The best fire pits of 2023

If there was ever an "it" girl of wood-burning fire pits, it would be the Solo Stove, a Kickstarter hit(opens in a new tab) that became a household name in 2020(opens in a new tab) as the COVID-19 pandemic forced entertaining outdoors. (The 2.0 version released in fall 2022 added a removable base plate and ash pan for hassle-free cleanup; I tested the 19.5-inch Bonfire model(opens in a new tab) for groups of three to six people.) It isn't the first or only fire pit to promise smokeless burns — more on that momentarily — but its modern, lightweight design and ample selection of accessories make it stand out from the competition.

The Solo Stove looks like a sleek, if slightly plain stainless steel drum at face value. Its secret lies in its double-walled construction lined with vent holes, which creates extra airflow and a cool secondary combustion effect(opens in a new tab) that pumps out scorching oxygen. The resulting fires are so hot, their smoke burns almost completely away. I was never able to achieve 100 percent smokelessness with my Solo Stove, to be transparent, but I got this close when I opted for bone-dry hardwoods over damp or softer woods. (It's significantly and noticeably less smoky than a traditional campfire, at any rate.) It does go through quite a bit of fuel, since it burns so efficiently, so make sure you have plenty of wood or pellets on hand. The latter require a separate $50 adapter(opens in a new tab).

On the subject of accessories, you can choose from over a dozen different add-ons and tools to go with your Solo Stove. The cost can add up fast, but fortunately sales aren't hard to find. My Bonfire 2.0 review unit came with its $70 stand(opens in a new tab), which made me less worried about leaving a mark on the surface it sat on. I would also look into the $100 lid(opens in a new tab), which will keep the elements out when it's not being used, and the $225 heat deflector(opens in a new tab) for more ambient warmth. (Most of the Solo Stove's heat shoots directly upward as-is.)

The BioLite FirePit+(opens in a new tab) is another smokeless model, though it has almost nothing in common with Solo Stoves from a design standpoint: This black-and-yellow, manger-shaped device made with high-temperature enamel has a distinctly futuristic look and the technology to match. I'm the type of person who thinks it would seem a little out of place in nature, but if you're the type of person who loves a great outdoors with creature comforts, you won't be disappointed.

Powered by a rechargeable 12,800mAh battery and over 50 built-in airjets that keep it fed with oxygen, the FirePit+ can maintain its burn for up to 30 hours on low, 14 hours on medium, and 7 hours on max. (Just don't let it run unattended.) Its fuel chamber, which works with firewood or charcoal, is surrounded by "X-Ray Mesh" that gives you a full view of the fire while letting plenty of warmth radiate in the vicinity. You can control it manually using the buttons on the side of its powerpack or with your phone; it's got Bluetooth support and a free companion app for iOS(opens in a new tab) and Android(opens in a new tab). Once its fire is out, you can dump out any remaining ashes and coals through its bottom trap door and fold up its legs for portability.

BioLite makes six different accessories for the FirePit+, which range in price from $24.95 (for a poker(opens in a new tab)) to $79.95 (for a grill lid(opens in a new tab)). It ships with a grill grate, a fuel rack, and a USB-A to Micro-USB cord.

All of the full-sized fire pits on this list are technically "portable," or at least somewhat easy for one adult person to move around. But the Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit(opens in a new tab) is best suited for on-the-go use on trips and hikes, with a lightweight and low-tech design that sets up in a minute and packs up into a zippered, weather-resistant case the size of a camping chair.

"Function over form" is the primary name of the game, here. This fire pit is effectively a set of crossed, collapsible aluminum legs that prop up a flexible sheet of "Fire Mesh" made from a woven stainless steel alloy, which goes in the middle of its attachable side guards and cradles your fuel. (It's compatible with charcoal, wood, and wax logs, with a total weight capacity of 125 pounds and a low center of gravity to stay sturdy.) That mesh is designed to contain ash while promoting airflow to eliminate the majority of its fire's smoke. It'll burn hot and fast, but supposedly cools down just 90 seconds after your fire's been extinguished; customers on the REI website say it checks out, though I haven't verified it with testing just yet.

If you plan on using the Pop-Up Fire Pit on any sort of surface other than stone or pavement, I'd recommend upgrading to a bundle(opens in a new tab) with a heat shield for $30 more. That's pretty much the extent of its available accessories beyond its case and an included stainless steel grate for cooking.

Measuring seven inches tall, five inches in diameter, and weighing in at less than two pounds, the pint-sized Solo Stove Mesa(opens in a new tab) is the brand's teensiest smokeless fire pit. (It's functionally the same as the regular-sized versions, just a lot smaller.) You won't get a whole lot of heat out of it — which is probably for the best, since it's meant to go on a table — but it's perfect for roasting a couple marshmallows. Its stainless steel finish comes in several different colors to match just about any patio set.

The main downside I see to the Mesa is that it's so small, you might have trouble finding hardwood chunks that fit well inside it. Several customers on Amazon and Reddit have flagged this as an issue. On the bright side, it includes an adapter that allows it to burn pellets; there's no need to buy a separate accessory. You'll also get a folding stand and a carrying bag for it.

For a little extra warmth, a slightly longer burn time, and room for at least two more marshmallows, you can upgrade to the $150 Mesa XL. It comes with its own stand and carrying bag, too, but swaps the removable pellet adapter for a built-in duel fuel grate.

Solo Stove tends to hog the spotlight when it comes to smokeless fire pits, but Breeo claims to have beat it to the market with its first prototype(opens in a new tab) back in 2011. Its models are even more expensive and quite a bit heavier than Solo Stove's one-for-one counterparts, and they lack removable ash trays or pans for quick cleanup. But they're also incredibly durable and compatible with a better variety of professional-quality cooking tools and accessories, making them an easy recommendation for seasoned outdoor cooks and grill masters who love the flavor of an open flame.

Breeo's X Series fire pits are the most popular models in its current lineup, and the 19-inch X19 model(opens in a new tab) is ideal for small backyards. It achieves its near-smokelessness the same way as the same-sized Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 and looks quite similar aside from its corten steel finish, which develops a rustic reddish patina over time. (If you aren't a fan, you can upgrade to stainless steel for $100 more.) It also has a stainless steel rim and wrap-around legs, which prop it up a few inches off the ground like a built-in stand.

You can turn the X19 into a full-fledged outdoor kitchen with some extra cooking attachments, and there are plenty to choose from. (It doesn't ship with any, so you'll have to buy them all separately.) Take your pick from a Skillet Rest(opens in a new tab) ($60), a Sear Disc(opens in a new tab) ($60), a grilling system(opens in a new tab) ($150), a SearPlate Griddle(opens in a new tab) ($180), and a cast iron kettle(opens in a new tab) ($100) with a kettle hook(opens in a new tab) ($90). You can also opt for two different cooking-oriented bundles(opens in a new tab).