If you’ve ever sat around a campfire, you know how annoying smoke can be. This is where smokeless fire pits come in. They don’t completely remove smoke, but they cut it down a lot. 

Whether you’re curious about how they work, their pros and cons, or how to use them safely, this guide has your back. 

Do Smokeless Fire Pits Really Work?

Yes, smokeless fire pits work. They reduce smoke using their advanced airflow design that promotes complete combustion. However, they’re not completely smokeless. 

Their construction makes the burn hotter and more efficient. This consumes the smoke before it escapes. Instead of constantly dodging smoke around a regular campfire, you can sit back and enjoy a cleaner, hotter fire with less smoke. 

In particular, smokeless fire pits have double-wall systems with holes near the bottom. These holes pull in fresh air, which travels up between the walls and heats up along the way. When that hot air comes out of the top rim, it mixes with the smoke and starts a secondary burn. This process burns much of the smoke before it can escape, so you get less smoke than a traditional fire pit.

Of course, no wood fire is ever completely smoke-free. Burning wood naturally produces some smoke. If you want the least smoke possible, use dry hardwood, keep your logs below the rim, and let the fire burn well before piling on more wood. Damp or soft wood will always create more smoke, no matter how great the fire pit design is.

Benefits of smokeless fire pits include not dealing with watery eyes. Plus, your clothes won’t reek of smoke the next day. These fire pits also burn wood more efficiently, so they produce more heat and less ash. On top of that, many models come with cooking accessories like grates and griddles, so you can cook outdoors without heavy smoke.

So, while smokeless doesn’t mean zero smoke, these fire pits give you less, cleaner, and more enjoyable fire.

Do Smokeless Fire Pits Burn Wood Faster?

Yes, smokeless fire pits burn wood faster. As a result, the logs disappear more quickly than in a regular fire pit. Their advanced design promotes rapid, complete combustion. That’s why they produce hotter flames and more heat while using up the fuel faster.

The main reason is airflow. Smokeless fire pits have small holes around the base and top. These holes pull in oxygen, which feeds the fire. The more oxygen it pulls, the faster the fire burns. 

The double-wall design also plays a big role. It traps hot air inside, which helps the wood ignite faster and stay lit. On top of that, secondary combustion occurs. This is when smoke particles burn off before they escape. As a result, you get a cleaner, nearly smoke-free fire.

Because of this design, wood burns more completely and produces less ash. You’ll get less smoke in your face and quicker cleanup, too. The trade-off is that you’ll need to refuel more often since the wood burns more quickly. 

Still, many people find smokeless fire pits worth it. The higher heat output makes it perfect for cold nights, and the cleaner burn gives you a more enjoyable experience. While the wood goes faster, the fire you get in return is hotter and cleaner. 

Do Smokeless Fire Pits Keep Bugs Away?

No, smokeless fire pits don’t keep bugs away. They give you a cleaner burn, but they won’t do much to keep insects away. The reason is simple: insects, especially mosquitoes, hate smoke. Traditional fire pits give off plenty of it, so it keeps bugs away. On the flip side, smokeless fire pits produce less smoke, so you lose that natural insect repellent effect.

You might notice a slight bug-free zone when the fire first gets going, since the heat and a bit of smoke rise. But once it’s fully burning, the smoke decreases, and the bugs usually return. Plus, the heat alone isn’t strong enough to keep them away for long.

You need some extras if you want to keep bugs away while enjoying your smokeless fire pit. Bug spray is one of the easiest and most reliable solutions. You can also use citronella candles or torches to create a barrier around your sitting area. Plus, you can toss in herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary, or eucalyptus. When burned, they release compounds that bugs hate. 

So, while a smokeless fire pit gives you cleaner air and less ash, it doesn’t protect you from bugs. However, you can use it with the right products for a comfortable bite-free evening.

Where Does the Smoke Go On a Smokeless Fire Pit?

The smoke from a smokeless fire pit goes to the small vents near the rim. You see, smoke is not completely eliminated in a smokeless fire pit. It’s reused in a process called secondary combustion. 

Here’s how it works: the pit has a double-wall design that pulls air in from the bottom. The air gets hotter as it moves up between the walls. The heated air is then pushed out through small vents near the rim of the pit.

When hot air mixes with the smoke, it gives the unburned particles the oxygen they need to ignite again. This leads to a secondary burn, which turns what would have been smoke into extra heat. The result is a fire that burns hotter, cleaner, and with less smoke escaping.

Do Smokeless Fire Pits Still Smell?

Yes, smokeless fire pits smell, but it’s much lighter than a traditional fire. What they actually do is burn the fuel more completely, which reduces visible smoke and the strong, lingering odor.

You might notice a faint campfire scent, but it’s far less likely to stick to your clothes, hair, or outdoor furniture. Plus, the smell comes through under certain conditions. For example, a windy day can push a small amount of exhaust toward you. You’ll also get a few smoky puffs if the fire isn’t hot enough in the beginning. The type of wood matters, too. For instance, hardwoods like oak or hickory burn cleaner than softer woods like pine.

Keeping your fire pit clean also helps. Ash buildup can block airflow and weaken the secondary burn, which means more smoke and odor. Another common issue is overfilling the pit with too much wood, as this interrupts the clean-burning process.

Use dry hardwood, let the fire get hot before you settle in, and don’t crowd the pit for the best results. You should also remember that no wood fire will ever be 100% odor-free. The good news is that smokeless pits reduce both smoke and smell, so you can enjoy the fire without smelling like one.

Can You Roast Marshmallows on a Smokeless Fire Pit?

Yes, you can roast marshmallows on a smokeless fire pit. The heat from the flame or embers works just as well as a traditional wood fire, only with less smoke and lingering odor. The process is the same: get a long roasting stick, put your marshmallow a safe distance from the flame, and slowly turn it until you get that golden-brown color. 

If your smokeless pit runs on gas, it’s best to keep the flame at a moderate level since gas can burn hotter than wood. With wood-burning versions, aim for low, steady heat rather than sticking the marshmallow directly in the flame. That’s the quickest way to end up with a charred marshmallow instead of a gooey, toasted one.

Using a long metal roasting stick also makes things safer and helps you rotate the marshmallow evenly. Take your time, be patient, and you’ll get that perfect golden crust with a soft, melted center.

One thing to keep in mind: if you’re using a gas fire pit with lava rocks or similar media, drips of marshmallow or chocolate can make a sticky mess. Try to keep treats above the flame and avoid direct contact with the media.

As always, supervise kids closely and watch out for hot surfaces around the pit. With just a little care, you can enjoy roasting marshmallows on a smokeless fire pit without the smoke, smell, or hassle of a traditional campfire.

Do You Put Wood in a Smokeless Fire Pit?

Yes, you can put wood in a smokeless fire pit. Most of them are actually designed to burn logs. The key is using the right type of wood and following a few simple tips to keep the fire burning hot and clean.

Dry, seasoned wood works best. These include logs that have been dried for at least six months. Wet or green wood will create more smoke and cancel out the whole smokeless effect. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple are the best because they burn hotter and longer compared to softer woods like pine.

Plus, the smokeless part doesn’t come from the fuel itself, but from the fire pit’s design. Most models use a double-wall construction that pulls in air, heats it, and then releases it through vents at the top. This preheated air mixes with smoke particles, creating a secondary burn that reduces smoke before it leaves the pit.

When adding wood, don’t overload it. Keep the logs below the top air holes, and add just one or two pieces at a time. This keeps airflow steady and helps the secondary burn do its job.

Some smokeless fire pits also work with wood pellets or even charcoal. So, always check your model’s instructions. But in most cases, tossing in seasoned logs is the way to go for a hot, efficient, and low-smoke fire.

Can You Pour Water on a Smokeless Fire Pit?

It’s not a good idea to pour water on a smokeless fire pit. While it might seem like the fastest way to put out a fire, it can actually cause more problems than it solves.

The sudden blast of cold water against hot metal can warp or crack the fire pit, especially if it’s made of stainless steel. On top of that, water mixes with leftover ash and creates a soggy mess people call ash soup. It’s unpleasant and clogs the airflow system that makes your fire pit work. Add in the safety risk of hot steam rising up quickly, and it’s clear why water isn’t the way to go.

The recommended approach is to let the fire burn down on its own. This takes some patience, but it leaves behind less ash and makes cleanup simple once everything has cooled completely. If you know you’ll want the fire out sooner, plan ahead by adding less wood toward the end of the night. 

There are also safer alternatives. A spark screen can help keep embers contained while the fire dies down. Some smokeless fire pits also come with lids that can snuff out the flames. Just make sure the lid is designed for that purpose and don’t use it until the fire is nearly out.

Find out more about how to put out a fire pit safely here. We also recommend having a fire blanket, fire spray, or fire extinguisher nearby in case things get out of hand. 

Do you want reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable tools to put out small fires before they spread? Check out Prepared Hero’s fire prevention tools here, and get up to 51% off on certain items. 

Does the Outside of a Smokeless Fire Pit Get Hot?

Yes, the outside of a smokeless fire pit definitely gets hot while it’s running. The fire inside generates a lot of heat. Even though the design directs most of it upward, some of that heat transfers to the metal walls. That’s why you should never touch the exterior during or right after use. It can be hot enough to burn your skin.

The double-wall design of smokeless fire pits plays a role, too. The inner wall contains the fire, while the outer wall helps create the airflow that makes these pits burn cleaner. But since both layers are metal, heat still transfers through, and the outside surface heats up. The hotter and longer your fire burns, the hotter the exterior will get.

Because of this, it’s important to take some safety precautions. Always keep kids and pets away from the fire pit while it’s running. Avoid placing it near flammable items like outdoor furniture, tree branches, or bushes. Plus, don’t set it directly on a wooden deck or another combustible surface, since the radiant heat can cause damage or start a structure fire.

Once you’re done using it, give the pit plenty of time to cool before moving or cleaning it. If you need to be cautious, think of it like a hot oven. Just because the flames are out, it doesn’t mean the metal is safe to touch yet.

How Do I Choose a Smokeless Pit?

Choosing the right smokeless fire pit comes down to a few simple things: fuel type, size, materials, and extra features. Whether it’s for camping, a patio, or a backyard, the right pick makes all the difference.

1. Pick the Fuel Type

• Wood: Gives you that classic campfire vibe with real crackling logs, but you’ll need to deal with ash cleanup afterward.
• Propane or gas: Propane fire pits are easy to light and shut off, produce no ash, and need less maintenance.

2. Think About Space & Portability

• Small patios or balconies: Go for a compact, lightweight option. Some even fold up for easy storage.
• Large backyards: Bigger, heavier models work better here. They give off more heat and can handle larger groups.
• Camping or travel: Look for lightweight designs or ones that disassemble for transport.

3. Pick the Right Size

• Capacity: Choose a pit that matches how many people you’ll host.
• Burn time: Larger pits can hold more wood, giving you longer fires.
• Heat output: Bigger pits with good airflow give off more warmth.
  

4. Check the Durability

• Stainless steel: Rust-resistant and long-lasting.
• Carbon steel: Tough, but may need occasional paint touch-ups.
• Weight: Heavier pits are sturdy but harder to move. Lighter ones are portable but may dent more easily.

5. Look for Extra Features

• Airflow design: Double-wall construction and smart venting are what make it smokeless.
• Easy cleaning: A removable ash pan or clean-out tray makes maintenance simple.
• Cooking options: Some pits come with grates or accessories for grilling.
• Style: Choose a design that looks good with your outdoor setup.

6. Keep Safety in Mind

• Make sure the pit has a sturdy base, proper ventilation, and ideally a spark screen.

What Are the Drawbacks of a Smokeless Fire Pit?

The drawbacks of a smokeless fire pit are the price, more maintenance, less side heat, no insect-repellent effect, and rusting over time.

One of the biggest drawbacks is cost. They’re usually more expensive than regular fire pits because of the design and materials. On top of that, you’ll need to think about fuel. If it’s wood-burning, you’ll need to buy, store, and haul wood. Some brands even require special wood pellets, which adds to the cost.

Performance is another trade-off. Most of the heat goes upward instead of out to the sides, so you may not feel as warm unless you sit closer. The flames also tend to be smaller and less lively, which takes away from the classic fire look. Over time, the stainless steel can discolor, lose its shine, or even rust. As a result, the pit will look worn faster than you might expect.

Maintenance can also be tricky. Ash removal isn’t always easy. It’s because the ashes can settle deep inside the pit. Pouring water on hot metal creates steam and can cause rust, so cleanup takes more care. Another thing people don’t think about is bugs. A regular fire’s smoke helps keep them away. Since these pits are designed to reduce smoke, you lose that benefit.

How Far Should a Smokeless Fire Pit Be From the House?

A smokeless fire pit should be at least 10 to 25 feet away from your house, detached garage, shed, wooden fences, or any other structure. That buffer helps lower the risk of sparks or heat damaging anything nearby.

You also need to think about what’s above your fire pit. Keep at least 20 to 25 feet of clear space overhead so that branches, power lines, or patio coverings don’t become a hazard. While these pits produce less smoke, the heat and flames still rise, and anything combustible above can catch fire.

Placement on the ground matters, too. Always set your fire pit on a level, non-combustible surface like gravel, sand, or concrete. Avoid putting it on wood decks, grass, or anything that could easily ignite. And if it’s windy, skip using the fire pit altogether. Gusts can carry sparks farther than you think.

Lastly, don’t forget about local rules. Fire pit distance and placement can vary by city, county, or even your homeowners' association. A quick call to your fire department or local office can save you from fines and keep your setup safe.

Conclusion

Smokeless fire pits give you the warmth and vibe of a fire without the constant smoke in your face. They burn cleaner, look sleek, and are easier to maintain than traditional pits. 

However, they’re not flawless. You need to consider cost, upkeep, and setup rules before buying. With the right fuel, placement, and a little care, they can be a great addition to your outdoor space.