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While Solo Stove is best known for its large smokeless fire pits, its line of tabletop fire pits is up and coming. These smaller units make it easy to toast s’mores and more just about anywhere. So even though I have plenty of space in my backyard for a large model, the Mesa XL tabletop fire pit I tested recently has become a fun and versatile addition to my entertaining repertoire.
Like Solo’s full-size fire pits, the Mesa XL is smokeless and is designed to function exactly like the brand’s flagship Bonfire model. It looks like a scaled-down version of the Bonfire but is available in four additional colors. The Mesa won’t keep you warm on a cold night, but it does provide a nice accent to outdoor gatherings. Plus, it’s easy for older kids to use with adult supervision. One of the best parts of the Mesa lineup is its accessory pack, which includes four stainless steel mini roasting sticks with rests, a pellet scoop, a lid to contain dying embers, and a carrying case. The Mesa XL plus the accessory kit (sold separately) makes a wonderful family gift any time of the year.
Solo Stove Mesa XL: At a Glance
Rating: 9.5/10
PROS
- Compact design and light weight allow for easy transport virtually anywhere
- Comes with a stand and a durable case for storage to keep off dust and debris
- Uses wood pellets, hardwood nuggets, or small twigs for fuel
- Features Solo’s safe and efficient Signature 360° Airflow technology, so just about anyone can easily ignite and enjoy a smokeless fire
CONS
- Comes at a premium price; plus Mesa accessory pack is sold separately
Get the Solo Stove Mesa XL tabletop fire pit at:
Get the Mesa Accessory Pack at Amazon for $49.99.
For more options, see our full buyer’s guide on The Best Tabletop Fire Pits.
What is the Solo Stove Mesa XL?
The Mesa, which is Solo Stove’s tabletop smokeless fire pit line, is available in two sizes: Mesa and Mesa XL. Both mini fire pits are similar in design, but the Mesa is 6.8 inches tall by 5.1 inches in diameter and weighs 1.4 pounds, whereas the Mesa XL is 8.6 inches tall by 7 inches in diameter and weighs 2.3 pounds. Both models come in various colors, have a stand to keep the fire pit elevated and off the tabletop, and include a heavy-duty drawstring carry case.
Both of these Mesa models operate like Solo’s larger pits. The tabletop fire pits feature a double wall with two sets of burn holes—exterior burn holes are at the bottom, and the interior burn holes are at the top. This burn hole placement is the foundation of Solo’s 360° Airflow technology, which allows superheated air to travel to the upper burn holes and shoot out to burn off smoke, thereby providing a smokeless fire.
I tested the XL model with Mesa’s accessory pack and found it’s the perfect size for a family of four. The Mesa tabletop fire pits are dual fuel—pellets or wood can be used. The durable carrying case helps keep the fire pit dust-free and ready to go anywhere.
How easy is the Solo Stove Mesa XL to assemble?
There is minimal assembly required for the Mesa XL; the tabletop fire pit is ready to go right out of the bag. Simply fold out the legs on the included stand and place the Mesa on top. Just remember that the Mesa is designed for outdoor use only; it should always be used with its stand on a stable fire-resistant surface. Even when the stand is used, the tabletop fire pit will be extremely hot. Allow the fire pit to cool completely before putting it back into the carrying case.
What types of fuel can you use in the Mesa XL?
The Mesa tabletop fire pit is dual fuel. You can use wood pellets, biofuel made from compressed wood fiber, or regular well-seasoned firewood. I found it harder to find small enough pieces of traditional firewood to fit into the Mesa, but I did have plenty of smaller twigs and branches, pruned from my landscape, for use in the fire pit. For wood pellets, there is no adapter required. The Mesa XL has an integrated dual-fuel grate that can accommodate both types of fuel.
Solo does sell mini hardwood logs and pellets to use in the Mesa, but they come at a premium price. Folks can find more budget-friendly mini hardwood chunks in the grilling and barbecue section at big-box home improvement stores. However, these products are often intended to add smoke flavor to food during grilling and smoking, so getting something without a mesquite or applewood flavor may be challenging. Instead, look for wood fuel pellets, which are made for wood pellet heaters and will not impart smoke flavor into your toasting marshmallows.
How easy is it to use the Solo Stove Mesa XL?
The Mesa is very simple to operate, although those using firewood must first prep the pieces to be no more than 5 inches long. Use fine, dry tinder to start the fire inside the Mesa, adding kindling to strengthen the flame. Once the fire gets going, start adding the larger pieces. Add more as needed, being careful not to smother the fire.
If using pellets, start the fire with dry tinder, such as twigs. Then, add wood pellets until they’re resting under the secondary burn holes. When refueling the Mesa, add pellets slowly to ensure the flame isn’t suffocated.
Is the Mesa accessory pack worth purchasing?
At first, I thought the Mesa accessory pack was pretty darned steep as an extra $50 purchase. However, once the included items were in my hand, I was impressed. The weight of the stainless steel pieces alone was much heavier than I expected, indicating quality. The kit has four sturdy double-prong roasting sticks which soon proved their value to me—I’ve used inexpensive marshmallow roasting sticks in the past, and they typically only last for a season or two.
In addition to the roasting sticks, the pack includes four stick rests, a pellet scoop, a lid, and a carrying case. All items except the case are made from heavy-duty stainless steel. I liked the stick rests because they helped keep sticky marshmallow goo from getting on the table. The pellet scoop makes it easier to add more fuel to the Mesa without the worry of burning fingertips. And lastly, the lid is meant for covering the fire pit when it’s not in use to help protect it from the elements.
The accessory kit is of exceptional quality and worth the extra $50. My family has roasted dozens of marshmallows, and the roasting sticks still look as good as new.
Should you buy the Solo Stove Mesa XL?
The Mesa is a great place to start if you want to experience the Solo Stove without a large investment. It features the same smokeless tech as Solo’s full-size stoves but in a compact body. It’s also a fun piece to have on hand to set up the kids to roast s’mores rather than light a large fire. It’s the perfect size to place on an outdoor tabletop and simple enough for older kids and teens to safely fire up with minimal adult supervision.
The Mesa XL with the accessory kit makes a wonderful gift that an entire family can enjoy; it’s also a good pick as a present for anyone who’s hard to buy for. Its compact size means it’s ideal for folks who are short on outdoor entertaining and storage space. Plus, because it’s so portable, it’s great to take along to a tailgating party, for a day in the park, or on a camping trip.
Where to Buy the Solo Stove Mesa XL
Get the Solo Stove Mesa XL tabletop fire pit at:
Get the Mesa Accessory Pack at Amazon for $49.99.
Meet the Tester
Debbie Wolfe is a photographer, author, and freelance writer in various niches. She has contributed hundreds of home, garden, and crafting articles and DIY tutorials for leading media outlets and retailers, including HGTV, Real Simple, Forbes Advisor, The Spruce, The Home Depot, Walmart, and Mother Earth News. She is the author of two DIY books: Do-It-Yourself Garden Projects and Crafts and Crafting with Herbs from Skyhorse Publishing.