Few things beat sitting around a cozy fire pit chatting or toasting marshmallows. The only downside is that smoky smell that sticks to you afterward. I've found the answer! Our Solo Stove Yukon has made our backyard evenings so much better.
We've owned this smokeless fire pit for several years, so I can offer a genuine firsthand Solo Stove review.
Are Solo Stoves really worth it?
In short, yes! We absolutely love ours. It's one of the best purchases we've made.
I've always loved the look and fun of a fire pit, but I used to avoid sitting near one because of the smoke and how my clothes and hair smelled afterward. Since we finally invested in a Solo Stove, I can enjoy an outdoor fire with my family without needing a shower right after.
Our girls love making s'mores, and we enjoy it most in spring and fall!
Advantages of Solo Stoves
I've made it pretty clear what I love most about our Solo fire pit, but these stoves have a long list of advantages over a basic wood-burning pit. Here are the top ones that apply to every size of Solo Stove.
Did I mention there's less smoke? How do they manage it?
These really are smokeless once they're going, because the design controls airflow and "super-heats" the fire so smoke from the burning wood doesn't drift up and onto you. You can read about Solo Stove's "signature 360° Airflow" design if you want the full technical details.
In a nutshell, it comes down to where the vent holes sit at the top and bottom of the stove and how they work together. The lower holes draw in air, which the burn chamber heats as the fire burns. That convection current feeds the flames.
Once the air is hot enough, it rises out of the top holes to create a "secondary burn." That heat burns off the smoke. Those little ash flakes, sparks and hot embers are gone too.
… And we no longer have to air out our clothes outside afterward.
Simple to Use
It's no surprise that Solo calls starting one "the easiest fire ever," and that claim holds up. Begin with a small grid of kindling, add some starters, then larger pieces of wood. Gradually build the fire up to the secondary burn holes, which keep it smokeless.
Solo Stoves have removable ash pans, so there's no lifting or tipping needed for cleanup. Once the wood has burned out and the stove has cooled completely, just slide the ash pan out from under the base plate and empty it.
How Easily They Move
Being able to move these stoves around is a huge plus. The smaller models are easier to bring along to a friend's house or on a camping trip. Even the largest and heaviest one weighs just 55 lbs. See below for every model's weight.
Built to Last
Solo Stoves are made of 304 stainless steel, which is very durable and resists rust. Every Solo Stove product comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Keep them dry and clean, and they're meant to last a lifetime.
Solo Stove Size Options
As I mentioned earlier, we picked the Yukon Solo Stove four years ago. Ours is an older model measuring 30 inches across. Newer Yukons are only 27 inches in diameter.
Here are the details on each Solo Stove size, from smallest to largest. They should help you pick the best fit for your lifestyle and patio space.
Ranger Solo Stove
This is Solo Stove's most portable fire pit. Made of durable stainless steel, it measures 15 inches across, stands 12.5 inches tall and weighs just 15 lbs. It currently comes with a free carrying case too!
Image via Solo Stove
Bonfire Solo Stove
This is their best seller and a good middle ground between portability and staying put. It weighs 23.3 lbs, stands 14 inches tall and has a 19.5-inch diameter. The Bonfire comes in stainless steel or, for a little extra, in seven colors of high-heat ceramic coating. It also includes a free carrying case.
Image via Solo Stove
Yukon Solo Stove
The Yukon is also very popular and noticeably bigger than the first two sizes. It weighs 41.6 lbs, stands 17 inches tall and measures 27 inches across. You get the same choice of stainless steel or seven colorways as the Bonfire.
The model pictured is ours, the Yukon 1.0, which is a bit larger than the Yukon 2.0.
Browse the Yukon 2.0
Canyon Solo Stove
Last but not least is the Canyon, the largest at 55 lbs, 19 inches tall and 30 inches across. It currently comes only in stainless steel. With the Canyon, you get a free weather-resistant shelter cover and a stand for heat-sensitive surfaces.
Image via Solo Stove
Solo Stove Accessories: What to Get Now & Later
There are SO many accessories to pair with your Solo Stove fire pit, and the selection has grown since we bought ours!
I'll start with what we own: the stand it sits on and one of the weather-resistant covers. The stand makes it easier to move and safer on heat-sensitive surfaces like grass or a deck. The cover keeps it clean and protected from the weather.
Get at least those two if they aren't included in a deal. (The company offers several accessory bundles that save money.) They protect your property and your investment in the fire pit.
Looking at our current setup in our DIY gravel fire pit area, I think our next purchases will be the lid, the surround and a larger shelter to cover the surround.
The lid turns the stove into a tabletop when it isn't in use for a fire. It's also an extra safeguard over the stove until you're sure the fire is completely out. The surround forms a small shelf for plates and drinks and acts as a barrier between the flames and your pets and people.
Other add-ons include heat deflectors, pellet adapters, cooktops and plenty more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Stoves
Here are some questions that often come up about using Solo Stoves. If I've missed anything, leave a question in the comments and I'll do my best to answer it (or track down the answer)!
Can I cook on a Solo Stove?
Yes. The company makes a range of cast iron cooking accessories and hubs that turn the stove into a grill. You can make all the s'mores or hot dogs you like without them, but the cooking kits let you move up to burgers, chicken and more. Grill, griddle and wok attachments are all available.
Solo Stove now makes a separate pizza oven as well!
Do Solo Stoves go through a lot of wood?
Many Solo Stove reviews say you'll use more firewood per fire, and we've found that to be true. On the other hand, it burns more efficiently, so you're left with only ash and very little wasted wood.
Well-dried hardwood burns best, such as hickory, oak, maple and birch. Avoid pine unless it's fully seasoned. Even then it burns fast, so it's best kept for kindling if you use it at all.
Will Solo Stoves rust?
Stainless steel can rust when left out in the weather or exposed to harsh chemicals, but with proper care your Solo Stove can look like new for life. Buy a cover if your model doesn't include one. If it's a more portable model, store it out of the elements altogether. Solo Stoves carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
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