I’ve had my eye on a Solo Stove for a while now because they seem to be running away with the smokeless fire pit category. These stainless steel, smokeless fire pits and camp stoves are a game changer for backyard bonfires and camping trips. No more smokey eyes or sitting in the smoke zone – the Solo Stove is a breath of fresh air (literally).
But what makes these fire pits so special? It’s all in the design. The double-walled structure promotes airflow through the bottom holes and out the top, resulting in a mesmerizing flame that will have you wanting to sit around the fire all night long. Plus, Solo Stove recommends burning hardwoods like birch, maple, hickory, and oak for an even more efficient and smokeless burn.
But with six stove models to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you? Well, a lot of it is going to come down to what size firewood you want to work with, and/or whether you need to be portable and hackable or on the move.
First up, we have the Solo Stove Lite. This tiny stove is perfect for backpacking trips and weighs in at only 9 ounces. It’s designed to be used with small twigs, pinecones, and other biomass to create a quick and efficient fire. I’ve used it on several backpacking trips and it’s been a lifesaver. It’s especially useful for those traveling to places where it’s difficult to find fuel, like Hawaii. And starting a fire is a breeze with the optional air flow feature. Just be prepared to spend some time gathering sticks to keep the fire going.
Next, we have the Solo Stove Campfire. This slightly larger stove weighs in at 2.2 pounds and is perfect for car camping and backyard use. It can burn sticks, twigs, and other biomass and is easy to set up and take down. The Campfire also has a built-in ashtray and an optional cooking grate, making it a versatile choice for all your outdoor cooking needs. I love using it for car camping trips and backyard gatherings.
Last but certainly not least, we have the Solo Stove Bonfire. This larger fire pit is perfect for backyard gatherings and can accommodate up to 6 people. It’s made of stainless steel and has a capacity of up to 2.5 cubic feet of firewood. The Bonfire also has a built-in ashtray and adjustable airflow, making it a safe and efficient choice for your outdoor fire needs. I’ve used
Camp Stove Sizes (portable, packable)
Solo Stove Lite
- Weight: 9 oz
- Height/Diameter: 5.7″ tall / 4.25″ diameter
- Fuel: Sticks, twigs, pine cones and other biomass
- Cost: $89.99
The Lite is the smallest Solo Stove and is designed for backpacking. It’s tiny and allows you to not carry any fuel with you – simply gather twigs, pinecones, and other small biomass from your surroundings to start a quick and efficient fire. It’s especially useful if you’re traveling by plane to a place where you plan to backpack, such as Hawaii, where finding fuel can be a challenge. The optional airflow makes starting the fire easy, but maintaining it can be trickier as you’ll need to constantly gather small sticks to keep it going.
Solo Stove Titan
Solo Stove Campfire
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Height/Diameter: 9.25″ tall / 7″ diameter
- Fuel: Sticks, twigs, pine cones and other biomass
- Cost: $149.99
The Campfire is a step up from the Lite in terms of size and is designed for car camping or backyard use. It still uses small biomass as fuel, but the larger size allows for a longer burn time and a more stable base for cooking. It’s a great option for small groups or families looking to enjoy a smokeless fire while camping or in their backyard.
Campfire by Solo Stove
Fire Pit Sizes (full-size firewood)
Solo Stove Ranger
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Height/Diameter: 12.5 x 12.5 in, Weight: 15 lbs
- Key Features: Low Smoke, Portable, Durable
- Fuel: Wood, Small logs (12″ or less) or large sticks
- Cost: $229 (Amazon)
The Ranger is the smallest of the stainless steel fire pits offered by Solo Stove, measuring 12.5 inches in diameter, which means you may have to cut your firewood in half, or it will be sticking out of the top (you could do the upside-down teepee which should still work well). It is suitable for use in smaller outdoor spaces, such as backyard patios and decks, and can accommodate up to 6 people. If you have a small outdoor space and don’t need a large fire pit, the Ranger is a great choice. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to store when not in use.
Solo Stove Bonfire
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Height/Diameter: 14″ tall / 19.5″ diameter
- Fuel: Logs up to 16″ long
- Cost: $299.99 (Amazon)
The Bonfire is the most popular stainless steel fire pits offered by Solo Stove, measuring 19 inches in diameter and taking full size logs up to 16″ long (most cut firewood sold at stores is between 14-16″). It is small enough to be portable, but at 20 lbs, I wouldn’t want to carry it very far. It’s a great choice for small to mid-size deck or patio, or on the driveway as I often see in my neighborhood as a flaming welcome beacon for the neighbors.
Solo Stove Yukon
- Weight: 38 lbs
- Height/Diameter: 14″ tall / 24″ diameter
- Fuel: Firewood
- Cost: $449.99 (Amazon)
The Yukon is the largest stainless steel fire pit offered by Solo Stove, measuring 30 inches in diameter and having a capacity of up to 4.5 cubic feet of firewood. It is suitable for use in very large outdoor spaces and can accommodate up to 12 people.