What comes to your mind when you think of a smokeless fire pit? For me, it was a distinct feeling of “finally” someone hacked the worst part about bonfires.
If you have prior camping experience, you probably understand the struggle of moving around a campfire as if you’re playing musical chairs and the smoke has an unspoken agreement with the wind to ensure you can’t sit anywhere comfortably for too long.
With a Solo Stove, this problem becomes obsolete. But if you’re not sold on the larger models yet, I completely understand!
My first Solo Stove product was the Mesa tabletop smokeless fire pit, and this is my honest Solo Stove Mesa review.
What You’ll Learn
An Overview of the Solo Stove Mesa
The Solo Stove Mesa is a compact and innovative fire pit designed to bring the joy of a campfire to your backyard or outdoor gatherings. Known for its sleek stainless steel design and advanced airflow technology, the Mesa promises a smoke-free, efficient burn that makes it stand out in the crowded market of portable fire pits.
One of the leading features of the Solo Stove Mesa is its patented 360° Airflow Design. This system ensures that the fire burns hotter and more completely by drawing in air through the bottom vents and expelling it at the top. This not only minimizes smoke but also maximizes fuel efficiency, allowing you to enjoy a cleaner and more enjoyable fire experience.
The Mesa is also incredibly user-friendly. Its compact size makes it easy to transport and store, while its sturdy construction ensures durability and longevity. Another bonus feature is that you can burn small chunks of split wood or wood pellets for a more consistent and aesthetic burn.
Whether you’re roasting marshmallows with family or creating a cozy atmosphere for an evening with friends, the Mesa delivers on its promise of convenience and performance. It’s perfect for those who love the ambiance of a fire but want to avoid the hassle and mess typically associated with traditional fire pits.
Now, let’s dive into my personal Solo Stove Mesa review and observations of this small but mighty fire pit.
Solo Stove Mesa Review: My Insights and Experience
In the grand scheme of things, I’m fairly new to camping. I purchased my Sunray 109 Sport in May of 2022 after realizing that tent camping was not the solution for me or my dog, Rocky.
As an avid outdoorsman with camping experience as a child, boating experience as a young adult, and ATV/dirt biking experience as an adult, I knew I wanted to spend more time outside. My compact 12 ft camper was the perfect vehicle to support my spontaneous adventures and desire to explore the continental United States.
Solo camping is a blast! But one thing that leaves a lot to be desired is building a fire by yourself every night. Sometimes sitting around by the warm glow and dancing flames is therapeutic while other times, I just want to roast a couple of smores without wasting a bundle of firewood.
This particular battle of wanting a fire without the hassle was the main challenge I was trying to solve with the Solo Stove Mesa.
My First Impression
After sending an Instagram video of the Mesa to my mom saying how cool, compact, and sleek this piece of outdoor gear is, I was hopeful that it would end up under the Christmas tree that year.
And shoutout to Mama Lynch! She had already purchased a Mesa, and planned to wrap and nestle it under the Christmas tree. But with whispers of my next camping trip approaching mixed with statements of my desire to buy a Mesa for myself (before Christmas), she snuck into her closet and came into the living room with a white and black Solo Stove box under her arm.
That day, I opened a shiny, silver, stainless steel Mesa Solo Stove, and I could not wait to use it on my next outdoor adventure!
I have to admit, there were more components to it than I was expecting. After a quick read of the instruction packet, I got a clearer picture of which pieces were necessary for burning real wood and which were reserved solely for burning wood pellets!
How awesome is it to have the choice between real wood and wood pellets? Up to this point in time, I assumed that wood pellets were reserved for smoking grills only.
Alongside my Solo Stove Mesa, I also received a box of Mini Oak Firewood and Solo Stove starter cubes — the two things needed to get my first burn rolling.
Looking for something a little bigger? Check out my first winter camping trip recap where I used a Solo Stove Ranger to cook breakfast.
The Inaugural Burn
On my next camping trip, I packed the Solo Stove Mesa in my kitchen cabinet alongside my roasting sticks (that I may or may not have frequently referred to as marshmallow forks).
This trip was also my first dispersed camping trip where I wouldn’t have access to electric shore power. My thought was that the Mesa would provide me with all the light and ambiance I needed for the weekend.
After getting my camper set up, I excitedly set up my kitchen table and unpacked my new smokeless tabletop fire pit.
I put one starter cube in the center and made a teepee out of split wood shards. The starter cube quickly caught fire as I watched the wood become engulfed in flames.
Within five minutes, I had the perfect fire — tall enough to roast marshmallows, light my campsite table, and probably cook a hot dog too.
For outdoor enthusiasts that don’t want to light a large fire every night, want to add a convenient heat source, and prefer packing only essentials, you’ll love the Mesa. The Solo Stove Mesa is a must-have piece of outdoor gear that elevates your experience, is easy to pack, simple to use, and absolutely worth stowing in your camp kitchen setup.
I highly recommend it for solo or couple travelers because of its lightweight design, streamlined carrying case, and compact footprint.
P.S. I also use mine on my patio at home if I can’t get to the woods. It’s a relaxing option when you’re gathering with friends or reading on your favorite patio chair at the end of a long day.
Solo Stove Mesa Accessories
Now that we’ve covered my Solo Stove Mesa review and how much I love this piece of outdoor gear, let’s look at some accessory options. If you’re anything like me, accessories are essential. There are several add-on accessories available to enhance how you use a Mesa:
1. Mesa Heat Deflector
- Designed to redirect heat outward, enhancing warmth distribution
- Perfect for keeping everyone around the fire pit cozy
- This is ideal for those who want to maximize your level of comfort
- Recommended for use with wood pellets for a longer, stronger burn
2. Mesa Accessory Pack
- Packed with everything you need to make the most of your Mesa
- Includes mini sticks, a pellet scoop, stick rests, and a lid
- Made from durable materials to handle high temperatures
- Bundled together in a convenient carrying case for easy storage and transport
These accessories can help you get the most out of your Solo Stove Mesa, whether you’re looking to cook, keep warm, or simply enjoy a safe and clean fire pit experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Solo Mesa give off heat?
Yes! A Solo Stove Mesa does give off heat. Designed with efficient airflow technology, the Mesa burns mini firewood or wood pellets cleanly and effectively, producing a significant amount of heat.
I’ve used my Mesa at camp on crisp Fall nights to create a cozy atmosphere while watching FSU football. I recommend adding the heat deflector to your Mesa purchase if you’d like a larger radius of heat that can be felt further away from the flames. The intensity of the heat can also be managed by adjusting the fuel and airflow, allowing for a cozy and comfortable environment.
The Mesa’s compact and portable design makes it an easy addition to your car, tent, or motorhome camping gear bin.
What do you burn in a Solo Stove Mesa?
In a Solo Stove Mesa, you can burn both mini oak firewood and wood pellets. Mini oak firewood provides an easy-to-maintain fire, ideal for consistent heat, while wood pellets are a cost-effective option that produces a strong flame.
Many users find success by alternating between the two, starting with mini firewood to create a hot coal bed and then adding wood pellets to maintain the fire. This combination ensures a steady fire, making the Solo Stove Mesa versatile and efficient for various outdoor settings — and generates enough heat to maximize the use of a Mesa heat deflector.
What’s the difference between a Solo Stove Mesa and Mesa XL?
The Solo Stove Mesa and Mesa XL differ primarily in pellet capacity, burn time, and heat emission. The Mesa XL can hold about three times more pellets than the Mesa, resulting in a longer burn time of 45-60 minutes compared to the Mesa’s 30-45 minutes. This increased capacity also means the Mesa XL emits more heat, making it ideal for longer gatherings and cooler weather.
Both models are designed for easy lighting and produce similar flame heights, ensuring a beautiful, smokeless, and consistent fire. Despite the Mesa XL’s larger size, both fire pits are extremely portable and functional, making them suitable for various outdoor settings. The Mesa’s compact size makes it particularly easy to transport, perfect for spontaneous adventures or smaller spaces.
If I were you, I’d choose the Mesa for solo camping trips, more intimate gatherings, and portability, while the Mesa XL is better for extended use and higher heat output on your deck or patio. Both offer the same ease of lighting, flame height, and overall functionality, ensuring a satisfying outdoor experience regardless of the model.
What’s the Mesa pellet secret?
The secret to using Mesa pellets effectively lies in managing the refilling process and ensuring proper airflow. Refill pellets while the fire is still strong, adding about a tablespoon every 3 to 5 minutes to avoid smothering the fire and creating smoke. Stirring the pellets helps maintain a strong flame. Although pellets produce a good fire, their heat lasts longer than the flame itself, making consistent management crucial.
Combining pellets with mini firewood can enhance the fire’s consistency. Pellets are cheaper and provide a good flame, but mini firewood or wood chunks are easier to maintain. Some find success by alternating between wood and pellets, starting with wood to establish a hot coal bed and then adding pellets. This method ensures a steady and sustained fire.
Overall, the key to using Mesa pellets is balancing pellet additions, maintaining airflow, and possibly integrating different types of fuel for optimal performance. This approach maximizes the benefits of both pellets and wood, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable fire.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the Solo Stove Mesa has truly impressed me with its blend of functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Its ability to provide a virtually smokeless fire, combined with its compact and durable design, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or simply enjoy cozy nights by the fire at home, the Mesa offers a modern twist on the traditional fire pit. I highly recommend giving it a try — you might just find it becomes a staple in your outdoor adventures as it has in mine.
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