Outdoors

Biolite's backyard FirePit reduces smoke with air injection

Biolite's backyard FirePit reduces smoke with air injection
BioLite's FirePit reduces smoke so there's no bad spot around the fire
BioLite's FirePit reduces smoke so there's no bad spot around the fire
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BioLite's FirePit reduces smoke so there's no bad spot around the fire
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BioLite's FirePit reduces smoke so there's no bad spot around the fire
BioLite's newest device, the FirePit
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BioLite's newest device, the FirePit
Everybody loves getting up close and personal with a warm fire
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Everybody loves getting up close and personal with a warm fire
The BioLite FirePirt can accommodate charcoal in addition to wood, and features a grill top
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The BioLite FirePirt can accommodate charcoal in addition to wood, and features a grill top
The BioLite FirePit pumps oxygen into the fire at key spots to create a more even temperature and mix gases around
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The BioLite FirePit pumps oxygen into the fire at key spots to create a more even temperature and mix gases around
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Through a growing line of outdoor cooking gadgets, BioLite has given campers nifty new ways to keep their mobile devices charged up, their fingers warm and the smoke out of their eyes. Now it is taking aim at the backyard fire pit, with a wood-burning device that uses an intricate air injection system to keep smoke to a minimum.

Everybody loves getting up close and personal with a warm fire, but most won't enjoy the irritation that comes with all that pesky smoke. Part of BioLite's modus operandi has been to capture heat energy from a campsite fire source and turn it into electricity, but it also claims to greatly reduce smoke emissions by applying oxygen in strategic places.

In the newly announced BioLite FirePit, this comes courtesy of 51 jets thats surround the chamber. These are powered by a Micro USB-rechargeable power pack and pump oxygen into the fire at key spots to create a more even temperature and mix gases around, which BioLite says improves combustion by burning particulate matter before it can escape. This makes for more efficient burning of fuel and a lot less smoke.

BioLite's newest device, the FirePit
BioLite's newest device, the FirePit

The system has four speeds so you can choose from a gentle flame to something more powerful. This can be controlled directly from the FirePit itself or remotely through the companion smartphone app over Bluetooth. The burner can accommodate charcoal in addition to wood, and features a grill top for cooking and a mesh exterior so the flames can be enjoyed from all angles.

There is also an optional carry case that bears a solar panel on top that acts as a waterproof cover and uses the sun's power to charge up the power pack via Micro USB. When fully charged, this pack should provide 24 hours of use on a low setting, and also features a USB output to power other gadgets.

BioLite is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to fund the production of the FirePit. Early pledges of US$199 will have one headed your way in May 2018 if all goes to plan. You can check out the pitch video below.

Source: BioLite

BioLite FirePit: See Fire, Not Smoke

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3 comments
3 comments
Bob Flint
Of course creating better air flow around a clumped bunch of fuel will burn through the fuel much faster, and reduce the smoke. The key is learning how to set-up a proper fire with only initial start up smoke, and maintain/poke the fuel/fire to burn evenly sans smoke..
Still for the average camper it does seem to do a good job, and provide some power as well, not to mention the containment is also critical and many areas have open fire bans all together. Not sure this would qualify since it does produce a lot more burning embers. Curious as to the material they use for the mesh, with the thermal output tends to melt/break down thin metals quickly.
ADVENTUREMUFFIN
Good idea, but why not charge the unit using the heat from the flame, as is done with other Biolite products? That way you have a self contained, regenerative system rather than one that requires charging prior to use (and after)
Don Duncan
Aprovecho cook stoves provide adjustable draft by mechanical means + a design which incorporates air dispersion, deflector, and blades for the most efficient flame burn. No fans, no battery, but easy to build, smokeless mass fuel burner. A lot of research went into the Wonderwerk Strata Combustor.