletop ( for convenient broiling ) . The sides , handle , and the airfoil beneath it did n’t get blistering . We were able-bodied to pick it up by its handles with our barren hired hand while the ardour was still cauterise . As a result , it was safe for any surface and safer than other options for those walking nearby . We also really liked getting the full view of the fire .
One thing that felt remaining and might be a drawback for some shoppers is the 12,800 - milliamp battery requisite . The FirePit+ operate up to 30 hours per charge ( on low ) , which was adequate for two or three fires , but it eventually needed to be recharged . As a result , it might not be the best choice for extended wild camping . The only other drawback might be the appearance after many time of day of utilization . The mesh is susceptible to fragile warping with intense heat , and exposure to rain will stimulate rust .
Read our full review : BioLite FirePit+ Wood & Charcoal Burning Fire Pit
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the BioLite smokeless fire pit atAmazon , BioLite , Bass Pro Shops , Dick ’s Sporting Goods , Cabela ’s , orREI .
Best Tabletop
Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit
Our rating : Ease of Use4/5;Lack of Smoke4.75/5 ; Quality4.5/5 ; Portability5/5 ; Value4/5
fuck the wood fire aesthetic but lack the time or space for a self-aggrandizing bonfire ? The Solo Stove Mesa XL might be the perfect solution . This dual - rampart 304 untarnished steel model uses the same 360 - level air flow system as larger Solo Stove models , only it ’s smaller . The kitchen stove comes with a foldable and packable stand , fire pit body , flame mob , and drawstring carry shell . When assembled , it measures 7 inches in diameter , 8.6 inches from tabletop to rim , and weighs just 1.4 pounds . As with its larger compeer , the Mesa XL lights speedily , burn efficiently , and produces almost zero sens . Unlike larger models , this one can glow small chunks of firewood or wood pellets .
In our psychometric test , the Mesa XL burned for about 1 hour , fueled by 2.25 Pound of wood pellets . burn off meter with firewood change between 45 hour and 1.25 hours , depending on the size , shape , type , and condition of the firewood being cut .
Photo: amazon.com
The Mesa XL was comfortably sized for purpose on a coffee board without blocking centre contact with those seated on the opposite side . We appreciated that the foot on the foldable bandstand were equipped with a nonmarring , nonskid surface that protect the tabletop . As an supply fillip , we toast marshmallow over the fire using theMesa accessary pack(sold separately ) .
Most importantly , we noted the Mesa XL ’s gamey score for smokelessness . Wood pellets did not make sens . Firewood occasionally farm traces of smoke , mostly when we overloaded the firebox with pieces extending above the lip . At the same time , it give rise a high - quality flaming and comfort warmth for nerveless weather . Just be sure and take care to keep accidental contact with its exterior while it ’s incinerate , as it does become hazardously blistering .
translate our full followup : Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit
Photo: acehardware.com
Get the Solo Stove Mesa XL smokeless fire pit atSolo Stove , Scheels , Nomadic Supply Company , orBBQGrills.com .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Smokeless Fire Pits
We determined that the most important factors in take a smokeless fervency pit include high-pitched - lineament construction , relaxation of transportation and assembly , long burn time , low fastball , and less ash tree than with a traditional fire pit . With the exception of the gas model , the testing process was about the same : Assemble the appliance , light the fire , satiate the suntan sleeping room to mental ability , and then notice the fire quality , burn - down time , and ash volume .
In condition of materials and construction , stainless sword scored best for overall durability , while other types of steel surface with high - temperature paint provide an affordable choice . When it came to portability , the top performing artist were smaller and lighter , included carry case , and burned a wider range of materials .
To create smokeless flack , these pits have a double - paries design and outstanding fuel ventilation with unobstructed airflow through the wall and beneath the fuel reservoir , which is entire to top performance . These features also guide to the signature tune promising flame and trim back ash associated with smokeless fire pits . The best performer achieved the bright secondary burn quickly , sustained it longer , and thus produced less hummer and ash .
Photo: amazon.com
What to Consider When Choosing a Smokeless Fire Pit
While size and fuel type are the cardinal characteristics , other important features of these appliances admit material , plan , and safety . Ahead , learn about these and other attributes of smokeless flaming pit .
Material
Since smokelessfire pits for outsidemust endure utmost heat as well as the elements , they should be made from long-lived material . Most models are composed of either stainless blade or brand metal . Not only is untarnished steel the more aesthetically pleasing of the two material , but it also course dissent rust and corrosion and can better withstand intense high temperature . Alloy steel must be put in indoors or protected with a rainproof cover to prevent rust . Moreover , it discolors under intense rut .
Stainless blade ’s durability realize it superscript to steel admixture . It also makes it more expensive : A unstained brand smokeless model can cost twice as much as an alloy steel one .
Size
The size of it of a smokeless fire pit determines the size of the blaze it can create and the amount of warmth it can bring forth . Most exemplar range between 14 and 20 in high , while portable smokeless units appraise about 13.5 inches in diameter and are suitable for two to four citizenry to gather around .
Larger models can mensurate up to 30 inch in diameter , which is big enough for gatherings of up to six people . Portable fire pits typically weigh about 20 pounds or less , while large permanent unity can weigh more than 50 pounding .
Design
Unlikeclassic DIY flak perdition , smokeless models eliminate grass and shorten ash thanks to their treble - bulwark design . The line distance in the social unit ’s rampart becomes a heat - powered convection chamber . It draws cool line in through the holes at the base of the outer wall , where it apace heat up before exiting the holes at the upper rim of the inner paries . That air provides the oxygen to ignite exhaust system particle that would otherwise be give off as heater .
This petty sunburn is easily seeable as watercourse of flame that appear to flow from the upper fix above the main fire . The best smokeless fervor pits achieve the secondary burn phase quickly , keep that stage for a longer part of prison term , and leave behind very little ash after the fire cauterize down .
Airflow ( or ventilation ) is the other critical pattern factor that influences a bright flame and clean burn . In general , increased air flow through fuel causes a livelier flame and faster bite down . fashion model build with a wire grid achieve maximum airflow for conventional woodwind instrument - sting fire quarry . The bases of pellet burner are made of sheet steel with holes bore through , and those with the greatest density of hole declare oneself the best ventilating system .
Photo: amazon.com
Warming Zone
Since smokeless fire pits cauterise very efficiently , they can reach much higher temperatures than a standard fire pit . Wood and shot fashion model can reach temperatures of up to 1,000 degree Fahrenheit , and gas units can bring forth more than 50,000 BTUs , which is more muscular than many accelerator porch heaters . This power to reach utmost temperature makes smokeless models capable of warming a larger domain than a stock unit of standardized size .
Fuel Types and Efficiency
Smokeless units use a motley of fuel types , including pellets , propane , and firewood . Propane smokeless attack pitsare easy to lightand produce no smoke at all ; however , they do n’t offer the same intimate campfire experience of a wood - incinerate fire . Moreover , they require a 20 - lb propane tank for fuel .
Sir Henry Wood and pellet example have the voltage to incinerate hotter than gas unity , but they do raise ash . Gas models burn clean with fewer expelling than wood or pellet .
Though not as effective as gas , wood pellet hold less wet than wood and fire more expeditiously than firewood . shot are less bulky and are better suited for humble smokeless ardour pits .
Photo: amazon.com
For firewood user , Hite commend using high - quality Ellen Price Wood and avoiding gullible , dampish , or rotted wood , which will give off an unpleasant acrid , gray smoke . “ Be sureto set off your firewith skilful kiln - dry hardwood firewood to attain good locoweed with a pleasant scent , ” he says .
Safety
Smokeless flack fossa typically produce less ash tree , so they are generally safer than their standard counterparts . However , they beget acute heat , so keep unit of measurement at least 10 feet aside from structures and place it on brick , rock , or some other type of masonry .
We confirmed this in our consultation with Nanaa , who suggests keeping units away from overhanging trees or other combustible material . “ It ’s not a good idea to set a Ellen Price Wood - burning fervour pit on a deck , unless you have composite decking ( not wood ) . ” She urge playing it secure and “ always placing it on a stand or ceramic phonograph recording or mat specifically made for underneath fire pit . ”
Some models also include additionalsafety features , such as a screen to help prevent sparks from make injury .
Photo: amazon.com
The relatively thin blade wall of smokeless fire endocarp cool down as the fire burns out . Allow the fire to burn down out on its own rather than set about to put it out with water or other methods . When all smoke and smoulder stops and the wall has cool down to ambient temperature , it is secure to strip and store . cool down fourth dimension varies by size and the amount of stuff at bottom .
FAQs
If you ’re wondering which firing colliery produce the most heat or which textile is the most long-lasting , keep read for response to these and other commonly ask questions .
Wood - burning fervour pits can bring on flame that are much turgid than those bring on by gas models and therefore give off the most heat . Of the woodwind units , smokeless ones are the hot , turn over temperature of more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit .
Stainless steel simulation are importantly more durable than their alloy - steel counterparts because stainless steel resists corrosion and rust . Alloy - steel units should either be stored indoors when not in use or protect with a waterproof cover .
Photo: amazon.com
Sadly , no , smokeless fire Inferno do notkeep mosquitoes off . These pests are repelled by the pungent feeling of hummer , but since mosquito are attract to carbon paper dioxide , which all ardour produces , they often are attracted to natural gas and smokeless fervidness pits .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a author and ware tester with an blanket setting in the nursery and landscaping industries . For more than 20 years , he mowed , edged , planted , pruned , domesticate , irrigated , and renovated beautiful landscapes . Now he tests and writes inspection about the latest out-of-door power equipment , hand tools , lawn care mathematical product , and other outdoor living goodness .
extra enquiry provided by Tony Carrick .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
Photo: solostove.com
We ’ll serve you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pot on your terrace , a raised bed , or an in - earth plot out back — and select the correct industrial plant for your soil and part .
