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When the weather cools, there’s nothing better than snuggling by a crackling fire. Until now, that usually meant sitting around a chiminea, fire pit, or built-in fireplace. As part of a larger test to determine the best chimeneas for our readers, I tried out the Solo Stove TerraFlame Gel Fuel Fireplace. For someone who wants an indoor fire but doesn’t want the trouble of venting the unit, this fireplace is a big deal.
I tested this attractive fireplace inside my home and outdoors, and I was impressed. Leave it to Solo Stove, maker of innovative fire pits, pizza ovens, patio heaters, and more, to design a functional indoor/outdoor fireplace with a lovely midcentury modern flair. Keep reading to learn more about this Solo Stove Gel Fuel Fireplace and see whether it’s a good fit for your space.
Solo Stove Lloyd Modern Gel Fuel Fireplace: At a Glance
Our rating: 4.8/5
| Solo Stove Gel Fuel Fireplace Specs | |
| Fuel | Gel fuel cans |
| Usage | Indoor or outdoor |
| Material | Electroplated steel, metal, glass |
| Dimensions | 43.5 inches high by 25.5 inches deep |
| Weight | 31 pounds |
Testing the Solo Stove Gel Fuel Fireplace
Testing the Solo Stove TerraFlame was straightforward—I assembled the components and then lit the gel fuel. I paid special attention to the flame height and how much warmth the indoor chiminea radiated. I also noted how hot the outside shell became to the touch after the fire had been burning for a while.
Additionally, I put an air-quality monitor in the room to see whether the TerraFlame indoor fireplace was releasing fumes. Good news on that front—the air quality monitor didn’t indicate any detrimental air-quality issues, but at the end of 2.5 hours (the length the gel fuel lasted), the humidity level had increased just slightly. For those who suffer from dry indoor air in the winter months, this might actually be of benefit.
Then, I moved the TerraFlame outdoors to a covered porch. It’s suitable for outdoor use, but it should be in a protected space. It weighs just 31 pounds and is only 25.5 inches deep, so I found it easy to carry. I inserted new gel fuel cans, lit them up, and then thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Sleek, midcentury modern design | Limited heat output |
| Easy assembly and setup | Extinguisher could be better |
| Clean-burning gel fuel | |
| Real crackling flames | |
| Indoor or (protected) outdoor use |
Ease of Use and Setup
Assembling the Solo Stove indoor chiminea was simple. The three main pieces (base, top, and stack) come separately packaged in a single box, and all I needed to do was insert a few screws (included) to put the unit together and attach four nonslip feet to the base. The front of the base is labeled “front,” making it easy to correctly align the top and the base.
The burner assembly is a stainless steel box that holds three gel fuel cans. It slips into place in the base. Then, I inserted the glass shield that keeps items and little hands from touching the flames. It, too, slides right into place.
After that, all I had to do was open the tops of three fuel cans—Solo Stove sends along a little tool for just that purpose—then set the cans in the holes in the burner assembly. I used a long-barrel lighter to ignite the gel fuel.
Aesthetic and Design
The Solo Stove TerraFlame is flat-out adorable. Its minimalist, midcentury modern design will complement virtually any home or patio style. I tested the TerraFlame in Skyler, a hue that reminds me of the color of a robin’s egg, but it’s also available in four other colors: Mist, Dove, Sunkissed, and Graphite.
Solo Stove hit a home run with the TerraFlame design. It’s thoughtfully crafted for broad visual appeal, but it’s also compact and won’t overwhelm other indoor or outdoor decor elements. I thought it looked equally great on my porch and in the sitting area of my master bedroom.
Heat Output and Safety
The TerraFlame doesn’t generate as much heat as a roaring wood fire, but it does produce heat. After my initial 2.5-hour indoor test, the room, which is 16 feet long by 12 feet wide, was 11 degrees Fahrenheit warmer. That was with all three gel fuel cans burning. If you’re looking more for the ambience of a real fire rather than heat, you could use just one or two cans of gel fuel. And, get this: The cans of gel fuel crackle, just like a wood fire. I can’t say if other brands of gel fuel will crackle, but the Solo Stove gel fuel that came with the unit does, so that’s the one I’d use.
Real fire always comes with some inherent danger, but Solo Stove took steps to reduce the risk by including a tempered safety glass shield that withstands heat and offers a protective barrier without blocking the view of the flames. The exterior of the upper unit got very warm after an hour of use but not hot enough to burn if touched. Don’t hold your hand over the top of the stack, however; I did and wished I wouldn’t have. That was the hottest part. If you have small children or pets, you may want to elevate the indoor chiminea by putting it on a sturdy platform, but overall, it’s pretty safe. Additionally, follow general safety guidelines, and don’t place anything flammable within 3 feet of the gel fuel fireplace.
Solo Stove includes a long-handle extinguisher with a magnetic base to hold a can lid and an L-shaped handle for safely reaching over the glass shield to place a lid on a burning can. Of course, once I lifted the extinguisher, the lid came with it, but I figured out how to place it and then slide the handle to the side so the lid stayed in place. Seriously, though, a cup-shaped extinguisher that fits over the top of the can would be better. You could always put the lids back on when the can cooled down.
Worth the Splurge?
With a price tag of around $700, the TerraFlame by Solo Stove is pricier than some outdoor chimineas, but keep in mind that it’s made for indoor or (protected) outdoor use. It’s more versatile than a typical chiminea, fire pit, or even a vented wood-burning stove.
If you’re into the retro-modern look, like I am, the TerraFlame, with its clean lines and minimalist style, will be a focal point in your space.
If you’re looking for a chiminea to enhance your outdoor entertainment space, you can find a cheaper one. If you like the idea of sitting around a crackling fire indoors on chilly evenings, the TerraFlame is a lot less expensive than having a fireplace installed in your home.
Buy the Solo Stove Fireplace at:
Product Comparisons
| TerraFlame Lloyd Modern | Blue Rooster Sun Fire | Sunnydaze Rustic Chiminea | Houk Chiminea | |
| Material | Metal | Cast Aluminum | Allow Steel | Cast Iron |
| Fuel | Gel Fuel | Wood | Wood | Wood |
| Price | $699.99 | $389 | $369 | $239.99 |
So, is the Solo Stove gel fuel fireplace right for you?
If you’re looking for a stylish, minimalist fireplace that you can use indoors or outdoors, the TerraFlame is an ideal pick. With its small footprint and fume-free fuel, it’s a nontoxic option for enjoying a real crackling fire indoors. It’s easy to assemble and lightweight enough to move when desired.
However, if your primary goal is to generate substantial heat for outdoor gatherings, you might want to look at other types of wood-burning chimineas made of cast iron or clay, which retain and radiate more heat. The TerraFlame is more about creating ambience and atmosphere than pure heat production.
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances.