Customer reviews from bioliteenergy.com
BioLite - CampStove Complete Cook Kit - Silver and Yellow
Average customer rating
4.7
(151 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 151 reviews
5 Stars
117
4 Stars
29
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
2
1 Star
1
96%of customers recommend this product.
(
121 out of
126)
Customer Reviews for BioLite - CampStove Complete Cook Kit - Silver and Yellow
Customer Rating
4
Love the stove/kit, but honest about limitations
on March 6, 2021
Posted by: purple dread
from Arizona
Length of ownership:1 week
I'll preface this by saying that I love BioLite as a company and expect to continue purchasing their products both in support of their efforts to do good and as a generally good product. BUT, if you're debating on whether or not to purchase this kit, there are a few things that you should consider.
This stove is amazing, and from what I can tell so far, is a great workhorse if you are willing to be patient and accept that there is a learning curve. I've had my eye on BioLite for years and finally decided to take the plunge- I couldn't be happier with this decision. I've only had the stove for a few days but have been testing it out under different conditions to make sure that it will meet my needs in the field. Results are mixed. It's probably worth noting that I'm a life-long camper and have extensive experience with managing fires for cooking. First attempt was hard-boiled eggs and that worked great!
On the second attempt with dry eucalyptus wood from a downed tree in our backyard, this stove performed above and beyond my expectations. Lighting was simple, and although I got a few flames shooting out the sides (eucalyptus burns hot, fast, and bright), I was able to cook a pot of chili on it with almost no problems. I'm at around 2,000 feet in elevation in the low desert, so I would expect that the boil/cook times would increase with elevation, providing more even cooking as elevation increases. Given that I almost burned my chili by being inattentive for a few moments, I'd say that this stove is designed to perform optimally at higher altitudes, with a greater risk of burning food at lower elevations. Thank goodness for fan control. It helps manage heat quite well.
Third attempt at cooking was a combo quinoa/trout/grilled veggies meal. I decided to try out some pellets this time (non-BioLight due to cost and availability). At first, the pellets appeared to be superior to wood as a fuel. The quinoa cooked perfectly in the kettle (just the right size for a meal for a small family!), but I had a little more trouble with the grill. The grill fit fine when the stove was cold, but when I put it on the hot stove, it wasn't level and I couldn't quite manipulate it into place, even though it was on a flat surface. I started grilling some veggies and kept an eye on the fuel chamber, assuming I would have to refill after the quinoa. Unfortunately, the flames died before the embers did and I wasn't able to get additional pellets into the chamber quickly enough to restart the fire. It took 15 minutes of fiddling around with fire starters to get the fuel relit, even though combustion had been incomplete (1/4 of the pellets in the chamber were unburned). I'll put some of that on the pellet quality, but for a stove that advertises itself as being able to burn many fuels more efficiently, I was expecting a little more.
Also, during the process of relighting the stove, I couldn't get the fan to stay on long enough to boost combustion. It would turn off after a minute or so, even with a small flame. Since the fan worked fine after I got the fire started again, I'm assuming that is because the stove identified that the chamber wasn't hot enough (or possibly the chamber was too full), but it was a little frustrating to try and outsmart the technology safeguards that are designed to prevent overheating or overuse of battery power by the fan. It would have been helpful to have a setting to override the automatic fan shutdown so that I could get the fire started again.
All of this said, I did manage to get the fire restarted and finish cooking my meal. It took longer than I expected, but that's why I gave myself a little more time. My impression of this stove kit as a consumer product is that it is not quite user-friendly enough for the masses, since it requires a little dedicated learning to make it more effective than a good old dependable fossil fuel stove. I can image someone purchasing this stove before heading out on a trip, only to find at dinnertime that they should have tested it out first.
Tips for newbies (my own, NOT from BioLite)- Try this stove out with twigs and small sticks at first, or shorter cooking times with pellets. If burning pellets, treat the fire inside as you would any other fire (stir burning pellets occasionally to increase airflow and unburned surface area). Don't expect that you'll be able to cook for the full burn time of your fuel and plan to add fuel throughout cooking. Use a combination of pellets and twigs/larger sticks for longer cooking times.
Two other minor issues with this product- 1) the light that comes with it is difficult to turn off when it is connected to the stove and it sometimes dims and brightens on its own if there are vibrations nearby. Kind of like a little disco dance while you're cooking. Design could be improved, and really, what's so hard about having an on-off switch? 2) The little plastic bowl does not fit into the pot with the rest of the gear if the coffee press is already in there. It's just a little annoying, but certainly not a functional issue.
Bottom line- This is a great stove and well worth the effort if you spend a little time getting familiar with the features and performance. Nice job BioLIte!
This stove is amazing, and from what I can tell so far, is a great workhorse if you are willing to be patient and accept that there is a learning curve. I've had my eye on BioLite for years and finally decided to take the plunge- I couldn't be happier with this decision. I've only had the stove for a few days but have been testing it out under different conditions to make sure that it will meet my needs in the field. Results are mixed. It's probably worth noting that I'm a life-long camper and have extensive experience with managing fires for cooking. First attempt was hard-boiled eggs and that worked great!
On the second attempt with dry eucalyptus wood from a downed tree in our backyard, this stove performed above and beyond my expectations. Lighting was simple, and although I got a few flames shooting out the sides (eucalyptus burns hot, fast, and bright), I was able to cook a pot of chili on it with almost no problems. I'm at around 2,000 feet in elevation in the low desert, so I would expect that the boil/cook times would increase with elevation, providing more even cooking as elevation increases. Given that I almost burned my chili by being inattentive for a few moments, I'd say that this stove is designed to perform optimally at higher altitudes, with a greater risk of burning food at lower elevations. Thank goodness for fan control. It helps manage heat quite well.
Third attempt at cooking was a combo quinoa/trout/grilled veggies meal. I decided to try out some pellets this time (non-BioLight due to cost and availability). At first, the pellets appeared to be superior to wood as a fuel. The quinoa cooked perfectly in the kettle (just the right size for a meal for a small family!), but I had a little more trouble with the grill. The grill fit fine when the stove was cold, but when I put it on the hot stove, it wasn't level and I couldn't quite manipulate it into place, even though it was on a flat surface. I started grilling some veggies and kept an eye on the fuel chamber, assuming I would have to refill after the quinoa. Unfortunately, the flames died before the embers did and I wasn't able to get additional pellets into the chamber quickly enough to restart the fire. It took 15 minutes of fiddling around with fire starters to get the fuel relit, even though combustion had been incomplete (1/4 of the pellets in the chamber were unburned). I'll put some of that on the pellet quality, but for a stove that advertises itself as being able to burn many fuels more efficiently, I was expecting a little more.
Also, during the process of relighting the stove, I couldn't get the fan to stay on long enough to boost combustion. It would turn off after a minute or so, even with a small flame. Since the fan worked fine after I got the fire started again, I'm assuming that is because the stove identified that the chamber wasn't hot enough (or possibly the chamber was too full), but it was a little frustrating to try and outsmart the technology safeguards that are designed to prevent overheating or overuse of battery power by the fan. It would have been helpful to have a setting to override the automatic fan shutdown so that I could get the fire started again.
All of this said, I did manage to get the fire restarted and finish cooking my meal. It took longer than I expected, but that's why I gave myself a little more time. My impression of this stove kit as a consumer product is that it is not quite user-friendly enough for the masses, since it requires a little dedicated learning to make it more effective than a good old dependable fossil fuel stove. I can image someone purchasing this stove before heading out on a trip, only to find at dinnertime that they should have tested it out first.
Tips for newbies (my own, NOT from BioLite)- Try this stove out with twigs and small sticks at first, or shorter cooking times with pellets. If burning pellets, treat the fire inside as you would any other fire (stir burning pellets occasionally to increase airflow and unburned surface area). Don't expect that you'll be able to cook for the full burn time of your fuel and plan to add fuel throughout cooking. Use a combination of pellets and twigs/larger sticks for longer cooking times.
Two other minor issues with this product- 1) the light that comes with it is difficult to turn off when it is connected to the stove and it sometimes dims and brightens on its own if there are vibrations nearby. Kind of like a little disco dance while you're cooking. Design could be improved, and really, what's so hard about having an on-off switch? 2) The little plastic bowl does not fit into the pot with the rest of the gear if the coffee press is already in there. It's just a little annoying, but certainly not a functional issue.
Bottom line- This is a great stove and well worth the effort if you spend a little time getting familiar with the features and performance. Nice job BioLIte!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting bioliteenergy.com
Customer Rating
5
Exactly what ya need
on September 7, 2022
Posted by: Ibew traveler
from TN
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
Bout back in 2019 and have used it almost every day as I work out side and cook lunch on it burgers chicken or fish I love it… But my battery stopped charging just recently I wish you could buy just a battery
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting bioliteenergy.com
Customer Rating
5
Nifty features with this new camp stove
on August 12, 2021
Posted by: Montana red
from Currently in New Mexico, USA
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
I bought the first camp stove when it came out...only took a little ingenuity to use it to it's fullest ...I used it and the kettle pot daily for almost 2 years....I purchased the new camp stove, kettle pot and grill combo....boy it is so much better with the LED readouts and bigger battery....I use it daily and most of the time use both stoves and kettle pots simultaneously....the grill usually for breakfast and or supper....I live outdoors in a teepee and do research work about 10 to 12 months out of the year....combined with other Bio lite products, lights, solar panels, and their unbeatable hardwood pellets, outdoor living is made easier and a lot less hassle, especially where open fires are banned....I have never had issues with any of their products and highly recommend using a little patience when first learning how to use the stove to it's fullest potential....I have read complaints about it and firmly believe it is not meant for use by glampers!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting bioliteenergy.com
Posted by: Vern G
from Alberta, Canada
Length of ownership:1 month
Verified Purchase:Yes
Works great! Love it. Set up quickly right out of the box. A few twigs later it was up and running! The steaks were delicious
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting bioliteenergy.com
Customer Rating
5
Great features and long lasting capability
on August 23, 2022
Posted by: Claire
from Veneta Oregon
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
I have this stove for years. I have had the stove since 2017. My stove still works amazing! I still use the light to cook at night. I have taken it backpacking. I have taken it on many camping adventures. I love how quickly it boils water. I have use the grill many times and it is useful out on the trail or at a campsite with a more concentrated fire the a large fire pit.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting bioliteenergy.com
Customer Rating
5
Hiking has never been the same
on February 22, 2021
Posted by: Sebby82
from Norwich,Norfolk, uk
Length of ownership:1 year or longer
I originally bought the first stove that biolite produced back 2015 , really amazing bit of kit from being a former soldier I love the outdoors , this stove has travelled with me where ever I have gone extremely light weight and being a wood burner finding fuel has never been an issue , this year I’ve obtained the latest model it was a gift from my family , the new model is amazing you can pre-charge the power bank which you couldn’t do in the first , so where ever I go I know I have back up power for my smart phone , gps or even my Bluetooth speaker , the different power modes for the fan speed help with cooking that much more and when your finished you can turn the fan down and the fire will burn slower so you can enjoy a little heat for a longer duration.
The lightweight body means you can throw a simple kit together to make a brew or cook some dinner anywhere you go.
Truly an amazing bit of equipment.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting bioliteenergy.com
Posted by: Nathan
from Toledo, Oregon
Length of ownership:1 month
Verified Purchase:Yes
I really love this product. It makes me feel safe and relieved that once winter comes and the storms come and we lose power for nine and a half days again I can charge stuff up. This little guy is so handy and you can run it on little piece of bark and crap that you find in the yard.
Nate.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting bioliteenergy.com
Posted by: Erin
Verified Purchase:Yes
Make sure you have an oven glove or something - the whole unit gets hot- but it is AWESOME!! I love it!
Written by a customer while visiting bioliteenergy.com