In the past few years, I’ve tested a variety of smokeless and artificial fire pits, but they tend to be bulky and difficult to transport. UCO has introduced a solution to this problem with its Flatpack Smokeless Firepit and Grill, designed to be easy to store and carry.
The UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit and Grill features a double-wall construction that creates heated air channels, allowing for a secondary burn of any particulates in the updraft to minimize smoke. This design is similar to smokeless fire pits and grills popularized by companies like Solo Stove.
After testing the UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit and Grill on camping trips and in a yard over two months, it proved to be an effective smokeless fire pit solution, creating a welcoming ambiance and warmth without the hassle of traditional fires.
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Material
Stainless steel -
Weight
14.9 lbs. (fire pit, grate, and bag) -
Assembled dimensions
15.2″ x 10.7″ -
Compacted dimensions
15.2″ x 10.7″ x 2.2″
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Compact and lightweight -
Effective at reducing smoke with partial double-wall system -
Allows some heat to escape from the side panels -
Perforated coal grate for proper air flow
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Less robust than larger models
UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit and Grill Construction
The firebox is made of stainless steel and stands 5 inches off the ground on sturdy legs, capable of accommodating standard 16-inch-long cordwood. It folds up to a compact 2.2-inch thickness, fitting neatly into an included nylon storage bag, and the cooking grate fits inside the folded firebox. The entire packed system weighs 14.9 pounds, making it highly portable and easy to transport.
The key to the UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit and Grill’s effectiveness lies in the partial double walls of its front and back panels. These panels allow air to enter at the bottom of the firebox. As the air warms, it flows upward, where the double walls section fans out to cover the entire width of the firepit. The superheated air then exits through perforations that span the width of the firebox opening, completing the combustion of solid particulates in the smoke. Additionally, coals and flames are fed air through openings in the bottom coal plate to start and maintain the fire.
There are also perforations on the sides of the firebox to allow radiant heat to escape, providing a more thorough and smokeless experience compared to most fire pits that can only provide heat out of the top.
In the Field
Starting the Firepit
Setting up the portable UCO Flatpack Smokeless Firepit and Grill is quick and easy. Deploying the fire pit from its folded state is a 15-second process, involving unfolding the hinged side panels and placing the bottom coal plate. Lighting the fire is simple, as the openings in the coal plate allow for adequate airflow to ignite the tinder.
