Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 + Stand
If there’s one thing guaranteed to bring a bit of cheer to a chilly campsite or back garden after a soggy day out, it’s a proper fire. There’s just something primal about it, isn’t there? That warm glow, the crackling of wood, the excuse to nurse a mug of something strong while claiming you're “keeping an eye on the flames.” But let’s be honest, most of us have spent more time waving smoke away from our eyes than actually enjoying the moment.
Enter the Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 + Stand.
Now, before we get into the ins and outs of this fiery little marvel, a quick nod to the folks behind it. Solo Stove started life over in the States, dreamt up by a couple of brothers who fancied a better way to enjoy a fire without coughing up half a lung in the process. What began as a clever camping stove has grown into a whole range of sleek, stainless steel fire pits - promising smoke-free flames, cleaner burns, and fewer grumbles from the neighbours. The Ranger 2.0 is their smallest fully-fledged fire pit, perfect for those of us who love our adventures but don’t want to lug half a bonfire around.
If you’re wondering what the ‘2.0’ means, it’s that this new version comes with a removable ash pan, which in turn means when it’s cooled down it’s easier to empty.
So, what’s it like in the wild? In short: impressively good.
Out of the box, the Ranger 2.0 feels solid. It’s made from 304 stainless steel, which is both rugged and good-looking, and with its double-walled design, it pulls off some clever wizardry. Air gets drawn in through the base and heated up between the walls before being funnelled back over the flames, creating what they call secondary combustion. In plain English? Less smoke, more flame, and a cleaner burn.
Setting it up is almost embarrassingly easy. Plonk the stand down first (an optional extra, but essential if you’re using it on a deck or grass as nobody wants a scorched lawn), pop the Ranger on top, load up with kiln-dried logs, throw in your fire-starter of choice and let the airflow do its thing.
Performance-wise, the Ranger 2.0 punches well above its weight. It kicks out a good amount of heat for its size, making it perfect for keeping a two to three bodies warm on a cool evening. The flames are lively and mesmerising, and thanks to the clever airflow, you spend less time dodging smoke clouds and more time enjoying the moment.
is it portable?
Weighing in at around 7kg, it’s no featherweight, and measuring 38cm diameter and 32cm tall means it’s manageable enough to sling in the boot alongside your camping gear, and the included carry case makes it feel like less of a chore as well as keeping everything nice and clean.
Speaking of clean, while the stainless finish looks lovely when new, but expect it to develop a patina over time. Some might see that as character-building.
When it comes to putting the stove into the heavy duty carry bag, I found it easier to turn the stove upside down - once it’s cooled down and you’ve removed the ash, then feed the bag over the base, otherwise you might need to enlist the help of someone el which will result in someone getting mucky hands.
Also worth noting is that the Solo Stove isn’t exactly a budget option. You’re paying for the clever design and premium build, but if you’re someone who regularly enjoys evenings outdoors, it’s a worthwhile investment. Plus, there’s something smugly satisfying about having a fire pit that doesn’t leave you stinking of smoke the next morning.
But be warned – the Ranger doesn’t come as standard with any cooking surface, so if you’re planning on grilling sausages or toasting marshmallows, you’ll need to tick a few more boxes on the Solo stove website.
Final Sparks of Wisdom
The Ranger 2.0 + stand is a cracking bit of kit. It’s neat, well-built, easy to use, and delivers on its smoke-free promises. While it’s not going to heat a football crowd, there are larger versions available if that’s your thing, it’s ideal for small gatherings, camping trips, or just adding a touch of luxury to your back garden setup. Think of it as the dependable mate who always turns up to the BBQ on time, brings the good beer, and doesn’t set your patio on fire.
If you're after a no-nonsense fire pit to take the chill off a UK evening without smelling like a bonfire the next morning, the Ranger 2.0 is a solid choice. Just don’t forget to bring the marshmallow sticks.
Website: https://www.solostove.com/en-gb/p/solo-stove-ranger
Price: From £184.99
