There’s a universal, almost comical, ritual that plays out around every traditional campfire. You find the perfect spot, your chair angled just right to soak in the warmth, drink in hand, ready for good conversation. Then, without warning, the wind shifts. A thick, acrid plume of smoke billows directly into your face, stinging your eyes and catching in your throat. You shuffle your chair a few feet over, only for the smoke to follow you like a loyal, albeit irritating, pet. We’ve all been there, ending the night with watery eyes, smelling like we’ve spent a week in a smokehouse. This constant battle with smoke can turn a relaxing evening into a frustrating game of musical chairs, diminishing the pure joy of a crackling fire. It’s this exact problem that drove us to explore the new generation of smokeless fire pits, leading us directly to this promising model.
- Low Smoke Firepit: The smokeless firepit of double wall design with vent holes creates a burst of hot air over the fire reducing the smoke and burning more completely
- Removable Ash Pan: The smokeless fire pit have a removable integrated ash pan and burning plate, no need to turn the whole stove over to dump out ash, much easier to clean after a outdoor burning
- Long Lasting: The 304 stainless steel fire pit is highly durable, and won’t cave under the pressure of an ultra-hot flame
What to Consider Before Buying a Smokeless Fire Pit
A smokeless fire pit is more than just a metal container for wood; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your outdoor space. By using innovative airflow designs—typically a double-walled construction—these pits superheat the air and re-ignite smoke particles before they can escape. This process, known as secondary combustion, results in a dramatically cleaner, more efficient burn. The main benefits are immediately obvious: no more smoke-chasing, no more irritated eyes, and your clothes and hair won’t carry the campfire scent for days. It creates a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere, allowing you and your guests to gather closer and enjoy the mesmerizing flames and radiant heat without the usual drawbacks.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently enjoys backyard fires but is frustrated by the smoke, lives in a more densely populated area where excessive smoke could bother neighbors, or loves to camp and needs a portable, efficient fire solution. It’s perfect for families with young children who are more sensitive to smoke. However, it might not be the best fit for those who prefer the rustic, traditional aesthetic of a large stone or masonry fire pit and have a vast, open space where smoke is of little concern. Likewise, if you’re looking for a simple, quick heat source for a small balcony, a much smaller, portable tabletop option might be more suitable.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A 20-inch diameter, like the one offered by the HGD model, is a versatile sweet spot. It’s large enough to accommodate standard firewood logs and provide ample heat for a group of 4-6 people, yet compact enough for most patios or for packing into an RV. Pay close attention to the weight—at 21 pounds, this model is genuinely portable, a key factor if you plan on taking it camping or moving it around the yard.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance in a smokeless fire pit is defined by its airflow efficiency. Look for designs with well-placed vent holes at both the bottom and along the inner top rim. This system is what enables the secondary burn. A good unit will burn wood down to a very fine ash, indicating a complete and efficient combustion process that extracts maximum heat from your fuel.
- Materials & Durability: 304 stainless steel is the material of choice for high-quality smokeless fire pits due to its excellent heat resistance and corrosion-resistant properties. However, be aware that all stainless steel will undergo a color change, developing a golden or bronze patina after being exposed to intense heat. While some users see this as a sign of use, others may be disappointed it doesn’t stay pristine silver, so it’s crucial to set expectations.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The cleanup process can be the biggest chore with fire pits. Models that require you to tip the entire heavy unit over to dump ashes are cumbersome. A standout feature to look for is a removable ash pan, which simplifies cleanup immensely. You just lift out the pan, dispose of the cool ash, and you’re ready for the next fire.
Keeping these factors in mind, the HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit stands out in several areas, particularly its innovative ash removal system and portable design. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- [3 IN 1]: OutVue fire pit is equipped with 2 cooking grills, 1 lid and tabletop. When you fix grills and tabletop to the fire pit, you can enjoy the roast and bonfire. When it not make fire and cover...
- 3-in-1 Fire Pit: Panovue outdoor fire pit can provide inviting warmth for your patio, yard, or garden, also be used as an outdoor BBQ to cook food or as an ice bucket to keep beverages cold. When you...
- [3 IN 1]: OutVue fire pit is equipped with 2 cooking grills, 1 lid and tabletop[No waterproof cover]. When you fix grills and tabletop to the fire pit, you can enjoy the roast and bonfire. When it not...
First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembling the HGD Fire Pit
Upon unboxing the HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit, our first impression was one of pleasant surprise. It arrived neatly packed, and the first thing we noticed was its weight. At just 21 pounds, it feels substantial enough to be sturdy but is genuinely lightweight and easy to handle, a fact many users confirmed is perfect for camping trips. The polished 304 stainless steel finish gives it a clean, modern aesthetic that looks sharp right out of the box. Some assembly is required, which involves placing the inner burn chamber and ash pan assembly into the outer shell and topping it with the flame ring. In our test, the pieces fit together snugly. However, we did note one user’s feedback that their insert piece seemed slightly warped and required some force to fit, which could be a quality control variable or a result of shipping.
Compared to the market-leading brands, which often come fully assembled, the HGD’s design is slightly different, allowing it to break down into a more compact form for storage in its included carrying bag—a major advantage for portability. The metal gauge felt a bit thinner than some premium-priced competitors, a common observation among users and a likely contributor to its accessible price point. Overall, the initial impression is of a well-designed, thoughtfully featured fire pit that prioritizes portability and value.
What We Like
- Exceptional value compared to premium-priced competitors
- Highly effective smokeless technology for a pleasant experience
- Lightweight and collapsible design with a carry bag enhances portability
- Removable ash pan makes cleanup incredibly simple
- Efficiently burns wood down to a fine ash, maximizing fuel
Limitations
- Stainless steel permanently discolors after the first use
- Some long-term durability concerns regarding the grate and potential for rust
A Deep Dive into the HGD 20 Inch Fire Pit’s Performance
A fire pit can look great, but its true worth is only revealed in the glow of its flames. We spent several evenings testing the HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit with different types of wood and in various conditions to see if its performance could match its promising features. From the initial spark to the final cleanup, we scrutinized every aspect of the user experience.
The Smokeless Experience: Fact or Fiction?
This is the million-dollar question for any product in this category. We’re thrilled to report that the “smokeless” claim is largely factual, thanks to its clever dual-wall engineering. Here’s how it worked in our testing: We started our fire with kindling and small pieces of dry hardwood. As with any wood fire, there was a moderate amount of smoke initially as the fire established itself and the steel began to heat up. This is entirely normal. The magic happens after about 10-15 minutes. Once the walls of the fire pit became sufficiently hot, we witnessed the secondary combustion kick in. Air is drawn through the vents at the bottom, feeding the primary fire, while simultaneously being channeled up between the two steel walls. This superheats the air, which then exits through the holes along the inner top rim, igniting the smoke particles that would normally escape. This creates a mesmerizing vortex of flames dancing around the top edge and, critically, eliminates almost all visible smoke.
We sat directly next to it, purposefully trying to find a “bad” seat, and the difference from a traditional fire pit was night and day. There was no eye-stinging, no constant shuffling. This aligns perfectly with user reports, one of whom shared a picture with the simple caption, “No smoke 👍.” Another user noted that their experience varied slightly with wood type, getting a completely smoke-free burn with pecan wood but some light smoke with oak. This confirms a universal truth for these pits: for the best performance, you must use dry, seasoned hardwood. Wet or “green” wood will always produce more smoke, regardless of the fire pit’s design. The key is to get the pit roaring hot and not overload it, allowing the airflow to work as intended.
Design Ingenuity: Portability and Effortless Cleanup
Two of the most significant design wins for the HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit are its portability and its cleaning system. Weighing just over 20 pounds, it’s light enough for one person to carry with ease. The fact that it breaks down into two main components plus a flame ring means it packs down to about half its assembled height. This, combined with the included carrying case, makes it an RVer’s or car camper’s dream. As one enthusiast noted, “I like the fact that this pit breaks down to half its size for transport… Several people in our RV Group are now wanting to know where I got it.”
However, the feature that we believe truly sets it apart from many competitors, especially in this price range, is the integrated removable ash pan. With many popular smokeless pits, including some premium models, cleanup involves waiting for the entire unit to cool completely, then awkwardly tipping the heavy, dirty pit upside down to dump the ash. It’s a messy, inconvenient process. With the HGD model, the experience is transformed. The morning after a fire, we simply lifted the inner burn chamber and grate out, and all the fine ash was neatly collected in the pan below. We could then easily carry the pan to our compost or trash receptacle and dispose of the ash without any mess or hassle. This is a game-changing convenience feature that makes you want to use the fire pit more often because the cleanup is no longer a dreaded chore.
Heat Output and Backyard Ambiance
A beautiful fire that doesn’t provide warmth is just a decoration. We found the heat output of the HGD pit to be excellent for its size. Smokeless fire pits, by their nature, tend to channel heat more vertically than a wide, open-bowl pit. However, the HGD’s 20-inch opening and intense, efficient burn radiated a significant amount of warmth. On a crisp 50°F (10°C) evening, four of us sat comfortably around it and felt perfectly warm. This was echoed by a user who stated, “We were on a covered patio sitting next to the fire and we stayed warm,” and another who confirmed a “Family of 4 sits comfortable around the fire!”
Beyond pure heat, the ambiance it creates is fantastic. The secondary burn isn’t just functional; it’s visually stunning. The swirling flames that dance out of the upper vents create a captivating focal point for any gathering. It burns so efficiently that it turns logs into fine ash, meaning you spend less time prodding and managing the fire and more time enjoying it. It creates what we’d call a “contained bonfire”—all the roaring energy and mesmerizing flames of a large fire, but neatly packaged in a safe and efficient unit. This incredible performance is a key reason we believe this fire pit offers such a compelling experience for its cost.
A Critical Look at Durability and Longevity
No product is perfect, and it’s in the discussion of long-term durability where the HGD’s budget-friendly price point reveals its trade-offs. The unit is constructed from 304 stainless steel, which is appropriate for this application. However, we must be upfront about two factors consistently mentioned in user feedback that we also observed: discoloration and potential long-term wear. After our very first fire, the brilliant silver interior and upper portion of the exterior transformed into a permanent mosaic of bronze, gold, and blue hues. As one user rightly noted, “the portion of the firepit exposed to the fire will permanently discolor due to the heat. Not a big issue, but it hadn’t occurred to me.” This is a normal metallurgical reaction called heat tinting and happens to all stainless steel fire pits, including those costing three times as much. It doesn’t affect performance, but customers must expect it.
More concerning are the few reports of long-term issues. One user mentioned seeing rust after four months of being left outside, while another, after about a year of use, had the internal fire grate fail. This suggests that while the 304 stainless steel offers good protection, it may not be impervious to rust if left exposed to the elements continuously, and the grate might be a point of failure over time. To maximize its lifespan, we strongly recommend using a cover or, better yet, utilizing its portability to store it in a shed or garage when not in use. This is the compromise for its attractive price: you get fantastic performance now, but it may not have the “buy-it-for-life” resilience of its more expensive rivals.
What Other Users Are Saying
The sentiment surrounding the HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit is overwhelmingly positive, with most users astounded by the value it provides. The most common praise, repeated in numerous reviews, is how it delivers performance that “rivals the ‘name brand’ and does exactly what it’s suppose to do” for a fraction of the cost. One user summed it up perfectly: “Why buy expensive brand? This thing created a huge fire! Plus it packs down for easier travel! Love it!” People are consistently impressed with the efficient burn that reduces logs to a fine powder and the effectiveness of the smokeless design.
However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing. The most common point of disappointment, as we discussed, stems from mismatched expectations regarding durability. One user who was “Pretty disappointed with how this turned out” because it “discolored greatly after the first use” highlights the need for buyers to understand that this is a normal characteristic of the material. A more concerning review came from a user who loved the pit at first but experienced a failure of the middle grate after about a year and a dozen uses. This feedback is crucial as it frames the product not as a direct equal to premium brands in every aspect, but as a high-performance alternative where the primary trade-off is in material thickness and long-term resilience.
How Does the HGD Fire Pit Compare to the Alternatives?
The HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit exists in a crowded marketplace. While it excels in the portable, smokeless niche, other types of fire pits may better suit different needs. Here’s how it compares against three distinct options.
1. Sunnydaze 36-Inch Bronze Outdoor Wood-Burning Fire Pit
- GREAT FOR LARGE GATHERINGS: This wood fire pit for outside is great for comfortably gathering 6-8 friends and family around for a bonfire in the yard or on the patio. This fire pit measures 36" in...
- DURABLE, RUST-RESISTANT DESIGN: This heavy-duty fire pit is made from durable steel and finished with bronze high-temperature paint for long-lasting use and resistance to rust. The outer ring allows...
- IMPROVED AIRFLOW AND SAFETY: The outdoor fireplace for patio includes a metal spark screen and mesh-covered cutouts for added safety from flying sparks, a weather-resistant round cover, and a poker...
The Sunnydaze Crossweave fire pit represents a more traditional, decorative approach. Its large 36-inch diameter and sturdy steel construction with a bronze finish make it a beautiful, semi-permanent centerpiece for a large patio. It includes a spark screen and poker, prioritizing safety and a classic open-fire aesthetic. Someone would choose the Sunnydaze over the HGD if their main priority is creating a large, traditional campfire atmosphere for big groups and they value decorative design over portability or smokeless technology. It’s for the user who wants a permanent fixture, not a portable companion, and doesn’t mind the smoke.
2. Pure Garden 32-Inch Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit
- OUTDOOR FIRE PIT - Create lasting memories with family and friends while enjoying a cozy fire with the patio fire pit. This small fire pit is an ideal blend of modern design and natural elements with...
- DURABLE DESIGN - Made from powder-coated steel to resist rust, this outdoor fireplace is sturdy and weatherproof for long-lasting use. The steel leg construction and decorative design is a charming...
- LOW MAINTENANCE - The portable fire pit is easy to set up, requires very little upkeep, and is wood burning for convenient heating. Clean the outside of the bonfire fire pit with a slightly damp cloth...
The Pure Garden 32-inch fire pit is a straightforward, budget-friendly option for a classic fire experience. Much like the Sunnydaze, it’s a large, open-bowl design that provides 360-degree heat and a great view of the flames. It’s built for function and affordability, offering a substantial fire for a low price point. A buyer would opt for the Pure Garden model if they are on a tight budget and simply want the most basic, functional wood-burning pit for their backyard. It completely forgoes the advanced features of the HGD, like smokeless tech and portability, in favor of sheer size and simplicity.
3. CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack
- Safe and Easy to Use: City Bonfires is designed with convenience; Our compact fire pit is incredibly simple to light and extinguish; Just use a lighter to ignite it and cover the lid to extinguish it;...
- No Hassle Fire Pit for Any Adventure: Enjoy gathering around the open flames of a fire without worrying about ash, smoke, and cleanup; Bring City Bonfire camping, fishing, and hunting, or take it to...
- EASY, REUSABLE, AND SAFE TO USE: City Bonfires is easy to light and extinguish – put the lid back on, let it cool, and save for later; The non toxic fire from this mini tabletop fireplace is safe to...
CITYBONFIRES represents the opposite end of the spectrum from the HGD. This is an ultra-portable, single-use fire in a can. Made from non-toxic soy wax, it requires no wood and produces no embers, making it incredibly convenient and safe for tabletop use, even on small balconies. It’s the perfect choice for someone who wants instant, hassle-free ambiance for making s’mores or enjoying a small, contained flame for a few hours. You would choose CITYBONFIRES if your primary needs are ultimate portability, simplicity, and safety for small-scale use, not for generating significant heat or creating a long-lasting wood fire experience.
The Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value in Smokeless Fires
After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our conclusion is clear: the HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit is an outstanding product that delivers on its core promises with remarkable success. It provides a genuinely low-smoke, highly efficient, and captivating fire experience that punches far above its weight class. Its genius lies in combining the high-tech performance of a modern smokeless pit with the practicalities of a lightweight, collapsible design and an incredibly user-friendly cleaning system.
While it may not possess the tank-like build quality or flawless long-term durability of its premium-priced competitors, the trade-offs are more than reasonable for the massive cost savings. This is the perfect fire pit for the savvy buyer who wants 90% of the premium experience for less than 50% of the price. We highly recommend it for families, campers, RV owners, and anyone looking to upgrade their backyard gatherings without breaking the bank.
If you’ve decided the HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit is the right fit for your chilly evenings and outdoor adventures, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API