Review – Since its first launch in 2012, I have been following BioLite’s CampStove product. I was attracted by the concept of using only wood fuel to charge the device. When I had the opportunity to test the latest BioLite CampStove Complete Cook Kit, I was very happy to give it a try.
What is it?
The BioLite CampStove Complete Cook Kit is an award-winning power-generating CampStove 2+ wood-burning stove with a portable grill, kettle pot and CoffeePress accessories.
What’s in the box?
- Stuff bag
- instruct
- USB cable
- Camp stove 2+
- FlexLight 100
- lighter
- Kettle pot
- Coffee Press
- Portable grill
Hardware specifications
fuel: Renewable biomass (tree branches, pine cones, wood pellets, etc.)
Power output: 3 watts peak; TEG produces 5V, 2A USB output
Battery: 3,200 mAh
weight:
CampStove 33 oz (935 g)
Kettle pot 16 oz (465 g)
CoffeePress 2.8 oz (80 g)
Grilled 30 oz (850 g)
Design and features
BioLite CampStove Complete Cook Kit consists of four main components, CampStove 2+, KettlePot, portable grill and CoffeePress. Although this review covers the Complete Cook Kit, CampStove 2+ can also be used as a standalone product.
The core component CampStove 2+ uses biomass (tree branches, pine cones, wood chips, etc.) to generate usable electricity. CampStove 2+ uses thermoelectric technology to charge the device in real time, generating 3 watts of power, or the built-in 3,200 mAh battery can store the generated power for later use. The charging port is USB-A, so if you need a Type-C connector, you need to use a USB-A to Type-C adapter or buy a new cable for your device.
The integrated LED indicator can monitor firepower, power output and fan speed. The included flexible light can provide night lighting when needed. The built-in battery can be pre-charged at home using the Micro-USB port on the bottom of the device. Press the power button 2 to 5 times to adjust the four levels of fan speed.
CampStove integrates “fingers” on the top, allowing pots or pans to be used on top of it. This clever design allows heat and flames to rise while providing support for your cookware.
Under optimal conditions, KettlePot can boil 1L of water in 4.5 minutes; however, it may take up to 10 minutes at colder temperatures. It can also store CampStove 2+ in it, although there is no CoffeePress or the accompanying bowl. Without the grill and CoffeePress, this compact configuration is only 10.20 x 5.20 inches (25.91 x 13.21 cm). Whether you are boiling water for bagged rice, stir-frying or brewing coffee, KettlePot is big enough to complete the task.
KettlePot also has holes at the bottom, so you can add a small piece of fuel to CampStove without removing the kettle. The KettlePot lid is heat-resistant, so you can cover the water as needed.
The third component is a portable grill. I must say that its simple and effective structure left a deep impression on me. Its 12-inch x 9-inch (30.5 x 22.8 cm) oval barbecue area (minus a little from the chimney) provides plenty of space for camping meals for one or two people. The grill can easily hold four burgers.
Chimney baffles provide a way to add fuel and redirect heat to the grilling area. The included plastic travel cover helps prevent any debris on the grill from escaping and reaching other equipment.
I did find that the grill was not as hot as I thought, even though it was only 40 degrees Fahrenheit outside when I tried it. My kebabs are also big, but they are cooked in about 30 minutes. I also found that there is no positive connection between the grill and CampStove, it is just placed on it, so you have to make sure you have a flat horizontal surface.
Last but not least is CoffeePress. Its fine metal mesh and rubber seals are very suitable for making high-quality French filter coffee. The integrated pouring spout in the lid can also pour well. The rubber seal not only keeps the liquid in, but also closes the lid tightly. When not in use, the rubber-coated handle can be folded to maximize compactness. Usually, I would say that anything related to coffee is my favorite thing, but CampStove’s power generation capacity wins, but only by a small advantage.
Starting a stove is similar to starting a campfire. You can use igniter cubes (including 9) or other types of fire to light a small fire. Once the fire starts, press the power button twice to put the fan in a low power state. The fan helps to supply oxygen and you can ignite manually without blowing air!
The BioLite CampStove Complete Cook Kit is also equipped with a storage bag that can hold everything except the grill.
what do I like
- No need for wind or solar power to generate electricity
- Integrated battery allows the generated electricity to be used later
- Able to pre-charge the device at home.
What will i change
- I would like to see KettlePot zoom in slightly to store CoffeePress and CampStove in it.
- The Type-C port will be good because USB-A will no longer be used.
- Better grill connection
Final thoughts
I like the idea of being able to use the fuel I find without having to drag the gas tank around. The BioLite CampStove Complete Cook Kit works as advertised. Providing power and cooking sources makes BioLite CampStove a truly versatile addition to any camping, hiking or survival kit.
Price: $239.95
Where to buy: Biolight with Amazon
source: The sample of this product is made by Biolight.
