We first mentioned the BioLite stove in February of 2010. Thanks to SSD reader Brian M, we know that the CampStove is now available for pre-order after a very long wait indeed.
As you can see, the production version is different from the prototypes we originally showed. BioLite relies on wood gassifier technology combined with a fan that is powered by the conversion of heat generated by the stove to electricity through the use of a Thermoelectric Generator made from solid state semi-conductor elements. The use of woodgas has been around for years and converts the combustible elements of wood into a highly efficient flammable gas by super heating the wood. However, BioLite was originally envisioned for use in developing nations and it burns not only wood but also pine cones, underbrush, pellets, rice husks and even dung.
The CampStove doesn’t just produce heat. It also produces electricity that can be used to charge electronic items such as phones and lights. It takes up about the same volume as a Nalgene bottle and can be used for camping, post-disaster recovery or for any application where you want to use wood and other debris to produce heat and power.
I want one of these! Won’t completely eliminate portable solar panels until it can charge a SAT phone and netbook…
Awesome! I want one!
Shipped some kelly kettles to friends deployed to the sharp end but would have to say that this might very well have been a better alternative. Thanks for the link.
Just reserved mine, very excited for when they roll out. I probably would’ve picked one up even if it didn’t have a USB charger, but that is a great bonus.
Does the wood you put into this have to be completely dry, or will it work with damp material?
Josh, this stove use the “rocket stove,” or “volcano stove” principle and many will fire with very minimal amounts of dry material and damp material placed on top will dry and ignite very fast. Not having handled one of these specific stoves I’d say that it would probably work the same and be very easy to lite and have working for you.
So what actually “lights” the fire to begin with?
Bill, YOU light it. Had to scrounge around the internets for that answer myself. Their “easy to light” statement is a little vague, but found a video on YouTube of their older prototype. Just like starting a normal fire, tinder, kindling, matches, etc.
Be the first on your block in MoonBatIstan to own one. You don’t even have to got the the third world. Soon, VERY SOON YOU WILL BE PART OF THE THIRD WORLD, COMRADES! Oh, yeah I want one too!
how much does it cost and are they available now?