Solo Stove vs alternative

CigarStone

CigarStone

For once, knowledge is making me poor!
Joined
Mar 7, 2007
Messages
12,245
Location
Northeast, Ohio
First Name
Jeff
I did a ton of research and ultimately bought this unit for a couple reasons. It assembled in under a minute with no tools and it's portable with the included heavy duty bag. It works amazingly well!
Amazon link<<<<<

I debated getting one like this with the mesh upper ring, in hopes of getting some sideways heat from it, but wasn't sure if the "second burn" could properly work without the walls for the air to rise through? I contacted the manufacturer and of course they said it made no difference but ...................

Has anyone bought one with the mesh upper ring?

Amazon link<<<<
 
I purchased the one below about 6 months ago, and have used it about a dozen times. It puts out a LOT of heat, and from what I could tell was exactly the same as a Solo Stove.

I would highly recommend it. I would also recommend getting a set of tools for it, as the tools that come with these are really weak.

Firepit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CXX3ZDM5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Tools: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BD8GQXWZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
One of the key features I liked about the one I got is that it has a solid pan at the bottom so no ashes can drop to the deck. It has folding legs and there is nearly zero heat reaching the surface of my wooden deck. It is also much more portable than Solo. And 40% of the cost!

ETA: I folded up the legs and put the unit directly on a peice of OSB. After two hours of fire, I slid the stove off the OSB and it was barely warm. In other words, you can set this unit right on your deck and it will not burn or discolor it.
 
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My experience with the one I purchased is very similar. I really like the portability of the one I purchased, and for under $100 it was a great experiment. If I didn't like it, I wasn't going to be out the $$$ of the name brand stove.
 
MX said:
What is the heat output like?
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Tim, the heat output is Extreme! To give you an example we've all chucked a piece of wood into a fire and been unhappy with its placement so we quickly reach in and move it. You can't do that with this stove it is too hot.

A heat deflector on top is a must in my opinion, it pushes the Heat out to the sides. One thing to be prepared for, because the unit is upright rather than a fire in the ground, your feet don't get much heat.

ETA If you could have this unit sunken in your deck, it would be amazing!
 
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Hate to bring this back, but did anyone here get a heat deflector?

And why are they the same price as the pit?
This will be an investment in the next few months
 
MX said:
Hate to bring this back, but did anyone here get a heat deflector?

And why are they the same price as the pit?
This will be an investment in the next few months
Click to expand...
That's a good question tim. I wasn't going to pull the trigger on a heat deflector when, as you point out, they are almost as much as the stove. I made one from a galvanized Trash Can Lid and a piece of three quarter inch aluminum bar. In cold weather it really does make a big difference but I think I will deal with the ugly fabricated one rather than spend the money on the fancy one for the occasional use.
1000009228.jpg
 
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CigarStone said:
That's a good question tim. I wasn't going to pull the trigger on a heat deflector when, as you point out, they are almost as much as the stove. I made one from a galvanized Trash Can Lid and a piece of three quarter inch aluminum bar. In cold weather it really does make a big difference but I think I will deal with the ugly fabricated one rather than spend the money on the fancy one for the occasional use.
View attachment 96465
Click to expand...
Oh hell yes!!!!
 
After having this thing for a while, here is an update.
1. I love it!
2. I use charcoal to cook on it and then add some wood for a fire.
3. It's better than Solo because the ash pan is half way up so it won't burn or discolor the deck or patio.
4. It folds up small for portability.
5. It is truly smokeless if you use good wood.
6. The only negative is that it requires shorter wood, I wish I could get this unit in 22 inch.
 
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CigarStone said:
After having this thing for a while, here is an update.
1. I love it!
2. I use charcoal to cook on it and then add some wood for a fire.
3. It's better than Solo because the ash pan is half way up so it won't burn or discolor the deck or patio.
4. It folds up small for portability.
5. It is truly smokeless if you use good wood.
6. The only negative is that it requires shorter wood, I wish I could get this unit in 22 inch.
Click to expand...

For your comment about the good wood for no smoke, I have found I can use pretty much anything in mine as long as 2 things take place.

1. The wood stays BELOW the vent holes of the pit.
2. NEVER use a fire starter (like Duraflame) or you will have smoke for the entire fire no matter what wood you use.

ETA - Dryer wood is better, but I have also used sticks and such that I have found on the ground at campgrounds with very little to no smoke issues.
 
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