What is a smokeless fire pit, and how do smokeless fire pits work?
Learn all about the pros and cons of this modern outdoor appliance.
But what exactly is a smokeless fire pit, and how do smokeless fire pits work?
Credit:Jay Wilde
The design features an insert that contains the fire and reduces the amount of smoke produced.
Depending on the model, smokeless fire pits may burn charcoal or pellets instead of wood.
How do smokeless fire pits work?
The appliance produces very little smoke because it uses double walls and secondary combustion to prevent heat from escaping.
The secondary combustion system burns wood or charcoal down to ash, consuming any remaining smoke particles.
Pros of Smokeless Fire Pits
“How do smokeless fire pits work?”
has been answered, but how do smokeless models differ from traditional fire pits?
There are several advantages to a smokeless pit, especially for those particularly sensitive to smoke.
The most significant and obvious advantage of a smokeless fire pit is that it emits less smoke.
Though greatly reduced, smokeless fire pits do not entirely eliminate smoke or its associated smells.
Studies show that inhaling wood smoke is harmful to human health.
Seasoned firewood and smokeless pits help with combustion, making them less harmful than traditional fire pits.
Smokeless fire pits are typically more efficient than traditional wood-burning fire pits.
Easy to Clean and Transport
Their compact design makes smokeless fire pits easy to clean.
Smokeless fire pits are typically more expensive than traditional fire pits.
Some models also feature proprietary fuel (like wood pellets), which is an added recurring cost.
In general, a smokeless fire pit radiates less heat than a traditional fire pit.
Smoke from burning wood contains fine particles and gases that contribute to air pollution.
How to Safely Use a Smokeless Fire Pit
Smokeless fire pits need ventilation to operate safely.
They are ideal foroutdoor patiosmade of non-combustible materials, like concrete.
A 10- to 20-foot distance from your home is the minimum safe distance to situate a small fire pit.
Never place a fire pit on a slope, near trees, or under branches.
Keep a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on hand for any emergencies or accidents.
This results in a more efficient flame and a combustion reaction that results in little to no smoke.
A smokeless fire pit consumes most of its own smoke.
The secondary burn consumes the unburnt gasses that would typically manifest as smoke.
“Wood Smoke and Your Health.”
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
