Solo Stoves

[AgronAlum]

Picked up a bonfire for Father’s Day but I’m having some issues. There’s an awful lot of smoke for being “smokeless”. Any tips to keep the smoke to a minimum?

I’m allergic to smoke so I thought this would be better. I feel like I don’t have any less smoke than a normal fire.

The wood is below the ring by a long shot. Does more wood equal less smoke somehow?

I don’t feel like it’s working properly. Here is what it’s doing.



Here is what the internet says it should look like.

 

[bos]

Why does my solo stove smoke? - Little Outdoorsy

Does your solo stove smoke? Look at our list of possible causes to see what might be causes your smoke. The main things you need are dry wood and airflow.

littleoutdoorsy.com

Once you get it right it’s awesome. Takes a little bit of patience. I was able to get mine right the second time we used it.

 

[FallOf81]

Picked up a bonfire for Father’s Day but I’m having some issues. There’s an awful lot of smoke for being “smokeless”. Any tips to keep the smoke to a minimum?

I’m allergic to smoke so I thought this would be better. I feel like I don’t have any less smoke than a normal fire.

The wood is below the ring by a long shot. Does more wood equal less smoke somehow?

I don’t feel like it’s working properly. Here is what it’s doing.

View attachment 99852

Here is what the internet says it should look like.

 

[FallOf81]

Make sure you're using very dry seasoned wood and split it smaller.

 

[AgronAlum]

Make sure you're using very dry seasoned wood and split it smaller.

I’m just using the “hotsticks” stuff from Kum and Go right now.

 

[SayMyName]

Any long-term user reviews on these from prior posters / current owners? I almost pulled the trigger recently but hesitated upon reading about concerns with exposure to weather (keeping rainwater & snow out) and rusting of the 304 stainless steel.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

I’m just using the “hotsticks” stuff from Kum and Go right now.

Need to get the fire very hot for gasification. Never have a problem with smoke after the first few minutes. Then feed it to keep it hot.

 

[Lexclone]

Need to get the fire very hot for gasification. Never have a problem with smoke after the first few minutes. Then feed it to keep it hot.

This has been my experience. Also, denser woods like oak and beech are better. I have some seasoned Norway maple that just isn’t as good in mine.

 

[AgronAlum]

Need to get the fire very hot for gasification. Never have a problem with smoke after the first few minutes. Then feed it to keep it hot.

I thought that might have been it but the fire gets way too big and hot already on our 12x12 deck. I think it’s going back tomorrow.

 

[isucyfan]

I really wanted a solo stove at one point, but after trying one at an Airbnb, I decided that the best thing about a campfire was watching the flames, and the solo stove obstructed my view unless I was standing and looking down at it.

Am I wrong? I really wanted to like it.

 

[clonehenge]

I really wanted a solo stove at one point, but after trying one at an Airbnb, I decided that the best thing about a campfire was watching the flames, and the solo stove obstructed my view unless I was standing and looking down at it.

Am I wrong? I really wanted to like it.

Feel the exact same way about watching the flames. Was going to get a solo but talked to a friend who has one and then saw one in action and decided it wasn't for me.

I enjoy seeing the flames too much.

 

[FallOf81]

I can roar the flame or keep it in the can. I think the secret is plenty of dry wood on hand, split smaller. We bought the kit that raises the unit a few inches higher, has a spark screen, a cover for the elements. I like to use the fire starter sticks on top of a base of wood. Then stack logs on those. Guarantees me a rapid start that is hot and soon smokeless.

 

[Clonehomer]

Sat around one at a friend's house. Biggest thing I noticed was that there wasn't much heat coming off of it compared to a traditional pit.

 

[cyputz]

I am looking at Breo, more solid.

 

[Yaz]

Sat around one at a friend's house. Biggest thing I noticed was that there wasn't much heat coming off of it compared to a traditional pit.

They dont radiate heat

I thought that might have been it but the fire gets way too big and hot already on our 12x12 deck. I think it’s going back tomorrow.

I would consider a gas option if u are wanting a fire on a deck.

 

[mj4cy]

Sat around one at a friend's house. Biggest thing I noticed was that there wasn't much heat coming off of it compared to a traditional pit.

What size is theirs?

Mine radiates a decent amount of heat but I'd say you have to be a little closer than a normal fire pit. For me the biggest selling points were being able to use it on my deck, burning actual wood, and the kids love making Smores.

 

[Sousaclone]

Anybody have a recommendation on a gas fire pit (or one to avoid)?

I'd like a traditional wood fire pit, but between the deck, a small backyard, a lot of trees immediately behind my house, and WAs propensity to catch on fire once the weather turns nice, is leading me away from a wood burning pit.