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As I’ve mentioned previously, I only observe three seasons: Spooky, ski and backyard. And backyard season is in full swing. I bought my parents one of these Solo Stove Yukon firepits for Christmas — now on sale for Memorial Day for $350 off, and we’ve already enjoyed several evenings in front of it as the weather has gotten warmer. In addition to the largest Yukon model, the smaller and even-more-portable Bonfire and Ranger firepits are also on sale at $219.99 (originally $399.99) and $199.99 (originally $299.99) respectively.
What reviewers say about the Solo Stove: A reviewer at WIRED notes that of all of the products they’ve tested in the past five years — ranging from projectors to wireless headphones — “the product my roommates have begged me to keep” is the Solo Stove Yukon. In addition to being functional, it’s pretty, too: “The gorgeous, patented design doesn’t just make my lawn look like a tasteful bee sanctuary instead of a weedy mess — it also burns wood better than anything I’ve ever seen.” And at 27-inches in diameter, the Yukon is a pretty big firepit. “I’d opt for the smaller Bonfire or Ranger versions, which are almost half the price and offer the same design in a smaller package,” WIRED writes. Well, hey, thankfully those are on sale too.
Wirecutter named the mid-sized Solo Stove Bonfire its best smokeless firepit for “most people with small backyards.” While the reviewer notes it isn’t totally smokeless — “by our admittedly rudimentary estimation, the fire pit reduces smoke by about 70% to 80%” — they praise the firepit for being easy to light and its simplicity. “It’s also small enough that we had no trouble hiding it behind patio furniture or in the garage when it wasn’t in use,” the reviewer writes.
Over 5,200 verified reviewers on the Solo Stove site give the Yukon an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5. “I’ve done bonfires for years and thought the Solo was overhyped … It is as advertised. An excellent addition to our outdoor area and one I wish I’d have done much sooner,” one reviewer writes.
Other things to consider: Both Wirecutter and WIRED lamented the high price of the Solo Stove — but with these Memorial Day savings, the price tag is certainly less painful. Wirecutter also notes that the firepits can be a little difficult to clean: “The single-piece design of the Solo Bonfire’s body, which has no kind of ash collection, makes cleaning the pit a bit of a hassle if you don’t have easy access to a hose and a place for the runoff.” That said, the reviewer also notes that these are “flaws, but not dealbreakers.”
About this column: Since you’re here, let me introduce myself: I’m Maddy Perkins, deputy commerce editor for MarketWatch picks. I’m a firepit and fireplace enthusiast and spent an alarming amount of money on firewood staying cozy this winter. I’m a big online shopper who loves to hunt down savings — particularly when it comes to cool kitchen gadgets, electronics, fashion and beauty products. I’ll be here a few times a week to share the best deals I can find online with you. Have anything you’d like me to hunt down? Write me at maddy.perkins@marketwatch.com. Cheers!