Luckily, the best smokeless fire pits let you enjoy all the ambiance of a traditional fire without all the smoke. While they won’t completely eliminate smoke, these fire pits will drastically reduce the amount that’s produced so you won’t have to worry about breathing in smoke particles, getting it in your eyes, or smelling like a bonfire for days to come. The best smokeless fire pits work because of their double-wall design. As the fire burns inside the pit, the walls heat up, causing the hot air to rise through the space between the walls and get pulled in through vents in the fire pit. This heated oxygen mixes with the smoke and is burned again in a process called secondary combustion. “Once the secondary combustion is achieved, these fire pits will drastically reduce the amount of smoke that a fire puts off,” says Ty Hancock, product marketing manager for Solo Stove. “This means that your hair, clothes, and other outdoor items are not going to smell of smoke once you’ve packed up for the night.” Keep in mind that in order to achieve secondary combustion, smokeless fire pits burn really hot; fires often get up to 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so safety should be top of mind. “Take care in deciding where you place your fire pit,” says Courtney Klosterman, consumer trends expert for Hippo. “Our team recommends keeping your fire pit at least 10 feet away from your home or any other structures, and away from any overhanging trees.” While some manufacturers suggest that you can use their fire pits on a wood deck if you use a stand, Klosterman recommends placing any fire pit on a gravel or concrete surface. We’ve identified 13 of the best smokeless fire pits that can be used at home or on the go. Our top pick is the Solo Stove Bonfire because it’s made of durable materials and works equally well in the backyard and on camping trips. Plus, the manufacturer offers a variety of accessories to ensure safety and help make grilling and cooking easier. Keep reading to find our full list of the best smokeless fire pits. Keep in Mind: It doesn’t come with any accessories, so you’ll have to purchase them separately. This versatile smokeless fire pit is stylish enough to anchor an outdoor living area, big enough to comfortably fit several people around the fire, yet small enough to take along on your next camping trip. (Its medium size also ensures you can easily store it when it’s not in use.) The fire pit is built from durable yet lightweight stainless steel, so it’s sturdy enough to last through multiple bonfire seasons. The included carrying case makes it super easy to transport, whether you’re packing it for travel or storing it during the off-season. We love how easy it is to clean this smokeless fire pit; simply remove the ashtray from the base of the fire pit and dispose of the debris inside. If you want to use the Solo Stove Bonfire on a heat-sensitive surface like grass or a wooden deck, you can purchase a stand for the unit separately. There are also several other cooking and grilling accessories available as well to fully outfit your campfire. Price at time of publish: $280 Dimensions: 19.5 x 19.5 x 14 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in Mind: This unit burns wood pellets, which will need to be tended frequently to keep the flame going. This smokeless fire pit comes in three sizes, but we chose the 13-inch version as the best budget smokeless fire pit because it’s super easy to take on camping trips (or anywhere else, for that matter). At 8.45 pounds, it’s quite lightweight and comes with a convenient carrying case for even easier transportation. The angular design gives it a distinctive look to add style to your patio if you’re using it at home. It’s easy to set up; simply stack the double-walled fire pit bowl on top of the ash tray, then light a fire. The bottom ash tray makes cleanup easy once the unit is cool since all you have to do is dump out the debris. The unit is painted with a rust- and heat-resistant finish, so it’ll last through multiple bonfire seasons. Keep in mind that it will naturally develop a patina over time. Since this is a wood-burning fire, you’ll need to frequently tend it in order to keep the fire going, so it may not be the best choice if you want to simply light the fire and then relax. Price at time of publish: $59 Dimensions: 12.2 x 12.2 x 8.7 inches | Weight: 8.45 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood pellets Keep in Mind: All of the accessories are sold separately, so the price of building your ideal fire pit can quickly add up. Available in corten steel and stainless steel (for an extra charge), this fire pit is durable enough to stand up to the elements, yet sleek enough to serve as the star of your outdoor living area. At 27.5 inches in diameter, it offers enough heat for hosting small parties around the fire. The corten steel exterior will appear silver when it first arrives, but it’ll develop a natural patina over time that turns it a rustic brown hue. If you have a stone perimeter that you want to convert into a smokeless fire pit, you can purchase the Breeo X Series 24 insert bundle, which slides conveniently into your existing fire pit surround. It offers the same features as the Series 24 fire pit; all you have to do is set the insert ring and fire pit into your stone surround for a minimal-effort upgrade. This fire pit is extremely versatile, so cooking enthusiasts will be able to purchase accessories that turn it into an outdoor cooking center. You can choose from a grill plate, a griddle, a kettle hook, a cast-iron kettle, and more. While we like that there are so many ways to customize the Breeo X fire pit, we wish that it came with a few basic accessories instead of having to purchase them individually. Price at time of publish: $599 Dimensions: 27.5 x 27.5 x 14.75 inches | Weight: 62 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in Mind: Because of its small size, it doesn’t put off as much radiant heat as larger fire pits. This hardworking smokeless fire pit is made of stainless steel, so it will stand up well against wear and tear from transportation and exposure to the elements, whether you are using it at home or while camping. It comes with a moisture-resistant carrying bag with handles, which makes it easy to transport this lightweight unit from the car to the campsite and vice versa. The fire pit features a stand to help improve airflow to the flames and protect the surface underneath (though it’s still not recommended for use directly on wood decks, grass, and other flammable surfaces). At 13 inches in diameter, this fire pit is extremely lightweight and portable, but larger sizes are also available that accommodate standard wood logs and heat a larger area. We also like that the fire pit is compatible with wood pellets and petroleum gas alike, so you can use whichever fuel source you have on hand. Keep in mind that, because of its smaller size, it won’t put out much heat, so don’t plan to use it for keeping large groups of people warm. Price at time of publish: $95 Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 12 inches | Weight: 12 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood pellets, gas Keep in Mind: At 62 pounds, it’s quite heavy, so you won’t be able to move it around as easily as some other models. This smokeless fire pit offers an eye-catching design that complements a variety of patio styles. It’s made from 16-gauge stainless steel and a weatherproof powder-coated black finish to ensure durability against moisture, rust, and dents, so you won’t have to replace it at the end of the season. It offers enough radiant heat to accommodate a group of people, making it great for barbecues and outdoor hosting. The ash pan at the bottom slides out easily for speedy cleanup, and it also comes with a weather-resistant cover for greater protection against the elements when it’s not in use. We recommend choosing a dedicated space in your yard where you plan to use this fire pit most frequently, since it’s quite bulky and can be difficult to move. The fire pit burns wood logs, or you can use a Tiki Wood Pack (wood pellets), which make the fire easier to light and burn for 30 minutes. One bag comes free with your fire pit so you can try them out. Price at time of publish: $395 Dimensions: 24.75 x 18.75 x 24.75 inches | Weight: 45 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in Mind: You’ll need to recharge the battery after use. Control the intensity and size of your campfire without having to manually fan the flames with this smart fire pit, which connects via Bluetooth to your phone. The hyper-efficient air jets inject the fire with oxygen at key spots, resulting in better combustion and a more uniform temperature for grilling. Simply toggle a switch on your phone for a brighter or dimmer blaze. With foldable legs, easy-carry handles, and an included grill grate, this fire pit works great for camping trips—but it can also be used in your backyard. Its see-through mesh body lets you have unimpeded views of the fire, including the embers at the bottom, the wood, and the flames on top. It fits up to four pieces of firewood, and the fire can burn for up to 30 hours on the lowest fan setting. Since the battery isn’t solar-powered, you’ll need to remember to recharge it after every fire. Price at time of publish: $300 Dimensions: 27.17 x 12.99 x 15.75 inches | Weight: 19.8 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood and charcoal Keep in Mind: This model is not intended for cooking and grilling, so it’s best if you just want to kick back and enjoy the warmth and light of the fire. If you like the ambience of a campfire without the constant tending required to keep a wood-burning fire going, you’ll love the convenience of propane fire pits. The Kante Round Modern smokeless fire pit lets you get a fire going quickly—just connect your propane tank to the included gas regulator hose and you’re ready to go. The electric ignition makes it easy to light the fire (it just requires an AAA battery). The unit’s stainless-steel burner and a durable magnesium oxide exterior with a concrete-style finish helps the unit withstand the elements (although the manufacturer recommends using the included PVC cover when it’s not in use) while giving it an industrial modern look. The fire pit table can be used on hard, noncombustible surfaces and even in covered, well-ventilated outdoor areas. It provides up to 50,000 BTUs of heat and is available in three colors: charcoal, natural concrete, and light gray to match your outdoor design style. This fire pit table isn’t intended to be used as a cooking surface, so it may not be the best smokeless fire pit for someone who wants to grill on their new unit. We recommend shopping one of the other fire pits on our list if you want a device that serves multiple purposes. Price at time of publish: $465 Dimensions: 25 x 25 x 13.4 inches | Weight: 40.1 pounds | Fuel Type: Propane Keep in Mind: It’s harder to clean out the ashes than on some other models; you have to tip it over and pour them out between uses. If one of your goals when shopping for the best smokeless fire pits is to find a model that doubles as a portable grill, you’ll likely want to buy a charcoal fire pit. Sold with a grill grate that sits on top of the fire pit, this unit will add both style and function, whether you want to cook on it or just sit back and enjoy the fire. The fire pit burns wood and charcoal alike; simply place the included charcoal grate in the bottom of the fire pit and burn your favorite type of charcoal instead. The fire pit’s exterior is stainless steel, so it will stand up well against frequent use and exposure to the elements without any extra work on your part. It also comes with a carrying case if you want to take it with you on your travels. However, it’s more difficult to remove ashes from this fire pit than other models, since you have to tip it over and dump out the debris after every use. We wish it had a removable ash tray like many of the other best smokeless fire pits on our list. Price at time of publish: $260 Dimensions: 22.25 x 22.25 x 14.75 inches | Weight: 32.2 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in Mind: It’s larger than many portable fire pits, and its heftier weight will make it more difficult to move from home to campsite. It may not have as many bells and whistles as some fire pits, but this one can take a beating without getting damaged, making it the most durable smokeless fire pit on our list. Made in the USA from 304 stainless steel, it’s designed to resist corrosion, prevent dents or holes from forming, and withstand rain and weather without looking worse for wear. (You can also buy a matte black version of this fire pit, but this model may need to be repainted periodically with a high-temperature paint.) White oak handles are stained and waterproofed, so they’ll make it easier to lift and transport your fire pit while staying sturdy through many years of use. The perforations in the metal floor of this fire pit allow oxygen to flow more directly to the flames inside, making it easier to start a wood fire and keep it going for a long period of time. It also has a removable ashtray for quick cleanup once the unit has cooled. An optional snuffer lid helps protect the inside of the pit from the elements when not in use. You can also purchase a cover and a grill rack with adjustable height control so you can vary the temperature if you plan to cook on this fire pit frequently. Price at time of publish: $695 Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 17 inches | Weight: 43 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood Keep in Mind: It’s not designed for grilling, although you could put a grill top once the flames died down. If you have a small patio or limited space when packing for a camping trip, we recommend buying a small fire pit that puts out a lot of heat while remaining compact and easy to operate. Because it’s made of stainless steel that won’t rust and is easy to clean, this smoke- and spark-free fire pit can withstand rainy nights at the campsite, frequent use, and being jostled around in the back of the car without getting damaged. It’s also easy to take it along on camping trips since it’s only 13 inches in diameter and extremely lightweight at 14 pounds. The bottom of this smokeless fire pit nestles into the top piece, making it more compact for traveling and storing. Another advantage: This unit burns wood pellets, which you can legally bring across state lines, so you won’t have to worry about finding firewood when you arrive at your destination. The wood pellets also create less ash, so you have less to clean up—always a good thing, whether you’re using it in your backyard or at a campsite. Price at time of publish: $155 Dimensions: 13.5 x 12.5 x 13.5 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Fuel Type: Wood pellets Keep in Mind: The carrying bag is sold separately—you’ll likely want this if you plan to use this fire pit on the go. This travel-size smokeless fire pit is the perfect way to roast marshmallows or enjoy a roaring fire on the go. The portable fire pit from Outland Living burns propane, so you won’t have to fuss with kindling that won’t stay lit. Plus, it features a 58,000 BTU burner that’ll keep everyone toasty. Its low profile helps increase the heat radius—so you can squeeze more people around the fire without anyone getting cold. A chrome valve knob allows you to control the flame height, and it comes with a lava rock set that enhances the flickering effect to better mimic the look of a traditional wood fire. Its high-quality steel exterior and a stainless-steel burner ensure durability for several years to come. A flared bowl adds a sleek touch to the overall design, and a 10-foot hose lets you keep your propane tank out of sight and out of the way. We recommend purchasing a portable fire pit carrying case since it has convenient handles that make this lightweight device even easier to transport. However, the carrying case is sold separately, so you’ll need to spend a little extra for this added convenience. Price at time of publish: $175 Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 9.25 inches | Weight: 26 pounds | Fuel Type: Propane
What to Know About Smokeless Fire Pits Before Shopping
Material
Fire pits can be made out of a variety of materials, but the best smokeless fire pits are often made of stainless steel. It resists corrosion and is built to withstand the elements, meaning you can transport the fire pit without worrying about it getting dented, and you can expose it to moist or rainy weather without it rusting. Other types of steel may be a good choice, too. Corten steel will form a beautiful patina over time and offers a more rustic look than stainless steel. Some fire pits are made with carbon steel and may be painted with high-temperature paint. The paint may need to be touched up after the fire pit is used for a while, so be prepared for a little extra maintenance if you select one of these models.
Fuel Type
Smokeless fire pits burn a variety of fuels: wood logs, wood pellets, propane, and charcoal. It’s important to read the instruction manual for each model and know what can and can’t be burned in each unit. Keep in mind that some of the smaller fire pits are not large enough for standard wood logs; many of these require wood pellets or small kindling. Although wood offers a more traditional bonfire experience, wood-burning fires require frequent tending to ensure the fire receives proper oxygen and doesn’t burn out. For this reason some people prefer propane fire pits, which are easy to turn on and off and eliminate the need for cleaning up soot and ash. Fire pits that burn charcoal are the best smokeless fire pits for grilling, as they allow you to get that charcoal flavor into your favorite meats.
Size and Portability
Typically, the larger the fire pit, the more people you can fit around the fire, making this an important feature to keep in mind if you plan on using your fire pit for outdoor hosting. Large smokeless fire pits tend to extend radiant heat farther than smaller models and will be able to keep more people warm on cool evenings. Conversely, smaller and more lightweight fire pits are easier to take with you on camping trips, when tailgating, and on other adventures, though you’ll likely need to sacrifice on its size. Many of the smaller units come with carrying cases that help protect the fire pit and make it even easier to carry. Some models designed for maximum portability are built so that one part nests into another part for easier travel and more compact storage.
Additional Features
Be sure to consider what accessories come with the fire pit (or can be purchased separately), especially if you want to use your smokeless fire pit to grill or cook with. There are a number of accessories, such as shields and stands, that are designed to increase safety by minimizing sparks or elevating your fire pit so it doesn’t damage the ground beneath it. Other extras help you transform your fire pit into a grilling and cooking station for alfresco dinners or campfire meals. Some manufacturers offer more accessories than others, so be sure you know what’s available before purchasing your fire pit.
Your Questions, Answered
Do smokeless fire pits give off less heat?
According to Hancock, smokeless fire pits can actually produce more heat than a typical fire pit. “Smokeless fires get to around 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit,” Hancock says. “These types of temperatures are how we attain secondary combustion, which is when the smoke is burned off before it gets sent into the atmosphere.”
Do smokeless fire pits burn more fuel?
Smokeless fire pits typically burn at a higher temperature than traditional fires and put out more BTUs of heat compared to fires of a similar size. Sometimes this means that more fuel is needed for a single fire.
Do smokeless fire pits smell?
Because smokeless fire pits greatly reduce the smoke produced by the fire, you won’t notice much of a smoke smell around the fire or on your clothes. According to Hancock, smoke is particulates of unburned wood, and these particulates are burned off in the secondary combustion process used in smokeless fire pits. However, if you burn an aromatic wood, such as juniper, your fire will have a pleasant aroma without leaving a residue on your clothing.
Who We Are
Renee Freemon Mulvihill is a freelance writer, specializing in home and garden topics. To write this story, she researched important features in the best smokeless fire pits, compared product specifications for smokeless fire pits on the market, and consulted customer reviews to create a list of the best smokeless fire pits. She also consulted Ty Hancock, product marketing manager for Solo Stove, to gain more insight into how the smokeless fire pits work, and Courtney Klosterman, consumer trends expert at Hippo, to learn about safety recommendations.
