Can You Use a Smokeless Fire Pit Indoors?

Can You Use a Smokeless Fire Pit Indoors or in Small Gardens? Helios Fire Explains.

Why South Africans Are Asking This Question and Helios Answers

In South Africa, outdoor living is part of our culture. From Sunday braais to evenings spent under the stars, fire has always been central to how we gather. As smokeless fire pits grow in popularity, many homeowners are asking: Can you burn a smokeless fire pit indoors? And for those with smaller spaces, another question follows closely: How far should a smokeless fire pit be from the house?

These questions are not only common, but critical. The answers can mean the difference between enjoying your Helios Fire pit safely or risking dangerous outcomes. Helios Fire will break down both scenarios — indoor use and small-garden setups — while highlighting safe practices for South African homes.

Can You Burn a Smokeless Fire Pit Indoors?

Why the Answer is Always No

The short and direct answer is no: you should never burn a smokeless fire pit indoors. While they drastically reduce visible smoke, they do not eliminate emissions entirely. Combustion still produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and fine particulates.

Indoors, these gases build up quickly without proper ventilation, creating life-threatening risks. Even with doors or windows open, airflow is insufficient to keep an indoor smokeless fire pit safe.

Why People Think It Might Be Safe

The term “smokeless” can be misleading. It suggests a clean flame that’s harmless. But “smokeless” refers to how efficiently the pit burns visible smoke particles — not to a total absence of emissions.

Helios Fire makes this distinction clear in its FAQ hub: smokeless means reduced smoke, not zero emissions. This educational effort is critical to protect customers from misunderstandings.

Safe Alternatives Indoors

If you’re seeking indoor warmth or ambiance, the alternatives are:

• Gas heaters (with proper ventilation and compliance to safety standards).
  
  

• Ethanol fireplaces designed specifically for indoor use.
  
  

• Electric heaters with flame-like visuals.
  
  

These are engineered for enclosed spaces and carry the certifications needed for indoor safety.

Helios Fire’s Apollo and Eros pits are strictly outdoor companions. Their power lies in transforming patios, decks, and gardens into vibrant gathering spots — not in competing with fireplaces.

Using Smokeless Fire Pits in Small Gardens

Not everyone has a sprawling backyard. Many South Africans live in townhouses, cluster homes, or city apartments with compact patios. That’s why one of the most important questions is: How far should a smokeless fire pit be from the house?

Recommended Distance for Safety

Helios Fire advises placing your smokeless fire pit at least 3–5 metres away from any structure, including walls, fences, or overhanging roofs. This spacing reduces the risk of heat damage and keeps stray sparks from causing accidents.

For very small gardens, the Eros model is often the best fit. Compact and portable, it’s easier to position in tight outdoor areas without crowding walls or furniture.

Consider Wind and Ventilation

Even in a smokeless system, airflow matters. In a small courtyard or walled garden, stagnant air can trap smoke or heat. Always ensure at least one open side for ventilation.

If wind is a factor, position the fire pit so smoke (if any) drifts away from doors, windows, or seated guests.

Helios Fire Recommends to Consider Space in Small Areas

Decks and Wooden Surfaces

One of the biggest concerns in South African homes is whether a smokeless fire pit can be used on a deck. Helios Fire’s design makes this possible only with the supplied base or stand, which elevates the pit and creates airflow beneath it.

Without this, radiant heat could damage or even ignite wooden or composite surfaces.

Concrete or Tile Patios

Concrete, paving, or tiles are generally safe surfaces for Apollo and Eros pits, provided accessories are used correctly. However, placing a heat-resistant mat underneath offers extra peace of mind in tight quarters.

Managing Heat Output in Small Gardens

One of the strongest selling points of smokeless fire pits is their impressive heat output. But in small gardens, this strength can become overwhelming if not managed.

The Apollo vs. the Eros

• Apollo: The larger pit, designed for expansive gatherings, produces more heat and a wider flame radius. In small spaces, it may feel excessive.
  
  

• Eros: The compact model, ideal for townhouse gardens, produces focused heat without overpowering the space.
  
  

Choosing the right model is as much about spatial awareness as lifestyle. A small garden doesn’t need Apollo’s power; Eros is better suited for intimacy and safety.

Additional Safety Guidelines from Helios Fire for Compact Use

To safely enjoy a smokeless fire pit in smaller gardens, follow these practices:

1. Keep 3–5 metres from the house and any combustible surfaces.
   
   

2. Use a spark arrestor shield to reduce the risk of stray embers.
   
   

3. Never position under a roofed patio or enclosed pergola.
   
   

4. Supervise children and pets, as the outer shell becomes extremely hot.
   
   

5. Allow proper cooling before moving or covering the pit.
   
   

These steps may seem simple, but they are essential in compact spaces where margin for error is reduced.

Why Safe Use Matters in South African Homes

South Africa has its own unique fire culture — a blend of tradition, braai rituals, and outdoor living. But it also has practical realities: high-density housing developments, windy coastal climates, and the frequent use of wood as a fuel source.

By educating customers about safe placement and clear indoor restrictions, Helios Fire ensures smokeless fire pits enhance this lifestyle without introducing unnecessary risks.

It’s not just about protecting property; it’s about protecting family gatherings, friendships, and the outdoor moments that define our way of life.

Frequently Asked Safety Questions

Can you burn a smokeless fire pit indoors?

No. Even smokeless fire pits release harmful gases like carbon monoxide. They are strictly for outdoor use.

How far should a smokeless fire pit be from the house?

Place your pit at least 3–5 metres away from walls, fences, or overhangs.

Can I use it on my wooden deck?

Yes, but only with the supplied Helios base or stand that provides airflow underneath.

Which model is best for small gardens?

The Eros is more compact and better suited to townhouses or patios. The Apollo is best for larger gardens.

Indoors vs. Outdoors, Big vs. Small

So, can you use a smokeless fire pit indoors? Absolutely not. These pits are designed for open-air enjoyment only.

And in small gardens, the key is distance and awareness. Keep your pit 3–5 metres from structures, choose the right size model for your space, and use the accessories that add both safety and convenience.

Smokeless fire pits are not about bending the rules of physics. They are about re-engineering how we experience fire in modern homes. By respecting their boundaries, South Africans can safely enjoy the warmth and connection they bring — whether in a spacious backyard or a compact patio garden.

Linking Knowledge to Practice with Helios Fire

If you’d like to dive deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of smokeless fire pits, visit our detailed benefits article.

And when you’re ready to find the perfect model for your space, explore the Apollo product page or the Eros product page for specifications, accessories, and guidance tailored to South African homes.