Biolite Firepit+ Review – A Smoke Less Fire Pit and Grill Combo

In this Biolite Firepit+ Review, I take you through a comprehensive look at this unique firepit and grill combo.

I love cool outdoor gadgets, so I was ecstatic when BioLite reached out saying they’d like to send me a FirePit+ to review, especially when I saw those magic words: “New” and “Upgraded.” Oh, and we can’t forget the “Bluetooth App.”

But does it live up to its claims of a smokeless and versatile firepit and cooking experience?

I’ve thoroughly tested this firepit’s capabilities over months of ownership, and below I offer a grounded perspective from my hands-on experience on how it performs in real-world use and scenarios.

So read on as I take you through how I took my new toy for a test drive and see what makes it tick. I unbox and assemble it for you, review the features and benefits, uncover some honest pros and cons, and then show you how well it works. Ultimately, I will give you my final verdict and tell you whether it’s worth the money and if you need one in your life.

Stick with me, friends. Pit’s about to get real.

Disclosure: BioLite sent me the Firepit+, grill lid, prep and grill toolkit, and griddle free of charge in return for my honest review. I purchased the FirePoker, FireMat, and carry bag accessories myself.

Final Verdict and Our Rating

In summary, the Biolite Firepit+ is a well-rounded product, offering innovative features and practicality, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy both grilling and a cozy fire from a single unit.

It stands out for its thoughtful and modern design, portability, and ease of use. However, there’s room for improvement in terms of complete smoke elimination and the addition of faster charging options.

Overall, our final verdict is that it’s an excellent choice for grilling and campfire enthusiasts who want a dual purpose unit.

While it faces stiff competition from other outdoor cooking and firepit solutions, its portability, multi-fuel capability (wood or charcoal), and “smoke less” features really do set it apart. And being able to turn the burn rate and heat up and down via a smartphone app over Bluetooth is something I’ve never seen elsewhere.

Its few downsides, such as the noise of the fan, are minor compared to its many benefits and how well it performs.

Overall, for those who enjoy outdoor cooking and campfires, the BioLite Firepit+ is a compelling option that offers convenience, efficiency, and a unique cooking experience.

Who Should Buy the Firepit+?

Honestly, anyone who enjoys a campfire will love the BioLite FirePit+.

If local regulations allow for backyard fires in your area, I think this is a superior choice versus other wood-burning fire pits and even gas models. It lacks a bit in overall aesthetics when it’s unlit, but the x-ray mesh and the floating fire effect are beautiful, functional, will be a talking point among guests, and makes this firepit highly recommended..

Obviously, it’s also excellent for avid picnickers and campers, being both portable and easy to use. Plus, you can’t beat the 2-in-1 convenience of a firepit and grill rolled into a single unit. If public grills leave you grossed out, you can’t miss with the FirePit+.

This product is unsuitable for individuals looking for a traditional, stationary fire pit or a large, heavy-duty barbecue grill. It’s also not the best choice for those who prefer to cook with gas or want a more permanent, built-in feature in their outdoor space.

Lastly, if minimizing expenses is a priority, the BioLite FirePit+ might not be the best option due to its price and the cost of additional accessories.

The BioLite FirePit+

A Portable, Combination Fire pit and Grill With Forced Air Feature and Bluetooth Control

This dual fuel, wood or charcoal-burning fire pit and grill has a forced-air system used to get fires going quickly and burning so efficiently that it generates way less smoke than any traditional fire. X-ray mesh not only makes this fire pit visually stunning, but it radiates heat further than any enclosed style firepit.

Check Price on Amazon

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Our Ratings Explained

This section provides a clear breakdown of the ratings I’ve given, how after spending some time using the firepit how I arrived at the scores I gave, what contributed positively to the scores and where and why the Firepit+ lost a few points.

Build Quality and Durability

The Biolite Firepit+ is built with a high-temp enamel coating to help prevent corrosion and enhance its durability. I found it not too heavy at 19.8 pounds, and the folding legs make it both sturdy and easy to carry around.

However, I do find the waterproof cover, which was present in the original model, slightly diminishes its ability to be used in all weathers. This aspect, coupled with potential improvements in future versions like a USB-C port for faster charging, slightly affects its build quality score, which I gave an 8/10.

Firepit Performance

This firepit performs really well! I have had some real blazing fires going, constantly fanned by the efficient 12,800 mAh battery-powered blower. The Firepit+ distributes heat evenly from all sides, and the perforated metal sides allow more heat through when compared to solid-walled competitors.

It’s not entirely smokeless but does significantly reduce the amount of visible smoke. The fan noise at full power is noticeable and lowered the score slightly. So I awarded it 9/10.

Grilling Performance

I found grilling on the Firepit+ is akin to a hibachi-style experience, cooking on a small grill over an open flame. It allows for both wood fire and charcoal grilling, accommodating various cooking styles and flavors. The grill grate and optional accessories like a griddle pan and lid also expand the cooking possibilities.

The need to purchase additional accessories for the best grilling performance and the limited size of the grill area compared to dedicated grills slightly affected its score here, which I gave an 8/10.

Low Smoke Feature

While the Biolite Firepit+ markets itself as a ‘smoke less’ system, it’s important to note that it’s not entirely smoke-free. I found it does a commendable job at reducing smoke, though, making it more enjoyable than most traditional firepits I own.

The fan-assisted fire system is effective, but the presence of some smoke keeps this score from being higher. I gave it an 8/10.

Ease of Cleaning

I found the Firepit+ user-friendly when it comes to cleaning. It features a pull-out sliding ashtray at one end at the bottom for convenient disposal of coals and ash. This system really does simplify the post-use cleanup process, which, without this, would mean no other option than to turn it upside down and tip the ashes out. So I scored it highly at 9/10.

Portability

The Biolite Firepit+ is highly portable. I found the lightweight design (19.8 pounds), fold-out legs, and side handles make it a breeze to carry around and set up. This fire pit is easy to set up and transport, perfect for camping, RVing, or just moving around your yard. Its compact size, easy assembly, and optional carry bag ensure top marks in this category. So I gave it a 10/10.

Additional Features

The Biolite Firepit+ stands out with its modern features, like a 12,800 mAh rechargeable battery and smartphone app control. However, the use of a regular USB instead of a faster USB-C port is a minor downside.

It offers a variety of optional accessories, including a carry bag, FireMat, FirePoker, griddle, and grill lid, enhancing its versatility. These add-ons, while useful, need to be purchased separately, which can add to the overall cost.

The combination of these modern features and optional accessories makes the Firepit+ quite versatile, but the additional expense for full functionality affects its score in this category. So I gave it an 8/10.

General Overview of the Biolite Firepit+

If you strip the Biolite Firepit+ down to the essentials, it’s not much more than a box for making a fire in. But, of course, in actuality, it’s a whole lot more than that. I guess that’s why it’s a FirePit “plus.” So, how do you “plus” a fire pit? Like this:

You add a whole bunch of 21st-century tech for a more efficient burn and the smartphone control we expect from basically everything nowadays.

You end up with an advanced fire pit system that burns wood or charcoal with extreme efficiency thanks to a forced-air system. You can use the BioLite FirePit+ for a purely decorative fire, for warmth on a chilly night (outdoors only!), and for cooking small quantities of food.

Manufacturer Specs

Here’s the BioLite FirePit+ by the numbers.

• Dimensions: 27” x 13” x 15.8” (legs unfolded); 27” x 13” x 10.5” (legs folded)
• Weight: 19.8 pounds
• Fuel: Charcoal or firewood
• Power: 12,800 mAh rechargeable battery pack
• Power Input / Output: Micro USB / USB A
• Burn Time: 7 to 30 hours, depending on fuel and fan speed

Why Trust Our Review

Why can you rely on my review of the Biolite Firepit+?

Well, since 2005, I’ve been deeply involved in the world of BBQ and grilling, testing a wide array of products, including firepits and portable grills. I’ve also consistently been reviewing products and delivering unbiased reviews since 2017.

I own the Biolite Firepit+, have had numerous fires, and have cooked on it multiple times, so my views come from regular use and hands-on experience, ensuring an authentic and well-informed review.

I’m committed to impartiality, with no ties to Biolite or any of their competitors. All views are my own and are honest.

The BioLite FirePit+

A Portable, Combination Fire pit and Grill With Forced Air Feature and Bluetooth Control

This dual fuel, wood or charcoal-burning fire pit and grill has a forced-air system used to get fires going quickly and burning so efficiently that it generates way less smoke than any traditional fire. X-ray mesh not only makes this fire pit visually stunning, but it radiates heat further than any enclosed style firepit.

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on BioLite

In-Depth Review and Test Results of Core Features

My approach to testing the BioLite FirePit+ was thorough. I challenged its versatility by trying different cooking styles – direct grilling, indirect heat cooking, and even experimenting with wood and charcoal combinations.

I used the firepit in small social gatherings, fully discharged the battery to see how long it lasted and played with the smartphone app.

I monitored the heat distribution, ease of temperature control, and the effectiveness of the smokeless feature. I paid particular attention to how the airflow technology impacted the cooking process and how the design influenced the flavor of the food.

Here is everything I learned.

Unboxing and Assembly

Included inside are the cooking grate, the fuel grate, a pair of handles, the burn chamber, the blower unit / power pack, a USB charging cable, and an instruction manual.

There’s minimal assembly involved with the FirePit+. You’ll have to attach the handles, one at each end, with two screws into each. It was a little awkward working inside the burn chamber, but not a big deal.

Other than that, it’s just a matter of inserting the fuel grate and cooking grate and attaching the power pack. But, since you’ll do that basically every time you use the FirePit+, I wouldn’t necessarily call it “assembly.”

First Impressions and Build Quality

Overall the build quality of The BioLite FirePit+ is good. It seems a well-designed, well-built unit. The fit and finish are excellent, and the upgrades from the original FirePit to the FirePit+ (bigger battery, larger mesh holes, high-temperature enamel coating) make it a much better device.

There’s nothing especially noteworthy about the BioLite FirePit+ when it’s not in use. I suppose the bright yellow power pack stands out against the matte black metal. It’s a bit larger in person than it looked in the pictures and videos but is still easily small and light enough to be considered portable.

I like the folding legs’ look; they’re simple but very sturdy — you won’t knock this firepit over by accident!

The power pack is larger than I expected, too. This is good because it affords a long run time of up to 30 hours.

As you’d expect, the mesh is fairly thin, so you’ll want to be careful not to dent it accidentally. And overall, the solid metal pieces are on the thin side, but that’s ok — it keeps the unit light, and we don’t need to trap heat inside; it’s not a smoker, after all.

There’s a rubber grommet where the power pack / blower connects to the burn chamber. This provides a tight seal, channeling 100% of the air into the airjet tubes. The airjets feel decently made, durable, quite large, and the holes in them are reasonably large too. I think they are built to last, and due to their size I cannot see them getting damaged or blocked.

Want to do some grilling? The 304 stainless steel cooking grate slots neatly into place and is reasonably durable and easy to clean with standard grill cleaning gear.

Blower Fan & Airjets

If you’re into grilling, the idea of using a powered fan to help fuel your fire is nothing new. I’ve seen them in pellet grills, in automatic barbecue temperature controllers, and even in charcoal starters like the Looflighter. But I can’t say I’ve ever seen it applied to a fire pit before. Which begs the question: why not?

I mean, who among us hasn’t tried to fan a fire with a Frisbee or a plate or a flattened box? The built-in blower does the job far more efficiently, without tiring your arms or blowing ash everywhere.

Not only will the blower get your fire roaring in a hurry, it also helps it burn more completely.

There are 51 airjets positioned around the burn chamber to force oxygen into the fire. A fire requires oxygen to burn, so putting it where it might otherwise not reach means less time stoking and moving your firewood to expose embers to air. You’ll also burn more of your wood down to ash and leave fewer hunks of charred lumber behind.

And, it burns so efficiently most of the fine particulate that constitutes smoke are burned off, too, making it a nearly smokeless fire. No more playing musical camp chairs trying to stay out of the smoke!

The fan has four power levels to choose from. Select a high setting to hasten ignition of a fresh fire or to stoke up embers. Pick a lower setting to maintain your fire or keep charcoal glowing.

Rechargeable Power Pack

Powering the fan, and allowing for complete portability, is the integrated 12,800 mAh battery pack.

After fully charging the battery off your home AC with the provided USB cable, simply hang it in place at the closed end of the burn chamber on the three brackets. It locks in place securely with the combination of notched hangers and a button-activated hook.

On the side of the power pack, you’ll find a multi-function power button. Use this button to turn the fan on and off manually, and to cycle through the fan speeds.

Also, there are LED indicators for battery level and fan speed. BioLite claims up to 30 hours of operation on a single charge.

Handily, there’s a standard USB port available for charging your other devices, such as a smartphone or tablet. Simply plug in your device’s charging cord and use some of the available power to give yourself a boost. I love this feature for staying connected or keeping the tunes going when your phone is running low.

Remember, of course, this will suck power away from the FirePit+ battery and shorten how long you go before the next recharge.

Bluetooth Control With the Biolite App

The next step in humankind’s ongoing mission to make an app for everything is the BioLite Energy app.

There’s not much to it other than the ability to step the fan power up or down, and to see an estimation for remaining battery time. That’s it. But, what else could there be, really? And hey, why get up to do what you can do from the comfort of your chair?

Owners of the BioLite BaseLantern can also control this device with the same app.

Burn Chamber & X-Ray Mesh

Thanks to the airjets, you can lay your logs in horizontally and still get a nearly perfect burn. Accordingly, the burn chamber has a rectangular footprint, measuring 27 inches long by 13 inches across. It’s large enough to hold up to 4 good-size logs of cordwood, which is plenty for a lovely fire.

But, what good is a beautiful fire if no one can see it? BioLite has that covered with its new & improved X-Ray Mesh.

Both long sides and one end of the burn chamber are primarily composed of folded sheets of perforated metal. BioLite first introduced this feature on the original FirePit. For the FirePit+, they’ve increased the size of the holes, allowing for more heat to escape (lovely on a chilly day), and for a better view of the fire from almost any angle.

In fact, when it’s dark outside and the fire is glowing, the mesh virtually disappears, creating what BioLite calls a “floating fire.” It really is a great feature!

Multi-Fuel Capability and Grilling

Part of what makes the BioLite FirePit+ so appealing is the option to burn either firewood or charcoal. You effectively convert your firepit into a hibachi grill by raising the fuel grate to the upper setting and loading it with briquettes. And this is no mere afterthought — BioLite includes a cooking grate with the FirePit+ that slots neatly over the opening. You can even cantilever it past the end of the burn chamber for indirect heat, perfect for warming buns or making toast.

There’s more than enough heat and space to grill several burgers at once, a mess of hot dogs, or even a couple of steaks. With the raised edges for support, you can easily cook skewers, too.

A great tip from BioLite is to lower the fuel grate to the bottom position after you’re done grilling but while the charcoal is still glowing. Add firewood, power up the fan, and you’ll have a campfire going in no time.

Portability Features

You can clearly see the handles both sides

The idea of the FirePit+ is to be a campfire and grilling solution anywhere, anytime. As such, it’s built to be portable.

You’ll find a handle at each end of the unit (actually, you’ll install them yourself), making it reasonably easy to carry, even at just under 20 pounds. I advise you to carry it without the power pack installed to keep the weight down and give your hand extra clearance on the one end.

Underneath the FirePit+ are four folding legs. The legs flare outwards for extra stability, and they lock into place. There is almost zero chance you’ll knock this over, and it sure as heck won’t collapse.

Note that carrying around a “naked” firepit is just asking for a mess of soot and ash on your clothes and in your vehicle, no matter how carefully you clean it out after use. So I recommend the Carry Bag, if you plan to take it beyond the backyard on a regular basis. It’s much easier to tote by the straps than the handles, and you get extra space for your lighter and other accessories. (Yes, I’m that guy who tries to carry everything in one trip.) Plus, it keeps the soot and debris contained.

Overall Ease of Use

I found it incredibly easy to use and far easier to get a good fire going when compared to firepits without a forced-air system. Simply place in some firelighters, smaller pieces of wood or kindling, and light it. Turn on the fan to a low setting, and the forced air gets everything flaming in mere minutes.

Once it’s going, add some larger wood pieces, turn the fan up to a higher setting, and the larger logs catch fire very easily.

It really is very easy to use, and this firepit makes getting a good fire going almost foolproof.

Firepit Performance

I’d consider this the “default” configuration for the FirePit+ and its primary purpose. As a firepit, it functions incredibly well. The ‘x-ray mesh’ allows you to see the fire and feel the heat from almost every and any direction, which isn’t the case for firepits with enclosed sides.

With the fuel rack set at the bottom of the burn chamber, build your fire just like you would any campfire: start with small pieces of wood and kindling, plus something to get it lit, like starter cubes. Use a long match or butane lighter to ignite the starters or kindling.

Turn on the powerpack at the end of the burn chamber and set it to one of the two lowest fan speeds. This starts the air flowing through the 51 holes positioned around the burn chamber to continuously fans the flames.

When the fire is burning strong, you can start adding larger logs. The BioLite FirePit+ holds up to four pieces of cordwood, but you have to be sure not to block the air holes and always leave space around the wood for air to circulate.

After adding large logs, you may want to turn the fan up to full power to help them catch fire more quickly before reducing the fan speed and kicking back with a beautiful blaze.

The forced air system allowed me to keep smaller fires lit that might otherwise go out and create larger flames from a smaller amount of fuel, generating more heat from a smaller amount of fuel. It also allows me to burn slightly damp wood that might otherwise not burn well, if at all. Obviously, I do not recommend burning wet or damp wood, but sometimes we just have no choice, right?

So personally, I think the FirePit+ performs better than any other firepit of comparable size, because no other firepit (that I know of?) has a forced-air system and airjets continually fanning the flames.

Grilling Performance

Cooking with the BioLite FirePit+ resembles using a hibachi grill, offering two options for fuel, either wood or charcoal.

For wood fire, build a smaller fire than previously described to reduce the risk of burning food. Elevate the fuel rack for charcoal grilling, fill it with briquettes, add starter cubes, and ignite them. Turn the fan to full power to quickly light the charcoal, then reduce speed for a steady glow. Place the grill grate into the burn box slots, and you’re set to cook.

I really enjoy this firepit’s grilling function. The forced air rapidly ignites the charcoal, halving the time it takes compared to traditional methods. The adjustable fire grate offers heat control by altering the hot charcoal’s closeness to the food. And the cooking grate, designed with raised edges, secures food and slides out for managing flare-ups or warming food.

I’ve successfully grilled lamb cutlets, steaks, pork chops, kebabs, and more on the grill, and all were tasty.

 A notable feature is the fan setting for grilling thin items, creating high heat for a quick, flavorful crust without overcooking. The FirePit+’s high fan setting intensifies the charcoal’s burn, which is ideal for searing without overcooking the inside.

The grill lid is effective for adding smoky flavor. It allows for slower roasting, though it lacks precise heat control due to the fireboxs open design. However, adjusting the fuel amount can manage the heat.

A caution for grilling: use firewood or charcoal briquettes, not lump wood charcoal. In the FirePit+’s oxygen-rich environment with the x-ray mesh, lump wood gets too much oxygen and burns excessively hot and fast, making it hard to control and risking burnt food.

Overall, the FirePit+ is an excellent choice for grilling with firewood or briquettes.

Low Smoke Feature

BioLite state you can “get an efficient burn with way less smoke than a conventional fire pit.” I can verify this works and that once you have a decent fire established, it’s almost smoke-free.

There’s a bit of a learning curve to nailing this. It’s all about using the right wood (dry), making sure to keep all wood below the level of the airjets, and using the right fan setting (low to medium).

Once you’ve got it, though, it really does work.

Just understand that you’ll need to spend a bit of time learning how to do it, and that when you’re building your fire, there will be some smoke at first, until there’s a high heat that efficiently burns the particulates that would ordinarily escape as smoke.

By the way, I do not recommend using newspaper to start your fire as we are sometimes used to doing. Yes, it ignites instantly. However, the airjets blast bits of sooty paper right out of the burn chamber and make an unpleasant mess. (Yes, I did this, haha!)

Ease of Cleaning

With the enamel coating on the exterior of the FirePit+, it’s a simple matter to wipe it down with a damp cloth. Just be sure to dry it off to reduce the chance of rust developing.

The trap door in the bottom for ash isn’t perfect, but it does the job a heck of a lot better than shoveling it out or dumping the firepit upside down. Open it up over an ashcan or foil tray and push the ash with your poker out the hole and into your receptacle of choice.

Available Upgrades and Accessories

What kind of a company would they be if BioLite didn’t offer a few add-on accessories? Let’s look at what they offer and why you might want them to enhance your experience.

Grill Lid

A nearly 4-pound metal lid makes the FirePit+ look and function more like a typical small charcoal grill. It’s shaped to cover the upper portion of the x-ray mesh and fit around the two handles.

With the lid in place, you trap smoke and heat (there’s a pinwheel-style vent in the top to further control airflow) in the cooking zone, allowing you to go beyond hot dogs, hamburgers, and kabobs and experiment with fish, small roasts, and fowl, and more.

Being a BBQ fanatic, I love the lid. It opens things up to way more possibilities when it comes to cooking different meats and dishes. I strongly recommend buying the lid.

Griddle

I found breakfast a breeze with the 130 square-inch cast iron griddle in place atop the FirePit+!

It fits snugly in place, and the raised edges prevent spills and runaway sausages. At almost 9 pounds, this is a serious griddle.

You can see in the photo above that I found the griddle attachment great for cooking liquids such as pancakes or eggs. You can even slide the griddle part way off the firepit for a lower heat zone, to prevent burning of the bottom of the eggs, while still searing the bacon properly directly over the heat of the charcoal.

FireMat

Measuring 32” x 24”, this lightweight, aluminum-coated fiberglass plastic mat is perfect for protecting surfaces from heat, spark, or spill damage.

This is a must-have accessory if you plan to use yours on grass or a wooden deck.

Prep & Grill Toolkit

If you plan to cook on your FirPit+, grab this handy stainless steel utensil kit for the road. You get a pair of locking tongs, a slotted spatula with a built-in bottle opener, and a small but versatile Santuko knife.

It all comes with a roll-up organizer to keep them protected in transit, and this fits neatly inside the firepit for travel.

Carry Bag

Yes, the FirePit+ has handles. But, this water-resistant canvas bag is a LOT easier to tote about, and it protects your vehicle from ash and other debris.

The interior is coated for easy clean-up, and there are external pockets for carrying small accessories such as matches or a lighter.

It’s a shame the bag doesn’t completely close. The top of both sides are completely open, meaning rain can still get in if let out in the elements.

Poker

Sure, the “traditional” campfire poker is usually a long stick you found on the ground. However, this stainless steel poker is purpose-built for use with the FirePit+.

It is nearly 2 feet long and keeps your hands clear of the fire. And you’ll have a cool and firm grip thanks to the silicone-dipped handle.

Not only can you move your wood around, but you can also use the hooked edge to raise or lower the fuel racks, and push ash out the trap door during clean-up after your fire.

What do Others Say?

Warranty and Support

BioLite provides a 1-year limited warranty against defects on the FirePit+. It’s a good idea to register your new FirePit+ online as soon as you get it. This will streamline the process should you ever need to file a warranty claim.

At the BioLite website, you’ll find a surprisingly helpful tutorial video, more than a dozen articles with tips and troubleshooting guidance specific to the FirePit and FirePit+, and a downloadable PDF of the manual, should you misplace yours or need it when you’re not at home. There’s also a contact form you can fill out if you can’t find an answer to your question anywhere.

I found one unofficial Facebook group for BioLite FirePit owners. It’s not large (about 1300 members), but even in a small group you’ll often come across someone who’s already navigated whatever situation it is you’re dealing with.

Summary of What We Learned

So, do I recommend the BioLite FirePit+? Yes, I do!

Aside from being slightly underwhelmed by the app (it’s just a bit…unnecessary), I really enjoyed my experience with this 2-in-1 grill and firepit.

It’s not hard to use, and while I mostly see the value in using it for campfires — and it’s very good at that — I had fun cooking a few snacks on it, as well. It’s handy for those times when I don’t want to bring (or have no room for) a firepit AND a grill.

If you love a campfire, but not all the time and effort that goes into readying a firepit for safety and building the fire itself, you’ll find a lot of value in the BioLite FirePit+.

What We Like

Part of the campfire experience is watching the mesmerizing flames. Everyone gets a great view of the whole fire with the mesh sides, not just the bits of flame shooting out the top. And you get to feel the heat in all directions, regardless of where you are sitting.

Campfires are fun, but they aren’t efficient, and you usually end up with some charred logs to dispose of. Using forced air for a more complete burn reduces waste and makes the fire last longer.

Being able to throw some food on the fire satisfies that primal urge we all get; most firepits tease you and leave you restricted to what you can hold over the flames on a stick. The integrated cooking grate and the option to burn charcoal make the FirePit+ a bonafide combo fire pit and grill.

Of course, a big selling feature is the ability to control the blower fan with your smart device. But, I’m just as happy that BioLite added controls to the blower unit so you can adjust the fan speed without needing to find your phone.

Finally — and this is the major feature and primary selling point of the firepit — the ‘smoke less’ feature is good. It’s not entirely smokeless — this would be impossible, and BioLite do not claim this — but it certainly smokes way less than a standard fire and is an impressive feature. More on this later.

What Could Be Improved

The fan is pretty noisy and not so conducive to campfire vibes and singalongs at full power. But, you won’t leave it on full power much — it’s mainly used to get the fire roaring at first before stepping down to low for a long, slow burn.

In most situations, running on battery power is optimal. However, it would be nice to have the choice to plug in and switch to AC if you’ve forgotten to charge up before your fire.

The original FirePit came with a waterproof cover in the box. This is now absent in favor of an enamel coating. While I appreciate the enhanced durability the coating provides, the cover was a nice touch for days when you don’t want to bring your FirePit+ indoors for storage or when you’re camping and there’s nowhere practical to store it.

Do We Recommend this Product?

The BioLite FirePit+ brings a unique blend of new features and technology to the world of firepits.

Its ability to function as a smokeless fire pit and a grill, coupled with features like Bluetooth control and a rechargeable power pack, adds significant value. The efficient burn and low smoke output also enhance user experience, making it suitable for both leisure and cooking.

However, considerations like the fan noise and the lack of a waterproof cover might affect its perceived value.

Ultimately, the FirePit+ stands out for its innovative features and dual functionality, appealing to those who prioritize tech integration in outdoor gear.

Whether it offers value for money will depend on individual preferences and the importance placed on its unique features.

There are many cheaper portable firepits out there, and I would totally understand the opinion that this is spending money unnecessarily. However, I think it’s a great bit of kit, and it is fairly priced for the features and tech.

So yes, it’s value for money, in my opinion. And I am happy to recommend it.

The BioLite FirePit+

A Portable, Combination Fire pit and Grill With Forced Air Feature and Bluetooth Control

This dual fuel, wood or charcoal-burning fire pit and grill has a forced-air system used to get fires going quickly and burning so efficiently that it generates way less smoke than any traditional fire. X-ray mesh not only makes this fire pit visually stunning, but it radiates heat further than any enclosed style firepit.

Check Price on Amazon

Check Price on BioLite

Alternative Products

If the Biolite Firepit+ doesn’t quite tick all the boxes, here are two alternative products you should consider.

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is an interesting alternative to the Biolite Firepit+ as it’s also heavily marketed as a smokeless firepit, and has grilling accessories available.

Both products are well-constructed, but the Bonfire’s stainless steel design will surely edge out in longevity.

When it comes to firepit performance, the Bonfire’s double-wall design creates a more efficient secondary burn, meaning less smoke and a cleaner burn than the BioLite. So if ‘smokeless’ is the most important to you, you should definitely look at the Solo Stove.

For grilling performance, the BioLite offers integrated BBQ capabilities, while the Bonfire requires additional accessories for grilling. However, the Biolite Firepit+ is more versatile, it being easier to control overall heat and having a lid available, whereas the Bonfire does not.

Ease of cleaning is similar in both models, but the Bonfire’s removable ash pan simplifies the process.

Cost-wise, the Solo Stove Bonfire is priced a fair bit higher than the BioLite FirePit+. This reflects its higher-quality materials.

In conclusion, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, with its efficient, smokeless design, ease of cleaning, and portability, presents a compelling alternative to the BioLite FirePit+, particularly for those prioritizing a clean and smokeless fire experience.

I own and use the Solo Stove Bonfire regularly. Please check out my full review.

Breeo Y Series Portable Smokeless Fire Pit

The Breeo Y Series Portable Smokeless Fire Pit has several key differences that make it stand out as a viable alternative.

In terms of build quality and durability, both offer robust construction, but Breeo’s emphasis on handcrafted assembly in the USA adds an extra sense of quality.

Firepit performance and the low smoke feature are where Breeo shines. Its double-wall technology and secondary combustion system create a nearly smokeless environment, outperforming the BioLite in this regard. This feature is especially suited to those who value smokeless fires above all else.

Grilling performance is a critical factor. The BioLite’s mesh walls and battery-enhanced airflow system facilitate grilling, but the Breeo steps it up with its compatibility with high-end cooking accessories like the Searplate Griddle 19, enabling a more diverse cooking experience.

The Breeo’s tri-fuel functionality allows for wood, pellets, or lump charcoal, offering greater flexibility for different cooking styles and preferences.

Price-wise, the Breeo is more expensive than the BioLite, reflecting its enhanced features and higher build quality.

In summary, the Breeo Y Series Portable Smokeless Fire Pit stands out with its superior smokeless technology, versatile cooking options, and robust build quality, making it an excellent alternative for those seeking a more advanced option.

For further details, check it out at the Breeo website.

Conclusion

Now that someone has reinvented fire, can the wheel be far behind? Seriously, though, the BioLite FirePit+ is a testament to human ingenuity. Or, at least proof that there’s always room for improvement.

Speaking of which, if your grilling skills or gear could use improvement, check out the rest of our site for the best reviews and guides on the ‘net for everything barbecue. (How’s that for a segue?) Browse the tabs or use the search function to discover what we’ve got cooking here at Food Fire Friends.

Cheers — and be sure to tune up that guitar and chill the beverages before your next campfire!