7 best smokeless fire pits of 2026, according to testing
We spent all summer trying top-rated models from Solo Stove, Cuisinart, Tiki and beyond.
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A few key additions can take a backyard from so-so to spectacular: a great grill , twinkling outdoor lights and a cozy fire pit . But when it comes to the latter, if you want the warmth and ambiance without smelling like a chimney, a smokeless model is a worthy upgrade. After consulting camping pros and landscape designers about their favorite models, our editors spent the summer testing 10 of the most popular options, carefully evaluating their design, heat and smoke output, and ease of use.
In this story
We found that the best smokeless fire pits burn fuel more efficiently, reducing smoke and ash. Are they completely smokeless? No, but they come close. Many are also ready to go in mere minutes, so you can get to the relaxing part of your evening sooner. Solo Stove largely stole the show in our testing, but options from Cuisinart, Tiki and Breeo also earned spots on our list.
Best smokeless fire pits at a glance
| Size |
Weight |
Material |
Fuel type |
Heat output |
Included accessories |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Cleanburn Outdoor Fire Pit |
24" dia. x 16"H |
22 lbs. |
Stainless steel |
Wood |
3+ feet |
Wind guard |
| Solo Stove 19.5" Bonfire 2.0 with Stand |
19.49" dia. x 17.52"H |
23.3 lbs. |
Stainless steel |
Wood |
4+ feet |
Stand, removable ash pan, carrying bag |
| Tiki Patio Smokeless Fire Pit |
24.75" dia. x 18.75"H |
43 lbs. |
Stainless steel |
Wood or pellets |
4+ feet |
Stand, cover, wood-light pack, removable ash pan |
| Solo Stove Yukon 27" Fire Pit + Stand |
27" dia. x 17"H |
38 lbs. |
Stainless steel |
Wood |
4+ feet |
Stand, removable ash pan, carrying bag |
| Tiki Customizable Propane Fire Pit |
28.5" dia. x 27"H |
88 lbs. |
Stainless steel |
Propane |
3+ feet, 40,000 BTUs |
Slide-out propane tank tray, fuel gauge |
| Breeo X Series 24 |
27.5" dia. x 14"H |
61.9 lbs. |
Stainless steel or Corten steel |
Wood |
4+ feet |
Removable ash pan |
| Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit |
6" dia. x 6"H |
1.4 lbs. |
Stainless steel |
Wood or pellets |
2+ feet |
Stand, pellet adapter, carrying bag |
Best smokeless fire pits of 2026
Size:24" dia. x 16"H | Weight:22 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Wood | Heat output:3+ feet | Included accessories:Wind guard
What we liked:After trying out this 24-inch bowl-shaped fire pit, our tester, Commerce Editor Saundra Latham , was impressed. Though she says she's "not the best at starting fires," she was able to get a strong blaze going easily. "The wide bowl made it easy to start the fire without getting nervous about burned fingers," she says.
The Cleanburn comes with a base that doubles as an ash catcher and a top ring that serves as a wind guard. All the pieces are made of stainless steel, and Latham appreciated how the wind guard offered extra separation between people and the fire, while keeping the flames from dancing all over the place.
As with any high-quality smokeless fire pit, this one produces a small amount of fine ash. It's easy to dump: just twist off the bowl, and you're left with the base that holds the debris. Latham was struck by how few ashes remained after a big fire; she also reports that the base is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Minor criticisms:Latham, who also owns a Solo Stove, notes that the Cuisinart produces slightly more smoke. Her main critique is that the Cuisinart doesn't come with any accessories (a spark guard, cover, cooking grill and other items are available, but sold separately). That said, she thinks this is "a great pick if you want the traditional wood-burning fire pit experience with a minimum of fuss. The design is sleek too."
- No tools required for setup
- Effectively funnels any smoke upwards, away from people's faces
- Easy to dump ashes
- Sleek bowl shape
- Doesn't come with any accessories
- Produces slightly more smoke than Solo Stove
Size:19.49" dia. x 17.52"H | Weight:23.3 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Wood | Heat output:4+ feet | Included accessories:Stand, removable ash pan, carrying bag
What we liked:Solo Stove is one of the most prominent names in smokeless fire pits, and our testing showed why its models are so popular. The company's streamlined, user-friendly designs have made these devices accessible to nearly every kind of homeowner. They come in a wide variety of sizes, and they're known to last (many of our editors have owned their Solo Stoves for five-plus years), making them a good value. In short, these fire pits do their job exceptionally well.
The Bonfire is one of the brand's more compact models, making it our top pick for the best portable fire pit and the best value. “If you want to bring it to the beach, desert, or just move it around your yard, this is a great option," says Sara Bendrick, a landscape contractor and owner of Sarita Landscapes in San Diego. Despite its size, it produces a lot of heat — the brand says the Bonfire can seat four to six people, and our testing confirmed that. The fire is very intense if you're sitting close to the pit, and you can still feel it from four feet away.
Though the fire pit is low on frills, its beauty lies in its simplicity. Made from stainless steel that develops a patina the more you use it, it comes ready to go out of the box. It's also fairly lightweight: pop it in the included carrying bag, and most folks should be able to tote it to wherever you're setting up camp. Just keep in mind you must use the base (not shown here) if you're placing the Bonfire on a flammable surface, such as a wood deck. Once the night's over, you let the pit cool, then remove the grate and ash pan.
Minor criticisms:All wood-burning Solo Stoves get very hot to the touch, and they can take an hour or more to cool down, based on our testing. That means you have to wait until you can clean out the ash — and if you use the fire pit at night, you shouldn't head to bed until the fire is fully out. Solo Stoves should not be left out uncovered, as rain can mix with the ash and become corrosive.
- Ready to use out of the box
- Relatively lightweight and easy to move
- Durable construction
- Comes in four colors
- Frame gets very hot to the touch
- Takes at least and hour to cool down (and must be completely cool before you can clean out the ash)
Dimensions:24.75" dia. x 18.75"H | Weight:43 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Wood or pellets | Heat output:4+ feet | Included accessories:Stand, cover, wood-light pack, removable ash pan
What we liked:This modern-looking fire pit won us over for many reasons, but especially because of how easy it is to maintain. A wood handle under the frame gives you access to the ash pan — no reaching into the fire pit or flipping it over. "Thanks to the ash tray, which easily pulls in and out, cleaning up this fire pit is a cinch," said Product Testing and Reviews Editorial Director Lauren Matthews-Ide .
She also appreciates the number of accessories the Tiki comes with, which makes this fire pit a veritable bargain in our testing pool, despite its high upfront price. Extras include a built-in stand, a weather-resistant cover and a wood pellet pack . Matthews-Ide lit her inaugural fire using the pellets and says, "It could not have been easier to get going. You just put the included metal cone into the fire pit, place the pellet pack on top, and light each corner. Instant fire!" Alternatively, you can use logs and kindling, which is the more economical choice, as the bag of pellets lasted only about 30 minutes in testing.
This fire pit has a less industrial look than many options on the market, a big plus if you prefer a traditional design. The dark-colored metal is unobtrusive, and the conical design has the added benefit of helping direct any smoke (of which there's very little) away from your face. "This is a solid, well-made firepit that is simple to assemble and so easy to use," says Matthews-Ide. Tiki also sells fire pit accessories like a griddle and a tabletop.
Minor criticisms:You won't want to move this fire pit around your yard much, as it's heavy. "One person technically could carry it, but I would recommend two, even though it has handles on both sides," says Matthews-Ide. She also recommends having a friend help you put the fire pit together. The assembly is meant to be tool-free, but she had trouble aligning one of the bolts and needed to reach for a drill; plus, the individual pieces are heavy.
- Includes weather-resistant cover and a built-in stand
- Elevated design that makes it stand out from the industrial-looking competition
- Ash pan is easy to access and empty
- Heavy and hard to move around
Size:28.5" dia. x 27"H | Weight:88 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Propane | Heat output:3+ feet, 40,000 BTUs | Included accessories:Slide-out propane tank tray, fuel gauge
What we liked:For a truly smokeless, ash-less experience, you'll want a gas fire pit, and this is an excellent choice. It operates off a 20-pound propane tank, and getting a flame going takes nothing more than flipping a switch and turning a knob. According to the brand, you can expect about seven hours of use from a single tank.
Beyond its ease of use, this fire pit won us over with its sleek, modular design. Just as its name promises, this model can be customized with all types of handy accessories, like a glass surround , a patio heater attachment and a tabletop (shown here). We loved how the table made this fire pit useful even when we didn't want to turn it on.
Lava rocks on top give it a modern look, and though the dark-colored metal shows dirt, it wipes clean easily. Even without a cover, the Tiki has shown zero signs of wear after months of use — and it has sat out in some very nasty rainstorms. Its weather-resistance is key, as it weighs a whopping 91 pounds, making it difficult to move.
Minor criticisms:Because it uses propane, this fire pit's build is slightly more complicated than wood-burning options. Setup took about 20 minutes. It also puts out less heat, and the flames are highly susceptible to wind. But that's the nature of a gas fire over a wood one.
- Sleek and modern
- Customizable with inserts and accessories (sold separately)
- Gas fuel means you don't need to worry about constantly feeding the fire
- Holds up to weather, even without a cover
- Heavy and hard to move around (even though it has wheels)
- Must stand closer to fire pit than with the others to feel warm
Size:6" dia. x 6"H | Weight:1.4 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Wood or pellets | Heat output:2+ feet | Included accessories:Stand, pellet adapter, carrying bag
What we liked:The Solo Stove Bonfire is compact enough to work for small yards, but what if you have just a deck, patio or balcony? That's when you want the Mesa. This tabletop fire pit packs a decent amount of heat in a tiny package and is a clever way to add ambiance to a tight space.
The Mesa works like most Solo Stoves and even comes with the same features, including a stand, carrying bag and a top ring that guards against wind. Our tester was able to get a 6-inch-tall fire going in just a couple of minutes using a starter and says the heat radiates as far as two feet, pretty impressive for such a small gadget. "I found it incredibly easy to set up and light up. It's especially great for someone like me who doesn't have a big yard with a dedicated area for a larger fire pit," she says.
You can use small branches or wood chunks, chips or pellets as fuel. Though the fire pit doesn't have a removable ash tray, you don't really need one, says our tester: "It's very easy to clean. You just wait until it cools completely, then flip the fire pit over to discard any leftover ash. You can also wipe it down with a towel or spray it with a hose to dislodge any ashes that may be stuck to the bottom."
Minor criticisms:The exterior of this portable pit gets extremely hot. The good news is that it cools down much more quickly than larger models; based on our testing, you should be able to clean it out within 30 minutes or so.
- Impressive flame for such a small device
- Extremely portable
- Available in four colors
- Exterior gets very hot to the touch
Size:27" dia. x 17"H | Weight:38 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel | Fuel type:Wood | Heat output:4+ feet | Included accessories:Stand, removable ash pan, carrying bag
What we liked:One of Solo Stove's most sizable fire pits, the Yukon can easily accommodate a crowd. Senior Deals Writer Carrie McCabe reports it'll keep eight or more people warm, thanks to its intense heat output. "The size is substantial but not overly so, and it provides plenty of warmth for cozying up by the fire and making s'mores," she says.
Like most of Solo Stove's other models, this one asks very little of you. Setup is quick, no tools needed, and once you get your blaze going, you just need to feed it occasionally. "My husband was an Eagle Scout — not to brag or anything — so it was very easy for him to get the fire going once everything was in place," McCabe reports. The design is basically the same as the Bonfire, with a removable grate and ash pan at the bottom of the frame.
Despite McCabe leaving the Yukon outside for several months over the summer, it looks nearly as good as it did on day one. "It's hard to justify a price tag of up to $500 for most anything, especially a 'luxury' like a fire pit, but admittedly the unit is very high quality and seems like it will last quite a long time," she explains. And she's not the only fan: Kevin Lenhart, the design director at the landscape company Yardzen , recommends the Yukon if you're trying to fill a large space or host frequently. "It's a great size and emits good heat," he says. "It also really does produce much less smoke than the other wood-burning options."
Minor criticisms:Because the fire gets so hot, McCabe had some safety concerns, especially because she has a toddler at home. "It's great for warming up but might be a bit of a hazard if you get too close," she explains. Similar to other Solo Stoves, it takes at least an hour to cool down.
- Large enough to warm a group of eight or more people
- Very little ash to clean after use
- Setup takes just a few minutes
- Frame gets extremely hot to the touch
Dimensions:27.5" dia. x 14"H | Weight:61.9 lbs. | Material:Stainless steel or Corten steel | Fuel type:Wood | Heat output:4+ feet | Included accessories:Removable ash pan
What we liked:Breeo is another quality (read: heavy-duty) fire pit for those who want to re-create the campfire experience — or cook up a hearty meal. The brand offers a few accessories specifically for that purpose, including a grill grate , a flat-top griddle and even a pizza oven attachment . If you like to do live-fire cooking, you could easily use this Breeo in place of a grill.
“This fire pit is not only beautiful but durable," says Michael Scheinman, CEO of Campspot , an online campground directory. "I like how the thick walls guard it from excess wind and weather. My only word of caution is you will want all of the accessories."
Bendrick is also a fan: "It's a beautiful fire pit that has a refined look and works with rustic, Mediterranean or modern aesthetics," she says. She likes the Series 19 and the Series 24 for a small or medium-sized yard; if you have a larger group of six or more, she recommends upgrading to the Series 30, which is about 35 inches, or the Series 42, which is 46 inches.
Minor criticisms:This fire pit is pricey — the weathered finish shown runs close to $600, and the stainless steel version costs $200 more — and it doesn't come with any cooking accessories, which are also expensive. It's also heavy, so only invest in it if you expect it to become a permanent fixture in your yard.
- Emits a lot of heat
- Refined style meshes well with most aesthetics
- Paired with cooking accessories, could replace your grill
- Pricey accessories increase overall cost
How we test smokeless fire pits
We started by researching top-selling smokeless fire pits, sorting through hundreds of customer reviews until we landed on 10 popular models to test. We sent them to editors across the country and had them use them throughout the summer. They scored them on the following criteria:
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Setup:Testers timed themselves on how long it took to assemble the fire pit. They also noted if it required tools.
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Operation:We asked testers to record if the fire required a starter and the time it took for the fire to ignite.
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Portability:Our panelists noted the fire pit's weight and tried carrying it on their own. They also noted whether it had handles or wheels to make it easier to move.
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Heat output and distribution:We asked testers to measure the distance from the fire pit until they could no longer feel heat. We also asked them to estimate how many people could be warmed by the fire pit.
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Smoke output:Even the best smokeless fire pit may emit a scant amount of smoke. Testers rated the amount on a scale from 1 (a ton of smoke) to 5 (none at all).
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Cooking experience:We had the testers roast marshmallows over the flame. They noted how close they had to stand to the fire, if cooking felt safe and how easy it was.
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Cleaning experience:Our panelists reported their experience emptying the ash pan. When needed, they wiped down the exterior or cleaned the interior and reported on the process.
That wasn't all! They also shared their thoughts on the fire pit's durability, safety features, accessories and overall value. To round out this list, we also referred to interviews with landscape designers and camping experts about their favorite fire pits.
All testers roasted marshmallows in their fire pit to see how close they had to get to the flame for maximum meltiness.
(Jessica Teich/Yahoo)Other smokeless fire pits we considered
Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up Fire Pit :Our tester, Senior Editor Jessica Teich , loved how versatile this portable fire pit is: "You can use either wood or charcoal, and it sits right on the mesh grate, which provides great ventilation. Just like any fire, though, it requires a bit of kindling and precision to get going, but I had no issues once it was up and running." That said, she struggled a bit to set up the mesh grate at the outset and noticed some discoloration and rust on various components soon after using it.
Outland Living Firebowl 883 Mega :Another propane-fueled fire pit, this one was easy to set up and earned mostly raves from our tester, Commerce Editor Kris Scott . However, it doesn't have a push-button ignition, like the Tiki, and the fire wasn't as strong. "I think it'd put out enough heat on a cool fall evening to make being outside around it comfortable. You do need to be fairly close to it to feel the heat well, but the fact that it doesn't emit any smoke or embers makes that easy," she reported.
Our tester hauled this fire pit and a propane tank to a campsite to see how it would fare.
(Kris Scott/Yahoo)Blue Sky Outdoor Living Peak Smokeless Fire Pit :We were interested in trying out this well-reviewed under-$250 smokeless fire pit, but it went in and out of stock during our testing period. We'll include it in our next round of testing if it's available.
BioLite FirePit+ Smokeless Fire Pit :At $600 when not on sale, this is one pricey pit. It's large at 27 inches wide and 16 inches tall, but it weighs only 20 pounds, making it popular among campers. Instead of a double-wall design like the other models we tried, this one has see-through mesh sides and uses an electric fan to aid in combustion. While we like it, we felt there were equally effective, portable fire pits for less money.
Factors to consider when choosing a smokeless fire pit
Before you shop for a smokeless fire pit, think about where and how you'll actually use it. We also recommend considering the following factors:
✓ Size and weight:Larger (often heavier) fire pits are ideal for bigger spaces and larger groups. Some models feature built-in handles or wheels to make moving spots easier, but if you're looking to move your fire pit around (or even take it on a trip), you'll want a compact, lightweight model.
✓ Fuel type:
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Wood:Even if they're considered smokeless, wood-fueled fire pits still produce scant amounts of smoke, especially the first time you use them. You may find you smell a bit like a campfire after using one, and if you cook on the pit, your food may have a slightly smoky flavor. Make sure to use kiln-dried or seasoned firewood, and keep in mind that you'll have to build the fire at the outset and tend to it regularly.
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Gas:Gas-fueled fire pits are typically easier to use and produce no smoke or ash, but they require either a propane tank or a natural gas line.
The Tiki Patio fire pit comes with a starter pack of pellets that you can light instead of firewood.
(Lauren Matthews-Ide/Yahoo)✓ Safety:Regardless of the fuel type, fire pits should be reserved for open, outdoor areas, ideally with a perimeter of at least two feet. Don't toss foreign materials into the flame, and always make sure the fire pit is properly secured and guarded when not in use, taking extra precautions around kids and pets. Solo Stove requires you to use a base with their fire pits when placing them on a flammable surface, such as a wooden deck.
✓ Heat output:You can measure output by BTUs with gas fire pits, but it's less precise with wood-fueled models. With all of the best fire pits we tested, you'll feel warmth from three or more feet away (the only exception is the tabletop Solo Stove Mesa, but it's only six inches tall!). If you find your fire pit doesn't radiate enough warmth, check if the brand sells a heat deflector. Many do, and as a bonus, they can help reduce the amount of firewood you use.
✓ Accessories:Some of the best fire pit brands offer convenient features like a removable ash pan, stand and a carrying case, so you can take your fire pit on the go. If you want to do live-fire cooking, look for brands, such as Breeo, that sell grill grates, griddles and pizza oven attachments. Know that these will cost you extra and are usually more than $100 apiece.
A screen can help keep sparks contained — many brands sell them separately, such as this option from Cosparx, shown atop a Solo Stove Bonfire.
(Kristin Granero)How to clean and maintain smokeless fire pits
For all fire pits, ensure the unit has cooled completely before touching or cleaning it, and conceal it with a weatherproof cover when not in use to protect it from the elements. We recommend referring to the care manual for your model to ensure proper maintenance. For example, to clear ash from a Solo Stove, the brand recommends removing the fuel grate and emptying the ash pan, or simply turning the fire pit upside down to dump the ash. The brand also recommends using a stiff-bristled brush or blower to ensure the bottom and top air vents are free of debris, and using Bar Keepers Friend with a damp rag to clean the exterior.
Smokeless fire pit FAQs
What makes a fire pit smokeless?
Fires give off smoke if they don't have enough oxygen, heat or fuel. Smokeless fire pits are often designed with extra vents and double walls to help solve those issues. Using dry wood can also help, as the moisture in wet wood creates the perfect environment for an (unwanted) smoke show.
How far away from the house should a fire pit be?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends traditional fire pits be placed at least 10 feet away from your house, shed, deck and or anything that can catch fire, and you should also steer clear of low-hanging branches and other potentially flammable landscaping elements. In some towns, you need to keep a distance of 25 feet, so check your local guidelines. We suggest opting for more compact, tabletop fire pits (such as the Solo Mesa ) for tight spaces, and checking with local authorities if you're not sure what's allowed in your area. Once the fire pit is in place, sit at least a few feet away from the live flame and don't leave it unattended. Always keep an eye on kids or pets in the vicinity.
Does a backyard fire pit add value to a home?
A fire pit can be an investment — permanent options can hit the thousand-dollar range — but a worthwhile one. Some landscape experts say that a quality fire pit, enhanced by a well-designed landscape, can increase your home's value. It's easy to see how adding structures and features to a property could make it more appealing to potential buyers. But, just as with installing a pool or planting trees, this is an instance where the beauty (or at least the practicality) is in the eye of the beholder.
Bottom line
We think the Cuisinart Cleaburn Fire Pit is the best choice for most people, as it's easy to set up and use and relatively lightweight. But at $400, it's not cheap, so if you're looking for something equally as effective and enjoyable to use, we recommend the Solo Stove Bonfire , which costs $100 less.
Meet our experts
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Sara Bendrick, landscape contractor and owner, Sarita Landscapes
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Kevin Lenhart, design director, Yardzen
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Michael Scheinman, CEO, Campspot
Update, Sept. 11, 2026: We overhauled this guide based on new testing and changed our No. 1 pick to the Cuisinart Cleanburn; our previous pick, the Solo Stove Bonfire, is now our best value option. We also added several new picks to the list, including the Solo Stove Yukon and Tiki Customizable Propane Fire Pit, and included details on how we tested the fire pits and other models we considered.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
