There’s something magical about gathering around a fire pit on a cool evening. The crackling flames, the warmth, the conversation. But traditional fire pits come with a familiar frustration - constantly repositioning to avoid the smoke, going inside smelling like a bonfire, and neighbours giving you the side-eye.
Smokeless fire pits solve this problem. Using clever airflow engineering, they burn wood at higher temperatures with secondary combustion that consumes the smoke before it reaches your face. The result? All the ambiance, none of the smoke-chasing.
We’ve tested and researched the leading smokeless fire pits available in the UK to help you find the right one for your garden.
What Makes a Fire Pit “Smokeless”?
Before we dive into specific models, it’s worth understanding how smokeless technology works. Traditional fire pits produce smoke because wood doesn’t burn completely at lower temperatures. The unburnt particles rise as smoke.
Smokeless fire pits use a double-wall design with air vents that:
- Draw in air from the bottom - Feeding the fire from below creates a hotter, more complete burn
- Heat air between the walls - The double-wall construction creates a convection current
- Release superheated air at the top - Secondary burn holes around the rim ignite any remaining smoke particles
The result is a fire that burns cleaner, hotter, and with dramatically less smoke. You’ll still see some smoke during the initial lighting phase, but once the fire is established, it’s remarkably clear.
Best Smokeless Fire Pits for UK Gardens
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
The Solo Stove has become synonymous with smokeless fire pits, and for good reason. The Bonfire 2.0 is their most popular model - sized perfectly for 4-6 people gathered around.
What we like:
- Genuinely smokeless once lit - the secondary combustion is impressive
- 304 stainless steel construction won’t rust
- Portable at 9kg - can be moved around the garden
- Produces minimal ash, making cleanup simple
- Removable ash pan in the 2.0 version
What to consider:
- Premium price point
- Gets extremely hot on the sides - keep children at a distance
- Needs a stand for use on decking (sold separately)
- Wind can affect the smokeless performance
Price: Around £350-400 for the Bonfire 2.0
Best for: Those who want the benchmark smokeless experience and don’t mind paying for quality.
Solo Stove Ranger
The Ranger is Solo Stove’s compact option - perfect for smaller gardens, balconies (check your building rules first), or taking camping.
What we like:
- Same smokeless technology in a smaller package
- Weighs just 6.8kg - genuinely portable
- Great for 2-4 people
- More affordable entry into the Solo Stove range
- Works brilliantly as a solo/couple fire pit
What to consider:
- Fire capacity is limited - you’ll reload more often
- Less heat output than larger models
- Same stand requirement for decking
Price: Around £250-300
Best for: Smaller gardens, couples, or those wanting a portable option for camping.
Breeo X Series 19
Breeo was actually making smokeless fire pits before Solo Stove, and their X Series offers some features the Solo lacks.
What we like:
- Built-in cooking capability with optional Outpost grill
- COR-TEN steel develops a beautiful patina over time
- Made in the USA with premium materials
- Sear plate accessory for direct-heat cooking
- Lifetime warranty
What to consider:
- Heavier than Solo Stove (18kg+)
- COR-TEN steel needs time to develop its weathered look
- Higher price point than Solo Stove
- Less widely available in the UK
Price: Around £500-600
Best for: Those who want to cook over their fire pit and value long-term durability.
The Genie Stove
Looking to buy British? The Genie Stove is designed and manufactured in the UK, offering smokeless performance with a uniquely versatile design.
What we like:
- UK-made quality
- Functions as a fire pit AND a BBQ
- Compact and genuinely portable
- Excellent customer service from a small UK business
- More affordable than premium US brands
What to consider:
- Smaller capacity than Solo Stove Bonfire
- Less well-known brand
- Limited model range
Price: Around £200-300 depending on model
Best for: Those who want to support UK manufacturing and value versatility.
Fabulous Firepits Smokeless Range
Another UK manufacturer, Fabulous Firepits hand-make their smokeless fire pits in Sheffield using 4mm steel.
What we like:
- Hand-made in Sheffield, UK
- Heavy-duty 4mm steel construction
- Available in square or octagonal designs
- Can double as a garden incinerator
- Supporting British manufacturing
What to consider:
- Heavier than stainless steel options
- Will develop rust patina over time (some prefer this look)
- Less refined finish than Solo Stove
Price: Around £250-400 depending on size
Best for: Those who want industrial-strength construction and prefer the UK-made approach.
Smokeless Fire Pit Comparison
| Feature | Solo Stove Bonfire | Solo Stove Ranger | Breeo X19 | Genie Stove |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £350-400 | £250-300 | £500-600 | £200-300 |
| Weight | 9kg | 6.8kg | 18kg+ | 8kg |
| Material | 304 Stainless | 304 Stainless | COR-TEN Steel | Stainless |
| Cooking | No (accessory) | No | Yes (built-in) | Yes |
| Made in | USA/China | USA/China | USA | UK |
| Best for | All-round use | Compact/portable | Cooking focus | Versatility |
What to Look for When Buying
Material Quality
Stainless steel (304 grade) won’t rust and maintains its appearance. It’s lighter and easier to move. COR-TEN steel develops a protective rust patina over time - beautiful if you like the weathered aesthetic, but not to everyone’s taste. Standard steel is cheaper but will rust without careful maintenance.
Size for Your Space
Consider both the fire pit’s footprint and the recommended clearance around it. Most smokeless fire pits need at least 2-3 metres of clear space on all sides. For a typical UK garden:
- Small garden (under 50m²): Solo Stove Ranger or similar compact model
- Medium garden (50-100m²): Solo Stove Bonfire or equivalent
- Large garden (100m²+): Breeo X Series 24 or larger models
Cooking Capability
If you want to grill over your fire pit, look for models with integrated cooking features or compatible accessories. The Breeo X Series leads here with purpose-built cooking accessories. Solo Stove offers a grill accessory, but cooking isn’t their primary focus.
Wind Performance
All smokeless fire pits are affected by wind - it can disrupt the airflow that makes them work. Some models handle wind better than others. Look for higher walls and consider your garden’s exposure.
Common Questions
Can I leave my smokeless fire pit outside?
Stainless steel models like Solo Stove can be left outside year-round, though a cover is recommended to keep debris out. COR-TEN steel is designed for outdoor exposure. Standard steel fire pits should be covered or stored to prevent rust.
How long do smokeless fire pits last?
Quality stainless steel fire pits should last 10+ years with basic care. COR-TEN steel models can last even longer - the rust patina actually protects the underlying metal. Budget models may show wear after 3-5 years.
Do smokeless fire pits give off enough heat?
Yes - in fact, they often produce MORE usable heat than traditional fire pits because the fuel burns more completely. The design directs heat upward and outward rather than losing it to smoke production.
Our Recommendation
For most UK gardens, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 hits the sweet spot. It’s genuinely smokeless, well-built, appropriately sized for family and friends, and has the largest accessory ecosystem. The removable ash pan in the 2.0 version makes maintenance painless.
If budget is a concern, the Solo Stove Ranger delivers the same technology in a more compact (and affordable) package.
For those who value UK manufacturing or want built-in cooking capability, the Genie Stove and Breeo X Series respectively offer compelling alternatives.
Whatever you choose, a smokeless fire pit transforms the garden fire experience. No more smoke-chasing. No more bonfire-scented clothes. Just the warmth and ambiance of a real fire, enjoyed properly.
Looking for other fire features? Explore our fire features collection including fire pit tables, outdoor fireplaces, and smokeless options.