Intro
This past New Year’s Eve, Kim and I experienced the Solo Stove for the first time. We spent the night hanging out on our friend’s back patio in SLC next to their Bonfire. It was cold outside, so we bundled up, lit a fire, and stayed warm (with the help of some beer and tequila).
The Solo Stove left a lasting impression. Aesthetically, there’s something about that austere stainless steel drum that can’t be ignored. It reminds me of an Apple product or an Airstream. Is it a stretch to call it downright sexy? I mean, at the end of the day it’s just a fire pit, right?
Its allure doesn’t stop at good looks though. The Solo Stove’s entire chassis is engineered to maximize efficiency and minimize smoke. That means no more smoke in your face, and you know that campfire smell your clothes soak up? That’s a thing of the past.
When Solo Stove asked us to review their best selling fire pit, the Bonfire, we jumped at the opportunity! Our campsite next to Bear Lake in Utah, was the perfect time to bust it out.
Overall
Rating: 9.5/10
At 20 lbs, measuring 19.5 inches at the base and 14 inches tall, the Solo Stove is portable and perfect for our full-time RV lifestyle. Many RV campgrounds only allow fires if you bring a self-contained fire pit, so our Bonfire is a great way for us to continue enjoying campfires on the road.
I’m glad we went with Solo Stove’s medium-sized fire pit, the Bonfire. It makes it easier to fit larger logs which make the best coals for cooking brats, hot dogs, and roasting marshmallows.
I can’t believe how few ashes collect at the bottom of the Solo Stove after a burn. At Bear Lake, there was a fire pit at our campsite, so we were able to dump the ashes there, put the Bonfire in its drawstring bag (included free) and stow it in the truck bed for next time.
With the stand (sold separately), I worry a lot less about leaving marks on whatever surface I set the Solo Stove on.
As technologically advanced as Solo Stove is, it hasn’t defied the laws of physics to create a “smokeless” fire experience. However, it’s much less smokey than a normal fire.
Features
Portable
The Bonfire weighs 20 lbs and comes with a black nylon portable drawstring bag. It’s 19.5″ wide x 14″ tall.
Log Friendly
We opted for the Bonfire instead of the Ranger because it’s 2.5″ taller and 4.5″ wider. This helps accommodate bigger logs which generate more heat.
Low Smoke
The Solo Stove’s top and bottom vent holes create air movement that results in a hotter, well-oxygenated fire that produces less smoke.
Durable
Because it’s made from 304 stainless steel, the Solo Stove is highly heat-resistant and virtually indestructible.
Value
Solo Stoves aren’t cheap, but they’re worth the money. If you look at other portable wood fire pits, you’ll see why. I love how our Bonfire is fully enclosed, low smoke, and prevents embers from flying away. When you light a campfire, the last thing you want is to start a forest fire because hot ash is floating everywhere.
Solo Stove Bonfire
$269.00
