In-depth review
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0: smokeless burn, ash pan clean-up, size, and who should buy it.
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand
The smokeless pick for most patios: a 19.5 inch wood burner with a stand, a removable ash pan, and very little smoke once it is going.
Our verdict
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is the best fire pit for most buyers, because it gets the three things that matter right at once: a clean burn once hot, a size that suits a normal patio, and a clean-up that takes minutes. The double-wall design really does cut the smoke, and the removable ash pan fixes the worst part of owning the older Bonfire. It is not the cheapest pit here, and it still smokes during start-up, but for a wood fire that four to six people can sit around without watering eyes, it is the pick.
What we like
- The double-wall design feeds hot air over the fire, so once it is burning well the smoke is far lower than a normal open pit.
- The removable base plate and ash pan make clean-up a lift-and-tip job instead of turning the whole pit upside down.
- At 19.5 inches across it takes standard firewood and seats four to six people, which covers most patios without dominating them.
What to watch out for
- It still needs dry wood and a few minutes of smoky start-up before the secondary burn kicks in.
- The steel body gets very hot and stays hot long after the flames die, so it needs a safe cool-down spot.
- A pellet adapter and a heat deflector are sold separately, which adds cost if you want either.
Who it is for
Most patio owners, and anyone who wants a proper wood fire with far less smoke and an easy clean-up.
The smokeless burn is real, with a caveat
The Bonfire 2.0 feeds hot air over the top of the fire through its double wall, and once the fire is hot the difference against an open bowl is obvious: the smoke thins to a wisp and the flame burns tall and clean. The caveat is the first few minutes. Cold wood and a cold pit smoke like any other fire until the secondary burn gets going, so the first logs should be dry and the fire should be built properly. Buyers who expect zero smoke from the first match will be disappointed; buyers who give it five minutes will not be.
Clean-up is where the 2.0 earns its name
The original Bonfire had to be tipped upside down to empty the ash, which was awkward and messy with a 20 lb steel drum. The 2.0 adds a removable base plate and ash pan, so clean-up is a lift-and-tip job that takes a minute. The pan is small enough to empty into a metal bucket, and the pit can be wiped and covered while it cools. It is a small change that removes the main daily annoyance of owning the pit.
How it stacks up
Against the Solo Stove Ranger 2.0, the Bonfire wins on size and heat, seating four to six people against two to four, while the Ranger wins on portability at 15 lb. Against the Solo Stove Yukon 2.0, the Bonfire wins on weight and wood use, while the Yukon wins on heat and log size for big groups. Against the Outland Firebowl 870, the Bonfire wins on the wood-fire experience, while the Outland wins on instant light and zero clean-up.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners say the fire burns with far less smoke than an open bowl once it gets hot
- Many praise the ash pan for turning clean-up into a quick lift-and-tip job
- Buyers like that standard firewood fits without cutting logs down to size
Common complaints
- Some owners find the first few minutes smoky before the secondary burn starts
- A few note the steel body stays hot for a long time after the flames die
- Some wish the pellet adapter and heat deflector came in the box
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Diameter
- 19.5 inches
- Height
- 16.75 inches with stand
- Weight
- 21.75 lb
- Material
- 304 stainless steel
- Fuel
- Wood
Also consider
Solo Stove Ranger 2.0
The carry-anywhere smokeless pit: the same double-wall burn as the Bonfire in a 15 lb package with a carry case.
- Diameter: 12.5 inches
- Height: 12.5 inches
Outland Living Firebowl 870 Premium
The best propane pit: a 19 inch auto-ignition firebowl with a cover and carry kit, ready for patios and campsites alike.
- Diameter: 19 inches
- Heat output: 58,000 BTU
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Does the Bonfire 2.0 need a stand?
The stand comes with this listing and is worth using: it lifts the pit off the patio, protects the surface underneath, and improves the airflow. Without a stand, the pit sits directly on the ground and the heat can mark decking or stone.
What size logs does it take?
Standard firewood cut to about 16 inches fits well. Longer logs stick out and smoke more, while very short pieces burn through fast. Split hardwood burns cleaner than softwood and is worth the extra cost.
Can I leave it outside?
Yes, with a cover, and the steel will still show wear over time. Stainless steel resists rust well, but ash left inside holds moisture and will stain the base. Empty the ash pan after each fire and cover the pit when it is not in use.