Solo Stove's Bonfire 2.0 Is the Perfect Portable Fire Pit for Backyards and Beyond

Tested by Laura James and Kayla Kitts

A fire pit creates an instant focal point for any patio or backyard and establishes a natural place to gather and converse, preferably while making s'mores. If you’re looking for an efficient, easy-to-use smokeless fire pit that’s also sleek and stylish, say hello to Solo Stove.

In case you haven’t seen their products all over social media, Solo Stove is a company that makes high-quality stainless steel fire pits, camp stoves and accessories for all your fire needs. We tried out the best-selling Bonfire model, and, just like thousands of other reviewers, have mostly glowing things to say about it. Thanks to the design, the fire pit burns super efficiently and emits almost no smoke.

How We Tested

We originally tested Solo Stove's Bonfire fire pit in 2020 and have since tested the Bonfire 2.0, which, unlike the original, features a removable base plate and ash pan. For both models, we tested them by evaluating what the fire pit came with, how easy it was to set up and, most importantly, how much (if any) smoke the fire put out. Once lit, we observed how quickly the fire burned, how much heat it put out and whether or not we had to shift around the fire to avoid any smoke. Both times, we tested the fire pits with a stand, that you can purchase as part of a bundle. The stand keeps the surface you're using the fire pit on protected from heat. We tested the fire pits with the protective stand on a wood deck, a composite deck, a stone patio and grass. After the many fires we lit, we assessed how easy it was to clean up and store.

How to Set Up a Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit

The Bonfire 2.0 consists of the actual fire pit, removable base plate and ash pan and carrying case. An optional stand, which can be purchased separately or as part of a bundle, can rest under the fire pit, allowing you to use it on heat-sensitive surfaces like a deck.

The setup couldn’t be easier. First, find a mostly level surface and, if using, place the stand. Then set the fire pit on top of the stand. Insert the base plate and ash pan. Fill the fire pit with tinder, kindling and wood at the center, light the fire and place the flame ring, with the side with the smaller diameter circle facing up, on the top of the fire pit. Unlike a typical bonfire that usually requires poking, rearranging of logs and lighting multiple spots to get the flame going, this baby goes from match to full-on bonfire in just a few minutes. While the circular holes along the bottom may just look like an aesthetic element, they're actually part of the smart design that helps air circulate to create smokeless flames.

What We Liked About the Bonfire 2.0

In both form and function, we love the design of Solo Stove's fire pits. The sleek and minimal silhouette fits seamlessly in any backyard space. We love the classic stainless steel finish as well as the many stylish ceramic-coated color finishes available.

We love the virtually smokeless, efficient fire. Unlike a fire pit you might make at a designated campsite within a rock border, a fire contained in a Solo Stove doesn't require nearly as much futzing. After lighting a fire starter or kindling and placing a few dry logs, the fire in a Solo Stove takes off, burning efficiently and vertically. While we did occasionally experience some smoke during testing, especially during the first 10 minutes or so of lighting it, the fires we burned in Solo Stove's Bonfire 2.0 put out much less smoke than a standard campfire and we did not need to shift around to a new position anytime the wind changed. Since it burns super efficiently, you can also get a fire started in just a few minutes and burn through a few logs relatively quickly, making it convenient to make a quick fire on a weeknight after dinner, for example, rather than having a bonfire an experience reserved for camping trips or weekend parties when you plan to be outside for extended periods.

The lightweight design and included carrying case make this fire pit portable and versatile. At 23.3 pounds, 14 inches tall and 19.5 inches in diameter, the Bonfire 2.0 is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move around your yard or patio or to and from storage. It's portable enough to bring it along for the occasional car camping trip or tailgate party, but if a campsite is the primary setting you plan to use this fire pit, the smaller Ranger model or a camp stove from Solo Stove might be worth considering.

We also love the accessories. As a new homeowner who’s hesitant to risk any damage to my deck or home, I appreciated having the stand to protect my deck from the heat. Even while the fire raged at full force, the stand below was cool to the touch! In addition to the stand, Solo Stove offers all kinds of accessories for cooking or elevating your Solo Stove, from s'more sticks to surrounds to shelters, which help keep debris out of the fire pit if you prefer to leave it out rather than storing away after each use.

What We Didn't Like About the Bonfire 2.0

Since Solo Stove is known for its "smokeless" fire pits, some customers may be disappointed to learn the fire pits are not 100% smokeless every time. In testing, we often observed that the flame did give off smoke for the first 10 minutes or so after lighting the fire. Once the fire got going, the smoke was very minimal. According to the brand, some factors that can help eliminate smoke in a Solo Stove fire pit include dumping out the ash between uses, lighting a small fire starter and kindling before adding larger logs, using super dry hardwood, not using too much wood and mixing up the fire to introduce more oxygen throughout the burn time.

Though we primarily considered the efficient burn time a positive aspect of the Bonfire 2.0, it's worth mentioning that you may need more wood to prolong the fire than you might with a traditional campfire.

While the sleek design is one of our favorite parts of Solo Stove's fire pits, potential customers should be aware that the stainless steel finish will patina and show some discoloration over time from the heat and environmental factors, especially if not stored away when not in use. If patina is a concern, choosing one of the ceramic-coated color finishes would be best.

How to Care for and Maintain a Solo Stove Fire Pit

When you're done with the fire, simply let it die down on its own, and, once completely cooled (usually the next morning is best), remove the ash pan and base plate to dump out the remaining ash. The removable base plate and ash pan is an upgrade from the original Bonfire and means you don't have to lift up the entire fire pit to dump out the ashes anymore. In testing, we noticed that some ash would occasionally make its way under the ash pan, but it was minimal. To protect the fire pit from the elements and minimize signs of wear, storing the fire pit in the included carrying case in a shed, garage or basement is a good idea. If you don't want to bother with putting it away after use, you can also purchase a lid or shelter as an add-on to protect the fire pit.

Is a Solo Stove Fire Pit Worth It?

Given the versatility, portability, performance and design of a Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, we think the product is a great value and a worthwhile purchase. While more permanent hardscaped fire pits can elevate a backyard, a Solo Stove fire pit can be just as stylish and functional for backyards but is, arguably, a lot more versatile and a great investment since you can bring it along on camping trips, tailgates, vacations and even to your next home if you move. Practical and easy to use, a Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 also makes a great gift or addition to a wedding registry.