How to Use a Solo Stove Bonfire

On this page (10 sections)

1. What should you do before lighting a Solo Stove Bonfire?
2. How should you load wood into a Solo Stove Bonfire?
3. How do you light a Solo Stove Bonfire?
4. Can you add color packets to a Solo Stove Bonfire?
5. How much wood should you add while the Bonfire burns?
6. Should you use a fire pit mat under the Bonfire?
7. How do you put out a Solo Stove Bonfire?
8. How do you clean a Solo Stove Bonfire after use?
9. Which Bonfire size fits your patio?
10. What is the safest way to use a Solo Stove Bonfire?

To use a Solo Stove Bonfire, set it outdoors on a stable surface, load dry wood with room for airflow, light the top, and wait for the unit to cool before removing ash. Keep the fire attended, follow local burn rules, and use the manufacturer's instructions for your exact model.

The Bonfire is a wood-burning fire pit, so your setup should focus on airflow, controlled fuel loading, and a clear area around the fire. Before you start, check wind conditions, move flammable items away, and keep water or another approved way to control the fire nearby.

What should you do before lighting a Solo Stove Bonfire?

Choose a safe outdoor location and prepare the fire area before adding wood. Place the Bonfire on a stable, level surface with plenty of open space above and around it.

Keep the unit away from structures, branches, fences, cushions, dry leaves, and other materials that could catch sparks. Don't use it under a roof, enclosed patio, or low overhang unless the manufacturer's instructions and local rules specifically allow it.

Check local fire restrictions before lighting. The National Fire Protection Association's outdoor fire safety guidance is a useful starting point, but local authorities may have stricter rules.

A fire pit mat can add a protective layer beneath the unit, but it doesn't replace clearance or safe fire behavior. Never allow the fire source to touch the mat directly.

The rumlick mat is black, round, and about 36 in across. Its silicone-coated surface is oil and water resistant, so general cleanup can involve a hose or wet rag after the mat has cooled.

How should you load wood into a Solo Stove Bonfire?

Start with dry, seasoned firewood and leave open spaces between pieces. Keep spare logs dry in an outdoor firewood rack.

Smaller pieces help establish the flame, while larger pieces can be added gradually as the fire develops.

Don't fill the Bonfire to the rim or build a pile that blocks airflow. Place the first pieces so air can move through the fuel, then add wood only when the existing fire needs more fuel.

The best fuel depends on your local supply and the fire's intended use. Our guide to the best wood for a Solo Stove Bonfire covers wood choices and practical loading considerations.

Avoid damp, painted, treated, or heavily contaminated wood. It can produce more smoke or unwanted residue, and some materials may release harmful fumes when burned.

How do you light a Solo Stove Bonfire?

Light the top layer of smaller wood, then let the fire build before adding more fuel. A long lighter or long match helps you keep your hands away from the opening.

Arrange a few small pieces over the base without packing them tightly. Once the top pieces are burning, add larger pieces one at a time and keep watching the flame.

Don't use gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, or other accelerants. They can create a sudden flare-up and make the fire harder to control.

Wind can push sparks beyond the fire area. If conditions become gusty, stop adding wood and follow your local guidance for putting the fire out.

Can you add color packets to a Solo Stove Bonfire?

You can use Magical Flames Fire Color Packets in a wood-burning Bonfire, but not with propane or artificial gas logs. The packets are intended for wood fires such as fire pits, campfires, bonfires, and fireplaces.

The Magical Flames pack contains 25 packets. Its instructions call for dropping 1 to 3 unopened packets directly into the wood fire, with colors appearing within seconds and lasting up to 60 minutes.

Use color packets only when the fire is already established and you can keep it attended. Keep the package and unused packets away from heat, and follow the packet directions for handling and disposal.

Color packets change the appearance of the flames, but they don't replace dry fuel, safe clearances, or supervision. Don't add more simply to make the fire larger.

How much wood should you add while the Bonfire burns?

Add one or two pieces only when the existing fire needs more fuel. A controlled fire is easier to monitor than a tightly packed load with tall flames.

Place new wood carefully so it stays inside the fire pit. Keep your face and hands away from the opening, and use suitable long-handled tools if your instructions recommend them.

The Bonfire's size affects how much wood is practical for your patio. If you're comparing models, see Solo Stove Bonfire vs Ranger for a smaller-size decision and Solo Stove Bonfire vs Yukon for a larger fire pit comparison.

Never leave children or pets alone near the fire. Keep seating far enough away that people won't reach across the flames or brush against hot metal.

Should you use a fire pit mat under the Bonfire?

A fire pit mat can help catch sparks, embers, hot grease, and spills beneath the unit, but the fire pit must not sit in direct contact with the mat's fire source. Follow the mat instructions and keep the Bonfire on a suitable surface.

The Huchiz mat is a round 36 x 36 in fiberglass mat with silicone coating on both sides. Its stated heat resistance is up to 2000°F, and it can be rinsed with a hose or wiped with a wet towel after use.

Choose the Huchiz mat if its 36 in size and higher stated heat resistance suit your setup. Choose the rumlick mat if you prefer a 36 in round mat with a stated 1050°F heat resistance and a weight of 0.75 kg.

Neither mat should be treated as a fire platform. Keep direct flames and hot coals from touching the mat, and inspect the surface before each use.

How do you put out a Solo Stove Bonfire?

Stop adding wood and let the fire burn down under supervision before confirming that every ember is out. Follow the Bonfire instructions and local fire rules for your preferred extinguishing method.

If you use water, apply it carefully and only as allowed by the manufacturer's instructions. A sudden splash can create hot steam, spread ash, or damage hot metal.

Stir the remaining material with an appropriate tool and check for glowing embers. Continue the approved extinguishing process until the fire is fully out.

Don't leave until the fire is cold and no smoke or glowing coals remain. Wind can revive embers after the visible flame disappears.

How do you clean a Solo Stove Bonfire after use?

Wait until the Bonfire is completely cold, then remove cold ash and loose debris according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep ash away from combustible containers, decks, and dry vegetation.

Don't handle ash by hand or assume it is safe because the fire stopped producing flames. Hidden embers can remain hot for a long time.

Wipe or brush the exterior after it has cooled. Store the unit in a dry location and keep the inside free of wet ash, leaves, and other debris between fires.

Clean each mat separately after it cools. Both the rumlick and Huchiz mats have coated surfaces that can be wiped or rinsed, but direct fire contact should still be avoided.

Which Bonfire size fits your patio?

Choose the standard Bonfire when you want a middle-sized wood fire for an open patio, then compare the available space and seating distance before buying. A larger unit needs more room for safe clearances, while a smaller unit may suit compact areas better.

Use Solo Stove Bonfire or Mesa XL when deciding between a backyard fire pit and a smaller tabletop-style option. Also review our guide to patio heaters if your main goal is warmth rather than an open wood fire.

How you use the Bonfire matters more than adding accessories. To compare useful add-ons, see Solo Stove Bonfire accessories.

Keep the fuel dry, load gradually, watch the weather, and treat every ember as hot until you have confirmed the fire is out.

What is the safest way to use a Solo Stove Bonfire?

The safest routine for how to use a Solo Stove Bonfire is simple: prepare a clear outdoor area, use dry wood, light from the top, add fuel slowly, and stay with the fire until it is cold.

Pick the rumlick mat for a 36 in round fiberglass option with a stated 1050°F heat resistance. Pick the Huchiz mat for a 36 x 36 in option with a stated heat resistance up to 2000°F.

Pick Magical Flames if you want color effects in a wood-burning fire.

Always follow the Bonfire manual, local rules, and the safety directions for any accessory you add.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start a fire in a Solo Stove Bonfire?

Place the Bonfire outdoors on a stable, suitable surface, add dry firewood with room for airflow, and light the top layer with a long lighter or match. Start with smaller pieces, add larger wood as the fire grows, and keep the fire attended throughout the burn.

Can you use fire color packets in a Solo Stove Bonfire?

Yes, Magical Flames Fire Color Packets are made for wood-burning fires, including fire pits and bonfires. Drop 1 to 3 unopened packets into the wood fire, but don't use them with propane or artificial gas logs.

Follow all local fire rules and the packet safety directions.

How much wood should you put in a Solo Stove Bonfire?

Use enough dry firewood to build a controlled fire while leaving space for airflow and keeping flames below the unit's safe operating limits. Avoid packing the fire pit tightly or adding more wood than you can monitor.

The Bonfire manual should guide loading and burn limits.

How do you clean a Solo Stove Bonfire after use?

Let the Bonfire and ash cool completely before handling them. Remove cold ash according to the manufacturer's instructions, wipe or brush away loose debris, and store the unit dry.

Never pour water onto a hot fire pit or handle ash while it may still contain live embers.