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All the fun of a campfire without any of the hassle.
Photo:Real Simple / Maura Ruane
Thankfully, smokeless fire pits are here to save the day and ensure a lot more memorable outdoor fun.
The propane connector hose could be a little longer to keep the tank out of sight.
Coupled with its comparably low price, its great value for money, too.
PHOTO: Real Simple / Cathy Fallone
The fire pit came pretty much assembled and with clear instructions.
We were immediately impressed by how quickly we could connect the propane tank and get started.
In two minutes, we were already seated and enjoying the warmth.
PHOTO: Real Simple / Cathy Fallone
The heat/flame is controllable with a knob, and this came in especially handy when we were roasting marshmallows.
The fire pit gave off a good amount of heat and no smoke whatsoever.
The heat could be felt when sitting 3.5 feet away from it, and it was consistent all around.
It would also have been nice if the controls went a bit higher to get a bigger flame.
After six months of regular use, it still works as new.
Its a lovely addition to any outside area, especially for fall and winter.
It doesnt come with a cover or a cooktop, so youll have to buy these separately.
Despite being a wood-burning model, the sleek Yukon 2.0 by Solo Stove is entirely smokeless.
The smoke funnels upwards instead of following the wind and can barely be seen.
We were so impressed that we asked Bumachar to explain this sorcery.
This explanation matches our experience, too.
We would have liked a protective screen and a cooktop.
PHOTO: Amazon
The setup took all of five minutes, plus another two to get the pellets in.
Just 10 minutes later, the fire was up and running.
Even with the pellets in, it was a cinch to lift and move.
Real Simple / Jennifer May
After six months, there has been no difference in its performance or heat output.
The material is thick and weatherproof and feels durable, too.
It wont be able to warm up a large group of people on colder days.
PHOTO: Amazon
It also gave off some decent heat when we were sitting right in front of it.
Its perfect for a crisp day when you just need a bit of extra warmth and a nice ambiance.
The first time we lit it up with regular kindling, there was some smoke present.
PHOTO: Real Simple / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
It wasn’t an overwhelming amount, but a few black plumes were coming out.
Its a durable and high-quality fire pit that worked well over the six-month testing period.
We think this model is ideal for smaller outdoor spaces, like a balcony or a rooftop.
The parts seem slightly flimsy, and the safety sticker on the top is a chore to remove.
The Hampton Bay Crossridge is both a smokeless fire pit and a functional piece ofoutdoor furniture.
Compared to the other items in our roundup, this had more assembly requirements, though.
It came in a flat box and had several pieces that we had to screw together.
Thankfully, the instructions were concise with helpful illustrations, and all the pieces were correctly marked.
We could feel the heat up to 3 feet away.
It doesnt have a removable ashtray.
Its rustic and well-used aesthetic might not be for everyone, but it does have its charm.
It produced more smoke when we first lit it, but this was to be expected.
PHOTO: Solo Stove
Wood catches and burns quickly, and we could feel the heat from 3 feet away.
Its super solid and well-made, and were confident in its longevity.
It has become even more rusty with time, but thats its whole vibe.
PHOTO: Real Simple
It doesnt come with a cover.
The whole process took just five to 10 minutes, including the unboxing.
We especially enjoyed its bold and clean flame that lasted an impressively long time.
(You could also wipe it with a damp cloth.)
When the fire was at its strongest, there was minimal smoke, and the burn was pleasantly clean.
It also weighs just 22 pounds, making it ideal for road trips, camping, and picnics.
Theres a bit of smoke when you first light it.
We added more logs in slowly and one at a time, and this felt completely safe.
That being said, it was ever-so-slightly noticeable on clothing once we went back inside.
Its well-priced, durable, and works as new after six months of rigorous testing.
For the best wood-burning smokeless fire pit, we recommend theSolo Stove Yukon 2.0.
All of our picks have a material that fit this bill.
PHOTO: Real Simple / Jodi Espinosa
Consider the occasion and location for using your fire pit, Bumachar says.
If you plan to travel, think about how easy it will be to move and store.
This will in large part be determined by its size and weight.
PHOTO: Real Simple / Jodi Espinosa
Murphy adds that larger, heavier smokeless fire pits offer a lot more stability.
The average fire pit has a heat output range of 40,000 to 50,000 BTUs, Shaunfield says.
If you want a higher heat output, though, larger fire pits can reach up to 200,000 BTUs.
He also recommends sticking to the fuel that the product manual specifies.
Propane gives 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs, and natural gas can go slightly higher, up to 80,000 BTUs.
Some have an electronic push button ignition and automatic shut off, too.
This poses a safety concern, so we recommend using smaller pieces of wood.
Real Simple / Kacey Davis
Questions You Might Ask
How do smokeless fire pits work?
Smokeless fire pits use a technology that redirects airflow to keep smoke away from you and your guests.
Are smokeless fire pits really smokeless?
Do smokeless fire pits give off heat?
Yes, smokeless fire pits produce heat.
Real Simple / Mandy Wood
Burning fuel more efficiently and cleaner, they warm up your space while reducing smoke.
Smokeless fire pits, like all fire pits, definitely emit heat, Bumachar confirms.
The primary goal of these designs is to reduce smoke, not heat output.
Real Simple / Mandy Wood
What jot down of wood is best to use in a smokeless fire pit?
Shaunfield adds that hickory is another good option for a slow, hot burn, and minimal smoke.
Will your clothes smell like smoke after sitting around a smokeless fire pit?
PHOTO: Amazon
Kat is also an editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing.
PHOTO: Real Simple / Maura Ruane
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple / Marre Schuling
Real Simple / Cathy Fallone
Real Simple / Maura Ruane
Real Simple / Marre Schuling
Real Simple / Kacey Davis
Real Simple / Mary Honeyman-Speichinger
