Breeo vs Solo Stove: Which Smokeless Fire Pit Is Better?
Updated: Mar. 14, 2024
The ultimate fire pit battle: Breeo vs Solo Stove. Who will smoke the competition away?
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There’s nothing quite like a cozy fire and good conversation under the stars, and summer is the season of fire pits, specifically smokeless, portable fire pits. They’re the ultimate backyard party accessory, no matter where the gathering is.
But why smokeless? Smokeless fire pits keep you from inhaling uncomfortable fumes and smelling like a campfire for days. They’re backyard and family-friendly, as they’ll keep the smoke out of kids’ and pets’ faces. Our favorite portable, smokeless fire pits come with the option of grilling and cooking food, too, making them ideal for overnight camping trips and cookouts.
Regarding portable, smokeless fire pits, there are two major retailers: Breeo and Solo Stove. It can be tricky to decide which one to spend your hard-earned dollars on (especially in this economy, am I right?), so we’re going to break down product specs and features from one of each brand’s fire pits. If you’ve been going back and forth between Breeo vs Solo Stove for a while, we’re here to help you make the final decision—we even did some testing of our own to deliver all the deets you need.
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What’s the difference between Breeo and Solo Stove?
While both Breeo and Solo Stove make stainless-steel smokeless fire pits and accessories, there are key differences between the brands you should know before buying from them.
Both Breeo and Solo Stove offer three different varieties of outdoor fire pits that vary in size and features. Breeo offers three fire pit models, one of which is available in three different sizes. Solo Stove offers three different sizes of their famous portable model, along with two sizes of their tabletop fire pit. That said, both brands offer a similar line of fire pits (unless you’re specifically looking for a small tabletop fire pit). If that’s the case, you’ll want to shop the Solo Stove Mesa. The Mesa is a small, ultra-portable fire pit, perfect for making s’mores anywhere, anytime.
When it comes to pricing and accessories, Solo Stove and Breeo are notably different. First off, Breeo fire pits tend to be significantly more expensive than Solo Stove fire pits. However, accessory pricing between the two brands is comparable. And some cooking accessories at Breeo are more affordable when compared to similar products at Solo Stove.
One major thing to consider when deciding between Breeo and Solo Stove is that Solo Stove offers a wider range of fire pit accessories than Breeo. From a pizza oven attachment to cast iron wok and grill tops, Solo Stove has a variety of add-on accessories. While Breeo does have fire pit cooking accessories—like a cast iron kettle and hook, which Solo Stove does not have—options are a bit more limited. So, it’s important to consider how much and what kind of cooking you want to do with your fire pit when deciding between Solo Stove and Breeo.
Regarding product comparison, two portable fire pit options are similar between the brands: The Breeo X Series and the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0. Both are smokeless, made of stainless steel and about 20 inches in diameter. How do you decide between two similar, highly-rated products? Keep reading for the scoop on both fire pits.
All About the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Easy to move
- Several compatible accessories available
- Removable ash pan for simple clean-up
- Burns multiple fuel sources
- Comes almost entirely assembled, setup is quick and hassle-free
- Design makes for an efficient, easy-to-build fire
- Mess is contained within the cylinder
- Can be used on different types of surfaces
Cons
- Outside of the cylinder gets very hot, use caution with children and pets
I’ve tested the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 at many nighttime gatherings and with different fuel sources. I’ve used it for grilling food, and tested it with the Pi Fire pizza oven, too.
My favorite things about the Bonfire 2.0 include: It’s ultra-lightweight (about 23 pounds), it has a removable ash pan for easy cleaning, and it has several compatible accessories. It also comes with a carrying case for portability and storage.
Family Handyman contributor Anthony O’Reilly, who’s tested the Solo Stove Bonfire and more than seven other fire pits, says his favorite thing about the Bonfire 2.0 is its design. “It looks very sleek,” Anthony notes.
The Bonfire 2.0 is Solo Stove’s best-selling backyard fire pit, and I think it’s super versatile. You can do more than make a wood-fired pizza and cook over a flame with a cast iron wok. You can also use your Bonfire to grill, fry and roast everything from veggies to sausages to s’mores and more with the right accessories. While smokeless fire pits send smoke and heat upward instead of outward, you can also use your Bonfire for heat during colder months with the Heat Deflector. You can also make your portable Solo Stove more permanent with the Fire Pit Surround, a protective barrier with a ledge for tools and drinks.
Want to know how it holds up under the pressure of real-life fire? Check out our in-depth Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 review. I’ve also tested and reviewed the Solo Stove patio heater and the Solo Stove Mesa Torch.
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Product Comparison
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
Bonfire’s double-walled design offers superior airflow and a prime secondary burn for uninterrupted enjoyment in the outdoors.
All About the Breeo X Series
Pros
- Airflow technology for quick fires
- Double wall construction
- Available in two types of steel
- Comes almost entirely assembled, setup is quick and hassle-free
- Design makes for an efficient, easy-to-build fire
- Mess is contained within the cylinder
- Can be used on different types of surfaces
Cons
- More expensive and heavier than Solo Stove
Frequent fire pit user Anthony O’Reilly has used the Breeo X Series in his backyard for more than a month. His favorite thing about it is its durability.
“This is a well-built fire pit,” Anthony says. “You can tell right away that it’s made of high-quality materials and is going to last for a very long time.”
The Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit is a bit heavier than the Solo Stove, weighing 47 pounds, and slightly bigger at 22 inches in diameter (the Solo Stove Bonfire has a diameter of 19-1/2 inches). It’s available in four versions: X19, X24, X30 and X42. It’s also noticeably more expensive. However, it does have a few added features we like, including an airflow-raised air vent design and double-wall technology.
In terms of performance, there’s a good amount of airflow, so starting fires is always pretty simple. It’s available in multiple sizes and two design options—corten and stainless steel.
Anthony tested it using kiln-dried and unseasoned firewood, and in both cases, the fire pit stayed truly smokeless. “Smokeless fire pits work using double combustion, meaning the smoke from the fire is drawn back into the pit and burned again before it leaves the fire pit, thus reducing the amount of smoke produced,” explains survivalist Mike Millerson.
Anthony hasn’t used it for cooking yet, though it can be used as a pizza oven if you purchase an attachment.
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Product Comparison
Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit
Eliminating the frustration of traditional fires with their excessive smoke, the X Series provides a smokeless centerpiece you can gather around.
FAQ
Is Breeo or Solo Stove better?
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable fire pit and don’t mind spending a bit more money, the Breeo fire pit is a solid choice. Those on a budget or are looking for a versatile fire pit should go with the Solo Stove.
Does Solo Stove really eliminate smoke?
Yes, the Solo Stove eliminates smoke by using double-combustion technology to keep smoke from entering the air. The Breeo fire pit also has this technology and is a portable smokeless fire pit.
Is Breeo an Amish company?
Breeo isn’t an Amish-owned company, though many of their workers are Amish.
The Bottom Line
If you’re on a budget, Solo Stove fire pits are more wallet-friendly, and Solo Stove has a wider range of compatible accessories. So, if you plan on building your fire pit collection, you might find that Solo Stove better fits what you’re looking for. Solo Stove fire pits are also lightweight and more compact than Breeo fire pits. If you plan on taking your fire pit from one backyard hangout to the next, portability is also something to keep in mind when making your choice.
If you’re someone who likes to cook food by hanging it over a fire, or if you use a kettle over an open fire frequently, then Breeo may be the brand for you. Breeo also sells fireside furniture built specifically for sitting around a fire and enduring the elements.
If you’re looking for luxury, something like the Breeo Luxeve may be worth looking into, too. It’s a 33-inch smokeless fire pit available in four exterior colors and five decorative glass colors. While such Breeo models are less portable, they do pack a punch in terms of design.
Where to Buy the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
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Product Comparison
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0
When you can’t choose between portable and permanent, Bonfire is both.
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 retails between $250-$300, depending on current deals and sales. The best place to shop the Bonfire 2.0 is on the brand’s website where you’ll likely find the best price. You can also shop the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 on Amazon and Walmart.
Where to Buy the Breeo X Series
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Product Comparison
Breeo X Series Smokeless Fire Pit
The X Series from Breeo elevates your fire pit experience, top to bottom.
The Breeo X Series retails for around $400 for the X19, $600 for the X24, $1400 for the X30 and $2800 for the X42. You can shop on the brand’s website or other retailers like Amazon or The Home Depot.
Whether you choose to go with Breeo or Solo Stove, both choices crank up the heat at backyard parties this summer—we are sure of that.
Additional reporting was contributed by Anthony O’Reilly, Family Handyman writer.
Originally Published: May 11, 2023
