A Solo Stove is an amazing piece of backyard engineering, but its stainless steel exterior gets incredibly hot during a burn. Enter the Solo Stove Surround—a 360º protective barrier designed to keep your loved ones safe while providing a stylish, cool-to-the-touch surface for drinks and s’mores.
But with a premium price tag, is this accessory actually worth the investment for your patio? Let’s break down the design, safety features, and exactly which size fits your current fire pit.
Top 3 Reasons to Upgrade to the Surround
- Ultimate Peace of Mind: Made of sturdy powder-coated steel and UV-resistant outdoor fabric (600D polyester), it creates a physical barrier so kids and dogs cannot accidentally brush against the 230°F+ exterior of the fire pit.
- Perfectly Perforated Tabletop: The airy, perforated tabletop design minimizes heat absorption. It reduces heat transfer so effectively that it becomes a functional surface for resting cool drinks or plating food while the fire roars.
- Multi-Surface Protection: Whether you have grass, gravel, concrete, or a wooden composite deck, the Surround features adjustable, durable feet that protect sensitive surfaces from heat damage.
Size Guide: Which Surround Do You Need?
The Surround comes in two specific sizes. It is crucial to match the barrier to your specific fire pit model to ensure proper airflow and safety.
| Surround Size | Compatible Fire Pits |
|---|---|
| Small Surround | Fits the Ranger and Bonfire models. |
| Large Surround | Fits the Yukon and Canyon models. |
⚠️ Crucial Safety Warning
Do NOT use the standard Fire Pit Stand with the Surround. The Surround itself elevates your fire pit (reducing heat transfer to the ground). Placing the fire pit on the Stand inside the Surround will raise the unit too high, compromising the safety barrier and increasing the tabletop temperature.
DIY Solo Stove Surround vs. The Official Model
Given the premium price tag of the official accessory, it is no surprise that many homeowners search for a DIY Solo Stove surround or look up how to build one from brick, pavers, or wood. While building your own fire pit enclosure sounds like a fun weekend project to save money, there is a massive catch you need to know before you start mixing concrete.
- The Airflow Problem (No More Smokeless Fire): Solo Stoves are famous for their smokeless secondary combustion. This relies entirely on unrestricted airflow entering the bottom vent holes. If you build a tight brick or stone surround, you will choke the oxygen supply, ruining the smokeless feature and creating a smoky, inefficient fire.
- The Combustible Risk: Building a DIY wood surround is incredibly dangerous. The outside of a Solo Stove easily exceeds 200°F to 300°F. Without precise spacing and expensive heat-deflecting materials, a custom wooden enclosure is a severe fire hazard.
- Hidden Costs: By the time you purchase fire-rated bricks, high-temperature mortar, and proper metal framing to ensure adequate ventilation, your DIY project will often cost almost as much as the official accessory—not to mention the hours of labor you’ll lose.
The Verdict: While a DIY project is possible for experienced builders who understand thermodynamics and precise airflow requirements, the official Solo Stove Surround is engineered perfectly to maintain the smokeless burn while keeping the outside completely safe to touch. For 99% of homeowners, buying the official, safety-tested model is the smarter, stress-free choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the tabletop get hot while the fire is going?
The perforated steel drastically reduces heat transfer, but it does not completely eliminate it. While the outer edges remain safe to touch, the inner bezel right next to the flames can become warm or hot depending on the size of your fire.
Can I use other accessories with the Surround?
Yes! You can seamlessly use your Roasting Sticks, the Shield (spark arrestor), and the Fire Pit Cooking System. However, if you use the Heat Deflector, be aware that it will push more heat downward, making the Surround’s tabletop warmer than usual.
Is the Surround completely weatherproof?
While the powder-coated surface and 600D polyester are highly resilient and UV-resistant, you should not leave it sitting in standing water or buried under winter snow. We highly recommend purchasing the Solo Stove Surround Shelter (a custom-fit waterproof cover) to extend its lifespan.
Final Thoughts: A Worthwhile Investment?
The Solo Stove Surround barrier represents the absolute epitome of modern outdoor innovation, seamlessly blending functionality with safety. By turning a high-heat fire pit into a usable, stylish table, it eliminates the stress of hosting backyard gatherings with active children or pets around.
If you already own a smokeless fire pit, introducing the Surround is the ultimate way to elevate your patio setup, ensuring that every cold drink, roasted marshmallow, and cozy evening is both comfortable and perfectly safe.
