Solo Stove Mesa XL Review: A Fire Pit for the Table?
A small stainless steel fire pit that sits on a patio table and burns wood or pellets with little smoke. A campfire that fits between the plates.
Yes, for people with a patio, a balcony that allows fire or a camping habit. It puts a real, low smoke fire on the table [1] and packs into a bag. Skip it where open flames are banned.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Material | 304 stainless steel [1] |
| Size | About 7 x 7 x 8.6 in [1] |
| Weight | About 2.3 pounds [1] |
| Fuel | Wood or pellets, pellet adapter built in [1] |
| Included | Stand and nylon carry bag [1] |
| Finish | Gunmetal, matte [1] |
Pros and cons
- Small fire, warms hands more than a whole patio
- Needs frequent refueling
- Not allowed in many apartment buildings
A campfire for the patio table
Full size fire pits need a yard and a pile of logs. The Mesa XL puts a small, real fire in the middle of the table, which is a very different evening.
Solo Stove built its name on low smoke fire pits, and this is the tabletop version [1]. The airflow design is meant to keep smoke, teary eyes and smells away [1].
It makes a patio dinner or a campsite picnic table feel warmer, in mood if not in degrees.
Pellets, wood and the stand
It burns wood or pellets, and the pellet adapter is built in [1]. Pellets give a steady flame with less fuss than small sticks.
The stand keeps it stable and lifts it off the table surface [1]. It is made from 304 stainless steel and weighs only a couple of pounds [1].
A nylon carry bag comes in the box, so it can go camping as easily as it sits on a patio [1].
Light it with a small firestarter, add pellets or sticks, and the flames settle within minutes, according to the brand's simple steps [1].
Small fire, real rules
This is a small fire. It warms hands and toasts marshmallows, but it will not heat a whole patio on a cold night.
It also needs feeding often, since the chamber is small.
And check the rules before giving it: many apartment buildings and some campsites ban open flames, even small ones.
Who will light it first
It suits the friend who hosts outdoor dinners, the camper who wants a fire without a fire ring, or a couple with a balcony that allows one.
From this guide, pair it with the WACACO Nanopresso for a slow outdoor morning, or with the Nostalgia s'mores maker so there is a backup indoors on rainy nights.
Add a bag of pellets so it can be lit on Christmas evening.
FAQ
Is the Solo Stove Mesa XL really smokeless?
Solo Stove describes it as low smoke thanks to its airflow design, which burns fuel more completely [1]. Most users still see a little smoke when lighting it or adding fuel. Once it is burning well, it is far less smoky than an open fire [1]
What fuel does the Solo Stove Mesa XL use?
It burns wood or pellets, with a pellet adapter built in [1]. Pellets give a steady flame and are easy to store. Small pieces of dry hardwood also work. Do not use it indoors; it is made for outdoor tables, patios and campsites [1]
Can you use a tabletop fire pit on a balcony?
It depends on local rules and the building. Many apartments and some cities ban open flames on balconies, even small ones. Check the lease or the fire code first. Where it is allowed, use the included stand and keep it clear of railings and awnings [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Solo Stove Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.