The Biolite CampStove Bundle Review
I have been dreaming about the BioLite CampStove since I saw it the first time at the OutdoorShow in 2014. I was really impressed with its nice ergonomic design and of course, all its innovative functions. With the BioLite CampStove Bundle you can boil water, grill your food, roast marshmallows and even charge your phone or other USB devices all at the same time.
The stove uses the excess heat generated while cooking and converts it into electricity via a thermoelectric generator. This powers a small fan that blows air into the flames to provide you with a smokeless wood fire. The rest of the energy flows to a USB port that you can use to charge your gear.
How to use BioLite stove
Using this stove couldn’t be easier. Just gather twigs and small pieces of wood and place them into the stove. Light a firestarter and put it in, and the BioLite will do the rest.
When the appropriate temperature is achieved, BioLite will start producing electricity. As soon the light above the USB port turns green, it is ready to charge your devices.
The BioLite CampStove Bundle
The bundle comes with a Biolite Stove, KettlePot for boiling water and cooking meals, Portable Grill, Biolite FlexLight, USB cable and firestarter. The stove fits nicely into the kettle for easy travel and the grill comes with a plastic cover to protect your backpack from grease and soot.
The BioLite Portable Grill
Cooking on the BioLite Grill was an enjoyable experience, from setting up to cooking the food. It is lightweight and compact enough when you compare it with charcoal grills. You can regulate the intensity of the flame without disrupting your grill surface by opening the fuel lid and feeding the fire.
The grill works great for cooking and I had a lot of fun testing it out. I cooked sausages, fish, veggies and sides and they all turned out perfect.
The BioLite KettlePot
The Biolite KettlePot is incredibly fast and efficient in getting water to come to a boil. This is because the bottom of the kettle fits right on the camp stove spot stand. I was able to boil a litre of water in 4.5 minutes and that was much faster than boiling 0.5 litres of water with a gas canister stove. You can put your own cookware on the BioLite Stove as well, however, the original kettle fits better on the burner and can be used as a carry case for the stove.
Field Test
I had a chance to test the Biolite CampStove Bundle on my overnight trip on the Hoga Kusten Trail, Sweden and on several other short camping trips. I used it mostly for boiling water and cooking food for 2 people. The charging ability was a welcome add-on to the stove’s main purpose. I was able to gain a 10% percent charge on an iPhone 6 after 60 minutes of continuous charging.
Tech Specs:
Manufacturer: BioLite
Average Price: 259.95 EUR
Packed Size: Stove- 5×8.28 in (12.7×20.96 cm); Grill 9.5x12x3.5 in (24.13×30.48×8.89 cm); FlexLight length – 16in (40.64cm)
Weight Listed: Stove – 2.06 Lbs (934 g); Grill – 1.88Lbs (850g); Kettle – 1.02lbs (465g); FlexLight – 1.80oz (51.03g)
Fuel type: renewable biomass (twigs, pinecones, wood pellets etc.)
Pros:
An environmentally friendly, non fossil fuel system
Could be used in places where open fires are prohibited
Ergonomic design (its components nesting into each other)
The stove is easy to start and to keep running
Very easy to gather fuel
Everything cooks quickly
Enjoyment of a campfire and so much fun!
Cools down fast (quickly cools to get it ready for packing away)
Cons:
It’s a little heavy for multi-day hiking trips
You can’t leave the CampStove unattended – it needs nearly constant feeding
It’s quite expensive
Best uses:
The Biolite CampStove bundle is ideal for short camping trips and romantic weekends in the countryside. The whole set is too heavy for multi-day trips. In this case, you can take just the stove and a lightweight pot. Then it would be comparable in weight to a burner and a pair of gas balloons. Here, one has to choose for themselves what is more important – weight or fun.
For sure, your choice will also affect where you go. If your route goes through the highlands above the tree line and you are planning on spending nights among the rocks and mosses, then certainly you would want to take an ordinary backpacking stove.
Disclosure:
The manufacturer provided me with the CampStove to test it “in the field” several times and for writing an honest review. The product quality and customer service exceeded my expectations. Thank you BioLite, for such a great product and a super-fast delivery!!!
