How does a smokeless fire pit work?
Well, first of all, if you burn dry, properly seasoned wood, any and all fire pits will be smokeless unless they’re embering and about to go out. If you burn green, freshly cut, or wet wood, any fire pit is going to smoke. It’s just the way it is.
However, smokeless fire pits as we see them marketed today allow for better airflow under the wood and therefore can give a “cleaner” burn without as much smoke. Let’s take a look at 3 of the top smoke-free fire pits and see how they work.
What Is A Smokeless Fire Pit?
 | Solo Stove Smokeless Fire Pits |
| View On AmazonView On Solo Stove |
 | Breeo Smokeless Fire Pits |
| View On AmazonView On Northern Tool |
 | Biolite Smokeless FirePit+ |
| View On AmazonView On Biolite.com |
A smokeless fire pit minimizes the amount of smoke output caused by burning wood.
The appearance is similar to a regular fire pit, though they typically have certain design features that allow more oxygen to the fire resulting in less smoke.
This is how BioLite describes the process:
“What did you do with the smoke?”
This is the question we always get when people see [the BioLite] FirePit in person. The answer? We burn it. Smoke is just uncombusted fuel, so if we engineer a more efficient fire, you get less smoke while using less fuel. Feels like magic, but it’s really science.
Smokeless fire pits create less smoke because they “re-burn” smoke to get rid of almost all the fuel particles that are left. This re-burning process ensures the air flowing out of the pit is as smoke-free as possible.
A smokeless outdoor fire pit will put out some emissions, but it is reduced to the extent that you may not even notice it.
Here are five smokeless fire pits – #5 is a bonus alternative option!
1. Solo Stove Fire Pit
The Solo Stove Fire Pit comes in a whole bunch of sizes or bundles that can be customized by color and personalized with names, initials, or logos.
The smallest of their classic smokeless fire pits is the Ranger 2.0, then there’s the Bonfire 2.0, and then the largest is the Yukon 2.0. But they now have other styles like the Mesa as well.
Solo Stove is probably the most well-known smokeless fire pit brand, especially since their viral marketing campaign with Snoop Dogg got hundreds of millions of impressions across various social platforms.
There is a limited edition Snoop Dogg smokeless fire pit as part of the collaboration. It’s a special Snoop Dogg Bonfire version with additional accessories.
Here’s how Solo Stove describes their smokeless feature:
Bonfire’s double-walled design offers superior airflow and a prime secondary burn for uninterrupted enjoyment in the outdoors. The wood-burning flames get 400° hotter than conventional fires, eliminating smoke and creating fine ashes.
Whenever we have used this fire pit in combination with dry seasoned wood, it certainly has been smokeless. We can recommend it to those looking for a quality portable wood burning fire pit.
2. Breeo Fire Pits
The Breeo X Series 24 smokeless outdoor fire pit comes with several options for you to choose from.
The standard model is made from Corten steel that comes blue but with age develops a reddish-brown patina that gives it a rustic look. You can also pay extra for a stainless steel model. Any type of steel fire pit can be relied upon to last a long time.
You’ll get your choice of the standard rim opening, or you can pay extra for a sear plate. The sear plate lets you cook around the edge of the fire pit opening.
This version reduces the inner rim opening and provides a wider edge that allows you to sear steaks, seafood, burgers, or whatever else you’re ready to cook up.
Breeo says this model is the right size to fit four to eight people around it comfortably, and they offer other versions of this firepit for smaller and larger crowds.
This fire pit also comes in other sizes – check out our complete Breeo fire pit review to see all the options.
3. BioLite Firepit+
As already mentioned, we have the BioLite FirePit+ and use it often through the spring, fall, and summer.
As you can see, it’s a completely different design from the Solo Stove and Breeo fire pits, but it’s also designed to be smokeless.
The BioLite has a battery powered fan with 5 speeds that allow you to control the rate of burn. You can turn the fan off and it will just do its thing, or put it on 5 and you’ll have a roaring fire on your hands.
Besides the fan, you’ll also notice the steel mesh body that allows for even more air draw. Again, this helps cut down or stop smoke from the fire, but it also lets you see the fire in the fire pit – something the previous fire pits don’t offer.
The fan is a nice feature to have at the end of the night when you want to quickly burn out the fire. When it’s on full force the fire will consume the fire fast!
The other thing I like about this model is the range of accessories… there’s a cast iron griddle, cooking utensils, and even a grill lid. The carry bag is a must-have.
Overall, we’ve been really pleased with this fire pit for family use. Whenever we have extended family or friends over we use one of our larger fire pits, but for the four of us, this one is perfect.
I wouldn’t call it a “party fire pit”, but it’s a camping fire pit or a functional fire pit. We’re less likely to sit around it and make smores compared to more open fire pits.
4. INNO STAGE Cheap Smokeless Fire Pit
This INNO STAGE portable smokeless fire pit burns wood pellets, which adds to its portability.
In smokeless fire pit reviews, wood pellets are a feature that can be both a pro and a con, depending on the individual user’s preferences. Wood pellets can be stored and can be transported easier than logs.
If you’re looking for maximum portability, this could make a great little fire pit to take along on trips or to haul into the backyard. The mini version is small enough to stick in a backpack – it might even be better than a portable propane fire pit.
Built-in metal handles on each side let you shake the fire pit to more evenly distribute the ash and improve airflow or carry the fire pit wherever you need to go.
This no-smoke fire pit is available in small, medium, or large. The mini version weighs 8.5 lbs and isn’t quite as tall as a standard wine bottle. The large model weighs 34 lbs and is big enough for a group of friends or family to gather around.
The fire pit comes in two pieces: the bottom tray for ash; and the upper part where the wood pellets burn. The INNO STAGE pit also comes with a carrying case.
5. Bali Smokeless Propane Fire Pit
Lastly, if you really hate smoke and want to stop it altogether, have you thought about getting a propane gas fire pit?
A small propane fire table or fire pit can serve the same function as a wood-burning one while not producing any smoke at all. It’s truly a smokeless fire pit!
They also come in all shapes and sizes, and you can still roast marshmallows over propane gas. You don’t have the fuss of firewood either, but there are downsides as well.
In our opinion, wood-burning fires have a better atmosphere and they put out more heat. It’s more fun to watch wood fires than gas fires – don’t get us started on electric fire pits!
Do Smokeless Fire Pits Actually Work?
Smokeless fire pits work as long as you’re not expecting them to be 100% smoke-free.
It’s impossible to burn wood without creating some level of smoke. In a smokeless fire pit, you’ll be able to burn wood more efficiently and produce less visible smoke because of its unique design.
Bear in mind, that when you first light the wood, you’ll produce more smoke than the fire should for the rest of its burning time. Once the fire starts burning and the fire pit heats up, the design will do its job and keep the smoke at bay.
The design of a no-smoke fire pit allows cool air to enter the bottom and rise to escape out of the top. These fire pits typically have an outer wall and a second wall inside to create a gap between them for air to flow through.
Convection pulls smoke in between the outer and inner layers of the wall as the hot air rises.
Smoke is re-burned in what’s known as secondary combustion so that the air escaping out of the top is as smoke-free as possible.
Fire produces smoke when there’s not enough oxygen or the fuel isn’t burning efficiently.
A low burning temperature makes a smokier fire, too. If the wood in your fire isn’t burning completely in a hot, oxygen-fed fire, the wood material that’s left creates dark smoke and soot.
Any smoke produced will be re-burned in the wall of the fire pit. This re-burning means there will be fewer smoke particles to stick to your hair and clothes.
Biolite Vs Breeo Vs Solo Stove
The Breeo, Solo Stove, and Biolite smokeless fire pits are all excellent choices if you’re in the market to buy one.
They each have pros and cons that will depend on things like:
- Where you’ll use it
- How you’ll use it
- How many people will use it
- Will it fit in with your backyard decor
In a standoff of the Solo Stove vs Breeo, the Solo Stove fire pit is a better choice if you want a fire pit you can take camping, to the beach, or simply move around in your backyard. The Biolite may even be better than that.
It’s lighter, smaller, and comes with a carrying case. Accessories can turn it from an ordinary fire pit into one used as a cooking fire for your next backyard, beach, or camping cookout.
Breeo wins in a Breeo vs Solo Stove showdown if you’re looking for something rustic that will be a fixture in your backyard. They have a nice big version that’ll look good in a permanent home.
The option of a sear plate rim edge designed for outdoor cooking is a nice perk, and the accessories designed for cooking make this model more of an at-home party centerpiece.
If cooking is an important feature, you might want to check out these fire pit grills or the relatively new Solo Stove Grill. Of course, we think the Biolite wins in this department – it’s excellent for cooking.
Smokeless Fire Pit FAQs
Are Smokeless Fire Pits Worth the Money?
Smokeless fire pits create less smoke than standard fire pits.
Then they re-burn that smoke to get rid of almost all the fuel particles that are left. This process renders the air flowing out of the fire pit as smoke-free as possible.
If you’d like to avoid being inundated with smoke while trying to enjoy a backyard bonfire, smokeless fire pits are definitely worth the money. They’re typically not much more expensive than regular fire pits and offer the benefit of less smell, less smoke, and less hassle.
Can You Cook On a Smokeless Fire Pit?
You can cook on a smokeless outdoor fire pit.
Some designs have grill grates and other add-ons specifically for cooking, but they’re also suitable for sticking a hot dog or a marshmallow on a stick and holding it over the big flame that these fire pits produce.
If you’re used to cooking over a regular fire pit, plan on your food cooking faster because of the higher heat. You also might need to adjust the distance between the food and the flame because it will reach higher than flames from wood in a standard pit.
Are Smokeless Fire Pits Safer?
A no-smoke fire pit means you’ll inhale less smoke while enjoying your time outside. Less inhaled smoke is better for everyone, especially people who have lung conditions like asthma or COPD.
However, smokeless fire pits burn hotter than standard fire pits. The flames also typically stretch much higher.
Bigger and hotter flames do create a higher risk of being burned. If you follow the same safety precautions you do around any fire, you can enjoy it safely.
What Fuel Do You Use in a Smokeless Fire Pit?
Most smokeless fire pits burn firewood. You can find outdoor stoves that burn everything from charcoal briquettes to sawdust bricks, but they’re designed for their specific fuel type and probably aren’t smokeless.
If you’re supposed to burn sawdust, wood pellets, or other materials, the manufacturer will note it on the packaging. Burning other fuel sources in a smokeless pit designed for firewood could create a large amount of smoke.
What Is the Best Wood to Burn in a Smokeless Fire Pit?
Oak and other hardwoods burn hotter and cleaner than softer woods. Even in a standard fire pit, hardwoods create less residue and smoke than many types of wood.
Avoid green or damp wood. Green or wet wood will create tons of smoke and may not even ignite properly no matter how efficient your fire pit is.
Best Smokeless Fire Pits
So, how does a smokeless fire pit work?
Burn dry well-seasoned wood and it will put off a lot less smoke, no matter what type of fire pit you’re using.
Whether you’re looking for an attractive addition to our backyard or something you can take on a trip without getting steeped in wood smoke, there are smokeless fire pit models and makes available to meet your needs.
The Blue Rooster Chimineas are another type of smokeless fire pit – just burn clean dry wood and she’ll burn smokeless – plus they are a great design!
Thanks for an honest review. 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!
I like the sound of the Biolite fire pit other than that it seems quite small. The other smokeless fire pits look better to sit around, but the biolite has what seems to be innovative features. Is the blower very loud?
We’ve seen other people complain about fan noise but it hasn’t been an issue at all for us. When the fan is up high then the fire burns harder and faster. The sound of the fire is always louder than the fan, so we don’t hear it at all. Either way, I think it just becomes like white noise that you quickly ignore altogether.