We lost a battery pack when running without fan. Works awesome without we just take off when not running. It’s an amazing unit we are so happy to have. Great video
I’m glad to have found this video & comment. I started having second thoughts after ordering a new one out the door online for $172. I don’t mind having the fan on to get the fire started & to cook with but there’s those times I just want to hear the fire & glad to know to take the pack off. I have a Biolite camp stove 2 & enjoy it but I wanted something more for a campfire. I kinda wished this was more like the camp stove with the element that heats up to charge the battery.
Great review. I worked for a well-known woodstove company and have burned woodstoves for countless hours doing EPA testing. I have the Biolite campstove & am going to get this unit after seeing one burn last year. Some quick tech-notes: I would chalk up the efficiency to thorough combustion (the forced air burn the fuel 90% vs 50%). This is just like modern woodstoves (they are very efficient and have very little smoke/emissions). The extra heat is the result of the efficiency (not necessarily the blower). Also - the use of the grate is fairly straight forward: the grill has holes which constantly gather/radiate heat. So, it doesn't retain heat as much (if it was solid, the surface area would be smaller). Biolite deserves a ton of credit for this product. The other campstoves (Solo - have one - great product but not as neat to watch) also are a worthy investment. I wish everyone at campsites would get these new high-tech wonders, it leads to less woodsmoke, less firewood, more heat, and more fun!
This is such an amazing comment, thank you for taking the time to swing by… you nailed it. It’s a great little unit, nothing really like it on the market.
I've owned one of these for about a year now, but I only use it when I'm at my own campsite. I don't travel with it; instead, I've gone with one of those Outland propane fire pits for travel. They are just less work overall, and provide a satisfactory fire experience. But the Biolite at the campground can't be beat! The portability alone was a gamechanger.
Oh wow, I would’ve asked you some questions ahead of time if I’d known. Have you had a similar experience, any issues with your unit? I bet it’s perfect for a campsite like yours.
@@DIYOutdoorLife Everything you mention in the review is on point. I haven't had a single issue with it at all. Dead simple to use, very efficient. Having the ability to have a campfire anywhere on the site is the greatest selling point. That, and reducing the smoke smell that gets in your clothes is also great. I spend much less time going in and out of the screen house to feed it wood. The see-through screen was what sold me in the end. It was an expense, but I've found it a great investment. Have not cooked on it yet, though.
We just got one. The Guy at the Store told us that the Fire Charged the Battery. Boy was he Wrong. Anyway we had a small fire in itlast night. Tonight I used Charcoal in it to Supper. Thanks for the tips.
So many people have been confused by that. They make a tiny burner that can charge a USB, as you know now, that feature is not offered on this much larger unit. Oh no, I do love the fire pit plus and use it all the time
Argh. I had convinced myself something like this or a solo aren't needed. Yet another piece of gear and in this case, battery, to manage. I've never seen a campsite without a fire ring, and the only time fire is an issue is if they sell me green wood. Having the smoke follow you and no one else (I know I'm not alone in this!) - part of the camping experience! But now after watching your review of this I'm now thinking I want one. I shake my fist at you sir!
Awsome video as always Brian, keep up the awesome work! On a side note, ever thought of making your tear drop both water tank and city water adaptable?
Thanks Bill, it’s pretty simple to do, I toured several bushwhackers with that mod at the gathering. The issue for me, is I’m rarely around pressurized water, so it doesn’t seem worth it. Maybe I’ll do it anyway… lol Thanks for watching.
Awesome review and excellent breakdown of the product, suggestions/tips, and analysis of other people’s review/comments. Wish more YT’er reviews were like this. Quality stuff, thanks brotha.
Nice review! This would be sweet for making a fire at any campsite that doesn't have a fire pit. Even the ones that do it seems like a pretty solid upgrade.
Great review on what seems to be a very well-made product Brian. Gathering wood in the carry on bag is a good tip. Now if I could just get you to cook some burgers on it for me! Lol😂🍔🔥
Again nice review and interesting product. Enjoyed seeing and understanding the unit even though it's not for me. My wife is not capable of being around smoke etc for health reasons and space in our T@B/TV maxed but organized. Thanks you do a good job communicating and the enjoyment of a fire for me must be with neighbors fire while camping. Oh at home I built a cabin on our property and I still sit by a fire pit and or inside cabin at wood stove. Keep up the good work.
Love all things biolite!! Out here in Idaho, when there is a fire ban- these are a no go… Propane stoves only… We need to make a propane fire pit that crackles and smells of smoke 🥰 And curious what your green ribbon shirt supports? Great info!!! Thank you!
I gas fire pit with fake fire smell!! Haha love it The shirt is for Lyme disease awareness. One of my students was doing a fundraiser for a friend that got sick. Little ticks are running wild these days!
I got a good chuckle about your philosophical concern about reducing the amount of gear you bring and the simplicity of the type camping that you do. I've seen pictures of your truck with the cap open. How many other campers do you know play tetras with lithium ion power stations🤣🤣🤣
Thank you so much for the extensive biolite firepit review and the great positive energy into your videos. Please except this humble donation for a few cups of coffee/tea. :)
I’m not sure if I missed this part during the review but how well does it keep you warm, sitting around it? I am looking for something this size to keep me warm on my back patio. Would this be a good fit for the warmth? I love the cooking alternatives.
With the fan on, it does more warming than a comparably size campfire by far. One of the nicest advantages is the amount of heat we get from a smaller fire with this unit.
Yes, I find that it puts out a lot more heat for the amount of wood that it's burning than a traditional fire. The fan makes the fire burn very hot and the heat dissipate.
Either build your own camp fire ( old school Man ways) or show up, carry on/off this unit from your vehicle 🤔 😉 . Great review, but smoke from fire scare 😱 away the bugs.
A question about putting the fire out. Can you drop water into the pit to cool down and stop the fire (without getting the battery wet). Or do you just let it burn out and cool on its own?
I was going to go into that but the video would have been 30 minutes...lol With the fan and x-ray mesh, it dissipates heat too quickly to capture. So although it doesn't generate electricity, it provides more heat and fire visibility.
No, that was a feature on their tiny camp stove model. Although I think that would be cool, the technology doesn't scale up well, it wouldn't do a very good job at an affordable price
Is it just me or does the metal burn chamber look slightly deformed? It looks like it’s bowed in (sagged) down the middle. Did the extreme heat compromise the metal?
I talk about that in the video, maybe you missed that section. I purposely abused the heck out of the system to see what type of damage I could do to it. After making a bonfire in it for several days, it did warp a bit. I was able to bend it back into shape very easily. I'm not sure most people would start a fire in it that size and leave it for that long, it was an enjoyable test.
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
We lost a battery pack when running without fan. Works awesome without we just take off when not running. It’s an amazing unit we are so happy to have. Great video
Great call, I’ve heard that from others. I’ll make sure to detach the battery when running without fan.
I’m glad to have found this video & comment. I started having second thoughts after ordering a new one out the door online for $172. I don’t mind having the fan on to get the fire started & to cook with but there’s those times I just want to hear the fire & glad to know to take the pack off. I have a Biolite camp stove 2 & enjoy it but I wanted something more for a campfire. I kinda wished this was more like the camp stove with the element that heats up to charge the battery.
Great review. I worked for a well-known woodstove company and have burned woodstoves for countless hours doing EPA testing. I have the Biolite campstove & am going to get this unit after seeing one burn last year. Some quick tech-notes: I would chalk up the efficiency to thorough combustion (the forced air burn the fuel 90% vs 50%). This is just like modern woodstoves (they are very efficient and have very little smoke/emissions). The extra heat is the result of the efficiency (not necessarily the blower). Also - the use of the grate is fairly straight forward: the grill has holes which constantly gather/radiate heat. So, it doesn't retain heat as much (if it was solid, the surface area would be smaller). Biolite deserves a ton of credit for this product. The other campstoves (Solo - have one - great product but not as neat to watch) also are a worthy investment. I wish everyone at campsites would get these new high-tech wonders, it leads to less woodsmoke, less firewood, more heat, and more fun!
This is such an amazing comment, thank you for taking the time to swing by… you nailed it. It’s a great little unit, nothing really like it on the market.
I've owned one of these for about a year now, but I only use it when I'm at my own campsite. I don't travel with it; instead, I've gone with one of those Outland propane fire pits for travel. They are just less work overall, and provide a satisfactory fire experience. But the Biolite at the campground can't be beat! The portability alone was a gamechanger.
Oh wow, I would’ve asked you some questions ahead of time if I’d known. Have you had a similar experience, any issues with your unit? I bet it’s perfect for a campsite like yours.
@@DIYOutdoorLife Everything you mention in the review is on point. I haven't had a single issue with it at all. Dead simple to use, very efficient. Having the ability to have a campfire anywhere on the site is the greatest selling point. That, and reducing the smoke smell that gets in your clothes is also great. I spend much less time going in and out of the screen house to feed it wood. The see-through screen was what sold me in the end. It was an expense, but I've found it a great investment. Have not cooked on it yet, though.
You're an excellent presenter. We will buy your FirePit with your link. Thanks!
Thank you, I hope you love it as much as I do!
I love your review videos I always know that I’ll get it honest report on what I can do. Thanks and happy camping
Thank you for that, we’ll keep them coming!
We just got one. The Guy at the Store told us that the Fire Charged the Battery. Boy was he Wrong. Anyway we had a small fire in itlast night. Tonight I used Charcoal in it to Supper. Thanks for the tips.
So many people have been confused by that. They make a tiny burner that can charge a USB, as you know now, that feature is not offered on this much larger unit.
Oh no, I do love the fire pit plus and use it all the time
A friend had one, I said what is that and ordered it right away. It’ll be here Tuesday. Great video!
Haha... awesome!
Argh. I had convinced myself something like this or a solo aren't needed. Yet another piece of gear and in this case, battery, to manage. I've never seen a campsite without a fire ring, and the only time fire is an issue is if they sell me green wood. Having the smoke follow you and no one else (I know I'm not alone in this!) - part of the camping experience! But now after watching your review of this I'm now thinking I want one. I shake my fist at you sir!
Haha… I’m in the wrong line of work
I had the exact same experience as you, wasn’t interested until I saw one being used.
Awsome video as always Brian, keep up the awesome work!
On a side note, ever thought of making your tear drop both water tank and city water adaptable?
Thanks Bill, it’s pretty simple to do, I toured several bushwhackers with that mod at the gathering. The issue for me, is I’m rarely around pressurized water, so it doesn’t seem worth it. Maybe I’ll do it anyway… lol
Thanks for watching.
Awesome review and excellent breakdown of the product, suggestions/tips, and analysis of other people’s review/comments. Wish more YT’er reviews were like this. Quality stuff, thanks brotha.
Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate you watching and commenting.
Brilliant to see your updates!😀 I really enjoy your videos.
Thank you for watching! I’ll shoot you an email when I’m back in my office.
Great review. Comprehensive, real world usage. A lot of valuable info and insight. Thanks.
Thank you for the comment, I'm glad the video was helpful!
Nice review! This would be sweet for making a fire at any campsite that doesn't have a fire pit. Even the ones that do it seems like a pretty solid upgrade.
It's pretty handy, I even burn it at home now.
Thank you, brother good review. Especially the wielding gloves.
Thank you, I appreciate you, watching !
Very good video with a lot of useful info. Thank you and safe travels.
Thank you, I appreciate you watching!
Great review on what seems to be a very well-made product Brian. Gathering wood in the carry on bag is a good tip. Now if I could just get you to cook some burgers on it for me! Lol😂🍔🔥
lol
Outstanding review, thanks.
Thank you, appreciate you watching.
Again nice review and interesting product. Enjoyed seeing and understanding the unit even though it's not for me. My wife is not capable of being around smoke etc for health reasons and space in our T@B/TV maxed but organized. Thanks you do a good job communicating and the enjoyment of a fire for me must be with neighbors fire while camping. Oh at home I built a cabin on our property and I still sit by a fire pit and or inside cabin at wood stove. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, I appreciate you tuning in and commenting!
Excellent review. I really enjoy all of your videos. You always teach me something. :)
That makes me happy, I appreciate that you watch!
It was nice using that device and not worrying about causing a forest fire😁👍
It is a lot safer, I also like going into the camper without my clothes smelling like a barbeque joint.
As always another interesting and informative video. Roger P
Thank you, I really appreciate that you tune in.
Nice - WOOT had them for dirt cheap.. I grabbed one.
Score!
A really cool product. The ant-smoke swirling feature is worth it alone.Great review Brian. (btw: you chose my favorite camp food to reheat 😉)
Haha… wood fired pizza! 🍕
Love all things biolite!!
Out here in Idaho, when there is a fire ban- these are a no go…
Propane stoves only…
We need to make a propane fire pit that crackles and smells of smoke 🥰
And curious what your green ribbon shirt supports?
Great info!!! Thank you!
I gas fire pit with fake fire smell!! Haha love it
The shirt is for Lyme disease awareness. One of my students was doing a fundraiser for a friend that got sick. Little ticks are running wild these days!
Thanks for the video! My unit is coming in soon! Do you have to worry about ash filling up the bottom air holes when the fan isn’t running?
Hasn't been a problem for me, it takes quite a bit of fire to get that much ash
I got a good chuckle about your philosophical concern about reducing the amount of gear you bring and the simplicity of the type camping that you do. I've seen pictures of your truck with the cap open. How many other campers do you know play tetras with lithium ion power stations🤣🤣🤣
Haha… it’s an effort. I try, but seldom succeed.
great review
Thank you for watching!
Thank you so much for the extensive biolite firepit review and the great positive energy into your videos. Please except this humble donation for a few cups of coffee/tea. :)
Thank you so much! It's a big help keeping the channel going.
-Brian
I’m not sure if I missed this part during the review but how well does it keep you warm, sitting around it? I am looking for something this size to keep me warm on my back patio. Would this be a good fit for the warmth? I love the cooking alternatives.
With the fan on, it does more warming than a comparably size campfire by far. One of the nicest advantages is the amount of heat we get from a smaller fire with this unit.
Great review.
Thank you. :-)
Hot stuff.lol Like a Super Hero would say "Flame On"
lol flame on!
Does it give off enough heat to warm you up if you are seating around it on a cold night? thanx for the review.
Yes, I find that it puts out a lot more heat for the amount of wood that it's burning than a traditional fire.
The fan makes the fire burn very hot and the heat dissipate.
Either build your own camp fire ( old school Man ways) or show up, carry on/off this unit from your vehicle 🤔 😉 . Great review, but smoke from fire scare 😱 away the bugs.
I hear ya, I felt the same way too. Sometimes less is more.
Lol man ways ,but whines about bugs lmao
Have you used any of the accessories and grilled with it?
Yes, simple stuff like burgers, hot dogs, chicken…
I do not own the griddle or dome top yet
A question about putting the fire out. Can you drop water into the pit to cool down and stop the fire (without getting the battery wet). Or do you just let it burn out and cool on its own?
I thought I covered this.
No water, remove wood and turn fan speed up. It burns out and cools fast.
How mutch of the smoke Can it kill, i Got a pretty Big tippi tent
With fine cut, seasoned wood, it can seem smokeless. When it's getting started, or your wood is bad it still puts off some smoke.
I was under the impression that it generated electricity like their Campstove 2+. I wonder why it doesn't use the same technology?
I was going to go into that but the video would have been 30 minutes...lol With the fan and x-ray mesh, it dissipates heat too quickly to capture. So although it doesn't generate electricity, it provides more heat and fire visibility.
Doesn't the fire charge the power bank
No, that was a feature on their tiny camp stove model. Although I think that would be cool, the technology doesn't scale up well, it wouldn't do a very good job at an affordable price
@@DIYOutdoorLife there goes my dreams for unlimited power....probably for the best I was going to use for world domination 😜
@@obione9650haha 😂
It needs to be in stainless steel
That would be nice 👍
Too bad there is no option to produce power like the CampStove.
Yea, a lot have people have had similar feedback. Would have been nice to at least charge it's fan battery
micro usb and bluetooth? lmao!
LoL... every fire needs a Bluetooth signal
Is it just me or does the metal burn chamber look slightly deformed? It looks like it’s bowed in (sagged) down the middle. Did the extreme heat compromise the metal?
I talk about that in the video, maybe you missed that section. I purposely abused the heck out of the system to see what type of damage I could do to it. After making a bonfire in it for several days, it did warp a bit. I was able to bend it back into shape very easily. I'm not sure most people would start a fire in it that size and leave it for that long, it was an enjoyable test.
Great review sir.
Thank you, appreciate you tuning in!