Solo Stove – Is It Truly An Alternative To A Traditional Fire Pit?
In today’s environment, yards are getting smaller and those who prefer the great outdoors are at times, thrust into more suburban environments. These suburban locations make it difficult to have an open fire to enjoy a cool evening and roast marshmallows or cook hot dogs over an open flame. Well, Solo Stove is here to solve that issue.
Being skeptical at first, we purchased a Solo Stove for our backyard and we absolutely love it! It’s the perfect fire pit for small areas. It’s easy to use, and it doesn’t create a ton of smoke. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family.
In this post, I’ll give you an overview of the Solo Stove and our personal opinion on it. I hope you find it helpful!
What is a Solo Stove?
Solo Stove is one of the leading manufacturers of smokeless fire pits. Their products are designed to provide a clean and efficient burn, while also minimizing smoke and pollution. The Solo Stove Bonfire is fueled by wood, and it features a patented double-wall design that forces air to circulate around the fire, resulting in a hotter and more efficient burn.
Solo Stove’s other products include the Solo Stove Ranger, Solo Stove Bonfire, and the Solo Stove Yukon. The Solo Stove Ranger is the smallest allowing for a portable fire pit that is perfect for camping, tailgating, or simply enjoying a night in the backyard. No matter which model you choose, a Solo Stove fire pit is sure to make your next bonfire an unforgettable experience.
Don’t discount the many other products the Solo Stove has to offer. They also offer pizza ovens, camp stoves, and many other add-on accessories that allow you to expand your backyard enjoyment regardless of the space that you have.
Why We Purchased It
I originally purchased our Solo Stove as a gift for my wife. We have a smaller back yard where most is used by our dogs. We have very large dogs in a small backyard. The balance of the yard is taken up by our pool and the kids play area.
While we have a rock walkway along the side of our home and a traditional fire pit in the backyard, its location leaves much to be desired in the way of privacy and safety. The fire pit was originally part of the house when we purchased it and it is under a very nice oak tree. I’m personally not interested in catching the neighborhood on fire by setting the oak tree ablaze.
So, given the circumstance, after reviewing the available products online, I decided to go with the Solo Stove Bonfire. Due to its size and claim to being virtually smokeless, I figured, what the heck. Might as well give it a try. The price point was great compared to the competition and I enjoy the feeling of a contained fire when I’m able to sit under the pool screen away from the bugs we deal with in Florida.
How to Use It
Each Solo Stove fire pit has a bundle option. I suggest the “Essentials” bundle at a minimum. I purchased the fire pit + stand bundle. This comes with a stand and a carry case.
The stand allows you to use the fire pit wherever you would like, including on a wood deck. It keeps the bottom of the fire pit a couple of inches above the ground to ensure the heat of the fire pit doesn’t damage the area below it.
To us it, you simply start a fire in the fire pit the same way you would with any other fire pit. Split your wood slightly thinner than you would for traditional fire pits only because you generally don’t have to worry about space when you’re using a non-contained pit.
To maintain the fire, simply add more wood to it. The flames will stay within the confines of the radius of the pit and the smoke will as well. There are no massive plumes of smoke that come from the top of the pit.
Due to the double wall construction, the inner vents allow for maximum and efficient airflow. This eliminates the need to force oxygen into the fire to help it maintain its life. The removable ring on the top is shaped to ensure the airflow is circulated properly. The 360 degree Signature Air-Flow technology is what creates this largely efficient burn cycle.
Why We Think it's the Best Fire Pit for Small Areas
First and foremost, the size of the Solo Stove Ranger and Solo Stove Bonfire units are the perfect sizes for smaller, more intimate areas. The proximity to which people and animals can be to the fire pit is not something you’ll find with may other solutions.
You can see the size difference for each option below:
Due to the efficient burn cycles of the 360 Degree Signature Air-Flow technology, you are able to contain the ash and smoke to your general area. This limits the amount of disturbance you will create to neighbors and the environment. And it will not take as much wood for your family or group of friends to enjoy an evening around the fire.
As you can tell by the size charts, they are very light and easily portable. They can be moved in the carry case so they can be taken anywhere. The carry case is sized to fit the unit that is purchased and has 2 shoulder straps for easy access. The top has a draw string that will contain whatever is stored inside the fire pit during transport.
I didn’t mention that the stainless construction looks incredible. It maintains a sleek, clean look throughout the life of the fire pit and will resist corrosion every evening. If you take care of the fire pit, it will last as long as you want it to.
The New Table Top Smokeless Pits
Solo Stove has launched the newest products for 2023 which include two sizes of versatile, smokeless tabletop fire pits, the Mesa and Mesa XL.
Also available for these include mini roasting sticks, stick rests, a pellet scoop, a lid, and a carrying case so you are ready to enjoy your Mesa anywhere with all of the perfectly-sized accessories.
The Mesa and Mesa XL tabletop fire pits also come in a variety of colours to suit your own style. From the original stainless, to Deep Olive green, you’ll find one that will fit your decor.
Our Final Thoughts on The Solo Stove
If you’re in the market for a fire pit, we highly recommend the Solo Stove. It’s easy to use, creates minimal smoke, and is perfect for small areas. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family.
As it turns out, the Solo Stove was perfect for my family. The portability and simple clean up are a huge benefit. Being a more contained fire within the stainless system, it’s perfect for an evening fire by the pool on a cool night. It’s simple to light, easy to maintain, and hides away nicely.
It packages up nicely and stores away securely under my cleaning table. We’ve been able to pack it up and take it to a friends house for an enjoyable evening outside as well. As I noted above, there are many different products on the market in different materials, sizes, and fuel options. The Solo Stove Bonfire checks off every option that my family wants and needs.
Yes, the Solo Stove is certainly an acceptable alternative to a traditional fire pit. Especially in areas where a traditional fire pit may be problematic. Visit Solo Stove today to check out all of the products they have to offer at www.solostove.com