REASONS TO BUY
Great fire visibility
Deep bowl
Good radiation
Easy to clean
Compact and easy to transport
REASONS TO AVOID
More susceptible to wind
GVDV Smokeless Review
This is not only one of the best deals, it is also the most portable pit of its size
The signature mesh-vented sides of the GVDV.
Credit: Chris McNamara
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief ⋅ March 10, 2026
Our Verdict
In a crowded world of smokeless fire pits, this option stands out at multiple levels. First off, the nearly unbeatable price: it costs less than many basic Solo Stove accessories. It is the most portable firepit of this size and takes up very little room. Best of all, it has unique see-through sides that both create a cool visual and radiate more heat than most other models. It looks great at home, but is also easy to take to a friend's house or go camping. It comes in both 18 and 20-inch sizes. While the 20-inch is our preferred size because it fits larger logs, the 18-inch is an incredible value and even more portable.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
We had never heard of this brand and were expecting a cheap knock-off. Instead, we were surprised by a very unique design at multiple levels.
Instead of the dual-chamber smokeless design, it uses a “screen” for the upper half. It doesn't have the dual burn that most competitors tout, but we didn't notice any design deficiencies. If anything, it was cool to finally see the fire from the side.
The cool glow from the perforated sides of the GVDV is both cool to look at and warm on your knees. Credit: Chris McNamara
With the perforated metal, we felt more heat, which we loved.
The GVFV burned hot enough to light a 4-year-old's marshmallow. Luckily, these tears went away quickly after Mom delicately roasted another marshmallow. Credit: Chris McNamara
The next thing that stands out is how compact this stove is relative to its size. It is deep and wide, allowing larger logs than the Solo Stove Bonfire. And yet, it disassembles and stores at half the size of the bonfire.
The unlit GVDV stainless steel fire pit is in storage mode, with all the pieces stacked as efficiently as a Russian doll. Credit: Chris McNamara
It comes with a carry case that is nothing special but more robust than some competitors'.
The carry case fits well and is decently durable. Credit: Chris McNamara
Dislikes
Without the dual burn, you don't get the cool flames at the edge. It doesn't perform quite as well for smoke management as other pits. That said, if you use pieces of wood shorter than 18 inches, don't overload it, and don't use wet wood, you should not experience smoke.
The pit sits directly on the ground and has no legs. Unless you place this pit on a non-flammable surface like stone or dirt, it will need a stand. Do NOT use a fire pit without a manufacturer approved fire pit stand. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have a suitable base below the fire pit.
Do NOT place a fire pit directly on a deck as shown in the photo above. That creates dangerous risk of lighting your deck on fire or damaging it. Obtain the manufacturer's fire pit stand (not included) and follow the manufacturer's instructions to create a fire proof base. Credit: Chris McNamara
Should You Buy the GVDV Smokeless
If you value value, this is a clear winner. Few smokeless pits are this affordable, and its collapsible design makes it the perfect companion for camping trips or neighborhood hangouts. It's rare to find this level of performance in such a portable, budget-friendly package.
What Other Fire Pits Should You Consider
The main question is: do you want the 18" or the 20" version of this fire pit? We prefer the 20" because you can use larger logs, but the 18" is more portable and inexpensive. If you want a true dual-burn smokeless fire pit, the best value is the East Oak Fuoco. It has a more traditional aesthetic, has legs that put less heat on your deck, and has fewer parts. But it is also narrower, which means you have to use shorter logs. And is more expensive.
—Chris McNamara
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