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Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0: The Portable Fire-Pit That Keeps the Spark in Your Backyard
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Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 2:28 GMT by Food & Wine- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0: A Portable Fire‑Pit That Keeps the Spark in Your Backyard
When the summer heat begins to melt the patio rug, the first thing most of us reach for is a fire‑pit. We want something that is easy to set up, that burns cleanly, and that fits into our small back‑yard or balcony without looking like a relic from the old west. Solo Stove’s Bonfire 2.0 is the brand’s answer to that modern, minimalist wish list. The Food and Wine review, which dives into the product’s design, performance, and value, paints a clear picture of what you can expect from a small, portable stove that packs a surprisingly generous heat output.
The “Bonfire” Evolution
The Bonfire was originally introduced as a small, stack‑able fire‑pit that fits easily into a bag and can be hauled to the backyard, balcony, or even a picnic. The review highlights that the 2.0 version is not a radical redesign; rather it builds on the original’s strengths with a few key refinements that elevate its usability and safety.
- Double‑wall insulation: The new version uses a second layer of steel to keep heat inside and reduce the risk of accidental burns or stray sparks. The reviewer notes that this makes the pit noticeably hotter than the original, especially at the bottom where the flame is most intense.
- Updated flame‑enhancement: The 2.0 features a slightly altered air‑intake design that creates a cleaner, more stable flame. That means the pit produces fewer sparks and a more satisfying, even glow.
- Slightly larger firebox: The new model has a 12.5‑inch diameter (compared to 12 inches in the original), giving you a slightly bigger area for kindling and a larger “candle‑like” flame.
All of these changes come from a single tweak that the review author calls “the heart of the Bonfire 2.0.” The result is a product that feels more robust while still keeping the lightweight, portable feel that the brand is known for.
How It Performs on the Ground
The Food and Wine writer set the Bonfire 2.0 out on a concrete patio and fed it a modest 10–12 twigs of pine. The first minute of the test produced a bright, steady flame that looked a lot like a campfire but in a much smaller space. A few quick notes from the author’s experience:
| Metric | 2.0 | Original (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Heat output | ~3,000 BTU (about 3,500 W) | ~2,400 BTU |
| Fuel consumption | 12–15 sticks per hour | 20–22 sticks per hour |
| Spark rate | Very low (only 1–2 on the whole test) | 3–4 per hour |
| Burning time (steady) | 30–35 minutes | 20–25 minutes |
Because the Bonfire 2.0 burns so efficiently, the review notes that a single stick of wood can power the pit for roughly half an hour—long enough for a short dinner or a cozy evening. Even when the user added a cup of coffee beans and a handful of dried herbs for aroma, the pit stayed lit for 40 minutes without additional fuel.
Design, Safety, and User‑Friendly Features
One of the review’s highlights is the “double‑wall” design, which the author explains helps trap heat inside while keeping the outer surface cool enough to touch. That means you can place a pot or even a plate directly on the base without fear of burns—a handy feature for cooking small meals or just warming up a mug of cocoa.
The 2.0’s weight is around 12 pounds, a modest increase from the original 10 pounds. The review notes that the added heft is mainly from the extra steel and the larger firebox, which makes it slightly less portable but still light enough to carry from a car to a patio or to a beach. The author praised the integrated handle as sturdy and ergonomic.
Safety is another point of emphasis. The manufacturer’s website (which the review links to for more purchase details) states that the Bonfire 2.0 has a “spark‑shield”—an extra layer of steel that prevents embers from escaping. In real‑world testing, the reviewer only saw one small ember in the first 30 minutes, and none after that. That is a significant improvement over other small fire‑pits that often launch sparks into the air, especially in windy conditions.
Pros and Cons
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency – Burns 30–40 % longer than the original. | Price – About $169, a step up from the original $149. |
| Compact & Portable – Fits in a standard duffel bag. | Limited Size – Not suitable for large groups or big fires. |
| Low Spark Output – Great for patios or backyards. | Requires Kindling – Needs a few sticks or logs to start. |
| Versatile – Can cook or heat, not just for ambiance. | Weight Increase – Slightly heavier, but still portable. |
| Sturdy Build – Double‑wall steel adds durability. |
The reviewer’s personal take is that the Bonfire 2.0 is a worthwhile upgrade if you’re already a fan of Solo Stove’s compact, clean‑burning philosophy and you want a fire‑pit that can do a little cooking as well. For those on a tight budget or who only want a simple fire for a quick backyard gathering, the original Bonfire remains an excellent, cheaper alternative.
Where to Find It
The Food and Wine article links directly to Solo Stove’s official product page, where you can order the Bonfire 2.0 for $169.99 (price may vary). The review also offers a coupon code, which the author recommends for anyone looking to save a few dollars. For readers who want to see how the pit stacks up against larger Solo Stove models, the review includes a link to the Solo Stove Fire Pit, which is a 2‑ft tall version designed for outdoor events.
The Bigger Picture: Solo Stove’s Brand Philosophy
Solo Stove is built around a simple premise: “smaller, cleaner, safer.” The review’s author mentions the company’s emphasis on “burning cleanly” through the use of a “two‑stage combustion” system that oxygenates the fire for more efficient burning. The article references a past review on Solo Stove’s Bonfire (link to a 2020 review) that highlights the brand’s reputation for producing reliable, low‑spark outdoor stoves.
The “2.0” update to the Bonfire is a testament to that ethos: a product that is easier to use, burns cleaner, and is a bit hotter—all without sacrificing portability. The review also mentions that the company offers a 3‑year warranty, a nice reassurance for those who want a reliable, long‑term investment for backyard entertaining.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a fire‑pit that balances convenience, performance, and safety, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is a strong contender. The Food and Wine review demonstrates that the model is:
- Clean‑burning: Minimal sparks and efficient fuel use.
- Portable: Small enough to carry to a picnic or to store in a garage.
- Heat‑efficient: Generates enough warmth for a small gathering or a cozy night by the fire.
- User‑friendly: Easy to start, easy to cook with, and safe to handle.
The extra $20 over the original is justified by the improvements in fuel efficiency and heat output, especially if you plan to use it for both ambiance and cooking. The review recommends the Bonfire 2.0 for anyone who values a clean, efficient fire that can be set up in minutes and is safe enough for a balcony or patio. For those who are content with a simple fire for a quick gathering, the original Bonfire still remains a budget‑friendly choice.
In short, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is the portable fire‑pit that delivers the warmth, safety, and convenience of a campfire without the mess. If you’re in the market for a backyard “campsite,” this review—and the product itself—will likely spark your interest.
Read the Full Food & Wine Article at:
[ https://www.foodandwine.com/solo-stove-bonfire-2-0-review-11858994 ]