Solo Stove Bonfire Hub and Grill Review: Portable Live Fire

When it comes to portability and functionality, the Solo Stove Bonfire Hub Grill Assembly is a versatile companion for outdoor life and a natural addition to a Solo Stove. Whether you want a smokeless campfire on your deck or a live fire cook on the beach, the Hub Grill offers hot, fast cooking in a lightweight, portable package.

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First Impressions

Solo Stove has built a reputation for attractive, well-made smokeless fire pits and complementary accessories. The Hub is a stainless steel attachment that sits on top of compatible Solo Stove models and supports cooking attachments such as a cast iron grill grate, a plancha griddle, or a wok. It lets you combine the warmth and ambiance of a bonfire with straightforward live-fire cooking.

This product was provided as a sample for media review. Opinions expressed here are our own.

Table of Contents

  • First Impressions
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Who the Hub Grill Is For
  • Purchase
  • Packaging and Assembly
  • Dimensions
  • How the Hub System Works
  • Alternative Products
  • Cooking on the Hub Unit
  • Cleaning the Grill Grate
  • Cleaning and Storage
  • Customer Service and Warranty
  • Where to Buy
  • Overall Review
  • Recipe Inspirations
  • More Solo Stove Products

Pros

  • High-quality cast iron grate that heats evenly and produces a good sear.
  • Portable design with a carrying case and optional accessories (plancha, wok).
  • Combines a fire pit and a cooking surface — useful for backyard gatherings, camping, or beach trips.
  • Enough space to add and rotate logs to maintain embers.

Cons

  • Not a full replacement for a covered grill or smoker; it lacks precise heat control and enclosure.
  • Not compatible with some Solo Stove accessories designed for other models.
  • Limited cooking space and range compared to larger or dedicated live-fire rigs.

Who the Solo Stove Hub Grill Is For

If you already own a Solo Stove Ranger, Bonfire, or Yukon, the Hub is a logical accessory to add straightforward grilling capability. It also suits buyers who want a compact, portable fire pit that doubles as a simple grill for camping, picnics, or beach outings. For cooks who need extensive capacity or precise temperature control, a dedicated grill or smoker remains the better choice.

Purchase

The Hub is sold as a standalone attachment sized to match specific Solo Stove models and is also available in bundles that include the stove, hub, grate, and carrying case. Bundles typically offer better value if you need the stove and accessories together. Prices vary by model and configuration; check current retail listings for up-to-date pricing and availability. Be sure to buy the Hub that matches your Solo Stove model.

Packaging and Assembly

The Bonfire and the Hub arrived in separate packages. Assembly is straightforward, with photo instructions included and no tools required. The stove and Hub assembled in under 10 minutes. We performed an initial burn, heated the cast iron to burn off manufacturing residue, and then used the grate for grilling.

Dimensions

Hub with Cast Iron Grill Grate (stove dimensions not included):

  • Hub top diameter: 14.5 inches; base diameter: 18.75 inches
  • Cast iron grate cooking surface diameter: 17.5 inches
  • Combined height with grate: approximately 9.5 inches
  • Weight: hub ~3 pounds; cast iron grate ~17 pounds
  • Materials: 304 stainless steel for hub; cast iron for grate
  • Manufacturing: Solo Stove is a U.S.-based brand with production overseas.

The wok top and plancha share similar dimensions and weights.

How the Hub System Works

The Hub is a three-legged stainless steel tower that sits over the stove and channels heat up into the cooking accessory. The tapered top supports a grill grate, plancha, or wok. As the fire burns, ambient heat and rising hot air focus into the accessory, creating a hot surface ideal for searing. The Hub favors high-heat, fast cooking rather than low-and-slow barbecue techniques.

Solo Stove Bonfire with Hub and Grill Grate attachment.
Expect a patina to develop on the Hub extension.

Alternative Products

This accessory is not intended to replace a full-size grill or smoker. For similar live-fire capabilities, consider other fire-pit-based grill systems, but the Hub stands out for its simplicity and light weight, which makes it especially suitable for mobility and travel.

Cooking on the Hub Unit

Live-fire grilling on the Hub is comparable to charcoal grilling once you establish a stable ember bed. The manufacturer recommends creating a concentrated ember base and positioning embers to form direct and indirect heat zones. Typical workflow:

  1. Build a log-cabin style fire and let it burn down to coals and embers.
  2. Arrange embers toward the outer edges for a two-zone setup: direct heat at the perimeter and indirect heat in the center.
  3. Place the Hub over the stove and set the grill grate or other accessory on top. Allow the grate about 20 minutes over hot coals to heat through.
  4. Sear over direct heat, then finish over the indirect zone. Expect occasional flare-ups when fat drips onto embers.
  5. When finished cooking, begin the cleaning routine while the equipment is still warm.

Cooking wood: Use seasoned hardwoods for best flavor and consistent heat. Avoid treated lumber and softwoods that can produce unpleasant smoke. Charcoal is possible but not required; cooking with wood is part of the live-fire experience.

Cleaning the Grill Grate

Treat the cast iron grate like a cast iron pan. Clean while warm for easiest residue removal:

  1. Remove excess food with a grate brush while still warm.
  2. Once cooled, rinse with hot water and remove remaining residue, then dry thoroughly.
  3. Apply a light coating of oil (for example, grapeseed or avocado oil) to re-season the surface.
  4. Store in a dry place to avoid rust.

Do not leave cast iron accessories exposed to weather — moisture will cause rust over time.

Cleaning and Storage

The Hub and stove will develop a patina from high heat and use. Use a gentle stainless steel cleaner when desired to maintain appearance, and avoid harsh abrasives that can scratch finishes. If storing for extended periods, keep the stove and accessories indoors or under cover. The Hub can be nested inside the stove for compact storage, and the carrying bag can hold the assembled kit for transport.

Customer Service and Warranty

Solo Stove offers a warranty covering manufacturing defects; terms vary and are handled at the company’s discretion. Shipping and return policies depend on point of purchase and region—review current terms with the retailer or manufacturer before buying.

Where to Buy

The Hub is available through Solo Stove’s official channels and many retailers. Bundles that include the stove and accessories typically provide better value than purchasing parts separately. Check authorized sellers for the correct Hub size for your Solo Stove model.

Solo Stove Bonfire with Hub and Grill Grate attachment

Overall Review

The Hub Grill extends Solo Stove’s functionality in a thoughtful, well-executed way. Its lightweight, portable design makes it ideal for backyard fire pits, beach outings, and camping trips. While it will not replace a full-featured grill or smoker, it delivers reliable, high-heat searing and the experience of cooking over a real wood fire. For anyone seeking a compact live-fire cooking solution that pairs with a Solo Stove, the Hub is a compelling choice.

Recipe Inspirations for Solo Bonfire Hub Grill

  • Grilled and baked brie in a cast iron pan for an easy appetizer.
  • Steaks seared hot over direct heat, then finished over indirect embers.
  • Grilled corn on the cob for simple smoky flavor.
  • Grilled lemons to add char and brightness to dressings and cocktails.
  • Skirt steak for carne asada, seared and sliced thin.

More Solo Stove Products

Solo Stove offers a range of related products designed for outdoor cooking and entertaining, including pizza ovens and compact indoor-friendly flame units. If you enjoy live-fire cooking and portable solutions, exploring compatible accessories and attachments can broaden what you can do with a Solo Stove setup.