BioLite Firepit (A Smokeless Fire)

The new BioLite Firepit.
Topped with Bison Hot Dogs. (Dinner last night)

Link to MFG site.

Not long ago I had no real interest in the BioLite. I viewed it as a gimmick.
But, after a certain member, you know who, started posting about them, and then having acquired the Second Version of the BioLite TEG stove I am now a convert. (One gets 'Stove Pox' through the eyes. One sees a stove and is then a lost soul.) They are now, in my opinion a sound, and quality made, device. Whether or not you can find a use for one is up to you.

Here is the Firepit running. It puts out a lot of heat. I was using seasoned hardwoods. It is an OK fire without the fan, but, with the fan, even on lowest of 4 speeds, it is a smokeless generator of a good amount of heat.
We did not fill it. I used small(ish) chunks of wood as a base, and kindling on top of that. Then small sticks with firestarter. After lighting the firestarter, and the sticks were aflame, I turned on the fan. I had no more trouble keeping a flame. MRS Snwcmpr is also a convert. This is a fun kit. Oh, it will take a log 16 inches long (0.4064 Meter)

There is a bottom tray that sets at the bottom, for a wood fire, or hangs mid way (higher) with charcoal it will operate as a grill.
Even with the wood compartment not full, and on low fan, the hot dogs cooked quickly. One cannot look away too long.
There are 3 tubes that 'spray' air coming from the fan. One on each side, at the top, and one on the bottom, in the middle of the burn compartment. They run the full length.
The fan is most effective at the 'module' end, most likely due to the fan being at that end, and it looks like the holes are all the same size. (Note to self: Verify that later)

After burning the small load, with some wood added and 7-8 charcoal briquets added for cooking the Bison hot dogs, it did not drop the battery indicator from 4 lights (max). The battery is (I think) a little over 10K mAh rated. The specs say it can run on low for 24 hours before requiring a recharge.

Yes ... I am sure you are asking ... Does it not charge the battery?
No, it does not. It has a Micro-USB for input and a USB for output, to charge a device if you choose to. I will try a charge by my new Anker Solar 21W panel some time.

Ken in NC
(Note: BioLite customer support is A No 1.)

 

“Ooh, Ken, I like the look of that.”

[Says a ‘certain member’]

John

 

I understand it is a very new product.

 

Ken, you can let customer support know you have succesfully found my next birthday present.

 

A very timely post! My dear wife just asked me what I would like to have for this Christmas (jul).
/Lars

 

My bbq just gave up and quit on my last camping trip. This might be a good option to replace it..

 

List price is 199 USD.
The advantage is that you can have a fire, unlike in a BBQ.

I remember reading about a bunch of members sitting around a BioLite at Newark. I suppose next year the BioLite will be bigger.

 

I ordered one earlier today. It'll be here Tuesday. Impatiently waiting.

 

I got a message from someone that thought I was promoting a product that goes against the situation of fires in California. As tragic as it is in Ca, I am not advocating that. I am not advocating the use of a fire in places that having a fire is unwise.

Note:
Use this product responsibly.

I live in the mountains of North Carolina. My ground is wet almost all year. They call it the Great Smoky Mountains because of the humid 'smoke' or fog. The humidity level here barely seasons my wood enough to use in the wood stove. My firewood maintains a high level of moisture even when left out in the sun all summer.
I use wood to heat my cabin in the winter. My other choice is a small propane heater.

I use the BioLites because they are fun. They tickle my fancy like a well running 123. I know the person that sent me the message likes the well running stove too.

Using fossil fuels could be said to contribute to global warming. There are plenty of other environmental points to discuss, all is dependent on your opinion.

Use flame responsibly.

Ken in NC

 

Perhaps they thought the sparks can travel all the way to California....(if there were sparks)…..

 

Man, seriously?

When one goes looking for something to be offended about, they shouldn't be surprised when they find it.

The firepit looks great, I love the no smoke aspect. How're the bison dogs?

 

I got mine yesterday can’t wait to test it

 

An interesting mental task if someone had the time and inclination would be a comparison between the relative warming effects of Bison methane and the log burning taken to cook the dogs.

I'm a bit busy at the moment.

 

I'm willing to do the experiment but am at a loss as how to collect the methane from thr Buffalo.

 

Bison dogs are good.
Dr King brand.

 

Guess some folks would die if they saw me using my stoves on evergreen needles, debris in the winter after snow has melted back.
Duane

 

Somewhere, this is giving someone the idea to stick a leaf blower in a burn barrel.

Edit: HAH!

 

@Duck I think there are figures for cattle methane production out there, they are quite productive apparently. Would class Bison in 'cattle' as ruminants. You just need to discover the warming effect of a single bison and compare that to the warming effect that @snwcmpr contributed actually cooking a small part of the animal. You could also ask Ken what methane contribution he gives if you want.
, but that may be available on the web anyway.

@Marc I used my wet and dry on blow the other day to assist the fire and also to help the stupid Facit fuel pump prime by blowing into the fuel tank.

 

I brought the BioLite Firepit again.
Here it is with a small flame. It can run just fine without the fan on.


I do not know what my friend thinks, he no longer communicates with me.

I have not measured my methane contribution.

@Duck Did you fire yours up?

 

Damn, I'd completely forgotten about the Biolite when thinking about a new BBQ.

Can you too many BBQs?