Smokeless Firepits... All Hype or Worth the Price?! An Honest Review 

I’ve used my Bonfire for 2 years and love it. The size of the firewood is only an issue for the ranger. My bonfire has zero problems with standard firewood. Also, I’ve used my bonfire 40-50 times and it looks nothing like yours. I do not leave in the rain, I will slide it under the pass through at night. I also store in the bag after simple wiping with paper towel. The true negative of the solo stove is the lack of conductive heat. But a simple cone on top solves our issues. We also cook on ours quite frequently with no issues. We use grill plate, cast iron pan and pots. Sorry it doesn’t work for you but we love ours.

That small model really limits what you can do with it. Directions clearly state to keep the wood below rim level. Bonfire model fits nearly all campfire wood easily below the rim and nearly smoke free. Living in AZ, with restrictions, the bonfire gives us an option in any campground. Contained fires are allowed.

We splurged and bought the Bonfire size as an anniversary gift to ourselves ☺️ The larger size definitely works better with regular size firewood and once the fire is hot the wood you add burns down below the rim and stays very hot. We have a 2400BH so the same size pass through and we’re able to store ours there with some creative packing. The big advantage we find with the Solo Stove is the ability to have a campfire even after a lot of rain. Too often fire pits or fire rings at campgrounds are too wet to start a fire easily after rains - with the Solo Stove just load with wood, light the fire starter and - Voila! - we have a campfire. Like I said, we treated ourselves and have loved ours. Your mileage may vary 😉 Thanks for the review!

Good video. Just keep in mind if you go the stainless route: A brand new stainless steel fire pit still has its protective top layer. Ones you had a couple of fires in it you will get rust. Especially on the inside surfaces. No matter the brand. I am not living even near an ocean, always have my Breeo under a cover and it does not rain much where I live. I am religious about removing ashes. No water inside of course. Low humidity air. It sits on pavers. After not even 15 burns over a year the X in my 24 x-series is rusting like hell. In the Breeo and associate videos it often seems like "a little cleaning and it will shine like new because it is stainless". After a deep cleaning the outside surely looks better than before, but especially the inside will continue rusting. You cannot really get rid of that. Stainless steel will rust - because of the heat the metal is exposed to it can't really be prevented. I never thought much about that before. When I thought about stainless I had boat equipment and pool ladders in my mind. I thought they don't really rust. Those things might get a patina over time. Some oxidation marks, but that should be it. A fire pit however is exposed to extreme heat. So no way Breeo holds up a lifetime if that is what you think. Their limited lifetime warranty only covers the first 5 years against rusting through. So that is the life span they believe in. I checked that after my purchase. My fault. It does not mean yours will be unusable after 5 years, but according to the warranty chances are pretty high. Too high for Breeo and their warranty. Breeo's warranty is not like Leatherman's or Zippo's. I initially got attracted by all their well-made youtube ads and perfectly placed texts in forums. Don't get me wrong. A Breeo surely is nice, but to my mind they are overpriced. The overall quality is not as they tell in their videos. 304 stainless is the cheapest stainless you get, most bottom edges remain sharp, plenty of parts are just bent to form rather than being welded and the weldings look mediocre - some even really bad. It is made in the U.S. which should be good, but honestly...some of the Chinese weldings look better. Considering the price point I am not impressed. And you might be mistake if you believe it wouldn't rust. Any stainless fire pit will rust. I should have known or informed myself better. My initial euphoria is gone and I probably would not get myself another Breeo. I still like it, but considering they money I have spent, I expected more and found out that you can get similar for a lot less. Costco has a stainless steel pit for under 300. Solo Stove costs only half of a Breeo of the same size. And there are other brands popping up. I guess none of them is better than a Breeo, but also none of them really is worse. You surely get thinner materials, but for a fraction of the costs of a Breeo you still can get a new one after 5-8 years. No illusions, in the end Breeo will maybe last 2 or 3 years longer due to the thicker steel. But then even a Breeo most likely will need a replacement. That said, I don't want to talk Breeo down or Solo or whatever brand up. I just say I didn't do my homework before buying, paid big money and learned my lesson. Just be realistic with your expectations and you'll be okay. Anyway, enjoy your fires and the nights you spend with your loved ones.

That was a great review. We use an Outland Fire bowl, propane, good heat, no smoke, & no smell. Small & lite weight. We save firewood for camp fire pit.

We’ve had the Solo works amazing. It also fits in our pass through. I always get a sinus infection sitting by a campfire. After several years no sinus infections my clothes don’t smell like smoke. Love love love ours!

Enjoying my Solo Bonfire as I post this. Two years of heavy use and other than tarnishing still good as new. We really enjoy it.

Thanks for an honest review. You made it very easy for me to avoid the temptation to buy one of these fire pits. The choices seem to be: 1) you can pay $269 for a fire pit which is sometimes smokeless and sometimes not or use the one at the campground for free. 2) you can carry this thing around in the back of your truck as one more item you have to pack and unpack or just use the one at the campground which requires no transportation. 3) you can transport your own expensive, bulky fire pit to your campsite and then have to clean it afterward or just simply use the one at the campground and leave the ashes in the hole. This really does not seem to be a hard decision-making process in order to maybe not have smoke when you start a fire. The firestarter is an intriguing idea for, perhaps, an emergency fire out in the wilderness but at $26.99 for a three-pack it seems like a pretty expensive way to accomplish a pretty simple chore like starting a campfire. Whenever I split wood I generally just throw all of the splinters and bark into an old trashcan and then just pack some in a small box when I go camping. You put a pile of this in the bottom of your fire ring, squirt some charcoal lighter on it and pile your wood on top. You have then started your campfire just as reliably for a few pennies. Thanks again for the honest, extremely helpful review.

We have the next size larger Bonfire and regular wood that we would buy fits inside very well. We have noticed this is hands down better than burning in public fire pits. No more smelling like smoke when thru for the night! As far as rusting out, I believe it has a lifetime guarantee... Thanks for the review!

I have the bonfire size, it works okay but not blown away. I do love the portability and always take it camping as some campgrounds have no fire ring or in a weird place. I like being able to place the fire where we want it.

The next size up - bonfire- works well with the firewood we buy for camping. The smokeless feature has worked as advertised for us.

For the rust: Try using Rust-Oleum specialty high heat BBQ aerosol paint. It's rust and corrosion resistant for durability. Wire brush/sand then apply paint.

Dude needs an electric chainsaw. I bought a Makita a few years ago and love it! Quiet, no fumes, no gas can in my hot car, starts every time. Cutting a few pieces of firewood in half is really no big deal if you have the right tool

My bet about the rust is, its probably use over time with that pull start fire starter. I also saw a US made one called a “Breeo”. Very similar to the solo stove, but it seems they improved its ability slightly. Similar prices but they have a few more accessories.

Hey y'all, we are Shion and Matthew and found your channel through Facebook. We are currently looking for our RV to live in full time! We know that we want a portable fire pit and have heard a lot of great things about the solo stove and your video explained how it works really well from what we have seen so far. Still not sure if we are going to get one but we do like that it is portable! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the honest review Corey! You validated what we thought about these and helped our decision to purchase or not. -Matt

Great vid! I appreciate your honest comments, I had thought about buying one, but you make some good points regarding the cons. For a fire starter, I fall back on an old reliable method, Cotton balls or tissues dipped into Vaseline or other petroleum jelly. Light that and it will burn for awhile, not thirty minutes, but always gets my fires started. Plus I always keep some Vaseline on hand and always have tissues.

"Probably better than an old wheel" I think that tells me all I need to know...lol

We have the Bonfire version. I will say that it certainly works better with seasoned wood, but we have been very happy with it. I think the bonfire size is the best bet vs the ranger. Won’t fit in our pass through so we just put it in the back of the truck. Only thing I don’t like about it is when I dump the ashes out it comes out of the holes as well and I always get it everywhere. If you have any tips for that let me know.

We picked this one up for some of the same reasons, storage being the big one. It works great for what we use it for, I knew going into it that smaller wood works better and I can cut enough up in 5 min that will last the evening. Even when the campground has a firepit we still use this as it's very simple just to put the cover on when we are done, don't have to wonder if we dowsed the campfire completely out when the wind picks up. They are definitely overpriced, but what isn't in the rv world. So far, no rusting on ours.

Of course smokeless fire pit are not entirely smokeless for reasons we know, but still their secondary burn allowed them to be less smoky. And about the side of the wood: you can just cut it to your convenienece. It is not the end of the world, specially if your some pit is smaller.

As always, thanks for an honest review. Most likely we will go with something like the little red campfire .

love the solo stove. I first bought the ranger and then the bonfire. your wood pieces will fit in the bonfire.

I haven't heard of these smokeless fire pits before. Interesting concept but once you get a fire good and hot it doesn't belch much smoke anyway. I enjoy our pop up pit WHEN we get to use it, but AZ has so many fire restrictions we rarely get to. Cool fire starter too!

I feel like the secret to this design isn’t the design or holes but the fact that it’s in something. The only part of the breeze that touches the fire is the very tips of the flame where normal fires or fire pits are more open so they blow the smoke around on everyone where this one the smoke just goes straight up. 😊

One aspect of the fire pit is they are still permissible in some fire ban areas. Not all. In those cases a propane cooking/heating device may be all that’s permitted.

How much heat does it generate compared to a normal fire pit? In other words will it still warm you and the family when it is cold outside or would you have to sit almost on top of it?

Thanks for the review. Was close to getting one of these, but heard from quite a few that as a product of their design, they don't really allow a lot of heat to radiate from the fire like a typical fire pit. We enjoy sitting around a fire, not just for the novelty of it, but often for the heat. Thoughts or comments from anyone that has one?

Very informative and helpful! We’ve been thinking about getting one of these and this has been very enlightening. Thanks for sharing! ~ Greg and Jamie

we have the big one and it works

I appreciate the review! Definitely not worth $269, except maybe in an urban backyard where open fires aren't allowed... Pop a grate on top on this one and you're in compliance if the FD stops by to check, which has happened to me before. Then again, bottom of an old oil drum would work fine too

My friend has the bonfire and got wood seasoned delivered. Of course he can’t fit it in so we spent a few hours chopping it in half.

I think most fires without it being a smokeless pit does well when you state those parameters using nicely dried wood and once it gets going hot. I think the smokeless firepits are expensive and overrated. The pros as some users pointed out is the portability.

Thanks for the review. Never had one. Looking for a new firepit and the idea of having a easy to transport one, for camping, is appealing.

I see you posted this video 3 years ago.. how is the pit doing now? I recently saw one of these at a park, and I am really looking into getting one of these.

Just bought a Bonfire. Seriously considering using bio bricks. Cost are not that high and lots of convenience. Anyone have experience with them?

Misconception is stainless is rustproof. It isn't, especially when exposed to high heat

Really appreciate all of your videos.........those Solo's lately seem to be seen and reviewed everywhere, but that has to be the smallest one I have seen yet lol......Thanks but No Thanks!

Thanks, been looking at these and this gave me a lot to think about. The fire starters are way too pricey at 7.32 per fire.

I’ve also heard these style fire pits go through wood faster, and don’t radiate heat horizontally to people sitting around it as well. Has that been your experience, if you own one?

If you follow the instructions...it is awesome. We love ours, but ours is not as small as this.

I bought a Chimnea to use in my backyard. Recreational fires are legal in my Democratic run city; however the neighbors still call the fire department and I get a visit from the fire department everytime we enjoy it. At that point we become subjected to the "safe use of fire and city rules talk"... but so far, no tickets. If these smoke less, do they also create less smoke smell to offend all of the sensitive noses in my neighborhood? I have also thought about a portable propane pit.

Hey Cory! You always have some Great vid content. Really enjoyed your review. Ya'll take care and hope to see you soon.

Old wheel? Meh. Is it better than a wash tub out of a broken down washing machine? Biggest problem, out west are fire bans during camping season. This last year was so dry the fire bans extended from camping season into hunting season which I’d never seen before. I’ve deployed a propane fire pit for these reasons. Beware, however, just because the box says the propane fire is “campground approved” does not mean you won’t be talking to self appointed “fun police” regarding the work around. Folks just can’t seem to figure out it’s not the flame that’s the problem, rather the sparks. I also do not necessarily recommend a propane fire for staying warm. They are ambiance only items, and the meme from last hunting season was that it’s “better n nothin.”

I think that I will stick with the Outland firebowl.

Should be corrosion strong, but not sure with the heat.

I would like to ask if this can also be used as an outdoor heater?

The bonfire will fit normal sized firewood

I actually have the same model that you do and so far we like it. There is no rust on ours so I suspect your fire starters are doing something. I’m not sure what but no rust on the bottom of ours. Yeah until the fire is fully going there will be some smoke but I really like the unit . I have a video up that I shot and I do cut my wood so it’s a little smaller so it’s close to the top holes in the unit but so it is about the length of the unit and it works really well. Thanks for the video! Bill

$269 for a fire pit that's not big enough and aren't acceptable at many RV Parks, especially in Florida (Must be at least 6" off the ground if they allow campfires at your site at all). For $269 I can buy one of those saucer style fire pits on legs that folds up nearly flat for transport and 2 face cords of firewood where I live.

Great video,thx

Nice review, but I had to go and get my sunglasses, those legs got me. Nicely done ✅

Ecofuego is what you need❤

People seem to buy stuff without fully researching. It is a Firepit, it doesn't solve the worlds problems. Not being "blown away"? Yeah it's a firepit. Not sure what people are looking for this thing to do.

Why don't any of these reviews discuss the radiated heat? Does it keep you warm in the sides?

Thanks for the video, helped me to decide I'll pass for the price.

Looks like it would be good with wood pellets ???

Really need closed captions, please. I liked, but I watch these at night.

Thanks for the great review always wondered about those you gave a honest great review. I loved the fire starter never seen those yet. Ill pass on it for that price right now plus carrying it around site to site. Max_Your_Journey (Alvin)

Smokeless when you use pellets not wood. It says it in the manual....

I just can't be bothered to follow instructions and build a properly sized fire.

It's stainless, it's going to look bad when heated up.

Way too much money for what it is. You did a great job with this video. This one isn't for me. I'll make one out of an old washing machine drum.

Those campground fire rings are the worst. It’s like the maximum smoke maker due to terrible/no air flow. The air has to go down and fight against the rising heat. The fire rings need air from the bottom. Air holes would improve them. I prop a side up to make the fire actually burn. I despise those metal rings though. Enough to pay $300 for a trash can with holes? Nope.

Let's get back to the good ole days when men were men.

Take a washing machine tub and save money

The cost is 20 dollars.

buy a saw and get over the lazy streak. Cut the wood the right size

I would use a saw to cut the wood in half

Sembra non conoscere la combustione pirolitica

Buy an electric chain saw and clean your stove with a mr clean pad after it cools down mine still looks new after a year of use your lazy for not wanting to cut your wood or clean your stove dude

I don’t usually comment. I stopped watching when you said a piece of wood was too big. Cut it.

Wood size issues only seem to bother city folk us country folk have no issue with size 🤣 good review though

Just cut the logs in half, no hardship, "you're just not gonna do that" 🙄

Boooooo !! First off get a bigger pit and stop putting the fire out with water..

Thanks for the review. I opted for the flatpack heavy duty Snowpeak Large firepit which is great for keeping your feet warm in winter and just picked up the camp chef sequoia for fireban season which is becoming all too common these days 🔥 🏕️

Lot of whining over nothing.