A Complete Guide To Finding, Testing (& Building) A Smokeless Fire Pit
Because smoke is hands-down the most frustrating part of any campfire or backyard fire.
No matter where you sit, no matter how many times you move, the smoke finds you. It’s like it has a personal vendetta against your comfort.
You have two choices:
- Ignore it, and deal with a hot, smoky mess that leaves you smelling like a campfire for days.
- Or, you can constantly shift your chair around, trying to outmaneuver the smoke like it’s some sort of game.
But what about these new “smokeless” fire pits? Do they actually work, or is it all just smoke and mirrors?
Best Smokeless Firepits On The Market Today
There is no doubt about it: humans are an innovative bunch. If theirs a problem, we tinker until we find a solution. So, fortunately, there ARE several amazing “smokeless” fire pits on the market today:
The BioLite FirePit+ grill manages airflow via built-in fans. These fans run off a battery and are controlled via Bluetooth and a smartphone app.
This active air management can take you from spark to fire in seconds and keep your fire roaring.
It uses a 10,400 mAh rechargeable battery power pack which also sports USB outputs. So you can charge your devices while out at the firepit!
Further proof that you can add Bluetooth and a USB battery pack to just about any product!
Check out my full review of this incredible product here!
↓ BioLite Fire Pit Review (A Genius Solution)
Solo Stove is one of the most visible smokeless fire pits on the market.
They have a wide range of products in their lineup.
They have a small backpacking stove all the way up to a Bonfire stove.
The bonfire is a free-standing fire pit designed for backyard use.
Or it's lightweight enough to take with you camping.
So feel free to add it to your cool camping gear.
All Solo Stove’s incorporate double wall heat resistant designs.
This design provides plenty of air and preheating for better combustion.
But also provides a cooler outside surface than other backyard fire pits.
Plus, the stainless steel construction and precision-cut pieces look great.
Finally, their solid warranty means they stand behind their products.
↓ Here’s How The Solo Stove Works Better
↓ Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit Review
The Tiki Fire Pit reduces smoke using its "Patent-Pending" internal airflow system.
It's also constructed with 16-gauge stainless steel. This means it's built from the ground up to prevent rusting. Plus, it's highly weatherproof due to the black powder-coated exterior.
This 25" Diameter - 16" depth fire pit includes an ash pan for easy cleanup and less mess.
It's an extremely popular "smokeless" firepit with a proven track record.
↓ Tiki Brand Fire Pit
The CastMaster BON 2000 Bonfire Pit features an advanced, stainless steel design built to last for years of use. So it resists corrosion, looks great, AND saves you money since you won’t have to replace your rusty, big-box store fire pit every season!
BON 2000 reimagines the old smokey fire pits that most of us have. By channeling hot air, it increases combustion & temperature, decreases unburnt logs, and ELIMINATES SMOKE.
Simply place the perfect-fit cooking grate over the pit using the attached metal tongs and your fire pit becomes an outdoor barbecue pit!
Cook brats, burgers, or veggie kabobs for your beach bash or campsite crew. And this unit comes with a portable carrying case.
NOTE: there may be some smoke/steam when cooking.
100% USA DESIGN, 100% USA CUSTOMER SUPPORT - Cast Master stands behind all their products!
↓ Cast Master Bon 2000 Fire Pit Review
The Blue Sky Smokeless Fire Pit utilizes an efficient design with the ability to burn super hot, which reduces smoke, sparks, ash, or odors.
This fire pit is made out of "durable steel" so it claims to have a very long life.
The Blue Sky Firepit has a sleek modern design but is heavy and awkward to move. It would be nice if it had some handles welded into the top or side.
It also does not come with a screen or cover.
The Inno Stage Patented Double Wall Fire Pit Bowl maximizes the airflow and burning process producing less smoke and more flame!
The bottom vent holes allow oxygen while the double walls warm it. So no more smoky clothes or holes in fabrics from sparks.
This awesome fire pit has been painted black, antirust, and resistant to high temperature, perfect for wood pellet burning (if desired).
It has an outer diameter 15"( inner diameter 11.4") X height 12.5".
The Inno Smokeless Patio Firepit also comes with a waterproof carrying bag. And it's great for small spaces, car camping, or even for a patio. You can take it anywhere you want.
What Is A Smokeless Fire Pit & How Do They Work?
Traditional fire pits suck. They’re not designed for complete combustion. And hence, they create copious amounts of smoke.
Instead, a smokeless one controls the airflow and temps. This design eliminates incomplete combustion. It’s similar to how a well-tuned engine produces very little exhaust.
A “smokeless” fire is highly efficient. And thus creates minimal smoke. AND puts out far more heat.
But do they REALLY Work? Watch this video for your answer:
↓ Do DIY Smokeless Fire Pits Really Work?
Now, let’s discuss HOW these new backyard fire pits work. How they burn hotter with way less smoke…
Outdoor Fire Pits
These are the modern-day smokeless backyard fire pits.
You can either buy a:
- Smoke-free insert or
- A free-standing patio fire pit
Most channel fresh air through passages along the inside of the pit. This design pre-heats the air before combustion. And mixes it with any existing smoke.
This input of fresh oxygen causes a secondary combustion of all remaining smoke particles.
This setup helps produce more heat and less smoke. It’s sort of like an afterburner for your fire pit!
↓ Stop The Smoke, Do THIS To Your Fire Pit
The Dakota Fire Pit
Drawing Of Dakota Fire Pit
Original smokeless fire pits were two small holes connected by a tunnel in the ground. It’s a simple design to feed the fire with fresh air to the base of the flames.
Nomads used this design for thousands of years. Allowing them to burn sparse fuel and conserve resources.
It also has the added benefit of hiding the flames. Concealment helped keep traveling tribes hidden from enemies. And when it came time to move, it was easy to:
- fill in the fire pit with dirt
- replace the sod
- and leave no trace behind
The Dakota Pit is still used by US military troops for these reasons. When it comes to covert heat, low visibility, and reliability (even in strong winds), the Dakota pit is hard to beat!
↓ The Dakota Fire Hole – Stealth Fire
If digging holes in your backyard isn’t for you, consider another “smokeless”:
The Rocket Stove
Drawing Of A Rocket Stove
Rocket stoves come in a wide variety of sizes. The smallest ones are portable. The large ones can heat entire cabins (i.e. Rocket Mass Heaters).
These stoves use the same principle as Dakota pits. They channel a constant stream of fresh air to supply the bottom of the fire.
↓ How Paul Wheaton Uses Rocket Mass Heaters
Want a free camping essentials checklist?
Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.Why You Should Invest In A Smokeless Fire Pit
No matter what kind of smokeless fire pit you choose, they share many of the same benefits.
1. Improved Efficiency
Due to their high-temp burn and better combustion, smokeless fire pits are efficient. They put out more heat from the same amount of fuel.
This setup allows you to burn less fuel and conserve your resources.
Long-term fuel and firewood management is paramount if you’re into preparedness.
2. Reduced Smoke & Smell
Since the fuels burn “cleaner,” the smoke is thinner and less acrid.
It still smells like a campfire, but it’s far less likely to saturate your clothes.
Reduced soot also means less staining on pots and pans (if you cook over your fire pit).
3. Covert Flames
The flame stays contained within the burn chamber.
This results in a less visible light signature to give away your location.
During the day, the thinner smoke column is harder to spot.
This is an advantage IF you want to remain undetected.
It’s an essential survival skill when evasion is the goal.
Building A DIY Smokeless Fire Pit
There are two basic DIY smokeless fire pit options…
- Digging one in the wild OR
- Modifying a fire pit ring
Let’s go over each, and I’ll share videos on how to build them.
How To Build A Smokeless Fire Pit In The Wild
There are videos online that show how to build a Dakota Fire Pit.
They all boil down to digging two adjoining holes.
It starts with digging a large hole in the combustion chamber.
- Remove a 12″ circle of soil and plant roots and set it aside to replace them later.
- Continue digging straight down roughly 12″.
- Then expand the base of the hole several inches on each side.
- This leaves a broader area to accommodate larger pieces of firewood.
Next, dig a smaller chimney hole as an air intake.
- Create a 6″ airway tunnel that angles down to meet the combustion chamber at the base.
- This tunnel will provide fresh air to the base of the flames.
- This allows your fire to draft better and burn clean.
Wood burns in the larger hole.
Use plenty of dry fuel and small kindling to get it going.
After the fire is lit, the airway tunnel will have a strong draft. And the flames and heat will build inside the combustion chamber.
As the fire heats up, the smoke will taper off, and you’ll be rewarded with a clean, even heat!
↓ The Dakota Fire Hole – Survival Hack
How To Build A Smokeless Fire Ring For Your Backyard
Here’s a step-by-step video on how to modify your existing fire pit to make it “smokeless”:
↓ I Perfected The DIY Smokeless Fire Pit That Works
Of course, it requires some DIY skills and the right tools (like a drill bit).
But for those of us who love a fun challenge, this is the best way to build a smokeless fire pit on a budget.
Dispelling 5 Common Smokeless Fire Pit Myths…
1. Myth of Zero Smoke
Many believe that smokeless fire pits emit absolutely no smoke. While they significantly reduce smoke production, a completely smoke-free experience is a myth.
These fire pits are designed to burn more efficiently, reducing but not entirely eliminating smoke.
2. Legend of Effortless Maintenance
The idea that smokeless fire pits require no maintenance is a misguided belief. In reality, they need regular cleaning. And upkeep helps optimal performance and longevity.
3. The Eternal Durability Tale
It’s commonly thought smokeless fire pits will last forever. But just like any other product, these pits are subject to wear and tear. And if you use it constantly it may need replacement or repair.
4. Fable of Universal Suitability
The idea that smokeless fire pits are perfect for every situation is a misconception.
Yes, they’re usually an upgrade. But there are scenarios where traditional fire pits might be more suitable.
For example, if you like adding smoke to your campfire foods…
5. Myth of Instant Mastery
While operating one is inherently intuitive but can require a small learning curve.
Understanding the best practices takes some time and experience.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with smoke around the fire pit is an age-old dilemma.
It’s so frustrating people often avoid sitting around the fire altogether. But you don’t have to ignore this problem anymore. You CAN do something about it.
You also get the added benefit of letting your firewood last longer. And you’re being more environmentally friendly.
So whether you go DIY or buy, it’s time to go “smokeless”.
Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,
P.s. - I just found out 2 out of 3 Americans don’t feel prepared for a 3 day disaster!!!
I guess this goes to show how modern society continues to embrace ‘living a fragile life.’ What’s crazy is… it’s so easy to fix.
To make sure YOU have the basics, watch our FREE training on “10 Simple Steps To Basic Preparedness” that shows you HOW.
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