Solo Stove Torch: My Unexpected Delight

In the ever-evolving landscape of outdoor living, Solo Stove has consistently proven itself a pioneer, launching innovative products that redefine how we experience our backyards and patios. From the culinary brilliance of the Pi Prime Pizza Oven to the versatile Pellet Adapter for their iconic fire pits, Solo Stove continues to impress. Now, they’ve introduced another compelling addition to their lineup: the Solo Stove Mesa Torch. Having extensively tested their popular products, including the original Solo Stove Bonfire, we’ve come to expect nothing short of exceptional quality and thoughtful design from this brand. The Mesa Torch is no exception, elegantly upholding Solo Stove’s reputation for crafting superior outdoor gear.

But what makes an outdoor torch truly stand out in a market flooded with options? My partner and I, seasoned testers of Solo Stove’s diverse range over the past year, were admittedly curious. Yet, after putting the Mesa Torch through its paces, we arrived at a unanimous conclusion. In his own words, my partner declared, “The Mesa Torch might just be my favorite Solo Stove product yet.” This speaks volumes, given our admiration for their previous innovations.

The new Solo Stove Mesa Torch is more than just a light source; it’s a statement piece. It masterfully combines stunning aesthetics with practical functionality, casting an inviting glow that instantly elevates any outdoor setting. Beyond its visual appeal, it serves a crucial purpose by helping to deter unwanted insects, allowing you to enjoy crisp evenings and cozy gatherings without interruption. In this comprehensive review, I’ll delve into every detail, from its robust construction to its effortless operation, providing an insider’s look at why this torch is poised to become an indispensable element of your outdoor sanctuary. If you’re a devoted Solo Stove enthusiast or simply someone looking to transform your outdoor space, prepare to be captivated by the Mesa Torch.

What is the Solo Stove Mesa Torch?

The new Solo Stove Mesa Torch is an elegantly designed outdoor torchlight crafted to enhance any backyard or patio setting. Unlike traditional, often flimsy torches, the Mesa Torch embodies Solo Stove’s commitment to durability and refined aesthetics. It’s constructed from robust, high-quality stainless steel, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of outdoor conditions while maintaining its sophisticated appearance. Its design ethos draws clear inspiration from the iconic Solo Stove look, particularly echoing the sleek lines and premium feel of the popular tabletop Mesa fire pit.

One of its most appealing features is its thoughtful finish. The weather-resistant, cold-rolled steel is coated in a sophisticated semi-matte black paint. This not only adds a touch of modern elegance but also allows the torch to blend seamlessly into virtually any outdoor backdrop, from lush gardens to minimalist urban patios. The adaptability of the Mesa Torch is further highlighted by its availability in two distinct configurations: Tall and Short. This allows you to customize the height to suit your specific needs and design preferences. Opt for the tall configuration to illuminate a fence line, define a garden path, or create a dramatic backdrop. Alternatively, the short option is perfect for providing ambient lighting at eye level when you’re relaxing on your patio furniture, ensuring a cozy and intimate atmosphere without obstructing views.

Beyond its striking appearance, the Mesa Torch is engineered for superior performance. It features a generously sized wick designed to produce a substantial, captivating flame that acts as a focal point in your outdoor decor. The integrated fuel canister is ingeniously designed for convenience, offering a large capacity to hold torch fluid. This ample reservoir, combined with the efficient wick system, allows the torch to sustain an impressive, oversized flame for up to five continuous hours on a single fill. Furthermore, extinguishing the flame is remarkably simple and safe, thanks to a precisely fitted bezel that perfectly accommodates the included snuff cap. This secure fit ensures the flame is extinguished quickly and completely, adding to the user-friendly nature and safety of the Solo Stove Mesa Torch, making it a truly remarkable addition to any outdoor space.

Mesa Torch Product Features: Unpacking the Details

The Solo Stove Mesa Torch is designed with both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality in mind, offering a premium experience right out of the box. Available for purchase individually or as a more economical pack of three, it caters to various outdoor lighting needs. Opting for the three-pack not only offers significant savings per torch but also provides a more cohesive and impactful lighting solution for larger areas or multiple zones within your outdoor space.

Each Mesa Torch, whether purchased individually or as part of a set, comes thoughtfully equipped with all the essentials for immediate use. You receive the torch itself, engineered with Solo Stove’s signature quality, along with sturdy ground stake(s) for secure placement. To ensure a mess-free and effortless fueling experience, a durable silicone funnel is included. Furthermore, knowing that proper maintenance extends the life of your product, Solo Stove includes extra wicks, guaranteeing long-term enjoyment. A notable bonus with the three-pack is the inclusion of Solo Stove’s custom citronella-scented Mesa Torch Fuel, providing not only illumination but also a pleasant aroma and effective insect deterrence from the moment you set it up.

The dimensions of the Mesa Torch have been carefully considered to offer versatility without overpowering your outdoor decor. The tall configuration stands impressively at 52-1/2 inches, making it ideal for creating dramatic vertical lighting accents or illuminating larger sections of your garden or fence line. For more intimate settings, the short option measures 37-3/4 inches, perfect for patio dining areas or seating arrangements where ambient light at eye level is desired. Despite their height, each torch boasts a slim and lightweight profile, making them easy to move and position. The torch’s head has a modest diameter of just 3-3/4 inches, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct views or create a bulky presence on your patio. Inside, the integrated fuel canister is designed to hold a generous 21 ounces of liquid fuel, underpinning the torch’s impressive five-hour burn time. This thoughtful balance of size, weight, and capacity means the Mesa Torch is not only a functional lighting element but also a subtle yet powerful enhancement to your outdoor ambiance, built to Solo Stove’s exacting standards.

How We Tested It: A Hands-On Review

When the anticipated new Solo Stove Mesa Torches arrived at my doorstep, I was immediately struck by the surprisingly slim and lightweight packaging. My initial thought was that I must have mistakenly received only one torch, given the deceptive size of the box. However, upon opening it, I was delighted to discover my assumption was incorrect; the package contained three torches, neatly bundled alongside all the necessary components, including extra wicks, the convenient silicone funnel, and all three snuff caps. This efficient packaging immediately signaled Solo Stove’s attention to detail and practical design.

Mesa Torch Assembly: Simplicity Personified

One of the most appealing aspects of the Mesa Torch is its remarkably straightforward assembly. While some light assembly is required, it genuinely takes mere seconds to complete. The process involves simply connecting the three pole segments – which screw together with ease – to the ground stake at one end and the torch head at the other. This intuitive design means you’re ready to securely place your torch in the ground wherever your outdoor vision dictates almost immediately. Once assembled and positioned, the next step is to add your chosen torch fuel, filling the integrated canister up to the clearly marked fill line. For my testing, I didn’t have the specific Mesa Torch Fuel on hand, so I opted for a clean-burn, mosquito-repellent torch fuel I already owned. I’m happy to report that it worked like an absolute charm, proving the torch’s versatility with various fuel types.

Filling and Lighting the Mesa Torch: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ambiance

After filling the Mesa Torch’s reservoir, an important step for optimal performance is to allow the wick to thoroughly saturate with fuel for at least 15 minutes before attempting to light it. This ensures a consistent and robust flame from the outset. Once lit, the flame doesn’t immediately reach its full grandeur; it gradually builds to its maximum size over another 15 minutes, transforming from a gentle flicker to a powerful, mesmerizing glow. When your outdoor evening comes to an end, extinguishing the torch is just as simple and safe. The sleek silver snuff cap slides effortlessly over the torch head and locks securely into place, instantly cutting off oxygen to the flame and providing peace of mind.

What truly stood out during our testing was the Mesa Torches’ incredibly slender design. They possess an undeniable elegance, avoiding any sense of bulkiness or cumbersome presence on our patio. Despite their slim profile, they consistently produced a tall, vibrant flame that cast a significant amount of light, effectively illuminating our outdoor space. As my partner and I relaxed on our patio, enveloped by the bright, bug-repelling flames of the Mesa Torches, we both wholeheartedly agreed: these new torches might very well be our favorite Solo Stove product to date. Their design is unparalleled among backyard torches we’ve encountered, and once firmly staked into the ground, they feel exceptionally sturdy and reliable, even in breezy conditions. If you’ve been relying on outdated, perhaps wobbly, bamboo torches for your outdoor lighting, you will be profoundly impressed by the superior overall quality, the refined aesthetics, and the robust performance of the Solo Stove Mesa Torch. It’s a genuine upgrade that enhances both the look and feel of your outdoor sanctuary, transforming it into a more inviting and comfortable space.

Pros: The Bright Side of the Mesa Torch

• Impressive Quality: Constructed with Solo Stove’s signature stainless steel, ensuring exceptional durability and longevity, reflecting a premium build.
• Easy to Assemble and Use: Simple, tool-free assembly takes mere seconds, and the fueling and lighting processes are straightforward and user-friendly.
• Weather-Resistant: Built to withstand the elements, the cold-rolled steel with its semi-matte black finish ensures it looks great season after season.
• Extended Burn Time: A generous five-hour burn time on a single fill means fewer interruptions and more uninterrupted enjoyment of your outdoor space.
• Compatible with Any Torch Fuel: Offers flexibility to use various standard torch fuels, including citronella for bug repellent or paraffin for clean burning.
• Lightweight, Yet Sturdy: Easy to move and position, yet incredibly stable once staked into the ground, resisting wind and accidental knocks.
• Large, Captivating Flame: Produces a substantial and bright flame that creates a warm, inviting ambiance and effective illumination.
• Adjustable Height: Available in tall and short configurations, providing versatility to suit different lighting needs and design preferences for various outdoor areas.
• Lifetime Warranty: Backed by Solo Stove’s commitment to quality, offering peace of mind and assurance in your investment.

Cons: Minor Considerations

• A Little Pricey: While reflecting premium quality and design, the initial investment may be higher than conventional torches, though justified by durability and features.
• Missing Snuff Cap Clip: My specific three-pack only came with one clip to secure the snuff cap to the torch pole, despite including three caps. A minor inconvenience, as the caps still function perfectly when placed directly on the torch.

Final Verdict: Elevate Your Outdoor Experience with the Mesa Torch

If you’re looking to truly level up your patio or backyard experience, especially as the seasons shift and evenings grow crisp, introducing the warm, flickering glow of firelight can instantly transform your space. The Solo Stove Mesa Torch excels at creating that perfect, inviting ambiance for any backyard get-together, a quiet evening under the stars, or simply to enhance your everyday outdoor living. Beyond its undeniable aesthetic appeal, I particularly appreciate the practical benefit of being able to add citronella-scented or other insect-repellent torch fuel. This thoughtful feature allows you to enjoy your outdoor haven without the nuisance of unwanted bugs, making every moment more comfortable and enjoyable.

The Mesa Torches have become an integral part of my patio setup. They not only look remarkably stylish and modern, adding a sophisticated touch to the decor, but they also serve a dual purpose. They provide ample light for improved visibility, ensuring safety and ease of movement after dusk, while simultaneously offering crucial protection from those pesky critters and their unwelcome bites. It’s this seamless blend of stunning design, practical functionality, and robust construction that makes the Solo Stove Mesa Torch an outstanding choice for anyone seeking to enhance their outdoor living space.

Where to Buy the Solo Stove Mesa Torch

The Solo Stove Mesa Torch is an investment in quality outdoor ambiance, retailing for $80 for a single torch directly from Solo Stove’s official website. For those looking to create a more comprehensive lighting scheme or cover a larger area, the pack of three torches is available for $200. This multi-pack offers significant value, bringing the cost down to approximately $67 per torch, making it a more economical choice for multiple units. Beyond Solo Stove’s direct channels, you can also conveniently purchase these stunning torches on Amazon and at The Home Depot, ensuring wide availability. A notable advantage of purchasing the three-pack, especially from Solo Stove directly, is the inclusion of their proprietary torch fuel. Since quality torch fuel can be a little pricey on its own, this added bonus is a fantastic incentive. Who doesn’t appreciate a valuable freebie that gets you started right away?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Solo Stove Mesa Torch

Is the Mesa Torch smokeless?

It’s important to clarify that unlike Solo Stove’s renowned fire pits, which are engineered for minimal smoke, the Mesa Torch is not entirely smokeless. Torch fuel, by its nature, tends to produce a small amount of smoke when burning, particularly when first lit. This is a common characteristic of most torch fuels. However, during my testing, I specifically used a “clean-burn” torch fuel and observed very little smoke, even during ignition. If reducing smoke is a priority for your outdoor experience, opting for high-quality, clean-burning torch fuels is definitely a viable option to minimize its presence.

How do I light my Mesa Torch safely and effectively?

Lighting your Solo Stove Mesa Torch is a simple process designed for safety and efficiency. After you have successfully assembled your torch, securely placed it in your desired location, and filled the canister with your preferred torch fuel, the crucial next step is to insert the wick into the canister cap. Allow the wick to soak for a minimum of 15 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly saturated with fuel; this promotes an even and sustained flame. When you’re ready to light it, ensure that at least ½-inch of the wick is extending from the top of the cap. For your safety, we highly recommend using a long-stem lighter or an extended match. This provides a safe distance between your hand and the flame, preventing accidental burns and making the lighting process much easier.

What type of fuel is compatible with the Mesa Torch?

The Solo Stove Mesa Torch is designed for broad compatibility, running efficiently on standard torch fuel types. This includes commonly available options such as citronella-based oils, which are popular for their insect-repelling properties, and paraffin-based oils, known for their clean-burning characteristics and bright flame. The integrated fuel reservoir is easy to access and fill. Simply pour your chosen torch fuel up to the indicated fill line, allow the wick to saturate as instructed, light it, and you’ll be able to enjoy a steady, flickering flame that beautifully illuminates and enhances your outdoor space for hours.

Can the Mesa Torch be left outdoors year-round?

The Solo Stove Mesa Torch is built with weather-resistant materials, specifically cold-rolled stainless steel with a durable semi-matte black finish, designed to withstand typical outdoor conditions. While it is robust enough to be left out for extended periods, for optimal longevity and to preserve its pristine appearance, we recommend storing your Mesa Torch indoors during periods of extreme weather, such as heavy snow, ice, or prolonged heavy rain, and certainly during the off-season. This practice will help protect the finish and internal components, ensuring your torch continues to perform beautifully for years to come.

How do I clean and maintain my Mesa Torch?

Maintaining your Solo Stove Mesa Torch is straightforward, ensuring it remains a striking feature in your outdoor area. For routine cleaning, simply wipe down the exterior of the torch with a damp cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or smudges. For more thorough cleaning, especially if you plan to store the torch for an extended period, it’s advisable to carefully remove any remaining fuel from the integrated canister. This prevents fuel from sitting stagnant and potentially affecting the wick or canister over time. Regularly inspect the wick for any significant charring or wear; replacement wicks are included and readily available to ensure consistent flame quality. With minimal effort, your Mesa Torch will continue to cast its beautiful glow and enhance your outdoor gatherings.