Solo Stove Bonfire vs Mesa XL: Patio Size Guide (November 2026)

On this page (10 sections)

1. Solo Stove Bonfire or Mesa XL: Which fits a patio?
2. Which fire pit gives more useful warmth?
3. How do the fuel choices compare?
4. What comes with each fire pit?
5. What should protect the patio under a Solo Stove?
6. How should you cover the Bonfire between fires?
7. Who should choose the Solo Stove Mesa?
8. Who should choose the Solo Stove Bonfire?
9. How should you use and store either fire pit?
10. Solo Stove Bonfire or Mesa XL: Which one should you buy?

Choose the Solo Stove Bonfire for group warmth and the Mesa XL for compact tabletop flames. In this Solo Stove Bonfire or Mesa XL comparison, patio space, seating distance and fuel preference should guide your choice.

The Bonfire w/Stand is a 19.5 in wood-burning fire pit that weighs 21.8 lb. The Mesa is a 5.1 in tabletop fire pit that weighs 1.4 lb and supports wood or pellets.

Both are built around portable outdoor fires, but they serve different layouts. The Bonfire creates a central gathering point, while the Mesa keeps the flame close to a table.

If you're comparing other patio heat options, our guide to patio heaters covers fire pits, heaters and the space each type needs. See the best electric patio heaters for electric options.

Solo Stove Bonfire or Mesa XL: Which fits a patio?

Pick the Mesa for a table, balcony or tight patio, and pick the Bonfire for an open seating circle. The difference in footprint changes how people sit, move and reach around the fire.

The Bonfire measures 19.5 in in diameter. Its included stand raises the fire pit above the surface, but you still need a clear area around the fire and enough room for people to sit safely.

The Mesa is a 5.1 in tabletop fire pit. Its small round body works where a full-size fire pit would crowd chairs, block a walkway or leave little room for food and drinks.

Measure the open area, not just the empty corner. Mark the Bonfire's diameter on the patio with tape, then add the clearance required by the manufacturer's instructions and local fire rules.

The Bonfire's stand is part of the package. The Mesa also includes a stand, and its legs fold so the stand can nest inside the fire pit for storage.

Bonfire vs Mesa XL around outdoor seating

The Bonfire suits seats arranged around one central fire, while the Mesa suits people sitting around the table where it stands. That difference affects conversation, food placement and how close each person is to the flame.

A Bonfire can become the focus of a small gathering. Leave a clear path to the fire pit, and avoid placing it where people must walk between the flame and the seating.

The Mesa keeps the flame at tabletop height. Use it only on a suitable surface and follow the instructions for safe burning, especially when table coverings, plates or other items are nearby.

For a larger Solo Stove option, compare the Solo Stove Bonfire vs Yukon before assuming the Bonfire is the biggest fit you need.

Which fire pit gives more useful warmth?

The Bonfire is the better choice for shared warmth, while the Mesa is better for a small flame close to the table. Neither size should be treated as a replacement for a patio heater when you need broad, controlled heat.

Compare infrared and electric patio heaters.

The Bonfire's 19.5 in diameter gives the fire more room than the Mesa's compact 5.1 in design. That makes the Bonfire a more natural match for several chairs placed around one fire.

The Mesa is easier to keep near the people using it because it sits on a tabletop. Its role is compact outdoor fire, not the same full-size gathering point as the Bonfire.

Wind, seating distance and the layout of your patio change how much warmth reaches each person. Place either fire pit where people can sit at a safe distance without leaning over the flame.

For a different size comparison, see Solo Stove Bonfire vs Ranger when your patio needs a smaller full-size fire pit.

How do the fuel choices compare?

Choose Mesa if you want wood or pellets, and choose Bonfire if you want a wood-burning fire pit. The Mesa includes a pellet adapter, while the Bonfire package is built around wood fuel.

Wood gives both products the familiar fire-building routine. Use dry fuel that fits the fire pit and follow the manufacturer's instructions for loading, lighting and extinguishing.

Pellets can make the Mesa more flexible for someone who prefers that fuel format. The included pellet adapter is one of the clearest differences between the products.

Fuel also affects storage. Keep wood or pellets dry, separate from rain and stored where children cannot reach them.

Don't leave fuel beside an active fire.

Our guide to the best wood for a Solo Stove Bonfire explains how fuel choice affects a wood-burning setup.

What comes with each fire pit?

The Bonfire includes a stand, nylon carry case, removable base plate and ash pan. The Mesa includes a stand, nylon tote bag and pellet adapter.

The Bonfire's removable ash pan supports a simpler cleanup routine after the fire has cooled completely. Its carry case also helps when you move the 21.8 lb fire pit between storage and the patio.

Compare Solo Stove Bonfire accessories.

The Mesa weighs only 1.4 lb. Its folded stand can nest inside the fire pit, and the nylon tote bag keeps the compact setup together for storage or travel.

These included parts don't make the products interchangeable. The Bonfire package is organized around a full-size fire pit, while the Mesa package supports a small tabletop model with dual-fuel use.

What should protect the patio under a Solo Stove?

Use a suitable protective surface and follow the fire pit instructions before burning on a deck or patio. A stand helps, but it doesn't remove the need to check your surface and local safety rules.

The rumlick mat has a double-sided heat-resistant coating and an oil- and water-proof silicone surface. Food residue, oil, water stains and dust can be cleaned with a hose or wet rag.

The mat is foldable and reusable, which helps if you store the fire pit after each use. It must not be placed in direct contact with the fire source, so treat it as a buffer beneath the setup rather than a fire surface.

Check the mat's 36 in round size against the space around your Bonfire or other fire pit. The mat is wider than the Bonfire body, but the correct safety setup still depends on the surface, stand and instructions for your exact fire pit.

How should you cover the Bonfire between fires?

Cover the Bonfire only after it is fully cool and free of active embers. A cover helps keep rain and sun off the stored fire pit, but it is not a substitute for safe extinguishing.

The QH.HOME cover uses 600D tear-resistant oxford fabric with vinyl, PVC coating and heat-sealed waterproof tape. Its drawstring helps secure the cover around the fire pit.

Its 21 in diameter is close to the Bonfire's 19.5 in diameter, but measure your complete setup before ordering. The cover is intended for the fire pit, not for covering an active flame or warm ash pan.

Keep the covered Bonfire in a place where water can drain away. Remove the cover before lighting and allow the fire pit to dry if moisture collects underneath.

Who should choose the Solo Stove Mesa?

Choose the Mesa when your priority is a small tabletop fire that can burn wood or pellets. It suits compact patios, balconies, camping and outdoor tables where a 19.5 in fire pit would take too much room.

Its 304 stainless steel body is lightweight and designed for portable use. The included stand gives the Mesa a stable base, while the folding design makes storage easier.

The Mesa is not the right pick if several people need warmth from one central fire. Its compact flame works better for a close tabletop setting than for a broad seating circle.

Choose a clear tabletop location before lighting it. Move paper goods, decorations and other items away from the fire area, and keep people from reaching across the flame.

Who should choose the Solo Stove Bonfire?

Choose the Bonfire when you want a full-size wood-burning fire pit for several people to gather around. Its 19.5 in diameter and included stand make it a better fit for an open patio with room for chairs and movement.

The Bonfire's stainless steel body is paired with a removable ash pan. Let the fire cool completely before handling ash, then follow the care instructions for removing and cleaning the pan.

The included stand supports placement on many heat-sensitive surfaces, but the surface still needs to be suitable for fire use. Check the manual and local rules before setting up on a deck, grass or other outdoor area.

The Bonfire is less convenient to carry than Mesa because it weighs 21.8 lb. Its case helps with transport, but the larger body still needs more storage space.

How should you use and store either fire pit?

Set up on a stable, suitable surface, keep the fire clear of combustible items and extinguish it fully before storage. Read the instructions for your exact model because the Bonfire and Mesa have different sizes and fuel options.

Use the Bonfire's stand or the Mesa's included stand as intended. Don't improvise with a table, blocks or another support that wasn't designed for the fire pit.

Keep chairs, foot traffic and low branches away from the flame area. Wind can carry sparks beyond the fire pit, so stop using the fire when conditions make it unsafe.

After the fire is out and cool, remove ash according to the manual. Store the pit dry, and use a cover only when the fire pit has no heat or active embers.

Our how to use a Solo Stove Bonfire guide covers the wood-burning setup, lighting and cleanup process in more detail.

Solo Stove Bonfire or Mesa XL: Which one should you buy?

Pick the Mesa for a compact tabletop flame, wood or pellet flexibility and easy carrying. Pick the Bonfire for a larger wood-burning fire, group seating and more useful shared warmth.

The Mesa wins when every inch of patio space matters. Its 5.1 in size and 1.4 lb weight make it easier to store, move and place on a suitable outdoor table.

The Bonfire wins when the fire is the center of the gathering. Its 19.5 in diameter, stand, carry case and removable ash pan make it better suited to a dedicated patio fire area.

For either choice, match the fire pit to the space you can safely clear around it. Choose the Bonfire if you can give people room to sit and move, or choose Mesa if a full-size fire pit would crowd the patio.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Solo Stove Bonfire bigger than the Mesa XL?

The Solo Stove Bonfire is the larger choice for a patio fire. The Bonfire measures 19.5 in in diameter, while the Mesa is a 5.1 in tabletop fire pit.

Choose Bonfire for a shared seating circle and Mesa when your table or balcony has limited room.

Which is better for a small patio, Bonfire or Mesa?

The Mesa is better for a small patio because its 5.1 in tabletop format takes up far less room than the 19.5 in Bonfire. It suits compact seating areas, balconies and camping, while the Bonfire needs a larger safe area around its stand.

Does the Solo Stove Mesa use wood or pellets?

The Solo Stove Mesa uses either wood or pellets. Its included pellet adapter supports pellet fuel, while the compact stainless steel fire pit also accepts wood.

That choice gives you more fuel flexibility than the wood-burning Bonfire.

Which gives more warmth, the Bonfire or Mesa?

The Bonfire is the better choice for warming a group because its 19.5 in diameter fire pit creates a larger shared fire area. The Mesa is mainly a compact tabletop flame for a smaller setting, so it fits close seating and ambiance better than broad patio warmth.