Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit Review 2018

[@CanadianPrepper]

Thanks for the epic shoutout brother, the bonfire is one of those no regret pieces of gear. Mine has gained a bit of character sitting out in the rain for a couple years but still works all the same.

[@brockbarth7927]

Do you happen to have a photo of that?

[@tonypatey5669]

I like it. Mostly smoke free is an asset. Some family members sensitive to smoke. Good for disabled because not a lot of fuss to it. Set it and just add wood . I prefer old school fires myself but not able to get around so easily makes this item worth it for my specific needs. Will look into it. Thanks. Tony

[@GoodPhotos]

A 21" standard circular Webber grate fits right on top of the fire ring and works fine for charbroiling or even heating a (fireproof) pot.

[@livingsurvival]

Good to know.

[@gemcutter187]

Thanks for the tip!

[@drcsep]

Great review. Definitely, a great companion to my patio. I like the idea to be smokeless... Blessings for the girls...

[@alanwilliams5836]

Thanks Ben. For what it does, I don't think that is a bad price at all. A great choice for some. I'm pretty old school... my Bonfire has to have a lot of smoke and beer... definitely beer.

[@rickkerans8485]

Sounds great. A bonfire where you don't constantly have to move to get away from smoke. That is perfect. Thanks for the info.

[@livingsurvival]

Thanks rick.

[@maninacan.6285]

How cool, it probably throws out heat similar to a wood stove too. Thanks enjoyed the video.

[@livingsurvival]

Jeff Porto throws a lot of heat.

[@HonestSpiritual]

It is good to know that it does not rust. I was wondering about that. I have a stone fire pit, but if I move or build a wooden deck I think I will get this. Thanks.

[@michaelch7529]

Technically, you’re not supposed to load wood above the rings.

[@RfdAviator85]

What kind of shelf life do these have - for the money I think it would last the rest of my life

[@JCuervo330]

Where’s the link? Also, how far out does the heat project. I’m reading heat is almost only very close and overtop... and it’s ridiculously hot

[@jturn91]

What is the heat radius of the fire when sitting around it? Does it produce enough heat if you have 4 - 6 adults sitting around it a few feet away?

[@amgolfer3591]

As always, great video, Ben. One of the best reviewers out there, indeed. I will check out CP's video on this as well. You have peaked my interest. Peace......

[@stevelinbergbaby135]

I have the Solo stove one size under the bonfire - gassifier effect cooks like nobody's business 👍

[@PREPFORIT]

Smokeless will NOT draw as much attention. I LIKE IT !

[@ccwstraightshooter9761]

I have both the Solo Bonfire and the BioLite Fire Pit. The Solo Bonfire doesn’t hold a candle to the BioLite Fire Pit. The BioLite radiates heat in all directions and not just upwards like the solo bonfire. In order to get warm with the Solo you need to practically sit over it or super close to get warm in cold weather. In order to get the Solo raging to produce a lot of heat you need tons of wood in it. The BioLite you don’t need much wood at all to get raging heat. With the BioLite when your wanting to put the fire out you just crank up the fan to the highest setting and the fire burns out in 10-15 minutes. Once the wood is all consumed the pit cools down in a few minutes. You can cook on the BioLite and control the temp using the fan speeds. It also folds up much smaller for packing. The Solo is huge and bulky and awkward to pack if space is limited. The BioLites battery lasted me for 4 nights of fires on one charge. If you keep it plugged in to the covers built in solar panel during the day you could get infinite battery. If you run the fan speed on low or moderate low the wood burning efficiency and battery life is incredible. After a year of using and tons of charges the battery still lasts for days. No signs of slowing down. Also the Solo Only burns it’s wood at one speed which equivalent to burning wood in the BioLite on its High to Max fan speed (there are 4 speeds; Max, High, Med, Low). If I just have the BioLite fan speed down to its Med or Low setting the wood consumption efficiency is far greater than the Solo. One last thing. I can also control the height of the flame using different fan speeds which is a pretty cool feature. Plus the BioLite is $100 less ($199). The bioLite has legs so you won’t Scorch the grass. My Solo creates a dead grass ring. You can’t put the solo on a composite deck without a protective barrier but you can the BioLite. Because the BioLite has forced air you can crank it up to its highest fan speed when starting the fire and get a raging fire in less than half the time as the Solo. The BioLite has handles so you can move it around while it’s burning. The Solo can’t really be moved once it’s going.

[@gemcutter187]

But the biolite looks gay as hell

[@ccwstraightshooter9761]

Oh, so your all about looks. So funny how so few words tell a lot about you.

[@poopingwhilestanding5801]

I’ve seen reviews and they almost all rust out after 3-4 years.

[@ccwstraightshooter9761]

@@poopingwhilestanding5801 So what. It doesn’t effect it’s ability to function as designed. Also you can coat it with bbq paint or engine enamel so it Doesn’t rust. Last the gen 2 released in 2021 has a new anti rust coating. So far my new one hasn’t rusted at all.

[@tomgutermuth592]

you mention that it is safe to leave it outside. At least overnight after using it. I read a lot of complains that it rusts after first use. What are your thoughts on that?

[@MrMRRIGGS]

Thanks! Been looking at this thing. Think I will pull the trigger.

[@richardfrench2637]

Can you burn coal or just wood ?

[@ZTB1313]

I have a paver/stone fire pit in the backyard about 36" in diameter and 12" in height. Would this still work efficiently if I were to use it as an insert or would the surrounding walls restrict airflow too much? Would love to reduce the smoke coming out the pit in my backyard.

[@MrChristopoop]

I am getting a Valencia fire pit next week from techno bloc. I had the specs of the dimensions and emailed solo stove (could not get anyone on phone over a week’s time). They replied fright away and said with the four inches of air flow (space) between the fire pit wall and the stove I should have more than enough air flow to make the solo stove work properly. Also depending on your set up, you could pull some of whatever materials your base inside pit consists of and lower the solo stove so top does not peek over the bricks of your pit. If you look up Valencia fire pit tho, you can see a pic on site that has an insert (which looks to be propane) visible to people around fire. It does not look bad either. Solo stove on sale this weekend, just ordered non fire last night to place in fire pit. Hope this helps

[@cyaeveryday2134]

Great review!! How would you rate this against the Biolite Fire Pit (also great view)?? Which one would you buy and why?

[@livingsurvival]

The solo stone bonfire is just that, a bonfire. So if you’re looking to have a portable pit you can use at home or at a camp it works good for that. The BioLite you can cook on which is a plus making it great for camping or the beach.

[@joemiddleton7566]

If you had to pick between the biolite fire pit and the Solo Bonfire, which would you go with?

[@livingsurvival]

Biolite is more useful if you want to cook. Tailgating or at the beach for example. Bonfire is good for just that. Portable bonfire.

[@jmercado4]

Just wondering can you burn wood pellets? Just would like to have the option for using this fuel. Jake.

[@meatmachines]

I get headaches from smoke so this sounds pretty cool

[@theintruder77]

In most areas of Ontario inside municipal boundaries this stove is illegal because there is no spark arrestor screen on the top. 1/4 inch screen is reqired by law in our town. If you take this into a forested area without the screen you could be in trouble with the authorities due to the open flame.

[@mfitzs70]

Suxs to live there.. Lol

[@jemjones5675]

Lol. I mean, do they not require a spark arrestor on a normal campfire? What do you do, make a log fire, light it, then put a big ass screen over it? Dumbass laws.

[@ScandinAsian1]

They make one now.

[@bobwampler3387]

Totally agree! My Bonfire is awesome.

[@xzacto]

I saw your thumbnail if this gear and said "YESSS!" I also have the regular solo

[@blehmann22]

After the release of the Yukon, do you think it would be worth the extra money? Do you ever find yourself wishing your Bonfire was larger?

[@livingsurvival]

For my intended use which would be on a patio, tailgate or small party this size is perfect. Otherwise I’d just use my larger fire ring.

[@ericks4280]

whats it look like after 1 year of regular use?

[@williammaurer9450]

Sold me...going to get one. The smoke literally kills me.

[@BillSmithBSartist]

How does the behave if you set it on a wooden deck? Will it end up leaving a mark or any charring of the deck?

[@fungeneer]

We've had it blazing on our composite deck, and not a trace of burn, char, melting, or warping. We do have the ring stand that goes with it, though. After burning all night, the ring stand will still be cold to the touch!

[@pjdenzer]

nice video Ben..... nice looking family!!

[@livingsurvival]

Phil Denzer thanks Phil.

[@Skymouth]

I just recently got the Solo Campfire but haven't had a chance to use it yet. The other stove that's very similar I got is the Silverfire Scout! Could you review that one at some point?

[@livingsurvival]

Skymouth I’ve reviewed it ;)

[@tomasitodeleon9516]

Nice bro

[@shootermcmillan]

Ben, or others who have the Bonfire.......do you find that the stove uses fuel at a quicker pace than a regular campfire? I have the original solo stove and it burns really hot, really fast. Is the Bonfire the same or is that due solely to the small fuel used in the original? Thanks

[@livingsurvival]

It actually does the opposite. It is so efficient that actual burn time is extended instead of just smothering out like a traditional bonfire. You are left with ash instead of a few burned logs.

[@cuchanu]

I think small wood stoves burn fast because you're basically using tinder.

[@bennyvoncannon197]

I can see how the stove could be very useful. Would have been perfect back in my tipi days

[@djmandolivechicago2844]

have you tried using lava rocks or them fire crystals?

[@fatalfromabove8943]

Nice stove brother!

[@dcdriveinn]

I just got the campfire size but now I want the bonfire

[@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749]

Hey Ben have not seen you much lately are you on hiatus? You used to have 1 to 2 videos a week hope you are not quitting miss your reviews!

[@livingsurvival]

PNW Adventures And gear reviews 8 month old twins. Don’t worry lots of good stuff coming.

[@pnwadventuresandgearreview8749]

Living Survival gotcha yeah that will take up some of your time for sure!

[@anthonyvisconte7977]

What pot are you nesting the original solo stove in?

[@livingsurvival]

Anthony Visconte the solo 900 I believe. Comes as a kit with the titan.

[@thorsbeat]

Mine has been outside for about 6 months now.

[@alexwbanks70]

I could see this for a patio. That Great review as always.

[@KenGray]

I really like my Solo Campfire.

[@markboheman5691]

Now I’m hungry for S’mores.

[@neddmoulton1]

What one would you personally choose the Bonfire or the Biolite fire pit?

[@livingsurvival]

Biolite because I can take it to the beach, camping or tailgating and cook vs the bonfire which I already have at home in the form of a pit.

[@neddmoulton1]

@@livingsurvival Thanks Ben great review on both of those

[@markd1672]

Super-duper. Like it a lot. No smoke you can't beat that.

[@silvermountainman5151]

Looks like a tripod would work great, for cooking on that thing ...

[@mikedavis6107]

Are you the Olympus guy Jamie Macdonald ?

[@harrymills2770]

Well, they just dropped in price to $225.00, right before Christmas, with pre-orders on their NEW YUKON fire pit, which is bigger, and will cost twice as much. Anyway, I've seen enough of the Bonfire to think it's worth it. The 20 lbs versus close to 50 lbs, from a heavier-duty competitor (Breeo Double Flame) decided me. I've got a few spots I know that require a short distance of bushwacking to get to, and for a smoke-free fire, I can manage a short shuttle with that. As for cargo room, the thing is mostly space. You fill it with all kinds of items when you pack, and it won't take up as much space as you think. But I bet I get buyer's remorse, come February, when I see how big of logs you can fit in one. They say 19", but I bet a standard US stove-length will be too long and poke above the secondary air, and whatever's poking out is gonna smoke, I bet. But if I want a big one, I think I'll go the 30-gallon-inside-55-gallon route. I also get the open fire thing. You'll see pretty flames dancing, but the coals will be out of sight, below the rim. Hmmm. I wonder if you can make a survivable borosilicate fire pit. Maybe embed glass in the inner and outer walls, like a lantern glass. Hmmmm. Windows part or all the way around. Still use metal for the fussy bits and the framing.

[@garybenedict3394]

You lucky man 3 gorgeous girls. Use them to no end they will be gone before you know it.

[@johngergen1215]

Nice video.

[@weedXD38]

Good Stuff!!! Thanxs for Sharing!!! :-)

[@RobertReno1]

How hot does the outer wall get?

[@livingsurvival]

Hot.

[@RobertReno1]

@@livingsurvival Enough to boil water if there was a water container attached to it?

[@jodyandmichelle1]

@@RobertReno1 Hot enough to melt flip flops. Ask me how I know lol.

[@GregoryRosariojavafer]

Beautiful family

[@livingsurvival]

Gregory Rosario Thank you.

[@don0giorgio]

300 bucks?!?!! Thank you, but no thank you))

[@Lifesrad8]

You will be spending the same on any other pit, even if you make one. I'd rather have one of these then any other. You can take it anywhere.

[@patriciakeiger2230]

Can you put coal on there,

[@gemcutter187]

I wouldn't see why not

[@Eric-ew8jt]

I'd get one of these for a hunting /bug out camp

[@Victor43377]

Well this is just super duper

[@theintruder77]

I don't know where you live but this is not legal in our town.

[@BroMorris0341]

Canadian Prepper is the Kim Jong Il of Silky Saws

[@BroMorris0341]

Granted they are bad assed but still ...

[@BroMorris0341]

Also, how in the hell can you thumbs down this video? What type of meds are you missing to click on, watch then decide you didn't like a stove review?

[@kristenwinkleman6452]

😍❤️😍❤️😍🔥

[@JohnSmith-rx3on]

Just use a old drum out a washing machine

[@lethalmizzle]

Super duper

[@samkatuva398]

Wonderful

[@BK33REVIEWS]

I just built something allot of like this out of a dryer drum

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

Insert perfunctory nasty comment about your hair here.

[@phililpb]

super duper

[@jram1590]

Dam 300$.....

[@christopher480]

like we give a shit what some paranoid guy thinks.....fyi he gives us Canadians a bad name......he could call himself mr paranoid.

[@dreamhacker74]

cool fire burner. slick back man bun not so cool hahahaha. mid life crisis?

[@Eric-ew8jt]

Well if you were an avid watcher you would know he's growing it out for charity. Cancer I believe . How does your foot taste?

[@livingsurvival]

Always makes me chuckle when one man cares what another mans hair looks like. And then leave a comment about it. My mid life crisis?

[@dreamhacker74]

makes sense hes doing it for money thanks for clearing that one up. props for doing it for cancer, i jumped out of a plane from 13,000ft for cancer research uk.

[@dreamhacker74]

Always makes me chuckle when a man has hundreds of replies about the product and decides to reply to the comment about his looks.

[@vlada9056]

Nice

[@squirrelchris]

This is n a review. It’s an ad.

[@livingsurvival]

thanks for watching.

[@samdavis6591]

Junk it rusts and not smoke free

[@santosgalan6738]

You must have used it wrong.

[@samdavis6591]

@@santosgalan6738 no had it for less than a week only burned wood and was rusting already

[@chrisgeorge3529]

Bonfire???? LMAO

[@livingsurvival]

Pretty awesome one too.