Compare low-smoke fire pits: Solo Stove, Höfats, Petromax

A low-smoke fire pit produces less smoke thanks to a double wall with secondary combustion, as the manufacturer describes it. Here you compare low-smoke fire pits and fire bowls from Solo Stove, Höfats and Petromax, with the key specifications and the current price at the shop.

How does it work?

Air enters at the bottom of the fire pit and rises between the two walls. At the top, that air meets the fire again, where the manufacturer describes secondary combustion. A wood fire is never entirely free of smoke: how much smoke you see also depends on the wood. Dry wood in the size stated in the manual gives the least smoke.

Models

• Solo Stove: the Mesa as a tabletop fire pit, and the Ranger, Bonfire, Yukon and Summit 24 inch in increasing sizes, often also with a stand.
• Höfats: the spherical Moon and the tilting Bowl fire bowl, which you can extend with a grill grate, plancha and lid.
• Petromax: the Pyron fire pit and the Tyropit fire bowl.

What to look for

Look at the diameter and height, and whether a stand is included. A stand lifts the fire pit off the ground. If you want to burn pellets, check that the manufacturer allows it; Solo Stove offers a pellet adapter. Separate lids, spark screens and protective covers are among the fire pit accessories. The Low-smoke filter shows which models the manufacturer labels as low-smoke.

Burning safely

A low-smoke fire pit is also for open-air use only, never indoors, in a tent or under a canopy, parasol or roof. Place it on a stable, non-combustible surface, keep plenty of distance from anything that can burn and never leave the fire unattended. Check the local rules where you live before lighting a fire.

Also take a look at the fire baskets, the fire bowls or all fire pits and fire bowls.