Gear Closet: BioLite FirePit Review

The BioLite FirePit is a product that I’ve known about for quite some time. Ever since I was first introduced to it at an Outdoor Retailer event several years back, I’ve wanted to get my hands on one for testing.

My Review TL;DR

If you don’t want to read the full review, the short answer is “yes!” and you should buy one. But if you want to know more, there is a lot to talk about with this item.

I’m a Huge Fan of BioLite

I’ll start off this review by noting that I am a big fan of BioLite. The company makes an eclectic mix of products that are thoughtfully designed, innovative in nature, and a lot of fun to use, either at home or around the campsite.

The FirePit falls squarely into all of those categories. It takes the idea behind a traditional fire pit, turns it on its ear slightly, adds a dose of modern technology, and then throws on some extra features just for good measure.

A Versitle Firepit for Camping or Your Backyard

As the name implies, the FirePit is indeed a fire pit for use in the backyard or while car camping. While it isn’t overly large and heavy (19.8 lbs/8.98 kg), it is too much to carry with you into the backcountry, although it would be a lot of fun to use there too.

It does have a compact design and comes with folding legs, which makes it easier to transport, meaning you could take it to outdoor festivals, the beach, or on other day trips with relative ease.

Once at your intended location, chances are you’ll find the FirePit will quickly become the center of attention, as its stylish looks and design seem to draw a crowd.

biolite firepit 2

The BioLite FirePit Offers Better than Average Style

In building the FirePit, BioLite used what is called “X-Ray Mesh.” That’s a fitting description of the metal that makes up the bulk of the FirePit’s body, as it allows those seated around it to enjoy the orange glow of the fire and watch the wood inside burn, while still safely containing the flames and the logs.

This is a bit unique for a fire pit, as competing models often only offer a minimal look—or none at all—of the burning logs, with just the flames, can be seen peeking out of the top. Here, every seat in the house gets a good look at the show, which is a huge part of the fun of gathering around a campfire in the first place.

Intelligent and Innovative Engineering Leads to a Really Good Product

This being a product from BioLite, you can bet that there is some interesting engineering at work. The designers of the FirePit use their patented airflow technology which incorporates what they call air jets to help keep the flow of oxygen reaching the interior for a long-lasting, even burn.

In fact, there are 51 of these air jets, which helps to not only get a fire started more quickly and easily, but helps keep it going too. Those efforts are aided by the inclusion of a battery-operated fan, which helps circulate that air and makes the FirePit almost entirely smoke free. Yep, you read that right, no playing musical chairs around the fire pit in order to avoid getting caught in the smoke. 

You can gather around a bonfire that won’t leave you smelling like smoke or constantly shifting around to avoid having it blow in your eyes. This is probably my least favorite thing about a campfire, but here it is practically eliminated altogether.

USB Powered—This Fire Pit Lasts All Day

The fan is powered by a rechargeable USB battery pack with a 10,400 mAh battery capacity. On its lowest setting, it can run for up to 24 hours, keeping your FirePit going constantly, as long as you keep feeding it wood or charcoal.

Higher settings have less of a burn time of course but are more effective at circulating the air and removing the smoke. The fan can be controlled via a button built onto the side of the unit, or by connecting it with a BioLite app for iOS and Android.

That same app works with the company’s BioLite BaseLantern XL, but is a bit finicky when interfacing with that product. Although with the BioLite FirePit it worked great every time.

A Fire Pit With Extra Tech Specs

Not only does the BioLite FirePit come with a USB rechargeable battery pack, that same battery power pack can also be used to charge devices. The included power pack is equipped with USB outputs in case you need to power up your devices in the backcountry or keep your Bluetooth speaker going during a backyard cookout. 

If you want to get even more efficient with BioLite’s tech, you can pick up their Solar Carry Cover. This is a solar powered cover for the BioLite FirePit, allowing you to charge the battery pack for your firepit directly from its protective cover.

When it comes to quality and innovative engineering, BioLite has really added all the bells and whistles onto their FirePit. 

Use the BioLite FirePit for Cooking, or Just for Warmth

More versatile than some other fire pits, the BioLite FirePit actually comes with an included grill grate that allows you to cook over the fire. Sure, you can fire up the gas grill or get the charcoal started, but there’s something fun about cooking over a fire pit or campfire—and this fire pit does it all. 

The included grill grate and dual fuel capabilities mean that the BioLite FirePit can run off of wood or charcoal. 

You can throw on standard firewood logs for the experience of a cozy campfire without the hassle of smoke, or add charcoal underneath the fuel rack to get cooking on a hibachi style grill. 

The Dual Fuel Capability Leaves Endless Opportunity for Cooking on this FirePit

The versatile fuel rack and dual fuel option provide a unique and customizable flavor too, which makes burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and other meats taste even more delicious. Whether you want a good old campfire dog or a chargrilled steak, the BioLite has you covered. Top it off by throwing on some vegetables to roast them up too, and you’ll have a full meal.

Cooking on the BioLite FirePit is quick, easy, and a lot of fun. It also adds a dash of added functionality that you might not get from a typical fire pit.

Tons of Value for the Money

The FirePit is pricier than a typical model that you might pick up from your local home decor stores. Considering what it brings to the table, however, I feel the price is fully justified.

My Consensus: This Firepit Beats Out the Competition

I’ve tested some other fire pits recently that didn’t offer all of the functionality and tech capabilities that the BioLite FirePit does, and they were priced at twice as much.

This is a premium product, from a reputable brand, that delivers on its promises of improved performance and reduced amounts of smoke.

The same can’t be said about much of the competition, especially bargain options that sell for less money. All things considered, BioLite is giving us a bargain here, which only becomes more apparent after you use it.

BioLite Offers Useful Accessories at Affordable Price Points

Despite all the value that’s packed into this fire pit, BioLite also offers a handful of useful accessories that don’t come included. These are all relatively affordable, considering the value they add, as is the FirePit itself is.

BioLite FireMat Ground Protector: This firemat is a great add-on if you’ll be keeping your FirePit on a wood deck, grass, or any other heat-sensitive area. It runs around $50 and is designed specifically for use with the BioLite FirePit. It deflects radiant heat, protecting the ground beneath the fire pit, and comes with its own compact, mesh carrying case. 

BioLite FirePit Griddle: This cast iron griddle is designed specifically for use with the BioLite FirePit. It offers more flexibility in cook-styles when cooking on the FirePit. It also includes a nonstick surface and raised edges to help prevent grease spill off into the unit.

BioLite FirePit Solar Charging Carry Case: This is the carrying case I mentioned above which is equipped with an integrated solar panel for charging your FirePit while it’s not being used. The case is made of waterproof nylon to protect your FirePit from the weather—it stands as yet another testament to the functionality and ingenuity of BioLite’s products

My Final Thoughts

As you can probably tell, I have enjoyed my time with the BioLite FirePit. It is a well-made fire pit that brings some innovative ideas to an age-old device. I especially love the smoke-free operation of this product, which has made gathering around the fire so much more enjoyable for everyone.

A Quick Overview: Why I Believe This Firepit Offers Serious Bang for Your Buck:

  • It looks great and offers a better atmosphere than comparable fire pit models.
  • It delivers on the promise of being lightweight and easy to transport.
  • It comes fully equipped to get cooking with an included grill grate and both wood and charcoal fuel compatibility.
  • The battery can last up to 24 hours on one charge.
  • Although I wouldn’t recommend this fire pit as your only power bank, the USB outputs come through in a pinch when you need to charge your devices.
  • The X-Ray Mesh radiates warmth and offers a cozy view of the fire no matter where you’re sat around the fire pit. 
  • Again, smokeless campfire—need I say more? 

Find out more by visiting the product’s page on Amazon.

Kraig Becker