Biolite CampStove 2+, charge your phone with a fire

Do you want to enjoy a nice crackling fire and charge your phone at the same time? Then get to know the Biolite CampStove 2+.

Why the Biolite CampStove 2+ is quite handy

There are already usable solar panels that you can use to charge your phone or power bank. There are also generators that can be used to charge electrical equipment using muscle power. However, these all have drawbacks. The sun only shines during the day. And isn’t it fun to have to lash at the mechanical generator for fifteen minutes in order to charge your phone with it.

But luckily there is a reasonably affordable (€ 180) solution, with which you can enjoy a crackling fire and charge your phone at the same time. The Biolite CampStove 2+.

What can you do with the Biolite CampStove 2+?

Operating the Biolite CampStove 2+ is quite simple. You collect flammable material, you light it and let the flames burn while your phone is being charged and you are preparing a kettle of hot water, for example.

So you can enjoy your fire twice, both to heat things up or cook food, and to warm yourself up, and to charge your phone. And that’s not all. because there is also a built-in lamp. In short, if you are in the middle of the jungle, you could be very happy with this device.

In fact, the manufacturer donates these devices to people in developing countries, who can use them to cook and charge their smartphones.

What is the working principle of the system?

The manufacturer, Biolite, has grown big with the crowdfunding of this product. As such it is unique: it contains a thermoelectric generator. This type of energy generator uses the temperature difference between the fire and the environment to generate electricity. That means that you charge the built-in power bank by lighting a fire. Very handy of course, anything that burns produces energy. You can also plug a USB cord into the Biolite CampStove 2+ to charge your phone.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Biolite CampStove 2+

At the moment this is actually the only device with which you can charge your phone with the help of a fire. With 3 watts, the charging speed is not impressively high, but in principle your phone is charged to more than half in an hour and a half. The device is also an excellent stove, with which you can bring a liter of water to the boil in 5 minutes if you fill it with dry wood. At 900 g, it is a small device that you can easily take with you.

The only drawback is that the loading speed is not very high. You can charge a phone with it while the fire burns out.

To buy or not to buy?

This is currently the only portable wood-burning stove that can also generate electricity. With a purchase price of around € 170, this is an affordable device, where you get a lot of value for your money. Not only is it a well-functioning cooking appliance, you can also use it to charge your phone and smartwatch while you are cooking.

If you like survival and living off the land, then you should not pass up the light and very versatile Biolite Campstove 2+. If you have more or heavier electronic equipment, it is better to look at a portable solar panel.