I love this review! It's such a great concept and I've been looking at the Biolite products for years. The fan noise and the rust are the deal breakers for me. Thank you Jason!
I concur. For me it's the fan noise. That would bug the heck out of me. Personally, the campfire isn't just visual it's audible. When I'm relaxing at the campsite I don't want to hear a mechanical buzzing sound. I've been known to use a BT speaker while camping, but only up to a point.
I also can't believe they don't have it set up to charge itself. That is like a staple of thier other stoves and kettle. I guess you could buy thier kettle charger and put it on this and run a usb to this unit's fan. Rust, noise, and charging system are things they need ro fix but I'd love to buy one even if they charged more to fix it.
@@mlwinans61706 Because rust eats away the metal and looses the integrity of the structure. That is not a good thing for a structure that is supposed to hold fire.
I second having to bush it and put some high temp paint on- especially if you forget it out in the rain a couple times. Also, the solar charger works great if you get any kind of sun. Third they have a cool griddle and lid that makes cooking even better now. I find the noise is only an issue if its above setting 2, which is plenty if you have dry wood. Its fun to stoke it with wood and crank the fan for a few mins and then drop it down so its quieter or crack it back up if you want a blast of heat. They also come with a better bag option with a solar panel as well. Thanks for the review!
You forgot to mention the 3rd air pipe at the bottom of firepit and run it on setting 1, I've had mine for 5 years and i live in Scotland, as long as you keep the rain off it it won't rust as bad and works great as a fire using charcoal , i have to admit that I'm going to give it a rub down with a wire brush this weekend and spray it with barbecue paint as with all things metal it will rust as long as it doesn't get wet it won't rust nearly as bad. Love from Scotland❤❤
Jason, brush it down with a wire brush, then repaint it with a few coats of black engine block / high heat paint. Mine did the same thing. That’s the best fix.
@@59nang Only If it were stainless it wouldn't rust. but its just like any barbecue pit, so it rusts. The fact that its mesh makes it even more fragile, but thats what makes it fun to watch. and I paint it BECAUSE I spent 200. Its preventative maintenance to be sure I can get my moneys worth out of it. None of us knew this when it first came out.
I agree with your review, the loud fan and rust makes this a no buy for me. If a manufacturer wants a cult like following they need to put quality first.
I have been running rivers for nearly 15 years and have been camping/hunting for the better part of my 55 years. I am so on board with the no trace concept!!! Once a person experiences the positive results of such outdoors enjoyment it is a game changer on how we enjoy the outdoor living and recreation. Really enjoying your channel!!!
I think you are spot on with the pro's and con's. It's a great concept idea but maybe it just needs further development to refine and make it more durable. All products that are successful go through this evolution. Thanks for this review!
Great review. Promising idea, but based on the noise and the power requirement I don't think it is my jam, even aside from the rust. Thanks for doing this one!
For me, the BENEFITS far outweigh the cons. I take my BIoLite FirePit with me most places that I go. It's perfect for a cozy & mostly smokeless fire to be able to sit near & be comfortable. For the portability of a nice fire & the ability to cook as well is superb. Yes, with my heavy use, the screening has some rust... not a big deal as it never has failed otherwise, and I have been using mine since it's KickStarter release. Wood VS Hardwood Charcoal... or both? I utilize each setup for what I want to do. Anymore, I am enjoying a bed of Hardwood Charcoal, and then for some flame, I throw on some wood here and there. This is a great fire that keeps smokeless. In areas where Charcoal is allowed but not other fires... this rocks! My State Park allows for me to have this right on the beach since it's off ground and charcoal! Since I purchased my original unit, BioLite has come out with a fantastic Carry Bag, and a Domed and Vented Lid, and a fitted Iron Pan. This really is a dynamite system! I'll deal with the rust... not an issue. I do have the Solar Carry Case for recharging... pretty good accessory to have as well for continued adventures!
Had this in my cart getting ready to buy till seen this review thanks for saving mee the money. That rust changed my mind completely. Thanks my friend I owe you.
Great review. I had been looking at this unit, and this video was the deciding factor for me. I'm no engineer, but my initial thought about the firebox size is this. They make it small so that you can't stack too much wood in there. A lot of wood creates a lot of heat. Too much heat might cause the metal grated side to warp or melt. I have had a metal mesh lid to a fire pit that did just that because it got too hot. Again, I'm no engineer, and I could be way off on that, but that was my first impression. Anyway, keep up the great work. I really enjoy your videos.
I have a new one in 2024. I hope the quality has improved and thank you if your video and others had something to do with the improvements. I know the bag is better and seems very good quality and is the duffel type bag you suggested. It fits the entire fire pit including the lid. I also got a griddle plate with the firepit and a lid. These can be used to create a little oven type cooking facility.... and I guess the griddle covering the flames means i don't have to be very fussy about what wood I use as the flames dont touch the food when using the griddle.
That much rust in only a few months is terrible. Definitely a deal breaker for me hear in the PNW. I looked at it this summer and held off because of the price, glad i did. Thank you for the honest review. Maybe BioLite will come out with something better.
I saw the rust early in the video and thought to myself "Well... he's probably had it for a couple of years and kept it outside..." Ummmmm, nope! 2 months? That's a simple design failure right there.
Good review. Try putting bacon grease on the metal parts when their warm but not too hot. It smokes for awhile but adds a layer of protection from rust. I paint it on with a cheap paint brush. I use it on equipment mufflers and works great. It’s obviously food grade so you can still cook on it.
Had been considering this unit for a while. Really appreciated finding this video today. The pros and cons really helped me make a decision. I’ll check out some more of ur vids.
Thank you for the honest review. I am in the market for a smokeless firepit. I could definitely do without the fan noise drowning out the crackling of the fire. The rusting in such a short period of time is a shame. Those two are the main reasons this firepit is a no go for me.
We've had our BioLite Firepit for two years, well in excess of 250 fires, and it's traveled down the road for 23, 000 miles. The items listed below are reality from many fires over two years: 1) it appears the reviewer has the bottom grate set in the charcoal position. When the grate is dropped lower, where is should be for wood, the BioLite can hold two standard split logs and still be below the top bellow. 2) it started rusting from day 1 and now two years later is still just fine. I've seen rusted Solo stoves too, despite Solo being stainless steel. Don't worry about the rusting. 3) bag sucks? That bag is still hole free and doing it's job two years and 23,000 miles later. Experience tops estimation. 4) noise? The only time we use the electric bellows is with wet wood. If you have the bottom grate where it belongs, we always have logs two high and very, very little smoke without the bellows. Items not mentioned in the review: 1) Storage - since it's square and the legs collapse for travel it stores where the Solo can't store. REI let us take both the Solo and BioLite out to our camper to check storage and the BioLite used less space. 2) it has a position for charcoal that we use to cook all the time. Once we're done cooking, we merely drop the bottom grate the the lower position and burn wood. 3) we use half the wood we used to use in a open firepit, less than one purchased bundle vs two full bundles for a standard fire pit. Do the math, at $5 a bundle over 250 nights, that's $1,250 saved. We purchased our for $175 at REI on a sale, so if it rusts out 3-4 years from now, so what, the Solo will too. 4) we've had numerous fires underneath the awning, many with pouring rain coming off the awning, but since the BioLite is underneath we're nice and toast.
Great review and some great comments here. I DID still order one, and look forward to giving it a good go. But, with two small kids with Australian Shepherds, so we're mostly backyard/car campers for the time being, and having a fire that's contained and off the ground with little smoke is ideal. As far as the rust, some high heat paint and keeping this away from moisture will mitigate that for our uses. Appreciate all the insight though! Cheers.
@@hauptuhrdotnetblog6700 Literally have never had any problem with rust! The Biolite has been great!! Use it as a BBQ most often these days with charcoal.
Thank you for being honest with your viewers. I know there is huge pressure from retailers and manfactures to provide cupcake reviews. To me I was shocked that it did not provide power as the small one does.
Jason, great review as usual. You hit the nail on the head with the Pros and Cons, including the noise. I haven’t used mine as much as you have and when I do, I use it as you commented, it’s more of an event verses a lifestyle. Thanks for taking the time to give an honest and complete review. I’d like to know when BioLite contacts you and see how they will adapt your suggestions. Skillet
@@jeromegardner2707 I spoke to a rep from BioLite several months ago and asked that exact question. They say they have, but I am unable to verify this. I have not used mine for sometime. There are several great options out there for portable firepits, including Jason's favorite one that he has used many times for the past year or two. Enjoy your search. Skillet
Con: It really doesn't put out much heat. Sitting 3 feet away I was cold. All the heat goes straight up because the sides don't allow for the heat to radiate outward. As a side note, I have the cover that has the small solar panel on top to charge it when not in use. It works, but even covered, the rust prevails. Good video.
We first this unit when camping a couple of months ago, we thought it was the coolest thing. Not having to dance around the smoke and it having some tech is what sold me. I recently found it on sale and went for it. Thanks for posting the pros and cons. The rust is concerning for sure.
Hey Jason, I will agree with your Pros & Cons. I have been using my Biolite Fire pit for more than a year. It works great for when it's raining outside - I can use it under the awning of my Kodiak Cabin tent for warmth and cooking just fine. I live in area with more oaks and maples so the hardwood works great in it and offers a longer burn. Pine and Fir burns up too quick with air flow. I also noticed the same with "smokeless" claim. Sometimes there is no smoke but, other times there is less smoke than traditional ground fire. All in all, I think it's a great little addition for Glamping, car camping, and like you said, backyard BBQ's hibachi style.
Cracking review cheers. We was looking at one to use on adventures with our channel. The bag, fan noise also the rusting has put us off. So glad for reviews like this 💯🤜🏻🤛🏻🤘
Great review! I’ve been waiting to hear what you had to say about it. I’ve had the smaller unit for several years now and it works perfectly just like the first time I used it. The power bank not recharging from the fire is the first deal breaker for me. I mean seriously what were they thinking? That’s their thing. It’s what caused me to want their smaller unit in the first place. It’s like they forgot where they came from. Anyone can make a firebox with a computer fan at one end. What set them apart was the fan module recharging itself while you boiled water for your coffee and you could run a usb powered light or charge your phone or handheld gps at the same time. 2nd thing for me is all that rust. Couldn’t they have used high heat stove paint? About 10 years ago I made a fire ring/pit for my parents to use on their patio. The last thing I did was paint every square inch of it with several coats of high heat stove paint that’s used on wood stoves. Guess what? No rust. Not even 10 years on and my dad never puts it away lol. And here in the Pacific Northwest we have high humidity and near the coast it’s salt air lol. No I think they can keep this unit and I’ll spend my $200 on something better like supporting my favourite TH-camr who happens to live a couple hours away from me here in the PNW lol Besides I love his pups choice of coffee! Lol. Again thanks for an incredible and honest review Jason. It’s not often I see a reviewer chuck something to the side while saying “this sucks” lol God bless you and the pups Cheers mate and happy trails
Great review! I’ve been considering this fire pit for the last year. Gonna give it a try. I think it will work for a beach site that we use because of their ground fire restrictions. Salty air may not fair well. Guess I’ll let you know.
Jason thank you for this helpful review. I can see that it would work for some applications. What I hear you saying is that it's not the perfect answer yet for the serious camper.
One other pro, on the kick starter we also received a solar panel embedded it in the cover. Just another way to charge when on the go.Otherwise, I wholeheartedly agree on all your other points I’ve had mine for two years.
Thanks for that Jason. I had been thinking about one of those and remember it from the last time we camped. The $200 had me interested, but I do want it to last longer, ie: not rusting away.
Great review of the product. The sound + rust is for sure a deal breaker. While camping you definitely don't want a loud humming noise like that. Appreciate the work you put into this!
Thank you for the review. I've been wondering about that unit ever since I've found your channel. Looks like it'd be a fine patio piece but unfortunately not something built for the extensive use it's seeing in your wanderings. Thanks again for the rig run downs. Skol!
Love your video's I also have one of these and love it. Your review is really accurate. I agree with most of the points. I have had mine for just over a year with approx 100 fires in it and still enjoy the convenience of it. I have the upgraded cover with he solar panel for charging the battery pack while it is out in the daytime. The upgraded bag has handles and does secure to the unit securely so that you can carry it.
Great review, I like using a portable fire pit, I like the look of this one, but the rust is sad to see this soon, so for us I’d prefer to spend the extra if it was built from stainless steel, and had a slightly bigger fire box.
2Fast2Beat I echo your comments. I too have the bag with solar panel. I was surprised when Jason brought his “bag”. It was terrible and I understand his comments.
@@1990westfalia yeah. I like the upgraded bag and agree that the basic one is pretty much usless. I do love my firepit and would buy it again in a second.
Thank you as I was mainly concerned with the longevity of the unit due to the price tag. Perhaps it lasts longer than I'd imagine. Otherwise I may consider fabricating a heavier screen for it should it burn out. Thanks again.
Great review! We're starting with car camping so I think this will work better for us short term, & for my tiny backyard too. Another plus: local ordinances don't allow open fires EXCEPT for cooking/grilling, so we can check the box with this. And the manufacturer must've heard you & others, as the new bag has a much better design. Thanks again!
Thank you. Great review. Seems honest and was easy to understand. I watched this and the solo stove reviews. I made my fire pit from an old washing machine barrel. Have you ever used or seen one of those? I am wondering how they compare to something like that. They are very cheap if you have the ability to mask a solid base. They also have great heat distribution and they are easy to move around. If you aren't familiar with washer tub fire pits go ahead and look them up. You can buy an large old barrel for 20 bucks and then for another 15-20 bucks you can buy some material to make your stand. The air flow is so good you don't need a fan and you can personalize it pretty much anyway you want to spend the time to do. If you want one I'd be happy to make one and send it to you.
Good video of the Pros and Cons, thank you. Lots of comments here too but I haven't seen one in regards to the major cons having been addressed on the BioLite FirePit+ which now is enameled, has an accessory lid, and a carry bag with handles. Looks to me like they listened to the comments. All those fixed, I see no reason for this to become an awesome product. Perhaps a rotisserie could be added as an accessory that can be switched to run on the battery pack instead of the fan (add some smoke flavor too).
I’ve been looking forward to your review on this Biolite. The rust is a dealbreaker for me. The salt air in Hawaii would make the problem 10 times worse. Love your videos.
Thank you. I love the purpose of your video. Pro and cons. I thought all add on fans’ boxes, recharge, as the flame was on. For this single reason I am not interested in this product. Great review.
Great review and your points are spot on. I won’t be asking for this for Christmas since it certainly can’t be considered a value for the money. Well done!
Thanks for an honest and in-depth review. I like the idea of smokeless and I always try to build leave-no-trace fires when there's not an established ring, but I already have enough trouble keeping all my various devices charged...can't imagine adding still more to the list. I wouldn't want to listen to it run all evening anyway. Hopefully BioLite can take this excellent feedback and refine their product.
Great review, thank you! So many products simply do not deliver the promise they put forward in the real world. Some cons are just things you have to accept for that design, but they are never disclosed. For instance does Biolite ever disclose the downsides to their battery powered fan? Of course not. The lack of a tough and durable storage and transport bag is completely BS. No company should get a pass on things like that, and it is things like that which lead to hundreds of dollars worth of equipment sitting in the garage at home because taking them is a pain. Anyway, GOOD reviews on this channel! The 45 thumbs down all work for Biolite. The other 2,300 are the rest of us.
@@brianpickard2037 Thank you for that information, I had not seen that bag. The truth is though, honest reviews like this are what drive positive changes, and it still is lame that the stove was not supplied with a cover / carry bag from day one. It takes exactly one use of any camp stove like this to realize this need. These wood fired pits get filthy, and where are you supposed to store it then? It isn't really portable unless there is a reasonable way to transport it. Solo Stove , for instance, supplies a carry bag with every stove or fire pit. The Biolite bag is sold separately for $60
Our bag is two years old, over 250 fires, 23,000 miles down the road, and no tears or leaks. Doesn't need a zipper for us and if we want to store it in the rain I'd just buy their rain bag. 15 minutes after emptying the firepit, it's cool enough to go into the bag and into the covered storage.
Great video! Love the B roll transitions. On the pit, I really like being able to see the fire through the sides, but the fan noise is a tough one to get over. The rust is odd. Seems like if you keep it clean and dry it shouldn’t rust, right?
Great review thank you, have been curious about this one as love the concept. Think we'll stick with our Snowpeak Firepit though, no rust after 7yrs (at least 100 fires per year, many beach camping), super compact, lifetime warranty👌
If is is a cover, I would suggest the manufacturer could have designated it as such. Perhaps in an owners manual. If it is not evident, not the buyer/user's problem. This is another product with a good idea ( as used by others) with a poor execution. No doubt not used by the manufacturer/designers. Yuppie junk, looks good, doesn't work.
The outside of the box indicates it is a “rain cover”. If this was being used as a bag I can imagine how it may have been exposed to moisture, which would explain the rust. I haven’t used mine yet, so I hope that is the case. Nice review.
Thank you for your review. How loud is the fan? Is it as loud as a gasoline powered lawnmower? Can you lower the fan speed and would it make a difference in noise?
I bought this fire pit about a month ago, used it twice and noticed after the first two uses it started to rust. That said, I picked up a can of 2000F rustoleou to coat the outside of the fire pit. Fingers crossed it takes care of the visible rusting.
My only issue is that I'm stationed overseas, and this is the only fire pit I can find right now. I wouldn't use it 'often' or leave it to the elements. And if I see rust, I'll probably clean it. Would it still be a good option with that in mind? I like the idea of throwing charcoal in, and a log or two for the fire ambiance but the warmth of coals.
Glad I went with the SoloStove instead. Burned in it once already and loved it. The only drawback to it is that the fire has no radiant heat. All of it goes straight up
Like what others have mentioned...great review! I would also be annoyed by having to constantly be feeding the fire with its limited capacity and requiring the battery to function properly doesn’t make sense especially if you’re going to longer periods of time. Not to mention I would expect better quality for such an expensive unit.
You should try Alder, it makes good coal burns quite long and very hot My dad was a Blacksmith and when we were out of coal we were using Alder for forging Thanks for the video
Thank you for your pros & cons video! I usually fall in love with the advertising of cool products & not even see any negatives involved. I am seeking a fire pit (homemade or purchased) for my son’s new house. He has like 5 acres & they are looking forward to cooking meals & enjoying fires together with their family. Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thank you very much!!
Nice work on the review Jason, not sure I would ever have a need for one but I can definitely see its purpose. Its hard to beat a good old fashioned camp fire!
thanks for the review! - Can you suggest 1 or 2 other fire pits you have used that do well at smokeless but without a battery? Size wise, the BioLite in your video is about right for me.
Apparently they came out with a new upgraded version that addresses quite a few things, including new paint that doesn't rust...and it throws heat outward now. As well as a few other things...may be worth checking out again for those who wanted those issues solved.
I really like the idea of this and hope they come out with a different model that fixes the main issues people have with it. One thing I wonder over is whether or not the shape of it makes it difficult to create a smokeless fire without the aid of the fan. I use a washer tub currently, and if you have good, dry wood, and load it properly, you can have a fire that generally doesn't push out a ton of smoke. Prior to this review I had envisioned being able to use the fan to jump start the fire and then turn it off until I had to add more wood. Or, turn it on to quickly burn down the wood so I could leave it unattended. But now seeing it in action, it just doesn't look big enough. I would gladly take something 1.5 to even 2 times the size of this - but not for 1.5 or 2x the price.
I could hear that fan the entire time!! No way Jose! And the rust..Deal breaker! Thanks so much!!
He had the fan on high - it's to start the fire, turning it lower you don't hear it plus it doesn't burn the wood as fast.
I love this review! It's such a great concept and I've been looking at the Biolite products for years. The fan noise and the rust are the deal breakers for me.
Thank you Jason!
I concur. For me it's the fan noise. That would bug the heck out of me. Personally, the campfire isn't just visual it's audible. When I'm relaxing at the campsite I don't want to hear a mechanical buzzing sound. I've been known to use a BT speaker while camping, but only up to a point.
I also can't believe they don't have it set up to charge itself. That is like a staple of thier other stoves and kettle. I guess you could buy thier kettle charger and put it on this and run a usb to this unit's fan. Rust, noise, and charging system are things they need ro fix but I'd love to buy one even if they charged more to fix it.
Why not get a $5 can of Rustoleum when the rust gets bad? would take less than 10 mins completely fix the problem
@@mlwinans61706 Because rust eats away the metal and looses the integrity of the structure. That is not a good thing for a structure that is supposed to hold fire.
The noisy high speed fan is to start the fire..., but once the fire is going you turn the fan down and it is barely noticeable.
I second having to bush it and put some high temp paint on- especially if you forget it out in the rain a couple times. Also, the solar charger works great if you get any kind of sun. Third they have a cool griddle and lid that makes cooking even better now. I find the noise is only an issue if its above setting 2, which is plenty if you have dry wood. Its fun to stoke it with wood and crank the fan for a few mins and then drop it down so its quieter or crack it back up if you want a blast of heat. They also come with a better bag option with a solar panel as well. Thanks for the review!
You forgot to mention the 3rd air pipe at the bottom of firepit and run it on setting 1, I've had mine for 5 years and i live in Scotland, as long as you keep the rain off it it won't rust as bad and works great as a fire using charcoal , i have to admit that I'm going to give it a rub down with a wire brush this weekend and spray it with barbecue paint as with all things metal it will rust as long as it doesn't get wet it won't rust nearly as bad. Love from Scotland❤❤
Didn’t realize it did not charge. Also that rust issue just saved me $200 or however much this cost. Thanks for the great video.
Jason, brush it down with a wire brush, then repaint it with a few coats of black engine block / high heat paint. Mine did the same thing. That’s the best fix.
Serious? You just spent 2 hundy & you want to have to refinish it, no thanks
@@59nang Only If it were stainless it wouldn't rust. but its just like any barbecue pit, so it rusts. The fact that its mesh makes it even more fragile, but thats what makes it fun to watch. and I paint it BECAUSE I spent 200. Its preventative maintenance to be sure I can get my moneys worth out of it. None of us knew this when it first came out.
@@MrRayMac1963 stainless doesn't mean it won't rust. Stainless just stains less.
What did you do about the fan noise? (yeah I know really late reply)
@@-A-c Use the phone ap and turn it down and "manage" the smoke. I almost never run mine on high.
I agree with your review, the loud fan and rust makes this a no buy for me. If a manufacturer wants a cult like following they need to put quality first.
I have been running rivers for nearly 15 years and have been camping/hunting for the better part of my 55 years.
I am so on board with the no trace concept!!!
Once a person experiences the positive results of such outdoors enjoyment it is a game changer on how we enjoy the outdoor living and recreation.
Really enjoying your channel!!!
I think you are spot on with the pro's and con's. It's a great concept idea but maybe it just needs further development to refine and make it more durable. All products that are successful go through this evolution. Thanks for this review!
Great review. Promising idea, but based on the noise and the power requirement I don't think it is my jam, even aside from the rust. Thanks for doing this one!
I was going to purchase but after seeing how small the fire box was and the rust, then I really have to reconsider.Thank you for uploading
For me, the BENEFITS far outweigh the cons. I take my BIoLite FirePit with me most places that I go. It's perfect for a cozy & mostly smokeless fire to be able to sit near & be comfortable. For the portability of a nice fire & the ability to cook as well is superb. Yes, with my heavy use, the screening has some rust... not a big deal as it never has failed otherwise, and I have been using mine since it's KickStarter release.
Wood VS Hardwood Charcoal... or both? I utilize each setup for what I want to do. Anymore, I am enjoying a bed of Hardwood Charcoal, and then for some flame, I throw on some wood here and there. This is a great fire that keeps smokeless. In areas where Charcoal is allowed but not other fires... this rocks! My State Park allows for me to have this right on the beach since it's off ground and charcoal!
Since I purchased my original unit, BioLite has come out with a fantastic Carry Bag, and a Domed and Vented Lid, and a fitted Iron Pan. This really is a dynamite system! I'll deal with the rust... not an issue. I do have the Solar Carry Case for recharging... pretty good accessory to have as well for continued adventures!
Im glad I watched this. I was going to buy one but managed to find the biolite Basecamp in stock I have been LOVING that. High recommend
Had this in my cart getting ready to buy till seen this review thanks for saving mee the money. That rust changed my mind completely. Thanks my friend I owe you.
Thanks for the review. I believe these companies need to get with people like you to test products before they put it into production.
Great, honest review. Seeing all of that rust really sealed the deal for me - that's a definite "no go" in my book.
Same. Not worth investing in something that's going to deteriorate in a few months
Great review. I had been looking at this unit, and this video was the deciding factor for me. I'm no engineer, but my initial thought about the firebox size is this. They make it small so that you can't stack too much wood in there. A lot of wood creates a lot of heat. Too much heat might cause the metal grated side to warp or melt. I have had a metal mesh lid to a fire pit that did just that because it got too hot. Again, I'm no engineer, and I could be way off on that, but that was my first impression. Anyway, keep up the great work. I really enjoy your videos.
Great review. Just picked one up and this was helpful for getting the smoke down
I have a new one in 2024. I hope the quality has improved and thank you if your video and others had something to do with the improvements. I know the bag is better and seems very good quality and is the duffel type bag you suggested. It fits the entire fire pit including the lid. I also got a griddle plate with the firepit and a lid. These can be used to create a little oven type cooking facility.... and I guess the griddle covering the flames means i don't have to be very fussy about what wood I use as the flames dont touch the food when using the griddle.
That much rust in only a few months is terrible. Definitely a deal breaker for me hear in the PNW. I looked at it this summer and held off because of the price, glad i did. Thank you for the honest review. Maybe BioLite will come out with something better.
I saw the rust early in the video and thought to myself "Well... he's probably had it for a couple of years and kept it outside..." Ummmmm, nope! 2 months? That's a simple design failure right there.
Good review. Try putting bacon grease on the metal parts when their warm but not too hot. It smokes for awhile but adds a layer of protection from rust. I paint it on with a cheap paint brush. I use it on equipment mufflers and works great. It’s obviously food grade so you can still cook on it.
I like to add bacon grease on all sorts of stuff most things actually. Puts a smile on my face
So glad I watched this. Was going to pull the trigger but I think I will keep looking.
Had been considering this unit for a while. Really appreciated finding this video today. The pros and cons really helped me make a decision. I’ll check out some more of ur vids.
It's been two years. Can you do a review of the product today? I am curious about the rusting issue. Thank you.
I literally just bought it for $150 new. Waiting for it to arrive. Awesome review!
Thank you for the honest review. I am in the market for a smokeless firepit. I could definitely do without the fan noise drowning out the crackling of the fire. The rusting in such a short period of time is a shame. Those two are the main reasons this firepit is a no go for me.
this video is so well done, thank you. Great font, very well organized, not overly sensational.
We've had our BioLite Firepit for two years, well in excess of 250 fires, and it's traveled down the road for 23, 000 miles. The items listed below are reality from many fires over two years:
1) it appears the reviewer has the bottom grate set in the charcoal position. When the grate is dropped lower, where is should be for wood, the BioLite can hold two standard split logs and still be below the top bellow.
2) it started rusting from day 1 and now two years later is still just fine. I've seen rusted Solo stoves too, despite Solo being stainless steel. Don't worry about the rusting.
3) bag sucks? That bag is still hole free and doing it's job two years and 23,000 miles later. Experience tops estimation.
4) noise? The only time we use the electric bellows is with wet wood. If you have the bottom grate where it belongs, we always have logs two high and very, very little smoke without the bellows.
Items not mentioned in the review:
1) Storage - since it's square and the legs collapse for travel it stores where the Solo can't store. REI let us take both the Solo and BioLite out to our camper to check storage and the BioLite used less space.
2) it has a position for charcoal that we use to cook all the time. Once we're done cooking, we merely drop the bottom grate the the lower position and burn wood.
3) we use half the wood we used to use in a open firepit, less than one purchased bundle vs two full bundles for a standard fire pit. Do the math, at $5 a bundle over 250 nights, that's $1,250 saved. We purchased our for $175 at REI on a sale, so if it rusts out 3-4 years from now, so what, the Solo will too.
4) we've had numerous fires underneath the awning, many with pouring rain coming off the awning, but since the BioLite is underneath we're nice and toast.
Right on thank you.
Thank you!!
Great review and some great comments here. I DID still order one, and look forward to giving it a good go. But, with two small kids with Australian Shepherds, so we're mostly backyard/car campers for the time being, and having a fire that's contained and off the ground with little smoke is ideal. As far as the rust, some high heat paint and keeping this away from moisture will mitigate that for our uses. Appreciate all the insight though! Cheers.
Justin, how did you get on with the rust? It’s been 2 years since you made this comment. I had the same thought about using paint.
@@hauptuhrdotnetblog6700 Literally have never had any problem with rust! The Biolite has been great!! Use it as a BBQ most often these days with charcoal.
Excellent overview! I thought it was well balanced and thorough!
Thank you!
Merci Jason pour cette excellente analyse
Thank you for being honest with your viewers. I know there is huge pressure from retailers and manfactures to provide cupcake reviews. To me I was shocked that it did not provide power as the small one does.
Jason, great review as usual. You hit the nail on the head with the Pros and Cons, including the noise. I haven’t used mine as much as you have and when I do, I use it as you commented, it’s more of an event verses a lifestyle. Thanks for taking the time to give an honest and complete review. I’d like to know when BioLite contacts you and see how they will adapt your suggestions. Skillet
Did they ever improve on this rust issue?
@@jeromegardner2707 I spoke to a rep from BioLite several months ago and asked that exact question. They say they have, but I am unable to verify this. I have not used mine for sometime. There are several great options out there for portable firepits, including Jason's favorite one that he has used many times for the past year or two. Enjoy your search. Skillet
I've seen 4 reviews about this, you are the only one I gave thumb up 👍
Same but like 10 vids.
Just bought this stove… Biolite have made many improvements as you’ve suggested
Definitely help me make my decision on whether to buy that.
Con: It really doesn't put out much heat. Sitting 3 feet away I was cold. All the heat goes straight up because the sides don't allow for the heat to radiate outward.
As a side note, I have the cover that has the small solar panel on top to charge it when not in use. It works, but even covered, the rust prevails. Good video.
We first this unit when camping a couple of months ago, we thought it was the coolest thing. Not having to dance around the smoke and it having some tech is what sold me. I recently found it on sale and went for it. Thanks for posting the pros and cons. The rust is concerning for sure.
Hey Jason, I will agree with your Pros & Cons. I have been using my Biolite Fire pit for more than a year. It works great for when it's raining outside - I can use it under the awning of my Kodiak Cabin tent for warmth and cooking just fine. I live in area with more oaks and maples so the hardwood works great in it and offers a longer burn. Pine and Fir burns up too quick with air flow. I also noticed the same with "smokeless" claim. Sometimes there is no smoke but, other times there is less smoke than traditional ground fire. All in all, I think it's a great little addition for Glamping, car camping, and like you said, backyard BBQ's hibachi style.
Did yours rust? I just received mine today.
I think you nailed it. I would have the same issues that you have. I have a solo stove, considered this one, but it is too small.
Cracking review cheers. We was looking at one to use on adventures with our channel. The bag, fan noise also the rusting has put us off. So glad for reviews like this 💯🤜🏻🤛🏻🤘
The “bag” is not a bag. It’s a cover. The velcro is Intended to cinch close to the feet to keep it dry... So it doesn’t rust.
Exactly, they actually sell a completely utilitarian bag for it that works perfectly
Thats exactly what I was going to say.... thats not a bag... its a cover. The instructions also say not to leave it out in the rain.
@@Sykinetik has yours rusted? He must have been leaving it out in the rain to get that much rust in such a short time.
Yup. It’s a cover
Great review! I’ve been waiting to hear what you had to say about it. I’ve had the smaller unit for several years now and it works perfectly just like the first time I used it. The power bank not recharging from the fire is the first deal breaker for me. I mean seriously what were they thinking? That’s their thing. It’s what caused me to want their smaller unit in the first place. It’s like they forgot where they came from. Anyone can make a firebox with a computer fan at one end.
What set them apart was the fan module recharging itself while you boiled water for your coffee and you could run a usb powered light or charge your phone or handheld gps at the same time.
2nd thing for me is all that rust. Couldn’t they have used high heat stove paint?
About 10 years ago I made a fire ring/pit for my parents to use on their patio. The last thing I did was paint every square inch of it with several coats of high heat stove paint that’s used on wood stoves. Guess what? No rust. Not even 10 years on and my dad never puts it away lol. And here in the Pacific Northwest we have high humidity and near the coast it’s salt air lol.
No I think they can keep this unit and I’ll spend my $200 on something better like supporting my favourite TH-camr who happens to live a couple hours away from me here in the PNW lol
Besides I love his pups choice of coffee! Lol.
Again thanks for an incredible and honest review Jason. It’s not often I see a reviewer chuck something to the side while saying “this sucks” lol
God bless you and the pups
Cheers mate and happy trails
Very helpful. I agree the fan is obnoxious and the rust issue will stop me from getting it. Great review as always. Thanks!
Thanks. You high-lighted the boon-docking benefits of the stove/fire pit.
Great review! I’ve been considering this fire pit for the last year. Gonna give it a try. I think it will work for a beach site that we use because of their ground fire restrictions. Salty air may not fair well. Guess I’ll let you know.
I live beside beach .. did it work for you?
Yes I'd love an update! My grandparents live in Delaware near the beach and this would be a lovely thing if it's a good buy!
Jason thank you for this helpful review. I can see that it would work for some applications. What I hear you saying is that it's not the perfect answer yet for the serious camper.
One other pro, on the kick starter we also received a solar panel embedded it in the cover. Just another way to charge when on the go.Otherwise, I wholeheartedly agree on all your other points I’ve had mine for two years.
Thank-you for your honest review. You answered all and more of the questions I had about this item.
Thanks for that Jason. I had been thinking about one of those and remember it from the last time we camped. The $200 had me interested, but I do want it to last longer, ie: not rusting away.
Great review of the product. The sound + rust is for sure a deal breaker. While camping you definitely don't want a loud humming noise like that. Appreciate the work you put into this!
Thank you for the review. I've been wondering about that unit ever since I've found your channel. Looks like it'd be a fine patio piece but unfortunately not something built for the extensive use it's seeing in your wanderings. Thanks again for the rig run downs. Skol!
Love your video's I also have one of these and love it. Your review is really accurate. I agree with most of the points. I have had mine for just over a year with approx 100 fires in it and still enjoy the convenience of it. I have the upgraded cover with he solar panel for charging the battery pack while it is out in the daytime. The upgraded bag has handles and does secure to the unit securely so that you can carry it.
Great review, I like using a portable fire pit, I like the look of this one, but the rust is sad to see this soon, so for us I’d prefer to spend the extra if it was built from stainless steel, and had a slightly bigger fire box.
2Fast2Beat I echo your comments. I too have the bag with solar panel. I was surprised when Jason brought his “bag”. It was terrible and I understand his comments.
@@1990westfalia yeah. I like the upgraded bag and agree that the basic one is pretty much usless. I do love my firepit and would buy it again in a second.
I don't believe that's a bag for it, we use it as a cover and don't have any rust issues with ours yet.
Thank you as I was mainly concerned with the longevity of the unit due to the price tag. Perhaps it lasts longer than I'd imagine. Otherwise I may consider fabricating a heavier screen for it should it burn out. Thanks again.
Thanks for the review. We were looking at getting this for camping. Given what you have provided to us I think we will hold off.
Exceptionally good and thorough review!
Great review! We're starting with car camping so I think this will work better for us short term, & for my tiny backyard too. Another plus: local ordinances don't allow open fires EXCEPT for cooking/grilling, so we can check the box with this. And the manufacturer must've heard you & others, as the new bag has a much better design. Thanks again!
Thank you. Great review. Seems honest and was easy to understand. I watched this and the solo stove reviews. I made my fire pit from an old washing machine barrel. Have you ever used or seen one of those? I am wondering how they compare to something like that. They are very cheap if you have the ability to mask a solid base. They also have great heat distribution and they are easy to move around. If you aren't familiar with washer tub fire pits go ahead and look them up. You can buy an large old barrel for 20 bucks and then for another 15-20 bucks you can buy some material to make your stand. The air flow is so good you don't need a fan and you can personalize it pretty much anyway you want to spend the time to do. If you want one I'd be happy to make one and send it to you.
Thank you for your review I was thinking of getting it but not anymore.
Good video of the Pros and Cons, thank you. Lots of comments here too but I haven't seen one in regards to the major cons having been addressed on the BioLite FirePit+ which now is enameled, has an accessory lid, and a carry bag with handles. Looks to me like they listened to the comments. All those fixed, I see no reason for this to become an awesome product. Perhaps a rotisserie could be added as an accessory that can be switched to run on the battery pack instead of the fan (add some smoke flavor too).
I’ve been looking forward to your review on this Biolite. The rust is a dealbreaker for me. The salt air in Hawaii would make the problem 10 times worse. Love your videos.
Thank you for the review! I just watched the video for this product and saw your "pro's and con's" after. Good to know! Thanks again!
Thanks for the honesty I almost bought one
Your right on with the skinny there J. I actually was looking at it, and I think now I will reconsider. Thanks!
Thank you. I love the purpose of your video. Pro and cons. I thought all add on fans’ boxes, recharge, as the flame was on. For this single reason I am not interested in this product. Great review.
Great review and your points are spot on. I won’t be asking for this for Christmas since it certainly can’t be considered a value for the money. Well done!
Great review. I was just about to buy this when I saw this review and changed my mind and glad I did.
i like good brutal honest reviews. seems like the solo stoves are the better route.
Good review thanks. I believe the new model has better paint so it doesn't rust.
Thanks for an honest and in-depth review. I like the idea of smokeless and I always try to build leave-no-trace fires when there's not an established ring, but I already have enough trouble keeping all my various devices charged...can't imagine adding still more to the list. I wouldn't want to listen to it run all evening anyway. Hopefully BioLite can take this excellent feedback and refine their product.
I have one. Charge it once at home and it lasts weeks on medium power.
I do like your reviews. To the point, an honest.
Great review, thank you! So many products simply do not deliver the promise they put forward in the real world. Some cons are just things you have to accept for that design, but they are never disclosed. For instance does Biolite ever disclose the downsides to their battery powered fan? Of course not. The lack of a tough and durable storage and transport bag is completely BS. No company should get a pass on things like that, and it is things like that which lead to hundreds of dollars worth of equipment sitting in the garage at home because taking them is a pain. Anyway, GOOD reviews on this channel! The 45 thumbs down all work for Biolite. The other 2,300 are the rest of us.
Did you go to the Biolite website at all? They now have a waterproof solar carry cover that charges and carries the pit at the same time.
@@brianpickard2037 Thank you for that information, I had not seen that bag. The truth is though, honest reviews like this are what drive positive changes, and it still is lame that the stove was not supplied with a cover / carry bag from day one. It takes exactly one use of any camp stove like this to realize this need. These wood fired pits get filthy, and where are you supposed to store it then? It isn't really portable unless there is a reasonable way to transport it. Solo Stove , for instance, supplies a carry bag with every stove or fire pit. The Biolite bag is sold separately for $60
Our bag is two years old, over 250 fires, 23,000 miles down the road, and no tears or leaks. Doesn't need a zipper for us and if we want to store it in the rain I'd just buy their rain bag. 15 minutes after emptying the firepit, it's cool enough to go into the bag and into the covered storage.
Great video! Love the B roll transitions.
On the pit, I really like being able to see the fire through the sides, but the fan noise is a tough one to get over. The rust is odd. Seems like if you keep it clean and dry it shouldn’t rust, right?
Great review thank you, have been curious about this one as love the concept. Think we'll stick with our Snowpeak Firepit though, no rust after 7yrs (at least 100 fires per year, many beach camping), super compact, lifetime warranty👌
I'm wondering if that is a cover for the unit (rather than a bag).
Yeah that's definitely a cover and not a bag.
Totally
Yup it looks exactly like the cover for my Weber Grill
If is is a cover, I would suggest the manufacturer could have designated it as such. Perhaps in an owners manual. If it is not evident, not the buyer/user's problem.
This is another product with a good idea ( as used by others) with a poor execution. No doubt not used by the manufacturer/designers.
Yuppie junk, looks good, doesn't work.
The outside of the box indicates it is a “rain cover”. If this was being used as a bag I can imagine how it may have been exposed to moisture, which would explain the rust. I haven’t used mine yet, so I hope that is the case. Nice review.
AGREE ! AMEN TO THAT ! THANK YOU !BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED !
Just saved me $200. Thank you sir!
Thanks for sharing your review of pros n cons on it,,, I have been wondering about,,, Safe, happy & GOD blessed travel/hiking on your all journey,,,,
Thank you for your review. How loud is the fan? Is it as loud as a gasoline powered lawnmower? Can you lower the fan speed and would it make a difference in noise?
Great video you answered a lot of my questions 👍🏻
I bought this fire pit about a month ago, used it twice and noticed after the first two uses it started to rust. That said, I picked up a can of 2000F rustoleou to coat the outside of the fire pit. Fingers crossed it takes care of the visible rusting.
i bought the carrying bag. looks it is going to be good. on sales now.
My only issue is that I'm stationed overseas, and this is the only fire pit I can find right now.
I wouldn't use it 'often' or leave it to the elements. And if I see rust, I'll probably clean it.
Would it still be a good option with that in mind? I like the idea of throwing charcoal in, and a log or two for the fire ambiance but the warmth of coals.
Glad I went with the SoloStove instead. Burned in it once already and loved it. The only drawback to it is that the fire has no radiant heat. All of it goes straight up
Like what others have mentioned...great review! I would also be annoyed by having to constantly be feeding the fire with its limited capacity and requiring the battery to function properly doesn’t make sense especially if you’re going to longer periods of time. Not to mention I would expect better quality for such an expensive unit.
You should try Alder, it makes good coal burns quite long and very hot
My dad was a Blacksmith and when we were out of coal we were using Alder for forging
Thanks for the video
Great review, very honest and well thought out. Thanks for taking the time to put this together it really has helped in which way to go.
great review .. I think if the rust issue was tackled .. I'd get one
Thank you for your pros & cons video! I usually fall in love with the advertising of cool products & not even see any negatives involved. I am seeking a fire pit (homemade or purchased) for my son’s new house. He has like 5 acres & they are looking forward to cooking meals & enjoying fires together with their family. Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thank you very much!!
Great review!
Thanks Jason!
Great review Jason keep up the good work cheers from Utah
Nice work on the review Jason, not sure I would ever have a need for one but I can definitely see its purpose. Its hard to beat a good old fashioned camp fire!
thanks for the review! - Can you suggest 1 or 2 other fire pits you have used that do well at smokeless but without a battery? Size wise, the BioLite in your video is about right for me.
Great review, I'll stick with my Solo Stove Ranger.
Apparently they came out with a new upgraded version that addresses quite a few things, including new paint that doesn't rust...and it throws heat outward now. As well as a few other things...may be worth checking out again for those who wanted those issues solved.
Thanks for the review. I was looking at these and had a lot of questions. You have answered them all.
I really like the idea of this and hope they come out with a different model that fixes the main issues people have with it. One thing I wonder over is whether or not the shape of it makes it difficult to create a smokeless fire without the aid of the fan. I use a washer tub currently, and if you have good, dry wood, and load it properly, you can have a fire that generally doesn't push out a ton of smoke. Prior to this review I had envisioned being able to use the fan to jump start the fire and then turn it off until I had to add more wood. Or, turn it on to quickly burn down the wood so I could leave it unattended. But now seeing it in action, it just doesn't look big enough. I would gladly take something 1.5 to even 2 times the size of this - but not for 1.5 or 2x the price.
Great review! I agree, the rust thing would be a deal breaker for me as well.
If I’m not mistaken, the bag is mainly for just covering the fire pit when it’s left outside, for extended periods of time.
Agreed. Had the cover been used as a cover it probably wouldn't be as damaged by rust...
How about painting it with high heat Rustoleum when it starts to rust?
it didnt look rusty in the commercial. hahaahha, no but kidding, thanks for making this review, its always nice to see a product in real life :)