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BioLite FirePit

rated 4.0 of 5 stars

The FirePit has been discontinued. It was replaced by the BioLite FirePit+.

photo: BioLite FirePit wood stove

Great portable campfire/hibachi-style grill that you can use at home (in the backyard, of course) or camping. The lithium Ion fan/blower system helps moderate the heat content. Can handle both regular wood (split logs), wood chucks (for smoke and flavoring), charcoal, and even wood pellets (though in a very limited fashion). Relatively portable. Solar-charging cover along with a fire poker are must-have accessories. Bluetooth controls.

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • It is a wood/charcoal fire pit with hibachi capability.
  • The lithium ion fan/blower allows for controlled burning and reduction of smoke.
  • The forced air also permits cleaner burning and leaves only ashes.
  • Solar-powered charger is great for marginally recharging the blower unless plugged in all day.
  • Tabletop capable
  • Heat reflector mat available.

Cons

  • The solar powered cover leaves the bottom open so when you carry it back to your car, residual ash flies around.
  • Difficult to clean the ash without a brush or baby wipes.
  • Not easy to clean out the air pipes.
  • Small grilling surface area
  • Must split logs to fit in cavity.
  • Can't turn off bluetooth broadcast.
  • No option for longer legs
IMG_20200523_210741.jpg

This firepit/hibachi is great for car camping and backyard fun. The detachable blower is lithium ion powered and has four settings (min to max blowing). The blower allows for cleaner burning of wood or charcoal, while the grill on top has a small surface area compared to the wood burning volume available.

As a portable fireplace, it is a mesmerizing experience. The ability to see the fire from three sides allows for it to be used as a centerpiece at any campfire. It takes split logs, wood chucks, charcoal, or all the above as the primary fuel. Easy to light despite all of the holes even in windy conditions (though I don't recommend using it if in windy conditions, of course).

As a hibachi, it is a fun experience, but the surface area is relatively limited, especially compared with the larger volume below the grill. The grill itself is fixed as to height, so pay attention to the amount of wood being used or you will wind up with burnt food quickly. The grill itself slides out and permits additional fuel to be added without removing grill items (neat design!). The blower helps moderate the amount of heat being generated along with smoke.

The lithium ion battery blower runs for more than 3.5+ hours on max. In fact, I've actually run it for about 6 hours on the second (of four) settings before thinking to recharge. The blower is relatively quiet at low speed but loud at the highest setting. Hardwoods burn slower but softwoods burn very quickly if using the blower.

The solar charger is great, but it is an open bottom so residual ash will fall out if carried to your car. The stock storage back is closed bottom and works better for carrying.

Cleaning it after every use can be somewhat troublesome. There is a bottom door (about 4 inches) that allows for sweeping of the ash out. However, it isn't quite long enough to empty it without sustained brushing (though it is well designed because it allows for a small back to be placed underneath).

The sides easily prevent sparks from escaping, but obviously the top is open and one should always pay attention to random sparks.

IMG_20200524_195911.jpg
Hibachi style!

Background

I've used several firepit products, including propane and wood burning. This is relatively bulky compared to some portable campfire pits, but the blower and visible sides make up for any issues regarding bulk.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $300

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Specs

Price MSRP: $249.95
Historic Range: $186.93-$259.90
Reviewers Paid: $300.00
Fuel Burns firewood or charcoal
Burntime 24 hr on Low, 10 hr on Medium, 5 hr on High
Dimensions 27 x 13 x 15.8 in
Weight 19.8 lbs

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