How To Light Your Smokeless Fire Pit
How to Light Your
Smokeless Fire Pit
A clear, step-by-step guide to getting a clean, roaring fire going - every single time.
Lighting a smokeless fire pit is easier than you might think. Whether your Smokeless Fires fire pit is brand new or you just want a quick refresher before your next braai night, this guide walks you through every step - from setup to a fully-fledged, smoke-free fire.
At Smokeless Fires, we've spent years perfecting the design of our fire pits so that lighting them is as straightforward as possible. The key to a great fire isn't luck, it's knowing the right sequence. Follow the steps below and you'll have a beautiful, clean-burning fire in under ten minutes.
Before You Light: Getting Set Up
A little preparation goes a long way. Before you reach for the firelighter, take a moment to make sure your fire pit is clean and correctly positioned.
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Prepare your fire pit
Start by clearing out any ash or leftover logs from a previous fire - this keeps airflow optimal from the start. If your fire pit is brand new, double-check that no packaging material is hiding inside. Then inspect the intake vents at the base and the exhaust holes around the top rim. Both need to be completely clear. These openings are what make our smokeless technology work: air flows in at the bottom, heats up inside the double-wall chamber, and jets out at the top to combust any unburned gases before they become smoke.
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Place your fire pit in the right spot
Set the fire pit on a flat, level surface - stability matters both for safety and for even airflow. Avoid placing it directly under low-hanging trees or anything else that could catch a stray ember. And yes, long hair counts too. The built-in heat diffusers underneath the fire pit protect the surface below, so no mat or additional protection is needed - even on a timber deck.
Your Smokeless Fires fire pit uses a double-wall airflow system. Cool air is drawn in through the vents at the base (primary airflow), feeding the fire. Simultaneously, air rises through the gap between the inner and outer walls, heating up as it climbs. This superheated air then exits through the holes at the top rim, re-igniting any smoke particles before they can escape. The result is the secondary combustion that makes your fire virtually smokeless.
This is why keeping those vents clear is non-negotiable. Block them, and you block the science.
Lighting the Fire: Step by Step
Once your fire pit is clean and positioned, you're ready to light. The method below is designed for the honeycomb-style grid found in Smokeless Fires fire pits. Follow it closely - particularly the instruction about lighting evenly to protect your fire pit from warping.
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Place your fire lighters
Arrange fire lighter pieces around the outer edge of the honeycomb grid, with one larger piece placed at the centre. This distribution ensures heat spreads evenly across the entire base of the fire from the very beginning.
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Light the outer pieces first — and work quickly
Light all the outer edge firelighters first, moving steadily around the circumference before lighting the centre piece. This is important: lighting your fire pit evenly all the way around prevents one side from heating faster than the other, which can cause warping.
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Start with kindling, then build up to logs
Once the firelighters are burning, add small pieces of wood or kindling first. These ignite easily and help establish a strong, even flame across the base. Once the kindling has taken hold and you have a good bed of heat, add your larger logs.
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Be patient through the initial smoke
You may see a little smoke as the fire first gets going - this is completely normal. As the fire heats up and the air circulation system kicks in, the smoke will clear, usually within 8 to 10 minutes. Once the fire reaches its optimal temperature, the secondary combustion takes over and you're left with a clean, almost smoke-free burn.
Keeping Your Fire Smokeless
Once your fire is going, the main thing is to keep it hot. A Smokeless Fires fire pit produces its signature clean burn at high temperatures. If you let the fire die down too much, you may start to see some smoke creeping back in. Add wood before the fire drops too low, rather than trying to revive it from near-embers.
The type of wood you use also makes a real difference. Dry, well-seasoned hardwood burns hotter and cleaner than green or wet wood. Wet wood contains moisture that has to boil off before the wood can combust properly and all that steam and incomplete combustion is what creates thick, eye-stinging smoke. If you're in the KZN Midlands or anywhere with a wet season, store your firewood undercover and off the ground to keep it dry.
| Wood Type | Wet / Green Wood | Dry, Seasoned Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke output | High — lots of visible smoke | Very low — clean burn |
| Heat output | Low — energy wasted on moisture | High — efficient combustion |
| Fire longevity | Short, struggles to sustain | Long, steady burn |
| Smell | Acrid, heavy | Clean, pleasant wood aroma |
| Recommended? | No | Yes — always |
Ready to Get Burning?
Now that you know exactly how to light and maintain your Smokeless Fires fire pit, all that's left is to gather the family, grab a cold one, and enjoy a fire that doesn't follow you around with smoke all night.
The Smokeless Fires Fire Pit
Engineered in South Africa for South African conditions. Our double-wall fire pits deliver a smokeless burn every time, no more watery eyes, no more smoke-logged clothes. Order online and we'll ship directly to your door from the KZN Midlands.
Shop Fire Pits →Simple steps, seriously good fires.
Lighting a smokeless fire pit comes down to three things: a clean, clear fire pit; even, methodical lighting; and keeping your fire hot with dry, seasoned wood. Get those right and the technology does the rest.
The initial few minutes of smoke are normal. Don't panic and don't start adding more fire lighter. Just give the fire time to reach temperature, and the double-wall airflow system will take over and do its job.
From the KZN Midlands to the Cape Winelands, our customers tell us the same thing: once you've sat around a Smokeless Fires fire pit, going back to a smoky traditional pit feels impossible. We tend to agree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my smokeless fire pit still producing smoke?
A small amount of smoke when first lighting is completely normal - it usually clears within 8 to 10 minutes as the fire heats up and the airflow system kicks in. If smoke continues, check that your intake vents and top exhaust holes are clear of ash or debris, and make sure you're using dry, seasoned wood rather than green or wet logs.
What wood is best for a smokeless fire pit?
Dry, seasoned hardwoods are ideal - think indigenous species like black wattle, rooikrans, or Acacia. The key is that the wood must be properly dried. Avoid freshly cut or rained-on wood, as the moisture content causes heavy smoke and a weak, inefficient fire.
Can I use firelighters in my Smokeless Fires fire pit?
Yes - standard fire lighter blocks work well. Place them around the outer edge of the honeycomb grid with one piece in the centre, and light the outer pieces first for even heat distribution. Avoid using liquid accelerants like lighter fluid, as these can damage the finish of your fire pit.
How do I stop my fire from dying down and getting smoky?
Feed the fire regularly and proactively - don't wait until the flames have dropped completely before adding more wood. A hot, well-fed fire is a smokeless fire. If the fire does drop low, add smaller pieces of wood first to rebuild the heat before adding larger logs.
How do I clean my Smokeless Fires fire pit after use?
Let the fire pit cool completely before handling. Remove ash and any unburned wood fragments, and check that the intake vents and exhaust holes are clear for next time. A light wipe-down of the exterior with a dry cloth keeps it looking good. Store it out of the rain or use a canvas cover when not in use.
Where can I buy a smokeless fire pit in South Africa?
Smokeless Fires ships nationally from the KZN Midlands. Order online at smokelessfires.com and reach out to our team for any questions before you buy - we're happy to help you choose the right model and setup for your space.
Experience the difference for yourself
Browse our full range of smokeless fire pits and accessories - designed for South African outdoor living, built to last.
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