This Smokeless Fire Pit Brought Cozy Camp Vibes to My Outdoor Space (I Use It Every Night!)

Few things bring me as much joy as sitting around a cozy fire. There is a deeply comforting magic in the rich scent of burning wood and the dancing flames. While I could happily sit fireside in any season, nothing quite compares to sparking up a fire pit on a crisp autumn evening, wrapped in a warm blanket under the stars. So, when I got the chance to test the Solo Stove Summit Fire Pit, I leapt at it.

Solo Stove is a perennial Apartment Therapy favorite thanks to its sleek aesthetic and smart, functional construction (and it did not disappoint). Lacking an outdoor area at my own home, I enlisted my in-laws nearby to host our fireside sessions. Here’s my review.

The moment I unpacked the Solo Stove Summit, its solid construction immediately caught my eye. Made from stainless steel with a sleek finish, it clearly looks built to last through countless cozy fires. Setup is straightforward: place the lower ash pan inside the pit, add the Quick-Strike Cone on top, and position the Fire Ring (the directions clearly show you how to place it). From there, simply stack firewood horizontally around the cone, drizzle Fire Starter Gel (sold separately) over the top so it drains into the base reservoirs, and ignite it using a long-neck lighter.

As someone who isn’t a fire pit connoisseur, I valued the straightforward, user-friendly assembly. My husband picked up firewood (starting with up to six dry, split logs is recommended), and my father-in-law provided some fire-starting gel. Thanks to the Quick-Strike Cone pooling and distributing the gel effectively, getting the fire going was easy breezy. Plus, Solo Stove’s 360-degree double-walled design pulled air from the base and pushed it through the top vents, so visible smoke was reduced.

Operating the Solo Stove Summit 24-Inch Fire Pit was a seamless experience. Despite my initial worries about having limited experience starting fires, it proved to be completely hassle-free. My top recommendation is to gather your logs and fire starter gel ahead of time. Using the gel makes a significant difference in quickly igniting the firewood and establishing a robust flame.

For safety, we set up the pit right in the middle of the backyard, ensuring it was positioned far from patio overhangs, roofs, or other combustible structures. The flames build up nicely — providing an impressive burn without feeling unmanageable. Keep in mind that the exterior stainless steel grows hot to the touch, so keep children and pets at a safe distance, and always have a hose or fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

• Quality: The Solo Stove Summit Fire Pit looks and feels durable and sturdy (it took two people to move it!).
• Size: The 24-inch is ideal for up to seven people to sit around the fire comfortably. 
• Convenience: The fire pit is easy to set up, easy to clean, and smokeless.

As mentioned, the Solo Stove Summit 24-inch Fire Pit is fairly heavy at 35.1 pounds, so you’ll want an extra hand if you plan to move it around. During a month of testing, I noticed a small amount of smoke initially, though significantly less than a traditional campfire, and it dissipated once the fire was fully going. Cleaning up is straightforward: wait for the pit to cool, remove the Cone, empty the ash pan, and wipe it down.

While Solo Stove offers an array of accessories like a Heat Deflector, I focused strictly on testing the standalone fire pit. The 24-inch model has a 24-inch diameter, stands 15.4 inches tall, and weighs 35.1 pounds. I’ve been excited to get the fire pit going almost every night, and it’s brought our whole family together (everyone just wants to sit and talk around the fire!).

The Solo Stove Summit is a stylish and durable fire pit that I’d recommend to the following:

• Those looking for a heavy-duty fire pit (that’s also easy to maintain and smokeless)
• Those who want to elevate their outdoor space
• Those who love the smell of freshly-burned wood

• Solo Stove (free shipping on orders over $199)
• Ace Hardware
• Home Depot (19.5-inch and 27-inch options)