There’s a universal ritual we all love: gathering around a crackling fire. The warmth, the hypnotic dance of the flames, the shared stories—it’s a timeless experience. But there’s also a universally disliked part of that ritual: the smoke. I can’t count the number of times I’ve played “musical chairs” around a traditional fire pit, constantly shifting to escape that acrid plume of smoke that seems to have a personal vendetta against my eyes and lungs. You come inside at the end of the night smelling like you’ve been volunteering as a chimney sweep, your favorite jacket now in need of a deep clean. This constant battle with smoke can turn a relaxing evening into an irritating ordeal, especially for friends or family with allergies or asthma. The dream of a perfect backyard fire often gets extinguished by the harsh reality of smoke inhalation and lingering odors.
- 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲: With an outer diameter of 16.85 inch and weight of 13.69 lbs, the portable outdoor fire pit is not only perfect...
- 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 & 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿: East Oak smokeless fire pit breaks through the traditional parallel channel structure. Its innovative trapezoidal shape and double-bottom...
- 𝟯𝟲𝟬 degree 𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘁𝗵: Unique circle-turned-square shape makes our fire pit produce a uniform flame and radiates a wider range of warmth...
What to Consider Before Buying a Smokeless Fire Pit
A smokeless fire pit is more than just a metal container for burning wood; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your outdoor living space. By using innovative airflow technology, these pits re-burn smoke before it has a chance to escape, leading to a drastically cleaner, more efficient, and more enjoyable fire. The main benefits are clear: you can sit anywhere around the fire without playing smoke-dodge, your clothes and hair remain fresh, and you contribute less particulate matter into the air. It transforms the campfire from a rustic, often messy activity into a sophisticated, hassle-free centerpiece for your patio or backyard.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves the ambiance of a real wood fire but detests the smoke and messy cleanup. This includes homeowners with patios, camping enthusiasts looking for a portable and efficient heat source, and anyone who frequently entertains guests outdoors. It’s an investment in comfort and convenience. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer the simplicity of a propane fire pit (with its instant on/off and no cleanup) or for individuals on a very tight budget who are content with a basic, traditional fire ring. For those users, a simple steel bowl or a gas-powered unit might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider where you’ll use the fire pit. A smaller, 17-inch model like this one is perfect for intimate gatherings of 2-3 people, smaller patios, or taking on an RV trip. Larger models are better for bigger groups but are less portable and consume more fuel. Always ensure you can maintain the manufacturer’s recommended clearance from flammable materials.
- Capacity/Performance: The core of a smokeless fire pit is its secondary combustion system. Look for designs that maximize airflow for an efficient, hot burn that leaves behind minimal ash. The heat output is also critical; some designs radiate heat upwards, while others, like the EAST OAK, are engineered to push warmth outwards to those sitting around it.
- Materials & Durability: The material is paramount for longevity. Many cheaper fire pits use lower-grade steel that can rust quickly when exposed to the elements. For a long-lasting investment, 304 stainless steel is the gold standard. It offers excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, ensuring your fire pit can withstand years of use, though it will develop a natural patina (a bronze or bluish discoloration) from the heat, which is normal and expected.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the entire lifecycle of a fire. How easy is it to start? And, more importantly, how easy is it to clean up? Models with features like a removable ash pan are a game-changer, eliminating the need to awkwardly tip over a heavy, soot-covered drum to empty it. Included accessories like a poker and stand also add significant value.
Keeping these factors in mind, the EAST OAK 17” Smokeless Fire Pit stands out in several areas, particularly in its material quality and user-friendly design. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the EAST OAK 17” Smokeless 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: Thoughtful Design Meets Premium Construction
Upon receiving the EAST OAK 17” Smokeless Fire Pit, the first thing we noticed was the meticulous packaging. As one user noted, it came “very well protected in its box,” a detail that speaks to the brand’s commitment to quality from the start. Unboxing revealed a sleek unit in a “Pitch Charcoal” finish, constructed from what felt like substantial, thick-gauge 304 stainless steel. There’s virtually no assembly required; it’s a simple three-piece system consisting of the main drum, the removable ash pan/grate, and the top flame ring. You just unwrap them and stack them. The instructions are clear but hardly necessary given the intuitive design.
What immediately sets it apart aesthetically is the unique “circle-turned-square” shape. The base is round, but it subtly transitions to a squared-off upper rim. This isn’t just for looks; EAST OAK claims this design helps radiate heat outwards more effectively than a purely cylindrical shape. At just 13.7 lbs, it feels sturdy yet is light enough for one person to easily move around the patio or pack into an RV for a weekend getaway. It’s a premium-feeling product that competes directly with bigger names in the space but with a more distinctive design flair.
What We Like
- Truly effective smokeless technology with efficient secondary burn
- Premium 304 stainless steel construction for superior durability and rust resistance
- Brilliant removable ash pan makes cleanup incredibly simple
- Unique design promotes better sideways heat radiation
- Highly portable and lightweight, perfect for camping or small patios
Drawbacks
- The 17-inch size requires standard firewood logs to be cut shorter
- Included poker, while functional, can have minor quality control issues
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the EAST OAK Through Its Paces
A fire pit can look great, but its true test is in the burning. We spent several evenings with the EAST OAK 17” Smokeless Fire Pit, evaluating everything from how easily it lights to the quality of the smokeless flame and, crucially, the cleanup process. It consistently impressed us, proving to be more than just a pretty metal drum—it’s a finely tuned combustion engine for your backyard.
The Science of Smokeless: A Masterclass in Airflow
The term “smokeless” can feel like a marketing gimmick, but the technology is very real, and EAST OAK has executed it brilliantly. The fire pit utilizes a double-wall design. Cool air is drawn in through the lower exterior vents and travels up between the walls, where it’s superheated. This hot, oxygen-rich air is then injected back into the top of the fire chamber through a ring of interior vents. This process ignites the smoke (which is just unburnt particulate matter) before it can escape, creating a “secondary combustion.”
In practice, this is mesmerizing to watch. For the first 5-10 minutes, as the fire gets established and the steel heats up, you’ll see some smoke—this is normal for any smokeless pit. But once it reaches optimal temperature, the magic happens. A vortex of flame appears to dance around the top rim as the secondary burn kicks in, and the visible smoke vanishes almost completely. We were able to sit directly next to it, enjoying the warmth and the view, without our eyes watering or our clothes absorbing that campfire smell. As one user eloquently put it, the design provides a “superior re-burn of the gases that typically rise up as smoke.” This efficiency also means it burns wood incredibly thoroughly. A small armload of wood, properly seasoned, lasted us for several hours of vibrant, smoke-free flames.
Built to Last: Deconstructing the 304 Stainless Steel Build
In the world of outdoor appliances, material choice is everything. This is where the EAST OAK 17” Smokeless Fire Pit truly shines and justifies its price point. It is constructed entirely from 100% 304 stainless steel. As one particularly diligent user discovered after researching the topic, not all stainless steel is created equal. Many cheaper alternatives use lower grades like 430, which are prone to rusting and deterioration after just a few seasons of rain and humidity. Grade 304, however, contains a higher percentage of chromium and nickel, giving it excellent corrosion resistance, making it the ideal material for a product that lives outdoors.
After our first long burn, we observed the expected color change. The stainless steel developed a beautiful golden-bronze patina around the upper half of the drum. One user initially expressed concern about this, thinking it was a defect, but later updated their review after learning this is a natural and desirable characteristic of heated stainless steel, similar to the blueing on high-end motorcycle exhaust pipes. It’s a sign of quality material reacting to intense heat. The build feels solid and robust, with thick panels and clean welds. This isn’t a flimsy, disposable fire pit; it’s a durable piece of outdoor equipment designed to be a long-term fixture for your gatherings. Combined with its three-year warranty, the investment feels secure.
Effortless Experience: From Setup to Cleanup
Perhaps the most significant practical advantage of the EAST OAK 17” Smokeless Fire Pit over many of its competitors is its focus on user convenience, especially during cleanup. The entire experience is designed to be frictionless. As mentioned, the “assembly” is instantaneous—just stack the three pieces. The included stand is a crucial feature, elevating the hot base off your deck or patio to prevent scorching. We tested it on a frosty wooden deck, and as one user confirmed, it took a significant amount of time for the ground directly beneath it to even warm up, showcasing the stand’s effectiveness.
The real star, however, is the removable ash pan. In many popular smokeless pits, cleaning involves waiting for the entire unit to cool, putting on gloves, and tipping the whole heavy, soot-covered cylinder over to dump out the ash—a messy and cumbersome process. With the EAST OAK, you simply use the included poker (which has a hook designed for this purpose) to lift out the inner grate and the ash pan below it. You can then dispose of the fine, powdery ash cleanly and easily. This single feature transforms cleanup from a dreaded chore into a 30-second task, making you far more likely to use the fire pit regularly. For anyone who values convenience, the ease of maintenance here is a massive selling point that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Compact Powerhouse: Heat Output and Portability
The 17-inch model is designed for portability and smaller gatherings, and it excels in this role. Its lightweight build makes it easy to transport from the garage to the patio or to toss in the car for a camping trip. However, this compact size comes with a trade-off: standard 16-inch firewood logs are a tight fit. As one user wisely advised, you’ll have a much better experience if you cut your logs down to about 10-12 inches. This allows for better airflow and prevents logs from resting against the secondary burn vents. While a minor inconvenience, it’s a necessary compromise for such a portable unit.
Despite its small footprint, the heat output is genuinely unbelievable. The efficient burn process generates intense heat, and the unique trapezoidal shape seems to live up to its promise of radiating warmth outwards. We sat comfortably around it on a chilly 45°F evening, feeling a significant amount of radiant heat on our legs and torsos, not just on our faces. One happy camper noted, “The heat output of this little fire pit is unbelievable!!!” and confirmed that a single arm-load of properly sized wood lasted for hours. It creates the perfect warm, intimate bubble for 2-3 people to enjoy an evening outdoors.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user sentiment for the EAST OAK 17” Smokeless Fire Pit is overwhelmingly positive. Many reviews highlight it as a high-value alternative to more famous brands like Solo Stove, with one user stating it “does everything a solo stove does, but has the finish and design I was looking for in the right size.” The efficiency of the burn and the near-total elimination of smoke are the most frequently praised features. One person, whose girlfriend suffers from asthma, was thrilled that “the smoke always follows her… We have yet to have any smoke chase after her!”
The customer service also receives high marks. Several users had minor issues with the included poker’s handle becoming loose, but they reported that East Oak’s support team was “quick to send a replacement and followed up after to make sure I was satisfied.” This responsive support adds another layer of confidence in the purchase.
The few recurring critiques are minor and consistent with our findings. The most common is the need to cut down standard firewood to fit the 17-inch model, with one user recommending an upgrade to the 21-inch version if you want to use standard logs without modification. While some users note it’s not “100% smokeless” during the initial lighting phase, they agree that once it’s rolling, it performs as advertised.
How Does the EAST OAK 17” Smokeless Fire Pit Compare to Alternatives?
While the EAST OAK is a fantastic all-around performer, it’s important to understand how it fits into the broader market. Here’s a look at some other options that might suit different needs.
1. Solo Stove Bonfire Heat Deflector
- ENHANCED WARMTH - Stay warm every season with this outdoor fire pit. Its angled deflection design captures and redirects warmth where you need it and expands the heat radius. Make every moment by the...
- LASTS FOR YEARS - Constructed from high-quality 304 stainless steel, the Solo Stove Heat Deflector is built to withstand the elements and provide a lifetime of reliable use. This robust material...
- ADAPTABLE USE - Ideal for various outdoor settings, the Solo Stove Heat Deflector enhances your fire pit experience whether you're camping, hosting a backyard gathering, or enjoying a quiet evening on...
This is not a fire pit itself, but a crucial accessory that addresses a common critique of cylindrical smokeless pits: they tend to radiate most of their heat upwards. The Solo Stove Heat Deflector is a precisely angled stainless steel disc that sits on top of a fire pit, capturing that rising heat and redirecting it outwards to the people sitting around it. If you already own a compatible fire pit (like a Solo Stove Bonfire) and your primary goal is maximizing warmth on very cold nights, this is a must-have upgrade. For users of the EAST OAK, which already has a design that promotes sideways heat, this might be less necessary, but for owners of other brands, it’s a game-changing addition.
2. EddHomes Outland Firebowl Carrying Bag
- ✅【The Fire Pit is Easy to Carry and Move】- Fire Pit Carrying Bag with two way separating zipper, it’s easy to get the bowl in and out of. Durable top handle, It fits makes transporting the...
- ✅【Water-Resistant Fire Pit Carrying Bag】- Thicker 600D Oxford cloth waterproof outer material and waterproof inner material.
- ✅【Fire Pit Carrying Bag Strong Stitching and Thick Materials】- Heavy duty thicker 600D oxford cloth waterproof material. Heavy duty stitching, no longer rip. They will safely hold up to 30lbs.
This product serves a completely different user. It’s a heavy-duty carrying and storage bag designed specifically for popular 19-inch portable *propane* fire pits, like the Outland Firebowl. Someone buying this product has already chosen the convenience of gas over the ambiance of a real wood fire. They prioritize portability, ease of storage, and protecting their investment during transport. If you’re a dedicated RV camper who uses a propane fire pit to comply with burn bans or simply to avoid dealing with firewood and ash, this bag is an essential accessory for keeping your unit safe and contained.
3. Pure Garden 32-Inch 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 fire pit represents the traditional, budget-friendly alternative. It’s a large, 32-inch open-style pit that’s perfect for big gatherings and creating a massive, roaring fire. It comes with a spark screen for safety and a poker. However, it lacks any of the advanced features of the EAST OAK. It will produce significant smoke, be far less fuel-efficient, and require a more involved cleanup process. This is the choice for someone who prioritizes a low upfront cost and a large fire capacity over the clean-burning, convenient, and durable technology of a modern smokeless pit.
The Final Verdict: An Enthusiastic Recommendation
After extensive testing and poring over real-world user feedback, we can confidently say that the EAST OAK 17” Smokeless Fire Pit is a phenomenal product that delivers exceptional value. It successfully combines the three most important features of a modern fire pit: a highly effective smokeless burn, premium and durable materials (304 stainless steel), and an incredibly user-friendly design, highlighted by its game-changing removable ash pan.
While the compact size requires you to cut your wood a bit shorter, this is a small price to pay for its excellent portability and potent heat output. It offers the performance and build quality of top-tier brands at a more competitive price point, all while sporting a unique and attractive design. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, easy-to-clean, and genuinely smokeless fire pit for small groups, patio evenings, or camping adventures, the EAST OAK is an outstanding choice that you won’t regret.
If you’ve decided the EAST OAK 17” Smokeless Fire Pit 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