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Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Review

A top-of-the-line smokeless fire pit built with efficient burning and longevity in mind
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Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Review (The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 has a long burn time without sacrificing the heat.)
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 has a long burn time without sacrificing the heat.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey
Price:  $300 List
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Manufacturer:   Solo Stove
By Kenji Mowrey ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Aug 21, 2024
83
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 13
  • Heat Output - 35% 8.0
  • Smoke Management - 30% 9.0
  • Portability - 20% 8.0
  • Ease of Cleaning - 10% 7.0
  • Ease of Assembly - 5% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 exceeded our high expectations and was one of our favorite models of the test group. Between the impressive burn time, the excellent smoke management, and a well-crafted design, Solo Stove checked off all the boxes with the Bonfire 2.0. This fire pit outperformed the competition across most of our test metrics. We especially appreciated its well-designed airflow system and its ability to burn a consistent, clean fire. The Bonfire is light enough to work as a portable option for camping and tailgating while still robust enough to be an attractive option for backyard gatherings. Our review of the best fire pits shows how the Bonfire compares to the rest of the group.
REASONS TO BUY
Superior airflow system
Burns super clean
Removable ashtray
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Does not disperse heat outwards as much as we'd prefer
Stand required to keep from burning your deck

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Fire Pit
Top Pick Award
Best Portable Propane Fire Pit
Top Pick Award
Best Tabletop Fire Pit
Best Buy Award
Best Budget Smokeless Fire Pit
 
Price $199.98 at Dick's Sporting Goods
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$215 List
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line An exceptional fire pit that offers a clean and smoke-free burnA hassle-free propane fire pit that offers convenience and the ability to bypass fire restrictionsInexpensive, fun tabletop pit that leaves no mess and is very easy to useWhile not the most durable, the Surestove budget smokeless fire pit burns hot and offers great portabilityA great way to roast marshmallows at the table or for styling a backyard event, but not the best for warmth and comfort
Rating Categories Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Outland Living Mega Roundfire Concrete... Surestove Smokeless Solo Stove Mesa Tab...
Heat Output (35%)
8.0
7.0
3.0
7.0
4.0
Smoke Management (30%)
9.0
10.0
10.0
7.0
8.0
Portability (20%)
8.0
6.0
10.0
9.0
10.0
Ease of Cleaning (10%)
7.0
10.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
Ease of Assembly (5%)
9.0
9.0
10.0
9.0
10.0
Specs Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Outland Living Mega Roundfire Concrete... Surestove Smokeless Solo Stove Mesa Tab...
Measured Weight 21.2 lbs 25 lbs 3.5 lbs 18 lbs 1.4 lbs
Fuel Type Wood, Pellet (adapter sold separately) Propane Bioethanol Wood Wood, Pellet
Measured Burn Time 60 minutes 400 minutes 60 minutes 45 minutes 10 minutes
Measured Assembly Time 3 minutes 3 minutes 0.5 minutes 3 minutes 0.5 minutes
Max Recommended Log Length 16" N/A N/A 16" 3"
Measured Inner Diameter 17.5" 19" 3" 18" 5.1"
Measured Dimensions 19.5"L x 19.5"W x 14"H 24"L x 24"W x 13"H 5"L x 5"W x 6"H 19"L x 19"W x 14"H 5.1"L x 5.1"W x 6.8"H
Material Stainless Steel Steel with powder coating Concrete Stainless Steel Stainless Steel/ceramic
Ignition Type Lighter required Lighter required Lighter required Lighter required Lighter required

Our Analysis and Test Results

It didn't take long for our testers to gravitate towards the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0. The best combination of heat output, smokeless burn, and easy clean-up helped the Bonfire 2.0 rise above the rest. If you don't mind the higher price tag, this is a solid investment that will last. Solo Stove also offers a wide range of accessories, such as heat deflectors, pellet adaptors, and pit surrounds, to help compliment your fire pit.

Performance Comparison


solo stove bonfire 2.0 - the bonfire burns hot, has little smoke, and looks great. what's not...
The Bonfire burns hot, has little smoke, and looks great. What's not to love?
Credit: Kenji Mowrey


Heat Output


For this metric, we measured heat through the use of infrared thermometers and a “feel” test from two, four, and six feet away to gauge heat dispersion. Combining the two tests gives our overall heat output score. The Solo Stove consistently read up to 1,000°F and was also the star in our burn time tests.


To test burn time, we fed our test pits with equal parts wood and starter, then timed how long it took for each pit to burn out. The Bonfire burned for 60 minutes on just three medium-sized logs, which was impressive considering its size. We also measured the maximum log length for each pit. The ability to stuff a larger log into the pit also helps achieve a longer burn time. The Bonfire was able to comfortably fit logs up to 16 inches. The longest burn times in our test were achieved by pits that utilized propane tanks. Amongst the wood burning pits, the Bonfire performed quite well.


During testing, we continued to come back to the Solo Stove Bonfire because it provides the best mix of heat and smokeless burn. The Bonfire didn't offer the highest heat output out of the bunch, but we felt it provided the best overall experience. This included one of the longest burn times, an incredibly quick ignition process, and enough heat to keep multiple people warm through the night.

solo stove bonfire 2.0 - even before reaching its peak burn phase, the bonfire got up to high...
Even before reaching its peak burn phase, the Bonfire got up to high temps in a hurry.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey


Smoke Management


Along with heat output, a fire pit that keeps smoke away is an essential component of a good fire pit. To gauge smoke, we used more subjective testing. This included igniting pits side by side with equal parts of wood to evaluate which models produced more or less smoke than others.


The design of the Solo Stoves airflow system allows for a secondary burn that places it at the top of our wood-burning pits. Not only was the Solo Stove the most impressive during peak use, but it controlled smoke levels best during ignition and extinguishment. While all smokeless fire pits will emit some smoke during use, we found the Solo Stove had the most effective design aimed at keeping smoke at a minimum.

solo stove bonfire 2.0 - the bonfire (middle left) showcasing how little smoke is produced...
The Bonfire (middle left) showcasing how little smoke is produced during peak burn.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey

We also conducted a smoke test using unseasoned wood. Wetter, unseasoned wood tends to create more smoke, but it helps put these smokeless models to the test. The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 did the best out of our test group at taming smoke with less-than-ideal wood. While all fire pits produced more smoke, the Bonfire was visibly less than all others, with considerably less time to achieve a roaring fire.

The bonfire next to non-smokeless pits showcases just how big of a difference there is.
Credit: Chris McNamara

Portability


With a weight of 21 lbs and dimensions of 19.5" x 19.5" x 14", the Bonfire is one of the lighter options on the market relative to its size.


The cylindrical shape and use of stainless steel mean the Bonfire isn't particularly hard to carry, but with no built-in handle, it can feel slightly awkward to move. Still, we had no problem moving it from the car to the campsite, and we found it to be one of the more portable smokeless pit options that was still large enough for smaller groups and families.

solo stove bonfire 2.0 - the use of stainless steel helps the bonfire stay fairly light.
The use of stainless steel helps the Bonfire stay fairly light.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey

Ease of Cleaning


While maybe the least fun part of owning a fire pit, making sure you can minimize the effort and time required to clean your fire pit is ideal. The Bonfire 2.0 was updated from its predecessor to include a removable ash pan that resides underneath the base plate. With a straightforward and simple design, the ashtray helps speed up the cleanup process. Our one gripe is that you still have to pick up the tray from inside the pit as opposed to a slide or drawer mechanism found in other fire pits.


Still, we think having an included ashtray makes life easier and saves you the hassle of awkwardly lifting and dumping your ash from the pit.

The removable ash tray sits under the base plate. We found it adequate at removing the majority of ash after a night of fires.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey

Ease of Assembly


To evaluate the Bonfire's ease of assembly, we ran a timer to see how long it took to assemble out of the box and considered if any tools or special instructions were required.


Assembly was under a minute with the Bonfire; all it took was unboxing and putting the ash pan and fire ring onto the pit. Apart from the easy setup, we also appreciated how well-packaged the bonfire was to avoid any damage to the stainless steel.

solo stove bonfire 2.0 - essentially, no setup was required on the bonfire; we were big fans.
Essentially, no setup was required on the Bonfire; we were big fans.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey

Should You Buy the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0?


The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is a great choice for someone willing to invest in a top-of-the-line smokeless fire pit. The versatility of the Bonfire helps it excel across the board, whether that's for tailgating, camping, or backyard gatherings. Our tests gave us high regard for this pit, and it went above and beyond our expectations. Between its effective design, ease of use, and visual appeal, it's hard to go wrong.

solo stove bonfire 2.0 - if you are in the market for the best smokeless fire pit, the...
If you are in the market for the best smokeless fire pit, the Bonfire 2.0 is our top recommendation.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey

What Other Fire Pits Should You Consider?


If you like the Solo Stove but need something bigger to accommodate more friends, we were also big fans of the Bonfire's larger brother, the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0. If you are worried about summer fire restrictions, we also reviewed a great propane-fed fire pit option, the Outland Living Mega. And if you need a more permanent deck or patio option, we suggest taking a look at the Outland Living Granville.

solo stove bonfire 2.0 - if you are interested in the most capable fire pit possible, the...
If you are interested in the most capable fire pit possible, the Bonfire 2.0 is hard to beat.
Credit: Kenji Mowrey

Kenji Mowrey
 

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