Hi, not had my Solo Stove but 1 month, and used it twice and I already love it. This Dec, 25th, my stove arrived the first week of December, and I tried it out the first day. Again 1 week later and yes it is smokeless. Now, there is a difference between my recent purchase and yours, two things; one is the removable grate at the bottom and two; the removable ash pan. The ash pan eliminates the process of turning the stove over to empty the ash, great improvement. I look forward to many more fireside chats and enjoyable fires with no smoke. 🙂🙃
Thanks for giving the 2 year review. It's good to hear about how things are once you get a ways into using them. Good to know that the SoloStove is still a hit 2 years later!
Th r only thing I can say negative about this product is it is made in China. Other then that it’s a great product the outside does tarnish but you can get some stainless wipes to wipe and clean the unit. I own the Yukon model works great no issues and am planning on getting a smaller unit for the camper. Thanks for the post
Man... I love these things! We had a group camp last weekend and took them both! It really is a great product. I too was worried I was throwing my money away... but as long as your wood is dry and it's not sticking out of the top, it is extremely low smoke.
I enjoyed the review. I just recently bought the Bonfire and it is good to see how it will hold up. My one comment is that it is way easier to start the fire than what you go through. The first time I fired it up, I put hardwood split planks (mesquite) on the bottom near the sides leaving a space in the middle for a few beefy twigs and a paper towel wad. Next a couple chunks of scrap 2x4. Lit the paper towel, one match, and waited a minute then added fire wood. All the wood I use is 11-14 inches! Wood sticking up outside of the pit doesn't help at all and doesn't make sense to me. The key for me is starting that little hot fire in the middle and placing wood in while not stirring up the pit. It is almost scary how fast it roars to life. Also, it's nice how controllable a shorter stick fire is.
I bought the Solo Bonfire with base ring, lid, and accessories for roasting and fire tending. I fired it up using my only wood source in my area, seasoned ELM. It takes a good while before the fire is what I would call smokeless. It was no where near the roaring fire shown in pictures although it works well otherwise. Since then I bought and received the XSeries 19 Breeo stove along with all the accessories for cooking. Considering both units (with accessories) were around $800, I am much happier with the Breeo stove kit BUT....... the Breeo is not lightweight nor easy to transport around. With that in mind, My Breeo will be my backyard unit for enjoyment and my Solo Stove will be in my camping truck to be used while camping and on the road. Both stoves are quality units both each has its best use.
I hadn’t used the breeo, I’m not too picky about my wood but occasionally I get some that isn’t seasoned well that of course causes issues but for the most part it takes about 15-20 minutes to get a good burn for us most of the time
Thanks for posting this video. I just ordered my Solo stove bonfire last night. Afraid I am throwing my money away and won’t use it enough. But I think I might!
Happy that you like it! I am sure you use it all the time! HA! Good to say that it shouldn't be used in the house. Nice new cover. Nice additions. The new one is SHINY! Good explanations and demo.
Thank you for this review. I just ordered the Bonfire tonight. I was torn between it and the Yukon always thinking larger is better, but the Bonfire seems right sized given our 2 kids are out now and just us two in the house currently. I ordered the cooking grate with it and am looking forward to enjoying it this fall and winter. Thanks for the great informative video!
Well that is cool. I have seen them around but did not know much about them. My wife really can not stand the smell of smoke so we stay away from campfires. This really looks like a good alternative. Thanks for the information.
That is a really nice grill. I'm still cooking in an old tire rim fire pit. 🤔🤣🤣 I love it, I'm putting it on my wish list. I'm checking out your link. Thanks for sharing.
One thing to be said is that I did put coal in it and a grill grate on it once as Solostove actually had a pic of that. Flames were a foot high... then I saw the fine print that said you should put the food in a skillet. Those were some crunchy almost raw burgers 🍔
I enjoyed your review of the Solo Bonfire...great explanation of how things work. The only changes I would consider is to have your Solo Bonfire sitting on somekind of fireproof material on your deck (Maybe concrete pavers) to make it safer to use.
It’s not been an issue at all. I do have a water hose and a fire extinguisher close by though. They actually originally said you could set it directly on the deck, then they developed the ring so I’m guessing they learned otherwise.
Great video. I just made a video on cleaning a solo stove that includes removing the patina. Take a look. You have a nice way of speaking. Very calming.
About the patina on the exterior, I was wondering if anyone ever used engine paint on the exterior to pretty it up. I figure you could easily get engine paint at NAPA, and it's supposed to handle higher temps than what the exterior goes through. Just car guy musings.
Great Video :) I may have missed it but I didnt see you show the new carrying bag for the new stove and if it was a bigger fit like the one you showed for the OLD sttove? You said it was a much better fit, so did the new Bonfire come with the new bigger bag or the older tighter fitting bag? And thanks :) looking at buying while on Holiday sale lol
My solo stove bonfire comes in tomorrow. So excited! Thanks for the video. I think I know what to do now. What type of wood would you recommend? Went to lowes and they literally had 14 different ones to choose from.
Anything will work. Hardwood is better for not popping hot coals everywhere. Truthfully the biggest thing is that the wood is dry, properly seasoned, and cut a little shorter so it fits in the firepit well
thank you..i d like to order one..i read someone experiences rust??? do you think that could happen? and just wondering which accesoiry are truely necessary, as costs add up quicklt. i am thinking of the stand and a bag only?
I think that’s fine. Technically stainless steel doesn’t rust but the bottom of my grate in my old one does look like it has a little. I think it’s more just burned soot stuck on. I wouldn’t recommend the shield spark arrester as it’s about useless. You could always just set it on a few bricks or cover with a trash can (preferably metal) to save some money. I got to where I don’t really use the cover because it’s always hot when I come in and then I forget about it
As long as it’s at least like 4 ft away from the wall it’s fine imo, at first I didn’t really like that embers popped out on the deck, and the shield didn’t do anything. I do keep a fire extinguisher near but I’ve never had to think about using it so far
The Bonfire is 19.5" wide. You could get the Ranger model that is 15" wide and is still very good. I couldn't justify paying the price for the largest one "Yukon". I have the bonfire model and is perfect for 6-8 people.
I almost never do because there is that much ash but about everything couple months I’ll turn it over and dump it. About yearly I’ll blow it out with compressed air
Just curious......how much has the interior bottom of yours dropped? I'm about at the two year mark also, and the interior bottom of mine is quite sunken in. Whereas it was convex when it was new, it's quite concave now.
I’m at a little over two years and mine is definitely more concave like you mentioned. Hasn’t been any issue burning and having a great fire from it though. I also never bring mine in - it stays outside all the time and it’s been rained in etc .. poor thing is abused and does hold up pretty well
They used to say it could sit directly on the deck but now they say it needs the ring spacer under it. I’ve never had any issues other than sparking but that’s never started any issues, I do have a fire extinguisher and a water hose nearby though
I saw another review where they said the bonfire doesn’t put out much heat; the heat, they said, goes straight up and not out. So, if you’re sitting near it, no heat. Comments or thoughts on that? Thanks!
There is a FB group that says a lot of that... I don’t feel it’s true and use it in the 30’s with no issues. Some people hang weird domes over them to cause heat deflection but I personally think it’s dumb, unnecessary, an ruins the ambiance
I have to scoot back because the front of my legs get hot... plus remember that you gain some space for more people to gather on all sides since the smoke isn’t running you out
I take the easy route and use fire starters. These are pretty cheap, I get them from Walmart they are called duraflame fire start cubes. I use two to start a fire and it’s around $0.50
I was personally surprised at the amount of heat that is radiated. I use it routinely down to the 30’s. That being said a lot of other people complain about a lack of heat, but I’m pleased with both of mine.
You keep saying “the issue is…” but then say something very positive or a pro rather than a con. Example: “the issue is it’s 20lbs light weight”…. Seems like a pro compared to some of the other brands.
These wee some folding rocking chairs I got at camping world. Overall it’s been our go to camping chair style. I’ve liked almost every brand I’ve tried. We figured when we built the deck we would get nice “traditional” rocking chairs but after looking around, all the ones that I saw for a ton more money didn’t look like they held up well (being that I don’t have that area covered.) so I figured if we got some of these for a fraction of the price it would still be cheaper in the long run.
I tried that once by putting a grill grate on it and putting charcoal... bad idea flames from burgers were way high... apparently they recommend only using a skillet
Hi, not had my Solo Stove but 1 month, and used it twice and I already love it. This Dec, 25th, my stove arrived the first week of December, and I tried it out the first day. Again 1 week later and yes it is smokeless. Now, there is a difference between my recent purchase and yours, two things; one is the removable grate at the bottom and two; the removable ash pan. The ash pan eliminates the process of turning the stove over to empty the ash, great improvement. I look forward to many more fireside chats and enjoyable fires with no smoke. 🙂🙃
Thanks for giving the 2 year review. It's good to hear about how things are once you get a ways into using them. Good to know that the SoloStove is still a hit 2 years later!
Th r only thing I can say negative about this product is it is made in China. Other then that it’s a great product the outside does tarnish but you can get some stainless wipes to wipe and clean the unit. I own the Yukon model works great no issues and am planning on getting a smaller unit for the camper. Thanks for the post
I ordered my Solo Bonfire today and this evening started looking for a video review. Sounds like I'll be happy. Thanks.
Man... I love these things! We had a group camp last weekend and took them both! It really is a great product. I too was worried I was throwing my money away... but as long as your wood is dry and it's not sticking out of the top, it is extremely low smoke.
I enjoyed the review. I just recently bought the Bonfire and it is good to see how it will hold up. My one comment is that it is way easier to start the fire than what you go through. The first time I fired it up, I put hardwood split planks (mesquite) on the bottom near the sides leaving a space in the middle for a few beefy twigs and a paper towel wad. Next a couple chunks of scrap 2x4. Lit the paper towel, one match, and waited a minute then added fire wood. All the wood I use is 11-14 inches! Wood sticking up outside of the pit doesn't help at all and doesn't make sense to me. The key for me is starting that little hot fire in the middle and placing wood in while not stirring up the pit. It is almost scary how fast it roars to life. Also, it's nice how controllable a shorter stick fire is.
Thanks for such a great, honest, review 👍🙂 I think you've sold me, despite the high price over here.
I’m really happy with it personally
Best review on this product I've watched, and I've watched many as its expensive and I want to buy this one or the larger Yukon. Great job !!
Thanks! Glad it helped
This one is bigger then it looks. I just bought one.
I bought the Solo Bonfire with base ring, lid, and accessories for roasting and fire tending.
I fired it up using my only wood source in my area, seasoned ELM. It takes a good while before the fire is what I would call smokeless. It was no where near the roaring fire shown in pictures although it works well otherwise.
Since then I bought and received the XSeries 19 Breeo stove along with all the accessories for cooking. Considering both units (with accessories) were around $800, I am much happier with the Breeo stove kit BUT....... the Breeo is not lightweight nor easy to transport around. With that in mind, My Breeo will be my backyard unit for enjoyment and my Solo Stove will be in my camping truck to be used while camping and on the road.
Both stoves are quality units both each has its best use.
I hadn’t used the breeo, I’m not too picky about my wood but occasionally I get some that isn’t seasoned well that of course causes issues but for the most part it takes about 15-20 minutes to get a good burn for us most of the time
Crazy to see how much it's changed over 2 years. I dig the design with the hole pattern. Looks like a great one! Nice review. 👍
Thanks for posting this video. I just ordered my Solo stove bonfire last night. Afraid I am throwing my money away and won’t use it enough. But I think I might!
I really love it, but I had the same reservations at first
Happy that you like it! I am sure you use it all the time! HA! Good to say that it shouldn't be used in the house. Nice new cover. Nice additions. The new one is SHINY! Good explanations and demo.
Thanks... I had a guy arguing in a Facebook group that it wasn’t smoke free unless you could burn it in the house 😂🤷♂️
I just shared this video with a trailer FB group that was asking for peoples thoughts on it. Take care Mike
I just bought the Solo Bonfire and looking forward to it. Thank you for the review.
Thank you for this review. I just ordered the Bonfire tonight. I was torn between it and the Yukon always thinking larger is better, but the Bonfire seems right sized given our 2 kids are out now and just us two in the house currently. I ordered the cooking grate with it and am looking forward to enjoying it this fall and winter. Thanks for the great informative video!
I continue to love my bonfire… I did move to gas to carry around in my camper but the bonfire is still a staple at home!
Well that is cool. I have seen them around but did not know much about them. My wife really can not stand the smell of smoke so we stay away from campfires. This really looks like a good alternative. Thanks for the information.
I have actually ran across people that have asthma using one saying that they can't sit around a regular fire, but this one doesn't bother them.
Thanks for a nice overview. I ordered one today in part because of your video.
Thanks for watching... we absolutely love these!
My son....won a Blue Moon Solo Stove he may look to sell it....Happy for the win Thanks
*We have one like this, and love it. I like the patina also, it makes it so awesome. Great review, thanks bro*
That looks like a really good set up… And nobody should complain when the wood is too long
Lmao
Well an extra inch or two wouldn’t hurt anybody right 😂👍
I've never had wood too long....ha.
That’s one draw back it does best if the wood is about 16” long so I cut it a little shorter than usual
That is a really nice grill. I'm still cooking in an old tire rim fire pit. 🤔🤣🤣 I love it, I'm putting it on my wish list. I'm checking out your link. Thanks for sharing.
One thing to be said is that I did put coal in it and a grill grate on it once as Solostove actually had a pic of that. Flames were a foot high... then I saw the fine print that said you should put the food in a skillet. Those were some crunchy almost raw burgers 🍔
I enjoyed your review of the Solo Bonfire...great explanation of how things work. The only changes I would consider is to have your Solo Bonfire sitting on somekind of fireproof material on your deck (Maybe concrete pavers) to make it safer to use.
It’s not been an issue at all. I do have a water hose and a fire extinguisher close by though. They actually originally said you could set it directly on the deck, then they developed the ring so I’m guessing they learned otherwise.
Obvious!!! Why would anyone even think of burning it indoors LOL Looks like a pretty cool stove...Thanks for the Review and update on it
That was the response I got from a FB idiot when I said it was smokeless. "Well would you burn it indoors?" lol
Great review! Awesome grill :-) Love it to bits!
Burned mine for 1st bonfire love it
Good job. I’m getting one soon.
Awesome review bud, Thank you!
Glad it helped
Great video. I just made a video on cleaning a solo stove that includes removing the patina. Take a look.
You have a nice way of speaking. Very calming.
This ladies and Gents is how to vlog in 15 minutes talking about 1 subject, firepit..
Thanks... I felt it was a little rambling but I think I got the point across
Thanks from Brazil man! I'm totally new to this world of fire pits, do this one keeps you warm?
A lot of people complain that it doesn’t radiate heat but I sit next to it in the 30’s and feel comfortable most of the time
Great video fun and informative, nicely done
Thank you
Pretty cool! Great review.
Great video and review. How many people can hang out around it? Trying to decide between this and the bigger version
When camping in groups we can get about 6 people around it before we start having to back up a little.
Very informative. Thank you!!!
Very pretty!
Great review.
About the patina on the exterior, I was wondering if anyone ever used engine paint on the exterior to pretty it up. I figure you could easily get engine paint at NAPA, and it's supposed to handle higher temps than what the exterior goes through. Just car guy musings.
Hadn’t saw it but I did see a limited edition black Solostove
Great Video :) I may have missed it but I didnt see you show the new carrying bag for the new stove and if it was a bigger fit like the one you showed for the OLD sttove? You said it was a much better fit, so did the new Bonfire come with the new bigger bag or the older tighter fitting bag? And thanks :) looking at buying while on Holiday sale lol
It seems like the new bag is a little larger and easier to put on
@@GimpyCamper Thanks ... I just ordered one when you said so lol :)
Thanks for the review. Ever tried burning felled branches and such with dried leaves still attached?
Doesn’t do as well but it works, especially if it’s hot
My solo stove bonfire comes in tomorrow. So excited! Thanks for the video. I think I know what to do now. What type of wood would you recommend? Went to lowes and they literally had 14 different ones to choose from.
Anything will work. Hardwood is better for not popping hot coals everywhere. Truthfully the biggest thing is that the wood is dry, properly seasoned, and cut a little shorter so it fits in the firepit well
Mike Lindell rules!!!
The need to make the bottom grate removable and replaceable.
My man thank you
No problem, hope it helped. I really like these. It does seem that this new model has a little more ash after burning, but they are great!
Nice review, thanks. Can you send a link to those camp chair rockers?
There are links in this video description…
czcams.com/video/k7sNhILwwfs/video.html
If you were to cut your own firewood for this pit, what length would you cut them?
16”
thank you..i d like to order one..i read someone experiences rust??? do you think that could happen?
and just wondering which accesoiry are truely necessary, as costs add up quicklt. i am thinking of the stand and a bag only?
I think that’s fine. Technically stainless steel doesn’t rust but the bottom of my grate in my old one does look like it has a little. I think it’s more just burned soot stuck on. I wouldn’t recommend the shield spark arrester as it’s about useless. You could always just set it on a few bricks or cover with a trash can (preferably metal) to save some money. I got to where I don’t really use the cover because it’s always hot when I come in and then I forget about it
Great video! Question: do you ever have reservations about using your bonfire close to your house? I have a back deck but it is pretty small.
As long as it’s at least like 4 ft away from the wall it’s fine imo, at first I didn’t really like that embers popped out on the deck, and the shield didn’t do anything. I do keep a fire extinguisher near but I’ve never had to think about using it so far
The Bonfire is 19.5" wide. You could get the Ranger model that is 15" wide and is still very good. I couldn't justify paying the price for the largest one "Yukon". I have the bonfire model and is perfect for 6-8 people.
So how do you dump the ashes out of underneath the bottom grate in the space where the air vents lead in?
I almost never do because there is that much ash but about everything couple months I’ll turn it over and dump it. About yearly I’ll blow it out with compressed air
Just curious......how much has the interior bottom of yours dropped? I'm about at the two year mark also, and the interior bottom of mine is quite sunken in. Whereas it was convex when it was new, it's quite concave now.
It seems like it was flat but I don’t really remember... it’s mainly flat and wavy but I’d say some areas do go down about 1/4”
I’m at a little over two years and mine is definitely more concave like you mentioned. Hasn’t been any issue burning and having a great fire from it though. I also never bring mine in - it stays outside all the time and it’s been rained in etc .. poor thing is abused and does hold up pretty well
Have you ever tried burning pellets in the solo stove? If so, thoughts?
Yes I have and it works well. I’ve only used it to augment firewood and this have only used them after the fire was going though.
Who is the world thinks no smoke equals no co2?
do you put it directly on top of deck or is there a barrier in between?
They used to say it could sit directly on the deck but now they say it needs the ring spacer under it. I’ve never had any issues other than sparking but that’s never started any issues, I do have a fire extinguisher and a water hose nearby though
I saw another review where they said the bonfire doesn’t put out much heat; the heat, they said, goes straight up and not out. So, if you’re sitting near it, no heat.
Comments or thoughts on that?
Thanks!
There is a FB group that says a lot of that... I don’t feel it’s true and use it in the 30’s with no issues. Some people hang weird domes over them to cause heat deflection but I personally think it’s dumb, unnecessary, an ruins the ambiance
@@GimpyCamper so you feel it provides lateral heat, like what a regular campfire would?
I have to scoot back because the front of my legs get hot... plus remember that you gain some space for more people to gather on all sides since the smoke isn’t running you out
Thanks for the video -- what was that first thing you put in before any wood?
I take the easy route and use fire starters. These are pretty cheap, I get them from Walmart they are called duraflame fire start cubes. I use two to start a fire and it’s around $0.50
@@GimpyCamper Oh cool! I might try that if I can't get anything going. Thanks!
Are there ashes that need to be cleaned? If yes, how do you clean them out?
There are a small amount of ashes... I just dump them out in the yard every 6-8 burns
Does the heat go mainly up or does it radiate outward?
I was personally surprised at the amount of heat that is radiated. I use it routinely down to the 30’s. That being said a lot of other people complain about a lack of heat, but I’m pleased with both of mine.
You keep saying “the issue is…” but then say something very positive or a pro rather than a con. Example: “the issue is it’s 20lbs light weight”…. Seems like a pro compared to some of the other brands.
It was light enough for most use, but too big for me to carry across the street every weekend to my camper
What type of chairs do you have?
These wee some folding rocking chairs I got at camping world. Overall it’s been our go to camping chair style. I’ve liked almost every brand I’ve tried. We figured when we built the deck we would get nice “traditional” rocking chairs but after looking around, all the ones that I saw for a ton more money didn’t look like they held up well (being that I don’t have that area covered.) so I figured if we got some of these for a fraction of the price it would still be cheaper in the long run.
where is it made?
I think In China
Do you cook on it?
I tried that once by putting a grill grate on it and putting charcoal... bad idea flames from burgers were way high... apparently they recommend only using a skillet
Put a Santa Maria style grill attachment onto the top of the barrel and you can lower or raise the grate controlling the heat