FAQ: BioLite FirePit: See Fire, Not Smoke
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!

Are you shipping Internationally? What are the fees?

Yes, the FirePit is available internationally and the fees vary country by country. Please note that we have done months of research to ensure that all fees include DELIVERED DUTIES PAID which means no surprise charges upon arrival.

Please note that some of our multi-item pledge levels are not available internationally and that is due to logistical constraints. Thank you for understanding and we hope you stick around for the FirePit!

Last updated: September 18, 2017 17:05

Do you have to use your phone and/or the Bluetooth to control FirePit?

Nope, you can do everything manually via the button located on the side of the usb-rechargeable powerpack.

The optional Bluetooth app allows you to control the airflow settings remotely, which comes in handy if you’re perfectly bundled around the fire and don’t want to get up – but more importantly, it offers precise feedback on how much runtime is left in the battery so you can be in complete control of your clean-burning experience.

Last updated: September 18, 2017 17:46

Does the FirePit create electricity?

Nope. If you are asking this, chances are you’re familiar with our CampStove or BaseCamp (if so, welcome back!). Those stoves feature a thermoelectric generator that produces electricity from the heat of the fire. The FirePit does not – and that’s on purpose.

If we included thermoelectrics in a design of this scale, the unit would cost upwards of $400-$600 and we didn’t want to just do tech for tech’s sake. Realizing that we wanted the system to still be self-reliant and self-charging, we opted for a solar cover as a companion to the unit. We really want this project to be affordable to as many folks as possible and this was the right energy solution for it.

The 10,400 mAh battery can offer up to 24 hours of airflow, so the intended use case is: you burn throughout a weekend and then toss the cover on for it to recharge during the week. You can also always recharge it in the car, at home, etc, and since this is more intended for beach, cabin, backyard, etc your access to an outlet is a bit more reliable than a backcountry trip (which is why the CampStove/BaseCamp have TEGs).

Lastly, the FirePit is designed to radiate heat, not concentrate it (which is why we have the x-ray mesh benefit), so its intended use and benefit puts it at odds with TEG optimization.

Last updated: September 19, 2017 12:39

How do you start the fire?

Great question! To see us do it in real-time, join us for our first-ever Kickstarter Live on Wednesday September 27th at 1pmEST.

To start the fire, criss-cross some kindling in the base of the FirePit with the fuel-rack in the low position. Add a little paper or firestarter and light with a match or lighter. You can put the fan on the LOW setting, but don’t go any higher or you may blow out a weak flame. Add one piece of firewood and allow to catch; when you’ve got some coal beds going you can add more and more pieces of wood.

OR IF YOU ARE COOKING –» A great way to start the fire is to start your night out by grilling over charcoal. The leftover embers are a terrific firestarter for logs. Just lower the fuel rack using tongs or another heatproof utensil and drop a log in (seriously, just drop it in, the coals start the fire for you).

Last updated: September 18, 2017 18:49

How long does the Solar Cover take to recharge the power pack to full?

The Solar Cover is designed to take about 4-5 days to charge the power pack to full. Our intended use case is: you burn over the course of a weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun) and then use the weekdays to charge it back up to full. This timeframe accounts for variations in peak sun. Please note that the Powerpack IS detachable and you can always recharge faster it via a wall outlet, your car charger, etc. We just wanted to ensure you had a way to offer passive recharging and solar was the best fit since many users will be leaving it outside in the backyard.

The Bluetooth App also offers real-time feedback on your powerpack so you always know how much runtime is left.

Last updated: September 18, 2017 18:49

How long can the airflow system run on a single charge?

24 hours on LOW 10 hours on MED 5 hours on MAX

IMPORTANT THING TO READ –» MAX doesn’t mean biggest flames!

If you want to have nice campfire feel with big flames, you actually want the system on the LOW setting: that allows the flames to extend and dance around. MAX setting intensifies the fire by increasing airflow and the effect is that the flames essentially collapse on themselves, creating a furnace-like effect. This is ideal for kickstarting an initial fire (see what we did there) or if you’re in really chilly conditions and you’re looking to radiate a lot of heat.

The majority of the time, LOW is going to be your ideal setting, which also gives you the most runtime (nice how that works out).

Last updated: September 18, 2017 18:49

How do I clean the FirePit?

The FirePit has a trap door at the bottom that you can use to clean out ash and coal (remember to dispose of those safely and have water nearby!).

We recommend using a wide painters brush to get any fine ash out if you want a deeper clean.

If you’re grilling, you can clean the grate with a standard wire brush you use to clean with other grills.

Last updated: September 21, 2017 16:22

I don't want to read everything - gimme the specs, quick!

FirePit Dimensions: 13”W x 27”L x 15.8”H, 33W x 68.6L x 40.1H cm (legs unfolded) or 10.5”H, 26.7H cm (legs folded) FirePit Weight: 19.8 lbs, 8.98 kg Fuel Capacity: Fits up to 4 pieces of standard cord wood. Raise fuel rack for charcoal cooking. Airflow Runtime: 24 hours LOW | 10 hours MED | 5 hours MAX Powerpack Battery Capacity: 10400mAh (rechargeable via micro USB) FirePit Components: FirePit Body w/ Legs, Fuel Rack, Grill Grate, USB Rechargeable Airflow Powerpack Kickstarter Bonus Item: Solar Carry Case

Last updated: September 22, 2017 18:28

Can I pledge for [2] FirePits?

As of 9/25/17, YES! Yes, you can.

We unlocked a limited quantity of DOUBLE BUNDLE pledge rewards. Please note these are a part of the WAVE 2 July 2018 Production Run.

Heads Up: we spent the weekend researching if we could find shipping efficiencies with two-unit orders, but unfortunately there’s no way around these oversized items (with smaller products you can often bundle them into a single shipping box). This is a straight x2 pledge level, including shipping fees.

To adjust your pledge click on “Manage My Pledge” and you can switch pledge levels from there.

Thanks!

Last updated: September 25, 2017 14:29

How loud is the fan?

We are still in the final stages of completing the housing for the fan - please tune in to our Kickstarter Live on 9/27 at 1pmEST for a live demo of the current prototype.

While we cannot offer a precise decibel, we can say that, with the exception of MAX (a 5 minute burst at top speed to kickstart the flames), the sounds of the fire are much stronger than the sounds of any fan.

Last updated: September 21, 2017 16:24

How long does the FirePit's Airflow Powerpack take to recharge with a BioLite SolarPanel 5+ or 10+?

The SolarPanel 5+ will take appx 8 hours in direct peak sun

The SolarPanel 10+ will take appx 5 hours in direct peak sun (We know, we know: “wouldn’t it take 4 hours if the 5+ takes 8 hours?” Not in this case; the FirePit limits the inbound charge rate)

Last updated: September 21, 2017 16:40

Shipping Updates
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