Do you love the idea of sitting around a campfire but hate the idea of all the smoke? Or maybe you live in an area where fires are not allowed. If so, smokeless fire pits are the perfect solution for you. But how do they work?
Smokeless fire pits are based on the “fire triangle idea”, where fire needs three elements to be present: fuel, oxygen, and heat. To create a smokeless fire pit, manufacturers employ a system that controls the amount of air that comes into contact with burning wood.
To better understand how a smokeless fire pit works, let’s take an in-depth look at how their design and functionality work together to create a smokeless fire.
How Smokeless Fire Pits Work
Imagine enjoying a bonfire without the smoke and sparks flying in your face. Or, picture yourself roasting marshmallows without the constant worry of them catching on fire because the smoke obscures your vision. Sounds like a dream, right?
With a smokeless fire pit, you can have all the fun of a traditional campfire without any of the drawbacks. However, keep in mind that when we say “smokeless”, we don’t mean an entirely smoke-free fire pit. There will still be some smoke, but it won’t billow into your face or obscure your vision the way a traditional campfire does.
Airflow
Okay, so you might be wondering what the secret to this magical invention is? It’s simple: airflow. The base of a smokeless fire pit is designed with a strategically placed unique airflow system that ensures sufficient oxygen for primary combustion.
Double Wall Convection
Additionally, these fire pits typically have an outer and inner wall with a gap between them to allow airflow. Double-walled convection draws air up through the walls, injecting oxygen into the fire and creating secondary combustion that burns the smoke as it exits the fire pit. Consequently, the smoke is eliminated, and all that’s left is a warm, crackling fire.
What If the Fireless Fire Pit Starts Smoking?
However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the fire produces smoke.
This often happens when:
- The fuel isn’t burning efficiently
- There’s no sufficient oxygen
- There is a low burning temperature
Now, let’s see if smokeless fire pits give off heat.
Do Smokeless Fire Pits Give Off Heat?
Since there is no smoke in a smokeless fire pit, you may be wondering if there is heat.
Smokeless fire pits give off more heat than traditional wood-burning fire pits because they’re more efficient. Since there is better oxygen flow under and around the fire and the wood burns more efficiently, more energy is transferred from the fire to the air, making it hotter.
The flames also tend to be hotter because the gas and embers aren’t as diluted with smoke. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy your fire pit for longer periods without having to worry about the heat dissipating.
Do Smokeless Fire Pits Smell?
The smokeless fire pit doesn’t produce as much smoke as you’d get with a traditional wood-burning pit. Instead, any smoke produced is burned in the fire pit, ensuring fewer smoke particles throughout your yard.
You may smell a little bit of smoke when you first light your fire pit, but that’s pretty common for any wood-burning (or gas) fire pit. The smell will quickly dissipate as the flames heat up and begin to burn off the excess gas in the air.
After a while, you won’t smell any smoke when you’re sitting around your fire pit. This is a great advantage if you live in an area with strict rules regarding outdoor fires or smoke pollution. It’s also incredibly beneficial if you don’t want any smoke smell on your clothes or hair the next day.
Are Smokeless Fire Pits Safer than Traditional Fire Pits?
One of the biggest benefits of owning a smokeless fire pit is that they are significantly safer than traditional wood-burning fire pits.
You have to worry about sparks flying out and starting a wildfire with a traditional fire pit. You also have to be careful not to let the flames get too high, or they could produce dangerous embers.
Smokeless fire pits don’t have any of these dangers because the flames are enclosed in the pit. Therefore, you can rest easy knowing that your family and pets are safe.
Wrapping Up
Smokeless fire pits are a fun and convenient way to enjoy your backyard. They’re great for parties, family gatherings, roasting marshmallows with the kids and much more.
If you’ve been thinking about adding a smokeless fire pit to your yard but weren’t sure if it was right for you, we hope this article provided enough insight on these amazing devices to help you make up your mind.