Updated on Nov. 21, 2024
Solo Stove’s all-new Mesa heat deflector keeps everyone warm around the outdoor table. Best of all? It takes up less than 8 inches of space.
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Want patio warmth but don’t have room for a large outdoor heater on your precious patio space? The new Solo Stove Mesa heat deflector is here to transform your Solo Stove Mesa (aka your mini fire pit) into the ultimate mini outdoor heater.
The Mesa heat deflector doubles the heating radius of your Mesa to ensure that everyone is cozy and warm around the outdoor dining table. It merges functionality and style to create the ideal patio centerpiece. (If you don’t have the Mesa yet and you’re curious, scope out my full Mesa review.)
Here’s what you need to know about the all-new Mesa heat deflector.
The Mesa heat deflector is a must-have Solo Stove accessory for your existing Mesa or Mesa XL tabletop fire pit. It sits directly on top of your Mesa to push heat outward and increase its heating radius by 2 feet or more. Logs and/or pellets can be added while the heat deflector is in place to keep the fire going throughout the night.
Constructed from Solo Stove’s famous 304 stainless steel, the Mesa heat deflector is built to last a just as long as your other Solo Stove gear for a lifetime of warm moments alongside your fire pit.
VIA MERCHANT
You need this heat deflector that extends the warming radius of your Solo Stove Mesa or Mesa XL.
The round, angled shape of the Mesa heat deflector redirects warm air out while the perforated grates in the center allow the fire to breathe. The deflector sits high enough above the Mesa that you can add fuel via any of the three easy-access windows without removing the deflector. It weighs less than one pound and comes with a carrying bag. It’s only 5 inches tall and has a diameter of less than 8 inches, so it takes up virtually no extra space on top of your Mesa.
The heat deflector tends to accumulate soot after multiple uses since it sits above the fire. However, it’s easy to clean with mild soap and water. For tougher grime, stainless steel cleaner works well. Its unique shape makes storage a bit awkward despite the included carry bag, so consider dedicating a space for it between uses.
The Solo Stove Mesa heat deflector arrived in a small box with the new metallic Mesa fire pit. (Yes, I couldn’t help myself and had to get my hands on one of the latest metallic colors from Solo Stove.) Both the deflector and the Mesa are incredibly lightweight and require little to no assembly to setup.
The Mesa is good to go out of the box once the base is popped on the bottom, and the Mesa heat deflector takes just a couple of minutes to snap into place. All you have to do is slide three legs onto the included base ring and secure them to the underside of the deflector. After that, your heat deflector is ready to sit on top of your Mesa fire pit. It’s recommended that you start a fire using pellets or mini logs and allow the fire to burn for five to 10 minutes before placing the heat deflector on top. You’ll want to use high-heat gloves or tools to gently place the deflector’s base ring inside the outer lip of the Mesa.
Once your fire is roaring and the deflector is placed on top of the Mesa, you should notice heat radiating from the fire pit. With secure and spaced posts, you can add additional fuel while the heat deflector is in place and enjoy the warmth and coziness of your Mesa for as long as you desire.
I was surprised by the amount of heat the Mesa put out with the added heat deflector. My partner and I gathered around the fire pit on a chilly evening and noticed significant warmth radiating from it while it sat in between us (about 1.5 feet away from each of us). Plus, the new metallic finish added a festive holiday hue and a dose of cheer to our patio. I can’t wait to use it when we have family and friends over this holiday season.
Mary Henn, MA, MFA is a shopping editor and product tester at Family Handyman, having tested and reviewed over 100 individual products ranging from outdoor gear and DIY gadgets to mattresses and vacuums. She’s also won awards for her writing and journalism in outlets including Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home, MSN, NewsBreak and (of course) Family Handyman.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
In a fire pit, most heat rises directly upward, limiting the area of warmth. A heat deflector redirects this heat horizontally, expanding the warmth radius and making the experience more comfortable, especially on colder days.
Yes. The Solo Stove Mesa Heat Deflector increases the heat radius by two feet or more, while also reflecting some heat back into the fire to boost efficiency and reduce fuel needs. However, the deflector gets extremely hot, so let it cool completely or use oven gloves to avoid burns. Keep pets and children away until it cools.
The Mesa Heat Deflector is made for the Mesa tabletop fire pit, but Solo Stove offers deflectors compatible with models like the Bonfire, Ranger, Canyon and Yukon. Adding one to these can enhance your experience.
Fire pit heat deflectors aren’t new—many large, standalone models have been around for some time. These are often designed to fit a variety of fire pits, but they tend to be bulky, with basic designs that resemble metal plates on legs.
The key difference with the Solo Stove Mesa Heat Deflector is its space-efficient design, tailored specifically for Solo Stove fire pits. If you own or are considering a Solo Stove, this compatibility and space-saving design might justify the purchase.
Another notable difference is the cost. While third-party deflectors typically start around $50, the Mesa Heat Deflector is more affordable at $35 for the small version and $40 for the XL.
If you own or are thinking about buying a Mesa or Mesa XL (or Bonfire or Yukon), the Mesa heat deflector is a must-have accessory during the colder months that’ll help you enjoy tabletop warmth and s’mores all year long.
If you want to up your Mesa game, there are a few other Solo Stove accessories that I also recommend. In addition to the new Mesa heat deflector, I love the Mesa accessory pack, which includes a pellet scoop, Mesa lid, mini sticks and stick rests for roasting s’mores over your small fire. Another winner is the mini oak firewood, which is cut to give you the perfect size flame in your Mesa. With zero additives or chemicals, the firewood is curated for quick ignition and a savory wood-fired flavor that’s safe for cooking.
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Planning to spend time outside this season? This is the must-have winter accessory for your Solo Stove Mesa or Mesa XL.
