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We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Sat outdoors, toasting marshmallows around a firepit. But long after the flames have died down, the stench of the smoke lingers. And the next morning we sometimes smell like we sat in the actual fire. But apparently not with the Solo Stove Bonfire. This state-of-the-art firepit has been touted as ‘smokeless’. But is it really?
We put the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 through its paces.
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Introducing Solo Stove
Solo Stove is the brainchild of an American Kickstarter company, founded in 2016. Their patented backyard firepits offer a smokeless alternative to regular campfires.
Their range of firepit designs starts with a tiny tabletop version — the Mesa (just 13cm in diameter) — all the way up to the Yukon; measuring a huge 68.5 cm in diameter.
The most portable version is the Ranger (38cm in diameter), whilst the most popular is the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0.
Solo Stove also offer accessories for their free pits plus various other products to help you enjoy the great outdoors or garden.
Our Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Review
We chose the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 in Deep Olive. A beautiful sage green colour, which complements the garden and looks really stylish.
What’s In The Box & How To Assemble It
As well as the main body of the Solo Stove Bonfire, there is a perforated base — or heat ring — for the firepit to sit on. This will ensure the main body of the firepit sits off the ground, so it won’t scorch the grass, decking or patio it’s placed on.
Plus, a metal safety ring which sits on the top of the Solo Stove Bonfire.
Next, there are two metal inserts that are placed in the bottom of the firepit.
A solid metal baseplate — or ash-catcher — which sits in the bottom of the firepit. Followed by a perforated plate which sits on the top. This is where you’ll place your logs etc.
The parts feel really substantial and good quality. And it’s so simple to assemble.
Finally, you’ll find a cover/bag to protect/transport your firepit.
Does Solo Stove Bonfire Give Off Much Heat?
YES! We tested out our Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 in the Christmas holidays. It was 3° and ordinarily, we wouldn’t have been sitting in the garden! And especially not at night.
But sitting around the Solo Stove, we felt toasty and warm.
What Are the Cons of the Solo Stove?
The only slight negative we found was that it gobbles up wood! The Solo Stove Bonfire burns very hot — which is fantastic for a lovely toasty firepit experience. But just ensure you have plenty of cut wood ready, to fuel the fire.
How Many People Is the Solo Stove Bonfire Good For?
It’s perfect for our family of four, but we’ve had as few as two and as many as eight people around our Solo Stove Bonfire.
If you want to extend the heat — and potentially get more bodies around the firepit — there is also the option to purchase a Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Heat Deflector. This added extra will increase the heat radius.
It is designed to throw the heat out (rather than up) which will increase the radius of the warmth. Perfect for extra bods — and all year round use.
That said, with a price tag of £184.99 (at the time of writing this post), it’s quite an investment. Potentially you’d be better off sizing up and going for the Yukon 2.0 instead.
Solo Stove Extras
Who doesn’t love a campfire experience?
Chatting or telling stories, toasting marshmallows. Singing along, whilst someone plays a guitar. Or just simply gazing into the flames. Sitting outdoors at nighttime, by a fire, is magical.
Solo Stove have got some great optional extras to make your firepit experience as memorable as it can be.
Roasting Sticks
Solo Stove roasting sticks may seen expensive on the face of it — £69.99 (at the time of writing this post) for a pack of 8. But toasting marshmallows or sausages on the open fire is a rite of passage (especially for a child) — and you want to be able to do it without fear of singing your eyebrows or setting fire to your sleeve!
The Solo Stove roasting sticks are a huge 91.5cm of quality stainless steel. The lightweight hollow stems and dual prongs give the best roasting experience; keeping hands cool and the food securely in place.
Toasting marshmallows on the Solo Stove is an unbelievable experience too. The outside cooks within seconds, giving a perfectly cooked, crispy exterior, with gooey mallow in the centre.
Solo Stove Colour Packs
The Solo Stove colour packs are a magical addition to a firepit experience if you’ve got children!
Simply toss one or two packets into the firepit once the fire is established. Then watch as the flames change colour. Vibrant shades of blue and green appear in the flames for up to an hour. My twins absolutely loved this!
Just one word to mention though — don’t toast marshmallows over a colour-changing fire!
Final Thoughts on The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
The Solo Stove Bonfire is beautifully made and stylish. And it kicks out loads of heat, which means that we’ll use our garden much more on colder days and nights.
In short, we love it.
Is It Really Smokeless?
Whilst the Solo Stove is not completely smokeless — you’ll have some smoke when you start a fire. When the fire is going there is very little smoke, so it’s a vast improvement on regular firepits. You don’t get smoked out while you’re sitting near it, and have to keep switching position as a result.
Its clever design means that there is very little smoke.
Is The Solo Stove Worth It?
Solo Stove is, quite simply, brilliant. In my opinion, it’s well worth the money. And as the age old adage says: you get what you pay for.
I highly recommend the Solo Stove Bonfire — and the roasting forks too. They’re a match made in marshmallow heaven.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
