Everybody loves the feel of being around a campfire on a weekend evening — but if you’re tired of washing the smell of smoke out of your clothes and hair, you should look into a smokeless fire pit. A relatively recent invention, the smokeless fire pit is a compact and convenient alternative to building a full fire, and a great way to get your time around a fire without any of the downsides.
In today’s article, we’ll be exploring the two major brands of smokeless fire pits available today — diving deep into the similarities and differences in their designs, as well as giving you a few considerations to make before choosing the best smokeless fire pit for you. Finally, we’ll close out by directing you to the best places to buy each smokeless fire pit at a bargain, so let’s get right into it.
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Best Smokeless Fire Pits
Both of the major players in the smokeless fire pit game — Breeo and Solo Stove — have been around for less than a decade, and sport quite similar designs. Even though they focus on many of the same design principles, though, each brand emphasizes different features to set their products apart. Let’s take a closer look at both brands before moving onto their more recent competitors.
Best Overall: Breeo
Founded in 2011, Breeo holds claim to making the very first smokeless fire pit. Based out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, they produce all of their firepits right from their workshop.
Breeo produces two model lines of their smokeless fire pit: The flagship X series, and the upgraded Luxeve. Weighing in at over 60 pounds each and made of 304 grade stainless steel, they’re incredibly sturdy and durable — and can even be matched with accessories for open flame grilling. As if that wasn’t enough, every Breeo stove is covered by a lifetime warranty and shipped for free from their Lancaster workshop.
- SMOKELESS DESIGN - Our fire pits are engineered to drastically reduce their smoke output. The key to a smokeless system is creating more airflow and burning a hotter fire. To do this, we incorporate our patented X Airflow system into the bottom of our fire pits for primary combustion. Meanwhile, double-walled convection pulls air up into the walls to reburn the smoke on it’s way out of the fire pit. The result: a campfire experience that doesn’t require moving your chair every 5 minutes.
- CORTEN STEEL - Corten Steel, also known as weathering steel, is engineered to develop an iron oxide surface coating called patina, over time. This reddish brown surface coating is designed to protect your fire pit from the elements the same way it does for bridges and building facades around the world. The Corten fire pit will arrive in a blue steel finish, and will develop the weathered patina naturally over time.
- MADE IN THE USA - Built in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by Breeo, makers of the original smokeless fire pit, with a reputation built on meticulous craftsmanship and the products to prove it.
- COOKING COMPATIBILITY - Built in accessory post sleeve and locking mechanism that is compatible with the patented Breeo Outpost Grill (NOT INCLUDED).
- BUILT TO LAST - The X Series 19 has a patented design and is built with heavy duty 304 Stainless Steel and Corten Steel that will last for years. Its thick steel and lack of moving parts means you’ll have incredible smokeless fires for years.
Best Value: Solo Stove
Founded shortly after Breeo, Solo Stove seeks to utilize Breeo’s pioneering smokeless fire pit design to create smaller and more portable fire pit systems as well as a direct competitor to Breeo’s X series. Based out of Southlake, Texas, Solo Stove is able to offer their product at substantially reduced prices thanks to contracting much of their construction out through Chinese manufacturers. Solo Stove is also available on Amazon.
Their smokeless fire pits come in three models. From smallest to largest, these are the Ranger, Bonfire, and Yukon — with even the sizeable Yukon costing nearly $100 less than Breeo’s X series. They’re efficient and quick to heat, with a lighter grade of stainless steel that makes them much easier to position and more portable at the cost of reducing their durability.
- Portable fire Power - Solo Stove Ranger, Our most compact fire pit, pushes the limits of both combustion airflow efficiency and portability. It was painstakingly engineered to provide a low smoke fire that cannot be duplicated. The Ranger Patent pending design Sold over $1. 7M in pre-orders on Kickstarter in 2018.
- Less smoke, more flame - double wall design maximizes airflow and burning process. Bottom vent holes allow oxygen to the feed the fire from below while the double walls warm It, creating a burst of hot air over the fire reducing the smoke without the use of batteries and fans.
- A more efficient burn - a more complete burn means the little Particles that would have been smoke are burned up by the top vents. It also means no more half burned logs to deal with.
- No more shuffling from smoke - Since the Ranger burns with Almost no smoke, you'll spend less time dodging smoke and your clothes won't smell like campfire. You'll spend more time enjoying the fire!
- Easy to use & portable - the Ranger singular construction completely removes the need for parts and assembly! Bring it from your backyard patio to camping, or tailgating! Great for RVs and campers!
Best for Grilling: Cast Master
Built with the outdoor chef in mind, Cast Master’s Bon 2000 is a fairly affordable combination of a smokeless fire pit and grill. Its lightweight and durable stainless steel shell makes it easy to take with you to your campsite, or set up with minimal effort in your own backyard. We like that you can power it with hardwood, charcoal, briquettes, or softwood and achieve great grilling results.
- ALERT 🚨 NOTICE :: Before using our BON 2000, please REMOVE protective foam insert at the bottom of your unit. Otherwise, this will melt into you unit and not allow air to circulate inside your BON 2000 chamber.
- ALERT 🚨 ACCESSORIES :: Your 19” Grill Grate for the tip of your BON 2000 is packed and secured underneath your unit with protective foam. Please remove protective foam and 19” Grill Grate before using your BON 2000
- ALERT 🚨 USER MANUAL :: For optimum SMOKELESS results for fire pit feature, please follow directions on how to properly start your fire 🔥.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & INGENIOUS - The BON 2000 Bonfire Pit features an advanced, stainless steel design built to last for years of use. Whether you cook with it, or just enjoy a backyard fire to create the perfect mood, we’ve got you covered
- 100% USA DESIGN, 100% USA CUSTOMER SUPPORT - We stand behind all our products, and look forward to assisting you with your purchase. From the helpful instruction manual included in every box, written in easy to understand English, to email & phone support, we’re here to answer any questions
Lightweight and Portable: Hi Flame Bonfire
Weighing in at just 42 pounds, the Hi Flame Bonfire fire pit is an excellent option for camping trips. It’s made of durable 304 grade stainless steel, and builds on the same design of the Breeo fire pit, but with more air intake holes. This means the Hi Flame can burn exceptionally hot, making it ideal for whipping up a round of s’mores! And if you’re in a dry climate and worried about embers hopping out of your fire, the 2mm thick top cover that comes with the Hi Flame is an excellent addition.
- DURABLE - HiFlame bonfire fire pits are made of 304 stainless steel, which are durable and long-lasting in a variety of environments. Weighing 42 lbs, it's conveniently portable to bring along to outdoor barbecues, camp sites, the beach, or adventures in the remote outdoors, it is not recommended to use directly on grass or wooden decks.
- UPDATE DESIGN - This bonfire stove comes with a 2mm thickness top cover lid & extra welded bottom stand. The top lid makes sure no time spent worrying about embers catching your grass on fire, the below stand is a great help to bottom air inlet and garden floor protection
- SECONDARY COMBUSTION - HiFlame bonfire stove fire pit features double stainless steel walls that maximizes airflow and burning process. Bottom hidden vent holes allow oxygen to the feed the fire from below while simultaneously channeling warm oxygen up between the walls of the stove and back into the fire, causing it to reduce the smoke by burning it off at the top layer
- LOW SMOKE - Since the fire pit burns with almost no smoke, spend less time dodging smoke and your clothes will not smell like campfire; You will spend more time enjoying the fire
- EFFICIENT BURN - A more complete burn means little to no smoke, it also means no more half burnt logs to deal with. Nearly no smoke and only fine ash left over. Size: 18. 5" tall, 20. 5" diameter. Net weight(with lid): 42 Lbs
Most Affordable: Esright Bonfire Fire Pit
The petite and streamlined Esright Bonfire smokeless fire pit seems tailor made for anyone who values function over form. It’s durable, easy to assemble, and loaded with vent holes to re-burn even the slightest whiff of smoke. And at under $200, it’s easily the most affordable smokeless fire pit of this size. The only downside? It’s not much to look at, and there aren’t any accessories to go along with it. Even so, I would recommend it to anyone looking to try a smokeless fire pit for the first time.
- 🔥【Smoke-Free Stove Fire Pit】: With the innovative Secondary Combustion System, the Oxygen can be added to the combustion again through the top 35 vent holes, which makes the combustion more full and avoids smoke in maximum extent. The most of oxygen comes through the 4 bottom vents to feed the fire.
- 🔥【Safety & High Efficiency】: The design of double sidewalls can insulate the high temperature of combustion to a certain extent, thus reduce the burns caused by accidental touching the sidewall of stainless fire pit. The air passage in the middle can increase the intake of oxygen and the combustion efficiency.
- 🔥【Easy to Assemble】: Our smokeless fire pit is completely built, you can easily assemble it in 5 to 10 minutes. All necessary hardware, tools and user manuals will be provided with our stove. Provide 2 years warranty service, worry-free purchase.
- 🔥【Dimensions and Parameter】: The size of fire pit is:21.5" (Diameter)x 13.8" (Height), Internal diameter is: 15.75", Gross Weight: 49 lbs, Metrial: 304 Stainless Steel.
- 🔥【Multiple Scenes Use】: It is very suitable for many people to sit around the bonfire on the terrace, yard or garden, creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Overall diameter 21.5"(Dia) x 13.8"(H); Weight Capacity: 49 lbs
A Special Case: FLIKR’s Indoor Fireplace
I’d like to share something especially neat with you, even though it’s not what most people think of when they imagine a smokeless fire pit.
No, your eyes do not deceive you: That’s a personal, indoor fireplace! And by that token, it’s also the smallest smokeless fire pit available on the market today.
And I know what you’re thinking: There’s no way that can be safe. But it is! Because you don’t build a fire with wood — you use common rubbing alcohol. The specially formulated concrete won’t shrink or expand, and the heavy base makes sure that there’s no chance of tipping it over while in use.
How Do Smokeless Fire Pits Work?
A smokeless fire pit is a specialized type of fireplace that combines the functionality and ambiance of a standard fireplace with an efficiency and cleanliness that is second to none. Unlike traditional fireplaces, there’s no need for you to set up extra ventilation – it will do the job automatically – and spills, ash, and fine particles stay where they belong: in the pot.
Just how does a smokeless fire pit work? Take it from the designers at Breeo, the pioneers in smokeless fire pit technology:
The Breeo Smokeless Fire Pits work through a double-wall, secondary combustion design… Hot air rises through the gap between the two walls, then exits the wall cavity through the line of holes around the rim. This pressurized, heated oxygen mixes with the smoke and causes it to reburn — [making] your fire smokeless.”
The same principles that make commercial smokeless fire pits work can be adapted for at-home DIY, too! Check out this video from How to Home for full build instructions:
Before You Buy: Considerations for Choosing A Smokeless Fire Pit
With those two brands in mind, you may not be clear on which one is best for your backyard. Here’s what we would take into account before choosing one for our own home:
Size
How much space do you have for your smokeless fire pit? If ground cover is at a premium, Solo Stove’s smaller Ranger and Bonfire models may let you make the best use of it. If you have plenty of space in your yard, though, Breeo’s tough and durable construction make it a longer lasting choice. Other brands tend to shoot for something in the middle — neither too big, nor too small.
Weight
Will you be installing this smokeless fire pit on your own, or will you have help? And will you be keeping it in one place, or do you plan on moving it around fairly regularly? If you plan on setting up your smokeless fire pit one time and leaving it, Breeo’s heavier construction is a better choice; otherwise, Solo Stove’s lighter weight makes it easier to move around as you please. Generally, the less expensive a smokeless fire pit is, the thinner and lighter its steel will be.
Price
How big is your fire pit budget? If you’re short on cash, Solo Stove is the more frugal option — but if you’re willing to invest more for greater durability and longevity, Breeo is the clear winner. And if you’re looking for a luxury smokeless fire pit that will be the jewel of your backyard setup, Breeo’s Luxeve series is the only way to go. When you’re budget’s really tight, going for a brand outside of the big names can save you a lot of money, as long as you’re willing to take an hour or so putting them together.
Accessories
Are you planning on using your fire pit to grill? If so, only Breeo offers accessory packages to convert your smokeless fire pit into a smokeless grill. Solo Stove offers stands, shelters, and roasting sticks in one affordable package for anyone looking to make s’mores on a summer night. Other brands tend to go light on accessories, and focus on the main package instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s some common questions about smokeless fire pits.
Should you cover your fire pit?
The answer to this question will be determined based on the style and design of your fire pit. For example, a glass-enclosed fire pit would not benefit from being covered because it would just trap in the heat. A freestanding chiminea might work better with a cover, though. The main issue with trying to seal in heat is that letting out too much could cause carbon monoxide to enter the space when you are ventilating or if there is anyway for oxygen–or any other combustible material–to get in there.
What is the best wood to burn in a smokeless fire pit?
There are a lot of factors that come into play when determining the best wood to burn in a fire pit. You’ll need to determine whether you want heat-producing or heat-conserving flames, whether you want it for cooking, and what type of fuel is allowed in your location. The most popular types of wood used for fires are sugar maple, yellow birch, white ash, and red oak–choose whichever has the most availability in your area. With a smokeless fire pit there really isn’t any wrong answer!
Can you put a portable fire pit on a wood deck or grass?
Yes, most portable fire pits are designed with with a small stand or table for you to set them on. Wood decks are ideal for this, but it will damage the deck over time.
How do you clean the ashes out of a smokeless fire pit?
This is done with a shovel, rags and careful lifting. The ash will weigh a lot less than the actual wood, so it should come out pretty easily. Now, since the fire pit is doing complete combustion, there should be very little ash & debris in the fire pit.
How much does it cost to replace the lava rocks in a smokeless fire pit?
The replacement costs of these materials is negligible, except maybe for high-end steel models. The majority of people don’t even bother replacing them–they just keep adding new lava rock if needed.
Can you use wood pellets in any fire pit?
Wood pellets are a type of fuel that is actually a compressed form of sawdust, bark shavings and fine wood particles. It looks like small pieces of birdseed or rabbit food. You can use it as an alternative to firewood without the mess, heavy lifting or foul odor. In fact, many people prefer this as compared to using logs as it burns longer and cleaner with less ash residue.
The one downside is that you will likely need a stove or fireplace insert because specialized fireplace grates normally aren’t able to contain the smaller size pieces of wood pellets–too much could fall through into the coals below. And if your goal was to cook something smoky on a spit, you should probably stick with real logs instead–as tasty as they may be.
What is the difference between partial and complete combustion?
Complete combustion is when all of the fuel has been converted into heat and light. Partial combustion happens when semi-burned or unburned fuel stays in the ashes–like a dirty fire that won’t burn completely through a log. It is also known as smoldering, smoking or the incomplete combustion of fuels. Smokeless fire pits are designed to produce clean flames with low emissions.
Do smokeless fire pits give off heat?
Yes. A smokeless fire pit gives off heat in two ways–directly by burning the fuel, and also by absorbing the heat from other objects in whatever space it occupies. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you have proper ventilation around your smokeless fire pit at all times.
You may need a stove or fireplace insert because specialized fireplace grates will not be able to contain the smaller size pieces of wood pellets–too much could fall through into the coals below! And if your goal was to cook something smoky on a spit, you should probably stick with real logs instead–as tasty as they may be.
Can you cook on a smokeless fire pit?
Yes. A smokeless fire pit gives off heat in two ways–directly by burning the fuel, and also by absorbing the heat from other objects in whatever space it occupies. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you have proper ventilation around your smokeless fire pit at all times.
Placing food directly on top of the lava rocks produces more smoke since they will burn away, but cooking over wood or lump charcoal is an acceptable practice for some recipes that do not require high-levels of smoky flavor (such as grilled cheese sandwiches). Be careful when cooking with high-level flavors because too much liquid may escape through the gaps between stones after prolonged use.
Do smokeless fire pits keep mosquitoes away?
No. Mosquitoes are usually deterred by the smoke from a typical fire pit. Mosquitoes are encouraged by the humidity and temperature that smokeless fire pits produce. If you’re looking for a way to keep mosquitoes away, try citronella candles or bug repellant with DEET or an all-natural option–just be sure to avoid using anything scented that might mix with the scent of your meat!
Where to Buy A Smokeless Fire Pit
Which of these two smokeless fire pits sounds like it would be a great fit for your backyard? To recap, let’s take another look at my two favorite brands:
Breeo is the original in the field, and still the benchmark standard by which all other smokeless fire pits are measured. Their flagship X series smokeless fire pit is incredibly rugged and durable, and can be outfitted with specialized grilling accessories to turn it into a fully functional smokeless grill. While it’s the pricier option of the two, Breeo’s smokeless fire pits are our first choice — especially if you’re looking for a long-term investment, like their Luxeve smokeless fire pit.
In contrast, Solo Stove has made a name for their products by offering lightweight, space-saving, and affordable smokeless fire pits. Their Ranger smokeless fire pit measures just 15 inches wide at its base and weighs only 15 pounds, making it the clear choice for anyone looking to take their smokeless fire pit on a camping trip. Their Bonfire smokeless fire pit is a step up in size and price that’s still suitable for backyard use, while the Yukon fire pit rivals Breeo’s X series in size and burning capacity.
There are also lots of other off-brands available on Amazon. Here’s a few bestsellers.
- Constructed with 16-gauge stainless steel and durable weatherproof powder-coated exterior in black
- Patented internal airflow system for better fire, low smoke and less ash
- 25" Diameter with approx. 16" depth and diameter on the inside
- Ash pan for easy cleanup and less mess
- You can use traditional firewood, but when used with a TIKI Brand Wood Pack you get all these benefits plus: An instant light fire, Predictable approximately 30-minute burn per pack
- EFFICIENT DESIGN - The Blue Sky line brings you an innovatively designed fire pit with the ability to burn with little smoke, sparks, ash, or odors
- HIGH HEAT - This fire pit is made to generate a significant amount of heat for your next backyard campfire
- READY TO USE - With limited assembly needed, and quick ability to carry and store, Blue Sky brings you a ready to use fire pit
- STURDY DESIGN - This backyard fire pit is made with durable steel design and a long life
- IDEAL MAKE - This backyard fire pit comes 23. 9" x 16" inches for the ideal backyard fire
- SMOKELESS EXPERIENCE: Enjoy your fire without the nuisance of smoke; Our Dragonfire fire pit features a double-walled construction that efficiently circulates the air, allowing the wood to burn without smoke escaping
- SAFE FROM HOT SPARKS: The Dragonfire bundle includes a spark screen that helps to protect you, your guests and the patio or deck surface by containing the sparks and embers in the fire pit, while still being able to enjoy the warm fire
- ECO-FRIENDLY & WOOD BURNING: We recommend using dry wood logs for the best bonfire experience
- TAKE IT ANYWHERE: The Dragonfire outdoor fire pit has a diameter of 23.5”, allowing for easy transportation to your next bonfire, camping trip, tailgate party, or outdoor picnic; The Dragonfire comes with a waterproof cover that protects your fire pit from all types of weather
- GREAT FOR THE OUTDOORS: The perfect addition to your camping, tailgating, RV, and picnic experience; The Dragonfire fire pit allows you to grill, roast marshmallows, and enjoy gathering with friends
- LARGEST SOLO STOVE- Coming in at 27" the Yukon out measures all other Solo Stove fire pits, creating the hottest and most effective fire
- SECONDARY COMBUSTION - Double wall design maximizes airflow and burning process. Bottom vent holes allow oxygen to the feed the fire from below while simultaneously channeling warm oxygen up between the walls of the stove and back into the fire.
- EFFICIENT BURN/LOW SMOKE - A more complete burn means little to no smoke. It also means no more half burnt logs to deal with.
- NO MORE DODGING SMOKE - Since Yukon burns with almost no smoke, you'll spend less time dodging smoke and your clothes won't smell. You'll spend more time enjoying the fire!
- YUKON STAND- Designed to allow you to use your Yukon on more heat sensitive surfaces like wood decks. By raising up your Yukon and allowing more airflow to pass underneath, you'll be able to enjoy your Yukon in more places than ever before
- Solo Stove Bonfire, the world's most unique fire pit, pushes the limits of both combustion airflow efficiency and minimalist outdoor design with its all stainless steel construction. It was painstakingly engineered to provide a backyard fire experience that cannot be duplicated. Our patent pending design sold over $1.1M sold on Kickstarter.
- SECONDARY COMBUSTION - Double wall design maximizes airflow and burning process. Bottom vent holes allow oxygen to the feed the fire from below while simultaneously channeling warm oxygen up between the walls of the stove and back into the fire.
- EFFICIENT BURN/LOW SMOKE - A more complete burn means little to no smoke. It also means no more half burnt logs to deal with.
- NO MORE DODGING SMOKE - Since Bonfire burns with almost no smoke, you'll spend less time dodging smoke and your clothes won't smell. You'll spend more time enjoying the fire!
- EASY TO USE & PORTABLE - The Bonfire’s singular construction completely removes the need for parts and assembly. There is literally no setup. Heavy duty carry case included. Size: 14" tall, 19.5" diameter.
- LARGEST SOLO STOVE- Coming in at 27" the Yukon out measures all other Solo Stove fire pits, creating the hottest and most effective fire
- SECONDARY COMBUSTION - Double wall design maximizes airflow and burning process. Bottom vent holes allow oxygen to the feed the fire from below while simultaneously channeling warm oxygen up between the walls of the stove and back into the fire.
- EFFICIENT BURN/LOW SMOKE - A more complete burn means little to no smoke. It also means no more half burnt logs to deal with.
- NO MORE DODGING SMOKE - Since Bonfire burns with almost no smoke, you'll spend less time dodging smoke and your clothes won't smell. You'll spend more time enjoying the fire!
- EASY TO USE & PORTABLE - The Bonfire’s singular construction completely removes the need for parts and assembly. There is literally no setup. Heavy duty carry case included. Size: 14" tall, 19.5" diameter.
- 🔥【Smoke-Free Stove Fire Pit】: With the innovative Secondary Combustion System, the Oxygen can be added to the combustion again through the top 35 vent holes, which makes the combustion more full and avoids smoke in maximum extent. The most of oxygen comes through the 4 bottom vents to feed the fire.
- 🔥【Safety & High Efficiency】: The design of double sidewalls can insulate the high temperature of combustion to a certain extent, thus reduce the burns caused by accidental touching the sidewall of stainless fire pit. The air passage in the middle can increase the intake of oxygen and the combustion efficiency.
- 🔥【Easy to Assemble】: Our smokeless fire pit is completely built, you can easily assemble it in 5 to 10 minutes. All necessary hardware, tools and user manuals will be provided with our stove. Provide 2 years warranty service, worry-free purchase.
- 🔥【Dimensions and Parameter】: The size of fire pit is:21.5" (Diameter)x 13.8" (Height), Internal diameter is: 15.75", Gross Weight: 49 lbs, Metrial: 304 Stainless Steel.
- 🔥【Multiple Scenes Use】: It is very suitable for many people to sit around the bonfire on the terrace, yard or garden, creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Overall diameter 21.5"(Dia) x 13.8"(H); Weight Capacity: 49 lbs
- 【Pattented Double Wall Design of Fire Pit Bowl- Efficient Hotness without Smoke】Maximizes airflow and burning process producing less smoke and more flame; Bottom vent holes allow oxygen while the double walls warm it. No more smoky clothes or holes in fabrics from sparks.
- 【Practical Two-tier Structure with Specially Added Handle for Campfire】This patio firepit is very easy to set up , just put 2 parts together. Portable handles make it possible to shake ash to keep air through. Easy to lift it up and attempt to dump the ash by bottom underlying tray when it cold.
- 【Cool Shape of Bonfire Pit Made from Sturdy Metal】Awesome fire pit has been painted black, antirust and resistance to high temperature, perfect for wood pellet buring. More affordable for long lasting.
- 【Handy Size with Portable Carrying Storage Bag】Outer diameter 15"( inner diameter 11.4") X height 12.5". Firepit comes with waterproof linning - carrying bag, great for a small space，car camping or deck picnic.You can take it to anywhere you want.
- 【Maintenance 】 After each use, please clean it up and dry it to avoid iron oxidation and rust. If the high temperature paint on the surface falls off after several times use, please brush and paint it. Warm tips, even if there is slight rust, it will not affect the use, please understand.
