I've only seen one, a Solo, and they seem to work well. Anyone have a recommendation as to brand? Solo is Expensive! Thanks team!
I have several of the Solo Stoves, from the smaller backpacking models up to the Bonfire, and love them. I even have their cast iron grill for the large Bonfire model. (You can get the perfect sear you need for a delicious bone in Ribeye steak.) Yes, they are expensive, but I have had two replaced under their lifetime warranty for free when some of the spot welds came undone. I guess my fires were a little too hot. Great company and I will continue to purchase and use their products.
I have the Solo Stove “Bonfire” model for the house. I also have the Solo Stove “Lite” for backpacking. I love both of them. They are expensive. But I was sold on the Solo brand after attending a BBQ a couple of years ago. The host had the Bonfire model in action. Once it’s hot, there is virtually zero smoke. Smoke really freaks people out where I live during the warm months. I don’t need people constantly driving up my road to see where the smoke is coming from during the summer. There are a bunch of accessories you can get for them too. Mine came with a spark arrestor, which I do use.
I think you’re right. Unfortunately I don’t have experience with other brands. When I was researching them, I did see that people were burning the bottom out of some of the cheaper ones. That’s part of why I bought the Solo.
Totally. I do okay, but I don’t make a ton of money. So I did look at some cheaper options before I bought mine. But I read one horror story after another about the cheaper ones burning up or warping. I’m not saying that there aren’t decent less expensive versions. There may be good ones out there. Especially since the solo’s have been out for a while now.
So I've never heard much about he solo stoves til this thread. Just looked them up, they have several on sale right now...
I'm a year late to this game (edit- not "game" I meant "thread. whoops.) I got in on the Solo Stove Bonfire through kickstarter. I hadn't even met my wife yet so this must have been 6 years ago. The Bonfire I have has the old style bottom- the newer one looks way easier to clean, but this thing lives outside year round and its still in very good condition. Anyone who's considering buying one or understandably on the fence due to the price- I've had mine for more than half a decade and it has held up very nicely. When it needs replacing I won't hesitate to get another one.
Good info here! I’ve been eyeing these for some time after seeing how they perform at a former coworker’s house. He had the Bonfire one I believe. It really was smokeless once it got going good. And it put out good heat. Thinking of replacing our regular ol’ fire pit with one. Looks like they are on sale now and not much more than the off brand ones; maybe $70 more?
I bought the Bonfire. There are many, many variations of the Solo, made by many, many, different companies, at many, many different prices. There's even plans out there for all you DIY people. It's different heat than a 'regular' fire pit but I love my Solo and would never go back to 'smokey Joe'.
Ever since I seen pictures ( or maybe a video) I have been thinking about trying to make something similar. The 2 different size barrels is intriguing.
I’m not sure if the brand but my buddy uses one in his detached garage with the doors and windows open. Not saying it’s a good idea but it isn’t Smokey in there at all.
Ouch, I’d say that’s a terrible idea. Smoke or not it’s still an open flame with all the dangers associated.
