A BioLite fire pit is a great way to enjoy time with family and friends in your backyard without the harmful smoke that could bother neighbors. BioLite has created a portable, wood-burning fireplace that produces no smoke or soot because it burns cleanly and efficiently. BioLite also makes products for cooking, lighting, water purification, and more.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Smoke-free
- Versatile fan for improved control
- Bluetooth connectivity for app control
- The BioLite can also serve as a grill.
Cons:
- The process of starting a fire is not foolproof.
- Setting up the unit can be somewhat time-consuming.
My first impression of this fire pit was that it combined the old-school appeal of a traditional campfire with the new Bluetooth fan aspect. It offers 360-degree views of the fire and foldable legs for trips to the farm or the lake. But when it comes to first impressions of the BioLite Firepit, you have a lot in store for you. Please read on below to find how it fared.
Like most fireplaces, this one takes some work to get the flames going. It fits up to four standard-sized logs, although the use of kindling is recommended. It took some trial and error to get the fire started using only dry twigs as kindling.
Once the fire caught, I played around with the fan speed to get more air into it. At other campfires, we usually have to add enough ventilation by blowing hard so that they can maintain a flame. The beauty of the flame is also a perk for this fire pit. Flames are often seen floating through the mesh, giving it an ethereal quality.
It was easy to set the fan speed using Bluetooth. I just tapped “high” or “low” in the BioLite app, and it worked like a charm. The use of the app is designed to provide convenience, but it should not be necessary to extend airflow via the power pack’s side buttons. The power bank lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge and can charge devices like phones when not in use.
Your BioLite needs a power pack to use, so if you run out of battery life, make sure you have an alternate plan for charging your unit.
- You can charge batteries by using a solar panel.
- For longer trips without access to electricity, consider bringing multiple backup chargers in case they die before.
With the fan running and a fire started, my first successful BioLite Fire Pit fire lasted one hour on a 35 F day. The fire could have gone on for a long time, but I sped up the fans too quickly so I can enjoy dinner inside. Unlike a typical campfire, you can’t put water on the fire pit. You have to wait until the flames die out, although they burn out faster when the fan is set to high power mode.
The fire pit is easy to clean. All I had to do was slide out the bottom flap, catch what little ash there was in a bowl of water placed nearby, and pour the leftover ashes onto it. After the fire pit cooled down, I used paper towels and water to remove any remaining ash or debris from the pit. The device weighs only 20 pounds and is easily portable. I intend to keep this outside, so it’s ready for quick use when winter arrives. I plan on relying heavily on the included grill grates during spring and summer cookouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What surfaces are best for a BioLite fire pit?
BioLite recommends placing the pit on a fireproof mat or gravel but can also place it on other surfaces such as packed dirt and concrete. Avoid areas like wooden decks. I’ve used the BioLite fire pit on a number of surfaces, including pavers and pavement, and it always worked well.
Is it difficult to assemble this fire pit?
Setup isn’t challenging; it’ll take about half an hour. It would be best if you accounted for setup time before starting your first fire. The instructions included with the product were well-written and helped me readily understand assembly.
How long does it take the power pack to charge?
It takes about two hours for the power pack to charge fully.
Can the firepit be operated without using a power pack?
BioLite does not recommend using its fire pit without the power pack. Fans in the power pack provide smokeless fires.
What type of fuel should you use?
When using BioLite, we recommend burning dry firewood, dry branches, and sticks. We also suggest lighter fluid to start a fire if needed. Fuel that should not use includes wet wood, greenwood, sappy wood, moss, or bark.
Final Verdict
If you’re on the hunt for a portable fire pit but don’t want any smoke, then the BioLite FirePit may be for you. Though it may not be perfect, this fire pit is the easiest I’ve used to date.
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