Human beings have enjoyed sitting under an open burning fire pit for millennia. It is warm and comfortable and instantly creates excitement and adventures. The smell of smoke, however is not something everyone likes—especially if it sticks to your clothing! So if you love fire but you dislike smoke, then smokeless fire pits are for you! If you are like many people, you are probably wondering, how does a smokeless fire pit work?
What is a smokeless fire pit?
A smokeless fire pit is a device that can turn traditional smoke-producing fires into smokeless fires. It works by using jets to produce airflow inside the fire pit.
Most smokeless fire pits resemble traditional fire pits, but the flames are more intense and effective at burning. This reheating process assures airflow is as clean as possible in the combustion chambers. Smokeless outdoor grilling can still create some smoke but it reduces it so you don’t notice that much.
How do smokeless fire pits work?
Smokeless fire pits are an incredible innovation. The mechanism is built around a triangle theory. Manufacturers say a good fire is a mixture of three factors: sufficient oxygen, sufficient heat, and good fuel. After the trio-factor is achieved, the fire produces the heat necessary for complete smokelessness. How is that possible? Let’s examine how design and performance combine for smokeless fire.
Here’s how it works:
- The smoke from the fire flows through an inlet located at the bottom of the smokeless fire pit.
- The smoke then flows through a series of jets that uses suction or pressure to keep smoke moving in a continuous cycle, which produces an even distribution of fumes within the smokeless fire pit.
- Once the smoke has reached its maximum circulation, it flows through an outlet at the top of the smokeless fire pit.
Do smokeless fire pits smell?
Because it produces fewer smoke, smokeless fire pits also produce less smell. You will have a wonderful bonfire experience without you and your clothes stinking of fumes. Because of its mechanism, smoke is unable to reach your skin as the secondary combustion process burns it away. As an effect, odor that comes with smoke is also avoided.
Do smokeless fire pits emit heat?
A double wall in the secondary burning unit of smokeless fire pits increases heat emission when these heating units are operated. This generates significant energy as the fuel heats the surrounding walls of the hole. As heat escapes, it produces warmth which makes it perfect for chilly evenings in the backyard or on the beach.
Moisture-low wood pellets and firewood burn quicker and generate temperatures of between 100° – 300°. The best fire pits with smokeless features have a surprisingly high heat output that can effectively keep families warm during cool summer nights.
Can you cook in a smokeless fire pit?
Yes, smokeless fire pits are an innovative technology for outdoor cooking too. You can use smokeless fire bowls for summer grilling or cool fall evenings [1]. When you’re ready to start cooking, put the coals in the bowl and let them get hot before adding food.
Several smokeless fire pit designs from a variety of American manufactures can produce 30% higher temperatures and are ideal for cooking and grilling. The small designs are light and portable, perfect for camping, tailgates and backyard bonfire events. For outdoor cooking you can have a smokeless fire pit with grilling surfaces for the perfect barbecue. So yes you can enjoy the smokeless burning fire and make your favorite meals.
Is it worth it to get a smokeless fire pit?
Obviously, it depends upon why you want it. Let’s say you’d be more interested in a propane smoke-free burning fire pit because you have more room for it and you like to use it for camping. Since it has no emissions, you also do not need to worry about another neighbor complaining about smoke or smell for miles as you enjoy watching the fire pit burn with their flickering light and crackling sounds. Portability is a plus too.
If you’d like the ability to cook food over your fire pit and produce minimal smoke, or want a stylish center feature that can become a patio focal point, then it is definitely worth getting one of those innovative grill inserts that go with smokeless fire pits.
So, in general, they are not bad at all. It depends on who wants to use them and for what purpose.
For outdoor activities, however, it is also worth having a real woodfire in your yard with minimal smoke. If you only have a small backyard patio table, there are also propane burning fire pits that offer more room on the grill or cookout area. You can cook on a fire pit, or use it as a spot to hang out when you have friends over. It’s a matter of personal preference and space availability. However, if you have the room, traditional fire pits using wood for the bonfire can bring a different fun if you are up to the maintenance work that come with it including how to build a fire pit.
Bottom line:
As you can see, different types of fire pits provide varying results. The choice depends on your personal preferences and the purpose of the purchase.
You need to lower your expectations when buying smokeless fire pits however, because they aren’t perfect. The smoke control is the main element in smoke-free fires and there are a number of devices that can be used for this purpose.
What to consider when choosing the Best Smokeless Fire Pits?
While size and fuel type are important shopping characteristics, other factors are crucial such as material, construction, and security to find the best smokeless fire pit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes a fire pit smokeless?
Most smokeless fire pits have a dual-wall secondary combustion design that collects smoke from the burning wood and reburn them so the fire can escape. Afterwards, the vapor passes through the hole around the rim. Presumed air is mixed into the flames and regenerated. The secondary combustion is the cause of smokeless fires.
Do smokeless fire pits give off heat?
Yes. The same amount of heat that a smokeless fire pit emits is in fact 90% cleaner than a normal woodfire.
