Years ago, my father was watching a YouTube video about a campstove technology that campers could take with them when they are going off the grid for a camping adventure.
The video featured a BioLite Campstove, a genius idea that allows you to power your electronic devices by burning fuel and without using propane.
I was watching it with him and he said, “You know, Kel, you should get one of these camp stoves.” After watching a ton of videos. I finally bought my own and it’s a staple of my camping gear and accessories.
I’m going to break down why it’s so great by highlighting it’s features and benefits.
What is the BioLite Campstove?
BioLite’s award-winning stove is a match made in heaven for adventure seekers, campers, and villagers around the world. The BioLite Campstove is a portable campfire that allows people to make fires, cook meals, and create renewable energy.
BioLite’s unique technology generates enough electricity to power lanterns, phones, cameras, lights, headlamps and essential any other device you could use in a remote setting.
I used the camp stove for the first time during my annual bestie trip to Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings. But I’ve taken it to the Sand Dunes National Park and Temple Canyon Park, all destinations located in Colorado.
The Anatomy of a BioLite Campstove
The BioLite Campstove is a genuine invention for sure. When you buy it, all items are conveniently stacked within each other almost like a nesting doll making it the perfect compact campstove.
For those buying the bundle, you’ll get the following items:
- Stove
- KettlePot
- Coffee press
- Grill
- Flexlight
For those just buying the campstove, it’ll come with the stove, and the battery pack.
To start making fires, you need to insert the battery pack heat probe into the hole of the stove piece. Then you’ll open the legs and lock them into place to hold the power pack.
And that’s it! Once you’ve made good use of the stove, stack everything back together, pack it up and go.
6 Brilliant BioLite Campstove Features
While small, this campstove sure is mighty. With all it’s features, it’s no wonder people use it for all their outdoor adventures. But if you’ve not heard of the BioLite Campstove before, here are some of it’s main features.
1. LED Dashboard
On the front of the power pack, there is a little dashboard of lights. This LED dashboard shows three different meters:
- Fire strength
- Fan speed
- Power output
These all light up as you’re using the campstove to provide real-time feedback on how your fire is holding up and how charged your battery pack is.
This dashboard helps you be a bit more mindful about how you generate and use power. For example, if you’re plugging your phone in and charging at the same time, you’ll need to watch how much energy you need to consume to keep the battery charging.
2. Powers Devices
BioLite created this little stove with remote locations in mind. With this “off the grid” mentality or lifestyle, there’s no harm in making sure your camera or phone is fully powered in case of emergency.
As your BioLite campstove burns, it produces enough energy to charge up your devices. You can store energy for later, go on your hike or bike trip, spend the day snowboarding, and the energy will be back at your campsite waiting for you.
3. Runs on Twigs and Other Biomass
No need to bring gas canisters!
One of the reasons this is such a great product is you can power it with twigs from your surrounding campsite. This means you don’t have to purchase propane fuel each time you go on a trip. You can simply collect twigs from the ground nearby and use it to keep your stove running.
BioLite does offer the option to buy a bags of fire starters or fire pellets for less than $15, which you can essentially anywhere. It is a great way to get the campstove running in the beginning, but once the fire is burning, it’s easy to keep going with twigs.
4. Smokeless Flames
As you start burning your twigs, small pieces of wood, and pinecones, you’ll notice the fire moves in a unique vortex of smokeless flames within the burn chamber.
Biolite’s efficient combustion technology reduces smoke and allows for a cleaner burn. Although, if you’re burning damp twigs, you’re likely to still get a little bit of smoke. But what’s camping without a little campfire smokiness?
5. Light and Compact
If you think about it the BioLite Campstove doubles as a power source and a cooking source, it’s amazing it’s as small as it is. I can put everything from my BioLite Campstove 2 bundle into a small canvas bag and take it anywhere without a problem. It’s also incredibly lightweight.
Even if you didn’t bring the grill with you, the kettlepot and campstove alone are small enough to place in any backpack for your wilderness adventures.
6. Heats BioLite KettlePot and Portable Grill Within Minutes
Not that we’re in a rush or anything, but I love the quick boil time for my kettle of water. On a cool morning when you’re looking to warm up with a cup of joe or tea, this is a major plus. The KettlePot also doubles as a coffee press if you don’t have pour over accessories with you.
BioLite also provides a small portable grill that you can cook food on, whether grilling directly or using a pot or pan. This characteristic is perfect for soups as well. My one piece of advice is to watch the pot because it will indeed cook things VERY quickly.
8 Benefits of Using the BioLite Campstove
With all those great features, you can imagine there is a wealth of benefits that come with owning a BioLite Campstove.
Here are some of the main benefits of owning the campstove:
- Portable Power: Generates electricity to charge devices, providing a reliable power source in remote areas
- Eco-Friendly: Burns biomass, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon footprint
- Efficient Cooking: Offers a smokeless, efficient fire for cooking, making meal preparation faster and healthier
- Lightweight and Compact: Easy to transport, making it ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures
- Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need to purchase fuel canisters or disposable batteries
- Multi-Use: Functions as both a stove and a charger, combining two essential tools in one compact device
- User-Friendly: Simple to set up and use, with an intuitive design that’s accessible for all skill levels
- Community Impact: Supports sustainable energy initiatives and can be a crucial tool for providing power in underserved regions
With all these benefits, there’s no way you’re saying no now. To start shopping for yours, visit the link below!
Biolite Campstove Dos and Don’ts
When burning fires and converting energy, it’s important that you follow some best practices and absolutely do-nots to ensure you and the environment’s safety.
Although it feels controlled and safe, never walk away without keeping a close eye on your stove. With that, here are some other tips on safely using your BioLite Campstove.
Dos:
- Do Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with the user guide before your first use
- Do Use Dry Biomass: Use dry twigs, pinecones, and other dry biomass for an efficient burn
- Do Charge the Battery: Charge the integrated battery before heading out to ensure you have power from the start
- Do Monitor the Fire: Keep an eye on the fire to maintain optimal performance and safety
- Do Clean Regularly: Clean the stove and power module regularly to maintain efficiency and prolong its lifespan
- Do Use on Stable Surfaces: Place the stove on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping
- Do Ventilate Properly: Use the stove in well-ventilated areas to ensure proper airflow and safety
- Do Carry Spare Kindling: Bring extra kindling to ensure you can start and maintain your fire
- Do Use Cast Iron Cookware: BioLite is a resilient and can withstand small cast iron pots and pans provided it has a stable surface
Don’ts:
- Don’t Use Indoors: Never use the BioLite CampStove indoors or in enclosed spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Don’t Use Wet Fuel: Avoid using wet or damp biomass as it will produce more smoke and reduce efficiency
- Don’t Overload the Fire: Avoid overloading the stove with too much fuel at once to maintain a steady flame
- Don’t Leave Unattended: Never leave the stove unattended while it’s burning
- Don’t Submerge in Water: Keep the power module dry and avoid submerging it in water
- Don’t Block Airflow: Ensure the air vents are not blocked to allow for proper combustion
- Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean the stove, as they can damage the components
- Don’t Disassemble: Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the power module or other components
BioLite’s Amazing Mission
If you are not familiar with BioLite, below is a video explaining their mission and why and how they are creating this energy source to benefit communities that are without the luxuries of power and energy.
They are on a mission to provide energy to more people who have little access to energy.
The BioLite Camp Stove is not the only technology they have created to help keep communities powered, they also provide other technologies like light resources, larger cooking resources, and solar panels that can provide more energy thanks to the sun.
By purchasing BioLite products, you’re helping others in off-the-grid communities in India and South Africa get the energy they need to power their day.
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@travelbranyik @BioLite Camp Stove is hands down one of these best camping gadgets I own. 🔥#camping #biolitecampstove #campingaccesories ♬ Walking Around – Instrumental Version – Eldar Kedem
