Is a Solo Stove Worth It? An Honest Look at the Bonfire (2026)
By Claire Whitmore. Last updated October 2026.
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Solo Stove made the smokeless fire pit mainstream. Its stainless steel Bonfire is everywhere, from backyard patios to influencer feeds, and it costs several times as much as a basic steel fire ring. So is it worth it?
This guide answers that question with published evidence. We relied on Wirecutter’s September 2026 fire pit testing, which named the Solo Stove Bonfire its top pick, OutdoorGearLab’s review of the Bonfire 2.0 and the brand’s own specifications. We haven’t tested these fire pits ourselves.
The short answer: for most people who have fires regularly, yes. The Bonfire burns noticeably cleaner than an ordinary fire pit, it’s light enough to move and it’s well built. It isn’t magic, though. It still smokes when you add logs or burn wet wood, it throws heat upward more than outward, and it needs a stand on a wooden deck. If you want more warmth around the circle, or you’ll only have a few fires a year, look at the alternatives below.
Quick verdict
| Worth it if you… | Skip it if you… |
|---|---|
| Have fires often and hate smoke in your eyes | Light a fire once or twice a year |
| Want something portable to move or store | Want a permanent built-in feature |
| Burn dry, seasoned hardwood | Plan to burn wet wood or yard waste |
| Value a clean look and easy ash removal | Want radiant heat for people sitting far back |
| Have a patio or gravel area | Only have a wooden deck and don’t want to buy a stand |
What the testing shows
Smoke: much less, not none
Solo Stove’s double-wall design pulls air in through holes at the base, heats it between the walls and releases it through holes near the rim. That secondary burn ignites smoke before it escapes. Wirecutter estimated the Bonfire cut smoke by about 70 to 80% compared with a conventional fire pit. That’s their estimate, not a lab measurement, but it’s a big difference when you’re sitting around it. Expect some smoke while the fire gets going, when you add fresh logs and if the wood isn’t fully dry.
Heat: rises more than it radiates
The same efficient burn sends a lot of heat straight up. Wirecutter noted that the heat goes upward, and Solo Stove sells a heat deflector that sits on top to push more warmth outward. OutdoorGearLab measured temperatures of up to 1,000°F. If you want to feel the fire from a few feet back on a cold night, factor in the deflector.
Size and burn time
OutdoorGearLab lists the Bonfire 2.0 at 19.5 inches wide by 14 inches tall and 21 pounds, with a list price of $350. Wirecutter measured a 17.5-inch opening and 23.3 pounds. The difference may reflect how each measured. OutdoorGearLab got about 60 minutes from three logs and notes the pit takes logs up to about 16 inches long, so you’ll need to cut standard firewood or buy shorter splits.
Build and ash cleanup
The Bonfire is stainless steel, and the 2.0 version has a removable ash pan, so cleanup is simpler than scooping out a traditional pit. Stainless steel discolors with heat, which is cosmetic. Leave it uncovered in the rain and the pit will collect water, so a cover or shelter helps.
Decks and safety
OutdoorGearLab says the Bonfire needs a stand for use on a deck, because the base gets hot. Solo Stove sells one. Check your local fire rules and your deck material, and keep a safe clearance from walls, overhangs and furniture.
Solo Stove vs a traditional fire pit
| Solo Stove Bonfire | Basic steel fire ring or bowl | |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke | Much less once burning (Wirecutter’s estimate: 70-80% less) | Smoke drifts toward whoever is downwind |
| Heat | Hot, but rises; deflector recommended | Radiates more evenly outward |
| Weight | About 21-23 lb | Varies |
| Cleanup | Removable ash pan on the 2.0 | Scoop or tip out ash |
| Wood | Logs up to about 16 inches | Usually takes standard logs |
| Look | Clean, modern stainless | Varies |
| Price | Premium | Much cheaper |
Solo Stove figures from Wirecutter and OutdoorGearLab.
Wood-burning or gas?
If you’re weighing a Solo Stove against a gas fire table, the choice comes down to experience versus convenience. A wood fire crackles, smells right and works well for cooking s’mores. It also needs firewood, kindling, attention and cleanup, and it can be restricted on high-fire-risk days in some areas. A gas fire table lights with a switch, produces no smoke and no ash, and doubles as a table, but it gives less heat and less of the real campfire feel.
Many luxury patios end up with both: a gas table on the main terrace for weeknights and a wood pit on a gravel or stone area for weekends. Our fire pit guide covers both types.
Placement and safety basics
Put the pit on a non-combustible surface, such as stone, pavers, concrete or gravel, and keep it well away from the house, overhanging branches, fences and outdoor furniture. Follow Solo Stove’s clearance guidance and local rules, which can include burn bans. Keep a hose or extinguisher nearby, never use accelerants, and let the pit cool completely before covering it or emptying the ash. Stainless steel gets extremely hot, so keep children and pets back.
The cost question
A Bonfire costs several times as much as a basic steel fire ring. What you’re paying for is the reduced smoke, a portable 20-something-pound pit, a removable ash pan and durable stainless construction. Budget for the extras as well: a stand if you have a deck, the heat deflector if you want warmth, a lid or cover, and shorter logs. Solo Stove runs frequent sales, so the list price is rarely what you need to pay.
If you’d use a fire pit every week from fall into spring, the smoke reduction alone is probably worth it. If you’d use it a few times a year, a cheaper pit and some patience with the wind may be the better deal.
Solo Stove models and the best alternatives
1. Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0: best for most people
Best for: most patios and families who have regular fires.
Wirecutter’s top fire pit pick. It’s the best balance of size, weight and smoke reduction in Solo Stove’s lineup, and OutdoorGearLab’s numbers (21 pounds, 19.5 inches wide, about an hour from three logs) suit a group of four to six. It’s the model most of this guide is about.
Pros
- Big smoke reduction (Wirecutter estimates 70-80%)
- Portable
- Removable ash pan
Cons
- Heat goes upward without a deflector
- Needs shorter logs
- Needs a stand on decks
Best for: people who want a heavier, more permanent pit with grilling options.
Wirecutter lists the Breeo X24 among its alternatives. Breeo also uses a smokeless double-wall design but builds in heavier steel, and offers cooking accessories. Our Solo Stove vs Breeo comparison covers the differences in detail.
Pros
- Heavy-duty build
- Cooking accessories
Cons
- Heavy
- More expensive
3. Tiki Patio Fire Pit: best for easy lighting
Best for: people who want minimal fuss.
Wirecutter lists the Tiki Patio Fire Pit, at about $395, among its alternatives. It’s designed around pre-made fuel packs, which make lighting simple, though you’ll pay for the packs over time.
Pros
- Easy lighting with fuel packs
- Smokeless design
Cons
- Ongoing cost of fuel packs
4. Blue Sky Peak 2.0: best value smokeless alternative
Best for: shoppers who want the smokeless design for less.
Another Wirecutter alternative. Blue Sky’s Peak uses the same secondary-burn principle at a lower price. Check current reviews for size and build before buying.
Pros
- Lower price
- Smokeless design
Cons
- Less refined than the Solo Stove
5. Burly Scout: best for camping
Best for: campers and tailgaters who want something more rugged.
Wirecutter also lists the Burly Scout as an alternative worth knowing about, especially for portable use.
Pros
- Built for portability
Cons
- Less of a centerpiece for a luxury patio
Bigger and smaller Solo Stoves: Wirecutter notes the larger Summit, with a 19.5-inch opening, costs about $100 more than the Bonfire. Go bigger only if you regularly host larger groups. Smaller models such as the Ranger suit balconies and camping, where local rules allow.
Who should skip it
A Solo Stove is a poor fit in a few cases. If you live somewhere with frequent burn bans, you may not get much use from any wood fire. If you want a fire pit as permanent landscaping, a built-in stone pit or a gas fire table will look more integrated. If you mostly want warmth for a large group sitting well back from the fire, a wider open pit or a patio heater may suit you better. And if your outdoor space is a small wooden balcony, check your building’s rules before buying any wood-burning pit.
For everyone else, especially people who have avoided fires because the smoke follows them around the circle, the Bonfire is one of the few premium outdoor products that delivers clearly on its main promise.
Getting the most out of a Solo Stove
- Burn dry, seasoned hardwood. Wet wood smokes in any pit.
- Don’t overfill. Keep logs below the top row of vent holes so the secondary burn works.
- Add logs one or two at a time.
- Use the deflector on cold nights.
- Empty the ash pan once it’s fully cool, and cover the pit between uses.
- For seating, see our outdoor sofa guide.
How we researched this guide
We don’t test fire pits in-house. This guide is based on Wirecutter’s September 2026 fire pit testing, OutdoorGearLab’s Bonfire 2.0 review and Solo Stove’s specifications. Where sources differ, as with weight and opening size, we’ve reported both. Smoke reduction is Wirecutter’s estimate. Prices change, so check current listings.
FAQ
Is a Solo Stove really smokeless?
Not entirely. Wirecutter estimated about 70 to 80% less smoke than a conventional fire pit. You’ll still get some when lighting, adding logs or burning damp wood.
Does a Solo Stove give off heat?
Yes, but much of it rises. A heat deflector helps push warmth outward.
Can I use a Solo Stove on a wood deck?
OutdoorGearLab says you need a stand, because the base gets very hot. Check your deck material and local fire rules.
Which Solo Stove size should I buy?
The Bonfire suits most patios and groups. Choose the larger Summit if you regularly host bigger groups.
What wood should I burn?
Dry, seasoned hardwood cut to about 16 inches or shorter for the Bonfire.
