The Best Smokeless Fire Pits for a Clean and Cozy Outdoor Experience
Get the warmth of a fire without the smoke in your face.
Reviewed by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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Gathering around a fire pit is always a highlight when camping or enjoying a summer evening in the backyard. But, there’s nothing worse than dodging smoke around a fire pit all night or leaving with smoky-smelling clothes. If you love the warmth and atmosphere of a fire but hate dealing with the smoke, a smokeless fire pit is worth considering. These fire pits use smart airflow design and double-wall construction to create a hotter, more efficient burn that cuts down on smoke — so you can enjoy the fire instead of fighting with it.
When choosing a smokeless fire pit, radiant heat, smoke output and ease of cleanup are key. Some models are lightweight and portable for camping, while others are built for backyard entertaining and even cooking. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows with the family, hosting a party or setting up at a campsite, the right smokeless fire pit makes a difference.
Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute put these top-rated smokeless fire pits to the test, evaluating their performance in real conditions. After hands-on testing and research, these are the best options that deliver on their smokeless promise.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Pizza oven and grill attachments
Cons
- Heavy
Material: Stainless steel | Diameter: 34" | Weight: 62 lbs
The X-Series from Breeo is our top pick for its sharp-looking design and outstanding smokeless performance.
It’s available in four sizes ranging from 19 to 42 inches in diameter, so you have plenty of choices based on the size of your yard and the size of fire you want. We found the 24-inch X-Series large enough to fill the space in a large seating area without creating an overwhelming fire.
The Breeo's interior isn’t too deep and is spacious enough to set up a proper “log cabin” of kindling and wood. It produces an intense fire, but testers noted that the smoke is hardly noticeable once the fire gets going. The fire pit's interior cross-section is raised, allowing for even more airflow, which is key to a smokeless experience.
But, the Breeo is more than just a fire pit. Our testers agreed that their favorite feature of the X-Series is the additional accessories that can be purchased to make the fire pit an extension of your outdoor kitchen. These include a pizza oven that sits on top of the fire pit and an adjustable grill grate for cooking meat and veggies.
The X-Series is made in the USA and is available in Corten or stainless steel. Testers thought the fire pit was well-engineered but also a bit heavy. However, that made it more durable and less likely to get knocked over. We'd recommend this for home use, and it’s best suited for a medium- to large-sized patio or yard.
Solo Stove Ranger Stainless Steel Fire Pit
Pros
- Easy to transport
- Clean burn with little ash
Cons
- Stainless steel can show dents
Material: Stainless steel | Diameter: 17" | Weight: 15 lbs
The ubiquitous stainless steel design of the Solo Stove took the outdoor industry by storm a few years ago, and for good reason. Our testers at the Good Housekeeping Institute gave it high marks across the board and it continues to be one of the most popular fire pits for home and camping.
At 15 pounds, the Ranger is perfectly sized to fit in the back of your SUV for weekend camping trips or it can be tucked away in a shed and brought out for roasting marshmallows. Our testers found the Solo Stove a great fire pit for anyone to use — from seasoned campers to outdoor newbies.
Like the Breeo, you can purchase cooking add-ons like a pizza oven and grill tops, making the Solo Stove even more useful when camping. Unique to the Solo Stove is the option to purchase a Fire Pit Surround that serves as a convenient flat surface for holding drinks, but also a barrier to prevent pets and children from possibly touching the hot surface of the fire pit.
Our testers mentioned that like the other double-wall style fire pits the Solo Stove does emit smoke until the fire heats up, and then the smoke is limited. We found that the design doesn’t emit as much outward heat as a traditional fire pit, but it still burns hot enough to leave only ash.
Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Burns pellets
Cons
- Smoke around the table
Material: Stainless steel | Diameter: 6" | Weight: 1.4 lbs
S’mores anyone? If you’re seeking the ambiance of a fire pit but don’t have the space, the Mesa tabletop fire pit may be a good option. This mini Solo Stove is fueled by wood pellets or small wood pieces. It also has a more dramatic presence than your standard candlelit dinner.
The Mesa is available in XL at 7 inches and Standard at 6 inches, with both available in nine different colors so you can match your tabletop and the vibe of your decor. A nylon carry bag is included, and at 1.4 pounds, you can take it anywhere. The same smokeless design found in the Solo Stove Ranger has been engineered to work in the Mesa, but because the unit is elevated on your table, you may find smoke a bit harder to avoid. It's best used when there is little to no wind and in a well-ventilated area and never indoors.
Pros
- Easy to clean ash
- Great radiant heat
Cons
- Pellets are expensive
Material: Powder coated stainless steel | Diameter: 25" | Weight: 46 lbs
This Tiki Patio Fire Pit is a standout for its gorgeous design and hassle-free fuel system. You can use standard wood logs, but Tiki also sells upcycled wood pellets that light instantly and provide a full fire in five minutes.
At 46 pounds, it’s light enough to move and store when not in use, but still sturdy and durable enough to keep outdoors. The removable ashtray is another plus, making cleanup fast and simple.
With a 4-foot heat radius, this fire pit will keep you warm on the coolest nights. The built-in legs keep the unit off the ground for maximum airflow. The Tiki does not have the standard double-wall design which burns off the smoke but achieves a similar effect with vent holes near the top.
BioLite Smokeless FirePit+ Grill
Pros
- Very portable with folding legs
- Power bank for charging devices
Cons
- Battery powered fan is not for everyone
Material: Metal | Dimensions: 12"D x 27.5"W x 16"H | Weight: 20 lbs
The BioLite FirePit+ takes a different approach to smokeless fire pit technology. Its patented airflow technology delivers a hyper-efficient burn by circulating oxygen through 51 precision-engineered air jets that dramatically reduce smoke while maximizing heat. The X-ray mesh body gives you a front-row view of the flames, making it feel like a traditional fire but with a much cleaner burn.
Designed for versatility, this fire pit runs on wood or charcoal and can quickly transform into a portable hibachi-style grill with the included grate. The USB-rechargeable power pack powers the integrated air fan for up to 30 hours, ensuring a consistent, smokeless flame. It also doubles as an emergency power bank, making it an excellent companion for car camping and keeping your devices charged while you are off the grid.
This fire pit is small and the form factor prevents you from using logs, so you’ll need to feed it more often with smaller-sized wood pieces. We found the fan worked well to stoke the flames and you can control it remotely with your phone, but it does add a level of technology to the process that some users may find a turn-off.
Pros
- Metal construction
- Great radiant heat
Cons
- Expensive
Material: Heavy gauge carbon steel | Diameter: 24" | Weight: 72 lbs
The Burly Gather Fire Pit is designed for serious durability and better burns. Its two-piece construction makes it easier to move, clean and manage while also cutting down on smoke. Made from heavy-gauge carbon steel and built in the USA, this fire pit is solid, stable and should outlast any other stainless steel fire pit.
The gorgeous white oak wood handles add a heritage touch to the fire pit that is lacking in the other units. We can imagine early Americans gathering around this exact fire pit 200 years ago. At 72 pounds, you won't be lugging this to the campsite, but it will take centerstage in any backyard setting. It may look utilitarian, but it throws good, even heat, and with an optional grill attachment, it can double as a cooking setup. It's a sturdy, no-nonsense fire pit made for those who want long-term performance without the hassle.
How we test smokeless fire pits
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab carefully selects smokeless fire pits to test based on design, performance, durability and ease of use. We focus on models that claim to produce less smoke while maintaining strong heat output, ensuring they live up to their promises in real-world conditions.
Our Kitchen Appliances Lab has also tested many fire pits for cooking purposes, as a few of these offer accessories like wood-fired pizza ovens and grill grates for cooking steaks and veggies.
Our selection process starts with trusted brands and innovations, incorporating expert recommendations, industry recognition and consumer feedback. We also consider portability, fuel type (wood, charcoal or pellets), cleanup features and additional functions like built-in cooking grates and cover.
In addition to Lab testing, we rely on at-home testers who use these fire pits in backyards, patios and campsites to provide feedback on setup, performance over time and overall user experience. This combination of controlled testing and real-world use ensures our recommendations are thorough, practical and reliable.
How do smokeless fire pits work?
Smokeless fire pits are designed to burn fuel more efficiently, reducing the amount of smoke that escapes into the air. While they don’t eliminate smoke entirely, they minimize it by maximizing airflow and combustion, resulting in a cleaner, hotter burn.
Many smokeless fire pits like the Solo Stove and Breeo use a double-wall design to improve airflow and reduce smoke. Fresh air enters through vent holes at the base of the fire pit, where it is pulled into the space between the inner and outer walls. Some of this air feeds the fire directly from below, allowing the wood to burn hotter and more completely.
The rest travels upward through the walls, heating as it rises. By the time it reaches the vent holes near the top, the air is hot enough to ignite any remaining smoke particles. This secondary combustion process effectively burns off excess smoke before it can escape, resulting in a hotter, more efficient fire with significantly less smoke.
Other models achieve a similar effect through precision-engineered venting systems. These designs direct oxygen to the fire at key points, ensuring a steady supply of air that promotes a more complete burn. The BioLite FirePit+ takes a different approach, using a battery-powered fan to actively push air into the fire.
This controlled airflow optimizes combustion, creating an efficient, low-smoke burn with the added benefit of adjustable flame intensity. While each system works slightly differently, the goal remains the same: to produce a hotter, cleaner fire with less smoke and wasted fuel.
What to look for when shopping for the best smokeless fire pit
Smokeless fire pits promise similar results, but they vary widely in how they achieve them. Here are some features and add-ons you should look for when shopping.
✔️ Airflow design: Look for models with double-wall construction or engineered venting. Almost all smokeless fire pits will highlight an airflow feature which is the key to it being smokeless.
✔️ Size and portability: Consider where you'll use the fire pit. Larger models provide high heat output for backyard setups, while compact or collapsible designs are better for camping and travel. A cover or bag is nice to have when transporting to keep dirt and ash from falling into your vehicle.
✔️ Durability and materials: Stainless steel resists rust and corrosion, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use. Heavy-gauge carbon steel provides durability but may require touch-ups with high-temperature paint over time. Corten steel offers a unique patina over time that many people like.
✔️ Heat output: Some fire pits radiate more heat than others based on their airflow efficiency and size. If you plan to use it in colder weather or for larger gatherings, choose a larger fire pit with high heat retention and a wider heat radius.
✔️ Ease of cleaning: Look for models with removable ash pans or easy-access clean-out systems to simplify maintenance.
✔️ Cooking capability: Some fire pits come with grates or optional attachments for grilling. If you plan to cook over your fire, check whether a cooking grate or griddle can be added. Making wood-fired pizzas is also a fun activity that some fire pits are capable of.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
This roundup was written by contributing writer Timothy Dahl, an experienced product reviewer and outdoor enthusiast, who based his selections on his experience using many of these smokeless fire pits at home and while camping.
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Kitchen Appliances Lab where she's been testing outdoor cooking gear for years, but she's new to building fires, which confirmed that almost anyone can use the Solo Stove. She leaned on her team of experienced at-home testers for their research and feedback on smokeless fire pits.
Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years. With a deep background in hands-on testing and reporting, he has reviewed and worked with hundreds of tools, products, and home innovations. Timothy's work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, and Popular Mechanics, and he's the founder of Charles & Hudson. He specializes in making complex projects accessible and is passionate about empowering homeowners with clear, actionable guidance.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
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