Biolite Firepit+
I’m sure we’ve all seen the funny meme of a character sat in various positions around a campfire, and wherever they sit the smoke follows them. That used to be my special skill, but not any more, because over the last few months I’ve been enjoying the latest Biolite Firepit+.
Measuring 27” x 13” x 15.8” and weighing in at a shade under 9kg, the FirePit+ isn’t your average firepit, it’s more like the love child of a traditional campfire and a high-tech gadget. It’s designed to give you the authentic experience of a wood-burning fire without the hassle of excessive smoke. This is achieved through the ingenious X-Ray mesh and an innovative airflow system powered by a rechargeable battery allows you get to enjoy those mesmerising flames and the warmth of a real fire while avoiding the classic pitfalls of campfire smoke stinging your eyes and embedding itself into your clothes.
To achieve this the battery powers a fan that pushes air through a channel of stainless steel tubes at both the base and top of the fire pit, each tube contains 51 air jets that inject the fire with oxygen along key locations, resulting in a uniform temperature across the pit. Using buttons on the side of the battery, or the free Bluetooth app, you can control the size of the flames.
Oh, the ‘+’ means that this model has an upgraded 12,800 mAH battery allows for longer burn times: 30 hours on low, 14 hours on medium, or seven hours on high. It also has an upgraded body, and the high-temperature enamel coating ensures the fire pit is more durable than then previous version.
Setting up the Firepit+ is a breeze, simply unfold the four legs, fill it with your chosen fuel - wood or charcoal, and you're done. With four fan speed settings, you can control the intensity of your fire, turning it from a gentle, smouldering glow to a roaring inferno with the push of a button.
Building a traditional fire can take a fair bit of effort, and once the kindling has caught fire you need to wait for the larger logs to ignite too, but using the FirePit+ is a much simpler affair, and you need far less kindling for a start.
My method is to keep the fan setting on low, ignite the kindling, and as soon as it develops I add a larger log and crank up the fan speed to inject more oxygen then I’ll add the larger pieces of wood, and once I have an established fire, I’ll lower the fan speed.
Another bonus is that it’s great for groups. Whereas most other firepits have enclosed sides, and therefore all the heat rises, the Firepit+ has a tight mesh on three sides, meaning that heat is bellowed out to everyone around it.
But wait, the Biolite Firepit+ isn’t just a one trick pony, it doubles up as a grill. The included grill grate is perfect for cooking up a feast after a day of green-laning. Whether it’s sausages, burgers, or even a veggie skewer, you’re sorted. It’s like bringing a bit of your kitchen into the wilderness, without the bulk and bother. There’s also a bunch load of accessories available to make your camping and cooking experiences even better.
Anything else to mention?
The bottom grate (where the wood/charcoal rests) has two height settings. It also has a trap-door on the bottom so you can easily push out the charred remains, making it fairly quick to clean.
Of course, no product is without its quirks, and the Biolite Firepit+ is no exception. Firstly, it’s on the pricier side, which might make some hesitate. However, considering the dual functionality and advanced features, many will find it worth the investment.
Additionally, while it’s designed to be portable, it’s not the lightest or most portable piece of kit to lug around, and though the airflow system is generally quiet, the fan does emit a slight hum, which could be a minor distraction for those seeking the complete tranquillity of nature.
While the FirePit+ is advertised as smoke free, stack fuel above the air tubes and it will act as any firepit, keep it below the tubes and let them do their job and you’ll be fine.
Oh, and it doesn’t come with a bag, or case. There is one available, but that’s at an extra cost - around £50. Speaking of extra, there are also bundles available, such as a cooking kit, fire mat, and so on.
Conclusion?
Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Biolite Firepit+ stands out as a stellar piece of equipment for any outdoor enthusiast. Its combination of traditional campfire charm with modern convenience makes it a brilliant addition to your 4x4 and camping adventures. It’s practical, innovative, and adds a touch of luxury to your camping experience.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your outdoor escapades, the Biolite Firepit+ is well worth considering. Just imagine it: a crackling fire, no smoke in your eyes, and a perfectly grilled burger, all controlled from your phone.
Price: Around £300
More at » https://eu.bioliteenergy.com/products/firepit-plus