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RE: BioLite's new kickstarter.

in #biolite8 years ago (edited)

I really don't recommend this. Everybody I've spoken to who used the 1.0 or 2.0 said that the main flaw is that it burns through the amount of sticks that will fit inside the combustion chamber much faster than the time it takes to #1. boil water, and #2. add any useful amount of charge to your phone.

Even with the increased amperage of the 2.0, a smartphone will still need 1-2 hours to charge fully. You gonna sit there with a pile of twigs, dumping out ash, reloading and re-lighting every 5 minutes?

That's a uselessly small solar cell, too. Everything about this screams gimmick to me, I'm sorry to say.

EDIT: Looks like they left out the TEG on the new model entirely, my bad. But now you know why.

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Thank you, Thank you for the read and comment.
Yes if you leave the fan on high it will burn through wood like no other, the burn is hot and will take some refueling. One cooking session is one light and with the fire burning hot the ashes are minimal. I only empty it after its all said and done, but now that you mention it I will give it a try and see how long and how much wood it takes to recharge a cell phone. I find that using the fan on high to get a nice hot fire and then taking it down to low keeps the fire going longer. Still the fuel is free you get more heat with a hotter cleaner burn and its not gas. The firepit is ideally recharged by wall socket or car charger, but if you leave the cover with the solar panel out for a few days or more it will charge. The company makes a great product and they make a unit called the Base Camp for people in energy deficient countries to use for cooking. It may not be the smallest or lightest camp stove or the cheapest firepit. Yes the product is luxurious in some ways but I like them because buying from BioLite supports a company trying to do something different to solve the worlds energy problem in countries like India and Africa. Also its a cool toy to show off to friends.
https://www.bioliteenergy.com/pages/our-story