HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit — My Honest Review

I remember the first time I tried a supposedly 'smokeless' fire pit and got a tear-filled face instead of cozy marshmallows. Fast-forward: after testing Amazon's smokeless options and living with the HGD 20 Inch for several chilly evenings, I finally feel comfortable calling one a genuinely low-smoke camp companion. This post is part review, part anecdote, and part buyer's guide — written from someone who burns wood, hauls the pit to weekend trips, and occasionally forgets to clean ash until the next day.

1) Smokeless Tech: Why it actually matters

When I shop for a Smokeless Fire Pit, I’m not chasing a buzzword—I’m chasing a better night outside. A true Low Smoke Firepit means I’m not blinking through watery eyes, my hoodie doesn’t smell like a campfire for three days, and I’m not sending a smoke signal straight into my neighbor’s open window.

Smokeless Technology in plain English: secondary burn + airflow

The HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit leans on a Double Wall Design with secondary combustion. Here’s the simple version: the fire pit has two layers of metal with space between them. Air gets pulled in, warmed up as it travels between the walls, then pushed back into the fire through vent holes near the top. That extra oxygen helps burn the smoky gases that would normally drift into your face.

HGD also calls out its 360° Airflow, which basically means the air feeds the flame evenly from all sides instead of creating one “smoky corner.”

Tom Reynolds, Outdoor Gear Editor: "Double-wall designs with directed airflow are the real game-changers — they force gases back into the flame and cut visible smoke."

What I notice in real use (not just on the product page)

• Less smoke at eye level, so people actually sit around it instead of playing musical chairs.
• Faster, fuller burning because the fire gets a steady supply of oxygen.
• Less smell on clothes—a big deal if you’re heading inside after.
• Better “neighbor karma” since the plume is smaller and lighter.

Quick comparison: HGD vs. other popular Amazon options

In Amazon’s lineup, several brands chase the same low-smoke goal, but they get there in slightly different ways. Some lean hard into wood gasification or adjustable airflow as premium features.

For me, HGD’s win is that the Smokeless Technology feels practical: it’s not complicated to use, but it delivers the everyday benefits people actually search for—double wall, secondary burn, and low smoke.

2) Hands-on with the HGD 20 Inch: Specs, assembly, and first fire

Quick specs (HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit, ASIN B0CH9Y93WK)

Unboxing and assembly: genuinely simple

Right out of the box, the HGD 20 Inch feels like it was made for real people—not just product photos. The polished, modern round shape looks clean on a Backyard Patio setup, and it doesn’t scream “camp gear” unless you want it to.

Assembly is basically a quick stack-and-go process. Here’s the flow I followed:

1. Set the Removable Ash Pan in place.
2. Drop in the burn plate (it seats easily).
3. Stack dry wood with airflow gaps.
4. Light from the top and let it build.

That’s it—no fiddly parts, no confusing hardware. For a Portable Outdoor fire pit, that matters.

Build quality: portable, but not flimsy

The 304 Stainless Steel body feels solid in hand, and at 19.16 lbs it hits a sweet spot: I can carry it around the yard without struggling, but it still sits confidently on the ground. The vent holes around the base are neatly cut, and the overall finish looks more “patio furniture” than “tool shed.”

First fire: low smoke, fast secondary burn

On my first burn, I got the usual little puff of smoke while the wood caught—then the secondary burn kicked in and things cleaned up fast. You can actually see the hotter, cleaner flames once the airflow starts pulling through those vents. After high heat, I did notice some expected discoloration on the stainless (totally normal, and many owners mention it).

Lindsey Fields (verified buyer): “I love the compact storage and the travel bag — perfect for beach nights and small patios.”

3) What real users say — praise, quirks, and value

Voice of the people: 533 reviews, 4.4 stars (and lots of real-world use)

I always trust a product more when it has a high review volume, and the HGD 20 Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit has it: 533 reviews averaging 4.4 stars. Reading through them, the same themes pop up again and again—solid construction, easy assembly, and Low Smoke once the fire gets going.

Most buyers describe the smoke pattern the same way I’d expect from a double-wall design: there’s some smoke while the wood catches, then it settles into a cleaner burn. That “minimal smoke after lighting” detail shows up a lot, which tells me people are actually using it—not just unboxing it.

Why people call it a Perfect Fire Pit: the little things that matter

• Removable Ash Pan: This is one of the most-loved features. People mention how fast cleanup is compared to dumping ash from the bottom.
• Long Lasting feel: Users often point to the stainless steel build and sturdy finish as reasons it should hold up for seasons.
• Convenience: Prime shipping and the Amazon’s Choice badge show up as confidence boosters for hesitant buyers.

Real stories that sell it better than specs

Colorado Karen’s review stuck with me because it’s so specific: she used it on a 38°F Halloween with snowy wind and still felt real warmth. That’s the kind of “okay, it works” moment you can’t fake.

Jeff went straight to value—especially versus the big-name competitor everyone compares to:

Jeff (verified buyer): "Great value compared to Solo Stove — stainless steel and performance for a better price."

And Lindsey Fields highlighted something I think matters for normal households: the included bag makes storage and transport simple, so it’s not just a patio piece—it’s a grab-and-go option for camping too.

Quirks and minor complaints (so you know what you’re getting)

The most common “issue” is discoloration after the first burn. Users generally call it cosmetic and expected with heat. Another small gripe: if you burn full-size logs often, some people wish they’d sized up to a larger model for more room.

Still, at around $89.99, many reviewers feel it hits a sweet spot compared to pricier options like EchoSmile ($139.99–$279.99) or OneSetNuf ($199.99–$415).

4) Buying guide, variations, and smart shopping tips

Which HGD size fits you? (Portable Fire Pit choices)

HGD makes it easy to match a Portable Fire Pit to how you actually hang out outdoors. I look at three things first: log size, group size, and how far I’m carrying it. As Sarah Mitchell, Outdoor Living Buyer, puts it:

“Match the pit size to the campsite — portability matters more than flame size for many weekend warriors.”

• HGD 16 Inch Portable: Best for solo nights, small patios, and quick trips where weight matters most.
• HGD 20 Inch (ASIN B0CH9Y93WK): My sweet spot—big enough for real warmth, still easy to move, and often priced around $89.99 (down from $105.99).
• HGD 28 Inch: Better for longer group sessions and larger flames; go bigger if you want fewer reloads.
• HGD 60 Inch FireRing: A backyard “anchor” for bigger gatherings—less about portability, more about presence.

Accessories that are actually worth it (Travel Bag, Burning Plate, and more)

If you do any Outdoor Wood Burning away from home, I’d prioritize the Travel Bag—it keeps soot off your car and makes carrying simpler. I also love a removable Burning Plate (and ash pan, when included) because cleanup becomes a quick dump instead of a messy scrape.

• Heat deflector: Helps push warmth outward—great for chilly evenings.
• Stand: Adds airflow and protects decking or grass.
• Travel bag: Best for camping, tailgates, and storage.
• Removable burn plates: Faster ash cleanup and easier maintenance.

When to splurge vs. save (smart comparisons)

If brand prestige is your goal, premium names like Solo Stove can cost more. But HGD hits a budget-friendly middle: stainless steel build, strong smokeless performance, and lots of size options.

Fuel tips (wood, pellets, charcoal)

For most HGD setups, I stick with dry wood for the cleanest burn. Pellets can work if your airflow is strong, and charcoal is fine for steady heat. If you want standard-sized firewood without cutting it down, choose the 20" or larger—bigger models handle full logs and longer sessions better.

5) Wild cards: a couple of quirky asides and a hypothetical

A foggy seaside bonfire (and why Low Smoke matters)

Picture this: I’m hosting a small bonfire on a foggy stretch near the water. Everyone’s in hoodies, the air is damp, and the breeze keeps shifting like it can’t make up its mind. This is where a Modern Fire Pit like the HGD earns its keep. With low-smoke tech doing its thing, the fire stays the main event—not the cloud that follows you around like an annoying ghost. No watery eyes, no “stand over there” musical chairs, and no neighbors peeking out like you’re trying to hotbox the coastline. It’s the kind of setup that keeps eyebrows raised (in a good way) and keeps the vibe calm and friendly.

Mark Daniels, Backyard Chef: "A smokeless pit lets me grill and chat without the smoke stealing the conversation."

The HGD as a tiny wood-burning espresso machine

Here’s my weird analogy: using the HGD feels a bit like using a small espresso machine—except it burns wood instead of beans. The polished stainless look is the countertop shine, and the “ritual” is the stacking. You place your wood like you’re dosing grounds, you light it like you’re starting a brew, and then the secondary burn kicks in like that smooth crema moment—cleaner, hotter, more controlled. On a Backyard Patio, it turns a basic fire into a little ceremony, which is honestly half the fun.

The slightly scorched shine: character, not a defect

Stainless steel has this funny way of telling the truth. After a few burns, you might notice a little discoloration—kind of a toasted rainbow tint. I actually like it. It’s proof you used the thing, not proof it failed. Call it patina, call it “campfire jewelry,” call it character.

Also, quick confession: the first time I cleaned it, I almost forgot the removable ash pan existed. I was out there tapping and shaking like a caveman with a drum. Then I remembered, slid the pan out, and felt personally attacked by how easy it was.

Takeaway: if you want a good-looking, low-fuss Modern Fire Pit that keeps smoke down and moments up, the HGD makes the decision feel easy.