An entirely new experience awaits you outdoors and of course, having the right tools and gear is critical in making that experience enjoyable. In this Solo Stove vs BioLite review, you’ll come to learn about what these two brands have to offer and what makes each of them unique.
Table of Contents
About Solo Stove
Motivated to “create good,” Solo Stove crafts outdoor products that help you make the most of your time in the great outdoors. Whether you’re on the patio or mountain trail, its line of home and camping gear is designed to stand up to the elements and to your high standards.
Using high-quality materials like stainless steel, Solo Stove manufactures its products in China but is based in Texas. The brand was founded in 2010 by brothers Jeff and Spencer Jan and is available around the world.
About BioLite
BioLite is known internationally as well. It was founded by Jonathan Cedar and Alexander Drummond in 2006. Based in New York, it’s on a mission to “bring energy everywhere” with its line of innovative power solutions.
Manufacturing its products in West Africa, the carbon-neutral brand is working towards the betterment of the planet and giving customers smart and tech-driven gear they can count on.
Since outdoor gear needs to check a few more boxes than indoor products, I’ve put together this Solo Stove vs BioLite review to lay out the facts. Up next, I’ll walk you through what to consider while you browse, and after that, I’ll put its best-selling products head-to-head.
What to Consider
Product range
Solo Stove makes fire pits, stoves, camp grills, and apparel for outdoor living. BioLite offers stoves, power, lighting, and gear kits, its specialty being clean, safe, and innovative power solutions for the outdoors.
Ease of assembly
Products from both of these brands come with instruction manuals and are easy to set up. Neither offers an installation service.
Target audience
Both Solo Stove and BioLite manufacture products for the outdoors, though BioLite has a slightly more technologically advanced edge than its competitor. With features like Bluetooth and charging capabilities, BioLite’s gear may be more appealing to younger generations.
Solo Stove is a solid, dependable choice for outdoor gear. It’s straightforward and perfect for those who prioritize simplicity.
Environmental impact
Solo Stove is a member of 1% for the Planet, meaning 1% of all of its sales go towards organizations that help the earth. Contributing to various organizations through its Create Good program, this brand is definitely concerned with making the earth a better place.
BioLite has brought safe and reliable energy to over 3 million people in Africa and has negated over 600k tons of Co2 emissions as a climate-neutral company. It’s important to note that certain BioLite products do come with a Prop 65 Warning as they contain certain chemicals deemed unsafe for your health by the state of California.
Durability
Solo Stove uses 340 stainless steel for all of its products. BioLite doesn’t specify the material it uses. In general, customers believe that Solo Stove is a higher quality brand and get more use out of its products.
Accessibility
You can always buy each of these brands’ products directly from their website. Both of them ship within the US and around the world. They’re also both found in a number of other retailers. In terms of price, Solo Stove products are priced higher than BioLite, but it uses higher quality materials too.
Solo Stove Bonfire vs BioLite FirePit+ Review:
We’re about to kick things up a notch in this Solo Stove vs BioLite review and dive right into our first comparison of the Bonfire and FirePit+ outdoor burners.
The Solo Stove Bonfire is a shiny, round fire pit made from 304 stainless steel. Weighing 20 lbs, it’s easy enough to move from your patio to your backyard. Promising a low-smoke experience, you won’t have to grimace sitting around the fire as the wind changes directions and it becomes your turn to have smoke in your face.
Featuring a 360° Airflow Design™ to help efficiently burn fuel, the Bonfire leaves very little ash and creates a second burn that customers say is completely mesmerizing. Enjoy your outdoor spaces more with this product for $250 (on sale from $400).
- Portable (weighs 20 lbs)
- Log-friendly up to 16”
- Low smoke
- Made from 304 stainless steel
- Lifetime warranty
The BioLite FirePit+ is a long, rectangular shape that measures 27”. Burning both wood and charcoal, it features mesh sides that let air in and help your fuel burn more efficiently. The design also means the pit generates less smoke and gives you a nice show of the burning embers inside.
Take the fuel rack out and use charcoal to turn your pit into a grill while you dial your flames up or down with its Bluetooth compatible app. Equipped with a 12,800 mAh battery, your FirePit+ will burn hotter for longer. Change your outdoor environment with the pit for $300.
- Rechargeable
- Portable (Folding legs, weighs 20 lbs)
- Controllable by Bluetooth App
- Dual-fuel
- Less smoke
- Turns into a grill
The Solo Stove Bonfire has better reviews for quality than the BioLite FirePit+ does and uses 304 stainless steel as its base material. With a lifetime warranty, you may get more use out of it too.
The BioLite FirePit+ has tech features that the Solo Stove doesn’t and can keep your fire burning long after you run out of fuel. Controlled by way of an app, you literally don’t have to leave your seat to dial it up.
Solo Stove Grill Ultimate Bundle vs BioLite CampStove Complete Bundle Review:
There’s nothing quite like cooking outside. It’s an entirely different experience and creates new flavors. This part of our Solo Stove vs BioLite review will look at each of the brands’ outdoor cooking bundles to see how they stack up.
The Solo Stove Grill Ultimate Bundle aims to open up your cooking experience. Including a grill, tools, accessories, a 4-ct of starters, and a 4 lb bag of charcoal, this kit has everything you need to make a great meal except the food itself.
With 360° Airflow Design™, it cooks meals evenly and quickly, while extras like the Short Stand, Shelter, and Carry Case make it easy to cook anywhere in any weather. Stainless steel tools like a spatula, tongs, and a meat fork will last for years and can withstand high term temperatures. Get this expansive bundle for $550 right now, it’s normally $775.
Solo Stove Grill Ultimate Bundle
- 304 stainless steel
- Includes tools and equipment
- Dual-fuel
- Weighs 38.5 lbs
- Starters made from 100% recycled wood
- Optional accident protection plan
- On sale
Love camping and cooking? The BioLite CampStove Complete Bundles combines the two, making cooking out on the trail enjoyable and easy. Allowing you to grill, boil, cook, and charge, it includes the CampStove 2+, Portable Grill, KettlePot, and CoffeePress.
Cook up your favorite meals on the road with this helpful kit using any fuel you can scoop up along the way, including sticks, pellets, or wood scraps. Stackable to save space in your backpack, this travel-friendly bundle is equipped with a FlexLight for after-dark cooking sessions generated by your very own fire. Get the set for $250.
BioLite CampStove Complete Bundles
- Incredibly portable
- Allows you to use found fuel
- Creates 3 watts of electricity from your fire to charge your devices
- Stackable to save save
These two bundles are very different. Solo Stove is geared more towards cooking in your backyard or somewhere easily accessible by car considering its stove weighs almost 40 lbs. BioLite caters to backpackers with its versatile set, including the basics of what you’ll need to make different meals.
BioLite is certainly the more tech-savvy brand, whereas Solo Stove is a solid, dependable choice for those looking to cook a little closer to home.
Solo Stove Fire Pit Tools vs BioLite FirePit Cooking Kit Review:
If you came to this Solo Stove vs BioLite review for a peek at more than just a fire pit, then you’re in luck. This section will look at the tools each brand has to offer.
Looking at the Solo Stove Fire Pit Tools first, the simple set includes two different tools to make cooking with your Bonfire or Grill simple. Made from 304 stainless steel just like its pits are, the Angled Poker and Log Grabber help you stoke your fire from afar.
With reinforced ends, these tools are incredibly durable and will stand up to high levels of heat. Grab the set for $70 (normally $90).
- Made from 304 stainless steel
- Light (4.75 lbs)
- Angled poker and grabber for ease of use
- Has a handle
- Lifetime warranty
The product I’ll be looking at from BioLite is the FirePit Cooking Kit. While I know it’s not a direct comparison to the Solo Stove Fire Pit Tools, it does contain some tools and helps you get more use and enjoyment out of your FirePit+.
Your kit includes the FirePit+, cast-iron Griddle, Grill Lid, and Prep + Grill Toolkit, the latter equipped with a spatula, tongs, knife, and storage mat to keep things organized. With everything you need to take your fire pit enjoyment to the next level, this inclusive kit is $405 and offers a value of $450.
- Contains tools, griddle, and lid
- Made from quality materials
- Doubles as a fire pit and an outdoor grill
- Bundles for a lower price
- 1-year warranty
Well, I don’t have to point out the differences between these two products because unless you totally skimmed past the first one in this section, you’ve seen that one contains just tools while BioLite’s includes tools with its FirePit+. Choosing which one to pick will depend on your needs.
Already have a grill? Maybe the tools are a good idea. Planning on getting a BioLite pit? Then why not get the full kit to make your life easier?
Solo Stove vs BioLite: Quality
If you’re going to be lighting fires in something, you better be sure it’s good quality. This section of our Solo Stove vs BioLite review will look into both brands’ specs and quality to see if one comes out on top.
Solo Stove uses double-wall 304 stainless steel for its fire pits. Less electrically and thermally conductive than other types of steel, it’s a solid choice for outdoor use. Coupled with 360° Airflow Design™ and a precision base plate, they burn more efficiently, are hotter, and emit less smoke.
Its products are made in China. Overall, they’re regarded as high-quality and efficient and deliver as promised.
BioLite doesn’t go into details about what the FirePit+ is made from, but I do know that the brand manufactures in East Africa. Some sources say it also has factories in China.
The portable FirePit+ features a see-through mesh that increases airflow for an efficient burn. Though it’s not entirely smokeless, it does generate less smoke than the average burner.
Unlike Solo Stove, BioLite’s unit uses Bluetooth technology to allow virtual control. Connecting to your pit through an app on your phone means you don’t have to get up or risk burning yourself just to change the heat.
In regards to quality, these two brands have different perks. I can appreciate knowing what Solo Stove is made from, and the way its pits are constructed means they burn efficiently, are smokeless, and are very hot. The BioLite FirePit+ is made well too, but its advantage may come more so in terms of the quality of its technology.
Solo Stove vs BioLite: Price & Value
When choosing an outdoor fire pit, the price needs to be right, but more so, you want to make sure what you’re getting is going to bring value to you. Value is often in the eyes of the buyer, and in this section of our Solo Stove vs BioLite review, I’ll lay out the stats for both brands and let you be the judge.
The Solo Stove Bonfire is on sale right now for $250 but it’s normally $400. Portable, low-smoking, and compatible with logs up to 16”, it’s a solid, durable choice for outdoor entertaining for smaller gatherings. Since it’s made from 304 stainless steel, it will last a long time.
The BioLite FirePit+ is portable as well, with folding legs and a longer body. Accommodating two different types of fuel, its value is in versatility. The pit clocks in at $300 but is Bluetooth compatible, meaning those who favor techy features may see this one as high value.
In general, Solo Stove has a higher level of feedback about its quality. The more expensive brand, you’ll certainly pay a few extra bucks (unless you catch it on sale) for its outdoor fire pits, but if you’re looking for a durable, incredibly well-made piece of gear, it’s a great choice.
With that said, it’s not that BioLite isn’t made well, because it is. Though it doesn’t boast a stainless steel construction, its layout and features make it highly attractive.
Solo Stove vs BioLite: What do Customers Think?
It’s one thing to read up on a product and another to test it out yourself. Since you’re reading this Solo Stove vs BioLite review, there’s a good chance you’ve never tried out these brands—so we must hear from those who have. We’ll look into the feedback for Solo Stove first.
- Bonfire: 5/5 stars from 13,697 reviews (SoloStove.com)
- Bonfire: 4/5 stars (theSpruce.com)
- Bonfire: 4.7/5 stars from 1,662 reviews (Amazon.com)
Finding consistently high ratings for the Solo Stove Bonfire pit, I checked the comments section to see what shoppers loved about it. Here’s what users wrote of the most:
- Virtually smokeless
- Burns efficiently (hardly any ash)
- User-friendly
- Has a mesmerizing second burn
I didn’t find much in terms of complaints against Solo Stove products, but there were a few comments that mention difficulties in getting in touch with customer service. It seems that shoppers really love the brand’s products, the only time complaints have been made is when it comes to returns. Let’s check out BioLite.
- FirePit+: 4.2/5 stars from 381 reviews (SoloStove.com)
- FirePit+: 4.7/5 stars (theSpruce.com)
- FirePit+: 4.2/5 stars from 607 reviews (Amazon.com)
The FirePit+ is another well-rated product with its average star scores all above 4/5. Interested to find out if it delivers as promised, I dove into comments sections across the web. This is what I found:
- Nearly smoke-free when burning properly
- Generates a lot of heat
- Is attractive and enjoyable to use
There have been some issues reported with BioLite’s built-in battery pack along with some customers expressing the wish for a pit made from stainless steel. Still, shoppers really love the BioLite brand and enjoy the way its products look and perform.
Overall, the Solo Stove Bonfire has slightly higher reviews than the BioLite FirePit+, but it looks like each of these companies is appreciated for different reasons. Solo Stove is known as a higher-quality brand with more durable products while BioLite is a loved and trusted name.
Solo Stove vs BioLite: Promotions & Discounts
If you’re still on the fence about which company to choose, you’ll want to pay attention to this section of our Solo Stove vs BioLite review. After combing through each of their websites for deals, I found that these two brands are like night and day when it comes to discounts. Take a peek:
- Color Packs 50% off
- Sale section
- Rewards program
- Hero discount (military, responder, medical, teacher)
- Free standard shipping on orders over $75
- Free shipping over $55
See what I mean? Solo Stove often offers promotions for its gear, and right now, quite a few of its outdoor fire pits are on sale. With a rewards program and a heroes’ discount, I’ve learned that the brand wants to reward frequent shoppers, whereas BioLite offers one standard way to help its customers out.
Solo Stove vs BioLite: Shipping & Returns
If you’re thinking about buying your new fire pit online, then reading up on a brand’s shipping and return policies is an important part of the buying process. This section of our Solo Stove vs BioLite review will lay it all down for you and make things super transparent.
- Ships to all 50 states
- Standard and expedited shipping options
- Offers international shipping
- Free shipping for contiguous US orders over $75
As for returns, they’re free for those who live in the contiguous US and can be made within 30 days of purchase. The brand does not accept returns of its merchandise from outside of the contiguous US. All Solo Stove products come with a lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.
- Ships to all 50 states
- Standard and expedited options
- Ships internationally
- Shipping is free for orders over $55
BioLite doesn’t offer exchanges on its products, only refunds. Should you need to make a return, you can, as long as the process is started within 30 days from the date of purchase. All BioLite products come with a limited 1-year warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.
When looking at their shipping and return policies, Solo Stove and BioLite are pretty well matched. Where they really differ is in their warranties. A lifetime warranty may be more appealing to you than a 1-year warranty and this may steer you towards one brand over the other
Who Will You Shop With?
Since we’ve reached the end of this Solo Stove vs BioLite review, I hope you’ve come to a decision about which brand fits your needs. Each one comes with its own set of perks, and though they’re both great options, one may have piqued your interest for various reasons.
Solo Stove is a solid choice and is loved for its products’ performance. Offering tons of deals and a lifetime warranty, it’s a reliable pick for those who want a simple, efficient fire pit and tools.
BioLite’s options focus more on aesthetics and technology, and in terms of functionality, they certainly perform as promised. Customers love the brand and its variety and it receives high praise across the board.
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