Matt P
★★★★★
6 Sep 2026Purchased the retreat outdoor umbrella, had no isuues the quality is nothing but awesome would definitely recommend this product and my Acare was very easy to work with
What Is the Best Smokeless Fire Pit? (And Do They Really Work?)
Short answer: a "smokeless" wood fire pit uses secondary combustion to burn off much of its smoke, but it still produces some smoke, ash and embers. The only truly smoke-free fire is a bioethanol fire, which burns a clean liquid fuel to heat, water vapour and carbon dioxide, with no smoke, soot or ash at all. If "smokeless" to you means no smoke, no ash to clean and no smell on your clothes, bioethanol is the honest answer. If you want to burn timber and just want less smoke, a secondary-combustion steel pit is the right buy.
Do smokeless fire pits really work?
Partly. A secondary-combustion wood fire pit draws air through a double wall and re-burns the smoke above the fire, which noticeably cuts visible smoke once the pit is hot and the fire is established. It does not remove smoke entirely, especially while lighting or when the wood is damp; it still produces embers and ash. So "smokeless" is a reduction, not an elimination.
That is not a criticism of the design. A good secondary-combustion pit does what it claims, which is to burn cleaner than an open fire ring. The problem is the word itself. Buyers read "smokeless" as "no smoke", then find they still have ash in the bottom, a smoke smell on their jumper and sparks landing on the paving.
A bioethanol fire produces no smoke at any stage, because there is no solid fuel to smoulder.
Smokeless wood pit compared with bioethanol
The two do different jobs. This is the honest comparison, including where bioethanol is the weaker choice.
| Secondary-combustion wood pit | Bioethanol fire pit | |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke | Much reduced once hot, never zero | None at any stage |
| Ash and cleaning | Ash pan to empty after every burn | Nothing to clean out |
| Embers and sparks | Yes, which is the deck problem | None |
| Smell on clothing | Yes, wood smoke settles into fabric | None, beyond a faint scent at lighting |
| Time to a clean burn | Roughly 15 to 20 minutes, smokier while lighting | Instant |
| Putting it out | Burn down or douse, then wait | Closed with the damper tool in seconds |
| Radiant heat | Stronger. A big timber fire throws more raw heat | Real warmth for a seating circle, less fierce |
| Suits a deck or balcony | Risky, embers and sustained base heat | Yes, on a level and stable surface |
| The ritual of a wood fire | Yes, that is the whole point | No, there is no fire to tend |
| Price in Australia | Lower | $1,295 to $2,695 across the EcoSmart pits we stock |
If the last two rows matter more to you than the first four, buy the wood pit. We do not stock them, so that is not a sales pitch. It is just the right advice for that buyer.
What are the downsides of smokeless fire pits?
- They still need dry, seasoned wood and still leave ash to clean out.
- They still throw the occasional ember and spark, which is why they are risky directly on a timber or composite deck.
- They take time to reach the low-smoke burn, producing more smoke while lighting.
- The smell of wood smoke still settles into clothing, hair and soft furnishings.
- They radiate strong heat at the sides and are heavy to move.
- They are still a wood fire, so they are subject to solid-fuel rules and total fire ban days in your council area.
None of these apply to a bioethanol fire, which lights instantly, leaves nothing to clean, and can sit on a finished surface.
Do smokeless fire pits give off heat?
Yes. This is where a wood pit has the advantage. Secondary combustion burns the smoke rather than venting it, so more of the fuel turns into heat instead of drifting off as particulates. A well-run smokeless wood pit is a strong radiant heater, which is exactly why people put up with the ash.
A bioethanol fire produces real, usable warmth for people sitting around it, though a large timber fire will out-heat it. If your single priority is maximum heat on a cold night in an open yard, wood wins. If you want flame, atmosphere and warmth on a deck or balcony without smoke, ash or embers, bioethanol is the better fit.
Can you put a smokeless fire pit on a deck?
Not safely, no, at least not directly. Two things make a wood pit a poor match for a timber or composite deck: it throws embers; its base also holds heat for a long time after the fire dies down. Composite decking in particular can soften or scorch under sustained heat. A heat shield and a non-combustible pad reduce the risk without removing it.
A bioethanol pit has no embers and no ash, so it suits decks, balconies and courtyards. It still needs a level, stable surface. Read the clearance figures on the individual product page before you position it. Never move or refuel a burner while it is alight or still hot.
Is there a fire pit that does not leave a smell?
Yes. Because a bioethanol fire produces no smoke or soot, it does not leave the wood-smoke smell that settles into clothing and hair around a wood fire. You get the flame and the warmth without wearing the campfire home. There is only a faint scent as the burner is lit and put out, which clears in moments.
What is the best smokeless fire pit in Australia?
For a truly smoke-free fire, a bioethanol fire pit is the best answer: no smoke, no ash, no embers, and a real flame you can put out in seconds. These are the EcoSmart pits we stock, all running on clean e-NRG bioethanol.
| Model | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| EcoSmart Mix 600 | $1,295 | The lowest-priced way in. Compact bowl for a small courtyard or balcony |
| EcoSmart Stix | $1,795 | Sculptural piece where the fire is the focal point |
| EcoSmart Mix 850 | $1,895 | The larger bowl, for a wider seating circle |
| EcoSmart Pod 30 | $1,995 | Freestanding pedestal that reads as furniture |
| EcoSmart Pod 40 | $2,695 | The largest pod, for an open entertaining area |
If you specifically want to burn timber, a secondary-combustion steel pit will reduce the smoke; accept the ash, embers and smell that come with any wood fire. We would rather tell you that than sell you the wrong fire.
Frequently asked questions
Are smokeless fire pits worth the money?
If you want a wood fire with less smoke, yes. They burn cleaner than an open fire ring for a modest premium. If you bought one expecting no smoke, no ash and no smell, you will be disappointed, because that is a bioethanol fire, not a smokeless wood pit.
Do smokeless fire pits burn wood faster?
Generally yes. The secondary burn needs a strong draw of air, so the fire runs hotter and gets through seasoned timber faster than a slow, smoky fire in an open pit. You get more heat and less smoke for that fuel.
Can you use a smokeless fire pit indoors?
No. Any wood fire produces carbon monoxide and needs a flue, so a smokeless pit is outdoor-only. Some bioethanol fires are approved for indoor use, though that depends on the model and on room ventilation, so check the individual product page rather than assuming.
What fuel does a bioethanol fire pit use?
Liquid bioethanol. We supply e-NRG, which is the fuel EcoSmart specify for their burners. It pours into the burner, lights with a long lighter and is closed off with the damper tool when you are done.
Do I need council approval for a fire pit in Australia?
Rules vary by state and council; they are stricter for solid fuel than for bioethanol. Check your local council and observe total fire ban days. Compliance is the owner's responsibility.
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