This is impossible. Solo Heat Deflector defies physics.

[@windowswashbasin]

I’ve been a solo fan and user/consumer since the beginning and have actually conceived this idea of heat shield then watched so many diy heat shields through FB groups and KZbin. It’s not that I’ve been opposed to the heat shield, it’s just justifying the cost. But I think now, after watching your presentation, I’m thoroughly convinced

[@handydadtv]

It’s not cheap but it’s really nice.

[@Leo99929]

That non contact IR thermometer measures the average temperature over an area that increases in size the further you are from the object. Metals are generally highly IR reflective, so you're more likely measuring the temperature of the IR spectrum reflections than the pan lid. Put PVC tape on the lid to get an accurate reading. But you have to be close enough that the entire field of view is filled with the tape. At which point you might as well use a contact thermometer.

[@Leo99929]

In other words, this means your measurements in this video are about as accurate as me guessing without watching the video.

[@handydadtv]

I tried to objectively show what I was feeling without being overly subjective.

[@stevecole90099]

It looks like he kind of figured that out once he tried to measure the after temp. He used the black plastic knob instead for the after temps which should be as accurate as using tape would be. Not sure if his has it but the IR thermometer I have has a laser light that shows the top and bottom of the "target" circle so that you can easily get the whole field of view onto the part you are trying to measure. You can see a laser in the video but I couldn't tell if it was one or two. If the test is done again a better measuring setup would probably be a few normal thermometers at different heights and different lengths from the pit that way you can actually see if the heat is going farther or just being redirected down at the floor.

[@Leo99929]

@@stevecole90099 Those lasers are usually lazily aligned so can't be trusted. Mine has a circle of dots so you can see the "whole measurement area", but it isn't, because it measures hotter when you get closer and needs to be slightly above the thing you're measuring to point at it, depending on the distance. If your lasers don't have alignment adjustments, then they are definitely not aligned particularly accurately. Then you have the issue that the laser cannot come from the point of the sensor, so it is always going to vary in accuracy with range from target like a rifle scope.

[@handydadtv]

@stevecole90099 Mine only has one laser.

[@kupua]

great video... this really answered my question bout the solo stove fire pits... and adding the heat deflector answers the burning side question that I've had.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@gonagain]

It works at deflecting the heat, but just like all gasifier stoves, large and small, as soon as you place anything across the top, such as a pot or this deflector, the gasification stops and the stove starts smoking, which can be seen in this video.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks. The deflector certainly gets sooty so this makes sense.

[@phobos258]

We do not notice any more or less smoke on our solo stove with the deflector, we went a year before we got it. we do notice keeping the stove itself clean really helps with smoke issues.

[@Mike-tc2rl]

Thanks for the review. We were gifted a Solo Bonfire, and while the "smokeless" aspect is nice, we were disappointed with the amount of heat we felt while sitting around it. I wondered if these heat deflectors are worthwhile, so this was a great video for me. Based on your feedback, I used your link to purchase one. Thanks! PS. I originally found your channel for home automation info. Fun stuff!

[@handydadtv]

I dabble in a lot of things. No real specialty here. Enjoy that heat shield. You’ll be amazed that you’ll need to sit back farther now.

[@phobos258]

we love our heat deflector! it's amazing how well it works.

[@ManuelPortelada]

@@handydadtvI have a question. I’m in the market for solo stove myself. Now I have one of those Metal gazebos with the metal roof. Could you use this solo stove under it. ??

[@handydadtv]

@ManuelPortelada You should ask the pergola manufacturer.

[@saltydoggie1160]

We purchased our Bonfire stove 1/22 we really enjoy the quality of fire it produces, loving it, however realistically doesn’t provide the heat you really need to stay warm on the really cold nights, shorty after noticing this last year I noticed solo came out with the deflector, today my wife purchased the deflector for our Bonfire stove, I seen your video and appreciate how you were able to show the different temps, before, without the deflector and with the deflector! Can’t wait to try it out! The only thing I wish it wasn’t so expensive $$ Great video! 👍🏻

[@handydadtv]

I did my best to objectively show how well it works. You’ll see. Hope you enjoy it.

[@peetsnort]

I am wondering if the deflectors are like printers ink

[@ap5139]

​@@peetsnortI find these deflectors smell funny, so I stopped using them.

[@rickvollmar2290]

Can you tell us what the device is called that was connected to the propane tank that you started the fire with and possibly a link to purchase? Thanks.

[@handydadtv]

Search for “weed torch” on Amazon.

[@mrgold3591]

I have the Solo Bonfire with the heat deflector. Noticed the exact same advantages of warming a much larger area evenly with the deflector. Another advantage is you sit further away from the firepit and less smoke smell on your cloths. Feels like you have the much larger firepit; while, using less wood. I leave the legs connected instead of removing them for storage.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the input.

[@rowerowyja9982]

What smoke? After all, it is such a praised, innovative, sensational stove, clean burning, smokeless combustion.

[@TEXASLOYAL]

Just received my solo stove bonfire 2.0 this evening, got all the accessories including the heat deflector, can’t wait to test it out tomorrow night

[@handydadtv]

Enjoy!!

[@usmcshepherdE9]

I use the same torch to get my fires going as well….love it

[@handydadtv]

Works great for weeds too

[@extendedp1]

Thanks for the video. Someone in a comment to a comment said that the deflector stops the gasification process, and the fire will now smoke. Do you find that to be the case? I can see some smoke in the video.

[@handydadtv]

I didn’t notice a difference. But I admit the heat deflector collects a lot of soot on the bottom.

[@michaelstaab4982]

Thanks for the video. Always great content. I’ve considered purchasing a Solo. They’re quite expensive; however, the quality appears to support the price. That said, the price now seems further excessive given an accessory purchase is apparently needed for it to sufficiently heat the people sitting around it.

[@handydadtv]

I wouldn’t say the deflector is a necessity. I used the Bonfire for years without one and it heated like every other fire pit (knees burn; ankles freeze). The deflector only enhances the heat pattern. But you sacrifice some of the esthetics of an open fire.

[@michaelstaab4982]

@@handydadtv Helpful feedback, HD! And, again, appreciate the great content.

[@saltydoggie1160]

Yeah we really like our Bonfire stove, I absolutely agree very expensive! We’ve had ours for a little more than a year, we just bought the deflector can’t wait to use!

[@crzyworm623]

Glad you reviewed this, as I trust your thoughts... I've mentioned it before, but I'm sort of over Solo Stove.. (coming from original kick starter contributor) too many product releases and "Sales" .. they update stuff too quickly, as if early buyers are the testers.. and pricing is out of hand... but my solo stove sits in the middle of some low chairs, so there is almost no heat felt... Maybe this would be worth it... Just wish for the price it was designed better.. folding lockable legs for easy storage would be nice, and have it so it can fit under the cover...

[@handydadtv]

Definitely too big to fit under the cover. Could store under a chair or couch with the legs removed.

[@danb4376]

I agree with the pricing and sales. I purchased the Mesa as a gift to my father after the review on this channel. In about a month, I have gotten countless emails advertising many, short duration sales. Definitely not the type of advertising that I respond to.

[@crzyworm623]

@@danb4376 I pre ordered the mesa for like 10$ off , within a week or two of getting it. It was buy one get one 50% or maybe even buy one get one free. They'd prob have matches a deal but it's time consuming to try and track it all. To me it's just now bad business.

[@crzyworm623]

@@handydadtv yea which you explained was not something easy or that you would likly be doing all the time. It will end up blowing around my yard or getting damage on the rock patio area I have.. foldable legs would be the better open with a hanging clip or make it so it acts as a cap to keep rain out in lieu of a cover. Now something with that much design would be worth the value.

[@jarvishill1007]

I have the deflector & rather than BENDING THE RETAINER, I solved the issue by slight "springing" the leg to allow the "clip" to easily engage; which made the connection of the legs very secure🙂😍 (releasing the same way) Beyond that "technical issue", I CONCUR with his demonstrated experience. To augment, I was amazed at the radiated heat during the ending coals. Went back to read the directions; which indicated a large fire to generate "bed of coals", leaving a shiny defector for more efficiency! My 1st experience, Bonfire before instructions, was sooty and as in this link. Amazing! Now would like a Deflector for my Solo Campfire stove?

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@Runescope]

Do you think this would work on top of a propane firepit? I live in a city and we're not allowed any kind of wood fires, only propane.

[@handydadtv]

Yes. I’ve used it over my propane fire pit table and it works great. Just make sure it will fit.

[@joejoe-lb6bw]

Great video. Though I have Breeo, it was helpful. The heat deflector actually works. Even on breezy days, I still get more heat toward body.

[@handydadtv]

Do you have the Breeo heat deflector too?

[@joejoe-lb6bw]

@@handydadtv Yes. Really made the fire pit more useful.

[@gigmaresh8772]

Found the perfect heat deflector for my Mesa that still fits in my wrought iron patio table . . . 15inch hub cap (from a Buick) 😂 at the local junk yard. Vented the top and added some legs. And we are toasty in the chilly evenings now

[@handydadtv]

Ingenious!

[@RetroHGenX]

The pot lids made me give you a like. Keep up the good work.

[@handydadtv]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@DarleneFullem]

I am buying this accessory ASAP!

[@handydadtv]

It’s awkward to store but it really works.

[@georgiashaw9861]

Did you make the tool used to light the fire?

[@handydadtv]

Link in the description.

[@twiz148]

Funny you should say washing machine tub. I built my washing machine tub into a firepit 6 years ago...its still going strong. Ironically I bought a Solostove Grill Top + Hub for my washing machine tub and made a custom attachment out of $10 worth of mild steel. I used the grill quite a lot but one day decided to buy a mild steel round that was 22" in diameter and placed it atop the Hub (which is an 18" riser). The amound of ambient heat went up a MASSIVE amount. Its now my most used accessory. All in, my washing machine tub firepit cost me $300...with 2/3 of the cost residing in the Solostove stainless Hub riser and cast iron griddle. Which, including all of the accessories, is still FAR less than a base model Solostove pit with no accessories. Also I disagree with your assertion that a washing machine tub is not a smokeless/gassifier pit....mine works really good at cutting down smoke because I installed a central, centered, heat exchanger again out of thick mild steel. As a result it circulates the air wonderfully and extreme heat in the heat exchanger cover burn off everything before it leaves the pit. So the only question remaining is whether my thick steel tub will last as long as the Solostove's stainless pit. It may...or may not...and that will be the difference in whether it makes sense to go one way versus the other...oh and of course the time I spent putting mine together versus just opening the Solostove box and using it.

[@handydadtv]

Must look cool when it’s red hot.

[@cricketthoffman9499]

I bet the washing machine tub was the inspiration for the solo stove. And our tub is still going strong after 20 years of desert duty.

[@twiz148]

@@handydadtv Hell yeah. I am still amazed that the ceramic coating on the inside has not cracked after a hundred fires or more. Occasionally I will hose it down and wipe the inside out with a rag and the inside looks like new again. The outside is starting to show some rust but it probably has another decade before its demise. :-)

[@craighellberg4366]

Which solo stove is this? Model or size? Thank you.

[@handydadtv]

Bonfire

[@kristydobinski612]

Does it remain "smokeless" with the deflector?

[@handydadtv]

Yes it doesn’t affect the secondary burn.

[@pwmcnamara]

Does the grill top and hub work similarly when they are on to deflect the heat?

[@handydadtv]

I never used those.

[@jarrettporst4799]

Problem is, the emissivity level of the reflective surface on your pot lids negate the measurement. Place some wide masking tape on the surface of the objects you''re measuring for a more accurate measurement. Measuring the surface temperature of a reflectant often takes the temperature of the IR bouncing off from the source.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@swimmer0049]

I bought the solo stove after your first video but I got the deflector right away and it’s night and day with it installed. I hate the design with those tabs though, silo stove could do way better! No way I’m taking it apart again so the bag is useless

[@handydadtv]

I agree

[@donwatson5862]

Do you get any sparks coming out

[@handydadtv]

Absolutely

[@extendedp1]

I wonder if the deflector would fit the cheaper Ozark Trail fire pit. Probably not, but it would be cool if it did. Or maybe DIY a reflector from an aluminum trash can lid, or large cooking or pizza tray.

[@handydadtv]

Not sure if aluminum will stand up to that heat.

[@TrumpeterOnFire]

get a cast iron griddle and some angle iron and you've probably got it made. cast works great as a heat spreader and cast griddles can be found everywhere. plus you could cook on it.

[@extendedp1]

@@TrumpeterOnFire good idea, thanks

[@rugershooter5268]

Make sure you have the holes in the center, and like he said don't use aluminum........a steel trashcan lid, I guess you can still find them

[@danb4376]

The temperature gun measures infrared energy. The pot lids you are using are highly reflective and will reflect infrared energy much like they reflect visible light. This is why the black, matte, knob is better at representing the true temperature. An easy way to more accurately measure the surface temperature of a reflective surface using infrared is to place a patch of black electrical tape on your test surface and check the temperature there. Look up emissivity if you want to learn more about infrared temperature measurements on reflective surfaces.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the info

[@AcmeRacing]

I think the temperature of board he hung them on would be more representative of how a person would feel at the same distance.

[@arthurb8631]

Any wind issues? Lifting the deflector

[@handydadtv]

It it was that windy, I wouldn’t make a fire.

[@bavondale]

thank you for sharing. good review

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@uptown215P]

Thanks for the review very nice video i definitely getting one for mine now

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@adcraziness1501]

Everyone loves to use dryer lint for a fire starter. Do you only wear cotton and wool? Otherwise you are burning nylon and polyester. I avoid doing that like the plague. No dryer lint for me, I use fatwood if I want a quick lighting fire.

[@handydadtv]

Good point. I think most lint comes from cotton anyway. I don’t think synthetic fibers fray the way cotton does.

[@adcraziness1501]

@@handydadtv If I came across as harsh in that comment I apologize, but I would look more into it because I think synthetic fibers do form lint.

[@sal6830]

I have the heat deflector for my Yukon. You can definitely feel it in your shins and waist although you have to sit kind of close. Do you think if the top was a much wider radius it would allow you to sit a little further back?

[@handydadtv]

Good question

[@sal6830]

@@handydadtv if I was handy and had tools I would try to build one for experimental purpose. This could be your next KZbin video. 😉

[@handydadtv]

Record it. I’ll give you that lucky break you’ve been waiting for.

[@sal6830]

@@handydadtv haha I’ll leave that to the pros like yourself. I’ve watched just about all your videos and you do an amazing job. I’ve been a subscriber to your channel since almost the very beginning and seen the progression of your videos. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing more videos from you. 👊🏽

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@whereswaldo5740]

I have a similar stove not this brand. It came with a raised cooking ring. Saw these deflectors for sale and thought what a great idea. But didn’t like the price and not my brand. Fast Forward we have large stainless steel bowels for harvest season and large amount of food processing. Works great. Either way bowl up or down. However much heat you want going out or to your feet.

[@handydadtv]

👍🏻

[@JohnS-er7jh]

what a great idea. It seems so simple though, I cannot believe I haven't seen a solar heat deflector before now.

[@handydadtv]

I’ve seen them for years on every propane patio heater. But this was the first time I’d seen one for a wood fire.

[@traveler7249]

What is the fire starter gizmo? Have a link? Good info I like the way you tested the deflector. -- EARNED a new subscriber.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family! Bernzomatic Outdoor Torch 🔥 amzn.to/3Q2j3Hp

[@BillsCountrysideAdventures]

Great video as always. What a difference.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@kyleunrearl2o4049]

Check out Breeo instead if you actually want something quality

[@Ucceah]

a reflective surface doesnt work with a IR thermometer, because it reflects IR rather than absorbing and re-emitting it as heat. just like the heat reflector does.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks!

[@adcraziness1501]

Most "laser"/infrared thermometers do not do well measuring reflective surfaces. Your heat measuring targets are shiny reflective metal, you likely won't get an accurate reading.

[@handydadtv]

I learned that the hard way.

[@chrisball3412]

exellent review thank you.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@mattress38]

I'm here to tell you the washing machine tub is better and emits heat, you can get one for about $20 at the used appliance store

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@ptech88]

Im thinking you have the wrong deflector looks like you have the one for the next size fire pit, i own one and love it by the way

[@handydadtv]

It’s the right one. It was my first time using it.

[@lezbriddon]

A way more effective design would simply be a "outdoor cosy heater" to sit on litttle gas burners, but made way bigger.

[@handydadtv]

Perhaps. This is for people who like a wood fire.

[@lezbriddon]

@@handydadtv lol. I mean take the design of the more efficient gas one and up size it for the wood one.

[@squ1r7y]

I have a small fire table that runs off propane. Ive been thinking about building a heat deflector for a while now. Figured id grab an old symbol from a pawn shop. I put it off because I thought it would be a safety hazard with kids....but i guess they'll figure it out

[@handydadtv]

Homemade or not, they’re all dangerous.

[@jaguardrywall7965]

I don't need gloves........let me get my gloves 😅😅😅😊 Great review 👏

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@GreenAppelPie]

That’s pretty slick

[@handydadtv]

Yes it does.

[@kyleunrearl2o4049]

Better options. Check out Breeo.

[@YokubouTenshi]

I feel like it's a missed opportunity to have cupholders on the deflector so you can keep your drinks warm too

[@handydadtv]

That drink would boil away.

[@freegee3503]

@3:08 JETSONS! 😆👍

[@handydadtv]

Jane stop this crazy thing!!!

[@theluckyreviewerchannel9546]

I can’t explain the price. $179 is outrageous

[@handydadtv]

Everything is expensive these days

[@jorgelozano620]

Agreed, $170... I had a boss once who when he saw pricing like this said "It's not based on reality"

[@johnburns2940]

Brilliant

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@TrevorMatthews]

I’m sure it does its job effectively but it looks like the slightest nudge would knock it off.

[@handydadtv]

The Solo Stove has a pretty big lip around the rim and the heat deflector legs sit in there perfectly.

[@theoriginalchefboyoboy6025]

A gentle reminder that physics cannot be defied, ever. It can be cheated, lied to, spat upon, called bad names, misdirected, misled, beaten, bloodied, deformed, reheated, burnt, scarred, battleworn - but never defied…

[@handydadtv]

Oh yeah? Explain the witch Defying Gravity in Wicked? 🧑‍🎤

[@anthonyobrian2665]

😂

[@gcc8584]

Birds defy physics every day.

[@tyson9419]

Bumble bees?

[@aaronpage1822]

Commercial airliners. Aka flying bricks

[@BushmanCanuck]

Do you think a frying pan would work on top 🤔 Trying to avoid buying more than one of these pricey add ons.

[@handydadtv]

Probably, but you’ll need to rig it up securely and still allow access to add wood.

[@coolhawk2003]

Cool

[@handydadtv]

No, hot. 🥵

[@donwatson5862]

Has anyone used these on a covered porch

[@handydadtv]

There is only one fire pit you can use under cover: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIbYc2iIoMuEoq8

[@Broken_robot1986]

Nice

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@jsnprstn]

You should NEVER burn dryer lint. Not very eco.

[@handydadtv]

It’s an old Girl Scout tip.

[@TheSchwiz]

The design of this is going to make putting wood inside even harder.

[@handydadtv]

Not really. You shouldn’t use long wood in a Solo Stove anyway.

[@aexcatco]

Nope. It does not

[@jkpchewy]

I am going to build my heat deflector with a pizza pan. I just can't justify paying the price they want for what it is.

[@handydadtv]

I understand

[@LTV_inc]

It’s great for a season and then it becomes soft as aluminum foil.

[@handydadtv]

Not true. Mine discolored but it’s just as strong as day 1.

[@skylark4901]

For the price I'll just have an old fashion fire

[@handydadtv]

It’s not cheap.

[@duckbrew]

The price point on these things are ourageous. A metal deflec w/ 3 little legs...for the yukon $235..unreal

[@handydadtv]

I know but they work incredibly well.

[@duckbrew]

Wife bought me one. Came in the mail today. Can't wait to use it!. Got the handle as well....hey, ya might as well!@@handydadtv

[@TeensierPython]

Uses the torch for crack, weeds, and campfires? 😂

[@handydadtv]

LOL

[@737smartin]

Nice product improvement, but not for me. At least not at that price.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@reysandwich]

Yeah I got the Walmart knock off which works great but yeah not much heat for my guest

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the comment.

[@joejoe-lb6bw]

One safety comment. A heat deflector directs some of the flame horizontally. Not always visible. I noticed you walked right next to pit, and then a flame was seen. I tell people to never walk past the pit.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the tip

[@butchgreene]

Now...if the deflector didn't come as an option that costs as much as the stove itself. My 5'1" wife won't even come out to our Bonfire b/c she can't feel any heat. And I don't want to spend $200!!!! on a flimsy piece of tin.

[@handydadtv]

Expensive, yes. But it works.

[@peetsnort]

Get yourself a thermal imaging camera. Then stand 10 feet away and watch the flows of heat

[@handydadtv]

I don’t have one. But good idea.

[@RequstingFlyby]

$1,000 says this is Sam Saluk’s dad.

[@handydadtv]

You lose

[@usernameisusername]

Last!

[@handydadtv]

👍🏻

[@powderdays7557]

Why does it defy physics?

[@handydadtv]

It’s a poetic interpretation.

[@gbpf57]

it's really a shame Solo has the heat deflector and all other accessories WAY overpriced.

[@handydadtv]

The consider themselves a premium brand.

[@ttfweb1]

Physics can’t be defied. 😊

[@handydadtv]

Haha true

[@martinm5921]

I'm a little irritated. Infrared measurements do not work accurately on metallic and shiny surfaces. I wouldn't trust the results from such a cheap device. This should have been noticed because both pot lids have different temperatures before the measurement. They should have been exactly the same before the test, right?

[@handydadtv]

Yes I agree. I wanted to use cast iron fry pans, but my wife didn’t have any. I was trying to be objective instead of just telling you how well it worked. But it really does work well.

[@GruntMike17]

A 350 stove that requires a 280 dollar accessory

[@handydadtv]

Not required but a nice enhancement.

[@phildirt3]

Nah, nobody needs that. Just the regular solo stove works just fine

[@handydadtv]

It’s really nice when you have a lot of people on the patio.

[@the-real-angus-young]

Nice product, well displayed 👌🏻

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@borisostrovskiy2534]

Nice click-bait tag line. What exactly is impossible or how does a metal plate above a fire, reflecting heat, defy physics? What defies physics is your use of the IR thermometer on a shiny metal surface. That's not how an IR thermometer is supposed to be used.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@Dr_piFrog]

Just another ad video, and it does not defy Physics.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks Doc