BioLite CampStove 2+ Review: A Wood-Burning Stove That Charges Your Devices

Introduction 

Imagine sitting deep in the wilderness, miles from the nearest power outlet, cooking a hot meal over a crackling fire while charging your phone. That's not a futuristic fantasy—it's precisely what the BioLite CampStove 2+ promises. Designed for campers, hikers, preppers, and off-grid adventurers, this innovative wood-burning stove combines traditional fire cooking with modern electricity generation.

Unlike conventional camp stoves that rely on gas canisters or liquid fuel, the BioLite CampStove 2+ runs on small pieces of wood, twigs, or pinecones. As it burns, an integrated thermoelectric generator converts heat into usable electricity, powering a USB port for charging devices. In this review, we'll take an in-depth look at its features, real-world performance, pros and cons, comparisons with alternatives, and whether it's genuinely worth the investment.

Quick Verdict 

The BioLite CampStove 2+ is one of the most innovative camping stoves on the market, blending sustainability, portability, and tech-savvy design into a single device. It's ideal for campers and backpackers who value renewable energy, emergency preparedness, and reducing reliance on fuel canisters. The ability to cook meals while simultaneously charging a phone, GPS unit, or headlamp sets it apart from traditional wood stoves.

However, it's not perfect. The stove requires active fire management, produces less power than a dedicated battery bank, and is heavier than ultralight backpacking stoves. That said, if you prioritize versatility, eco-friendliness, and off-grid power generation, the BioLite CampStove 2+ delivers a compelling and unique outdoor cooking experience.

Key Features

The BioLite CampStove 2+ stands out thanks to a thoughtful combination of engineering and user-focused design.

Thermoelectric Power Generation

At the heart of the CampStove 2+ is BioLite's patented thermoelectric generator (TEG). As wood burns inside the combustion chamber, the heat difference between the fire and ambient air generates electricity. This power runs the internal fan and charges an integrated 3,200 mAh lithium-ion battery, which smooths power output and allows for USB charging even when the fire dies down.

Forced-Air Combustion Fan

An internal fan injects air back into the fire, dramatically improving combustion efficiency. This results in hotter fires, less smoke, and faster boiling times compared to traditional wood stoves. The fan speed automatically adjusts based on heat output, requiring minimal user input.

USB Charging Capability

A USB-A port lets you charge small electronics like smartphones, headlamps, GPS units, and power banks. While it won't fully replace a wall charger, it's invaluable in off-grid situations.

Compact, Portable Design

The CampStove 2+ weighs about 2.1 lbs (935 g) and packs down neatly, with the power module nesting inside the stove body. A detachable FlexLight provides ambient lighting for nighttime cooking.

Included Accessories

The 2+ version includes a grill top, making it easier to cook real meals rather than boil water. Optional accessories like the kettle, coffee press, and portable grill further expand its versatility.

Performance 

Performance is where the BioLite CampStove 2+ truly differentiates itself from standard camp stoves, but it's also where expectations need to be realistic.

Cooking Performance

In ideal conditions, the CampStove 2+ can bring 1 liter of water to a boil in about 4.5 minutes, which is impressive for a wood-burning stove. The forced-air fan creates a focused, efficient flame that rivals many canister stoves. Cooking simple meals—pasta, rice, eggs, or dehydrated backpacking food—is straightforward, especially with the included grill top.

That said, cooking requires more attention than with gas stoves. You'll need to feed small sticks or pellets regularly to maintain heat. Wind and wet wood can also affect performance, though the stove handles airflow better than traditional open-fire setups.

Power Generation & Charging

The power output peaks at around 3 watts, which is enough to charge a phone slowly or top up smaller devices. The integrated battery helps stabilize charging, preventing the on-off power fluctuations common in earlier BioLite models.

In real-world use, expect to gain 20–40% of the phone's battery per hour, depending on the fire quality and the device's power draw. This makes the CampStove 2+ excellent for emergency charging, GPS maintenance, or extending battery life—not for rapid, full charges.

Smoke & Efficiency

Thanks to the internal fan and secondary combustion, smoke output is significantly reduced compared to traditional wood stoves. Once the fire is hot, smoke is minimal, making it more comfortable to use at campsites and less disruptive to fellow campers.

Fuel efficiency is excellent. Small twigs, bark, pinecones, or wood pellets burn cleanly and completely, leaving behind minimal ash. This eliminates the need to carry fuel canisters, which is a major advantage for longer trips.

Durability & Reliability

The stove is constructed from stainless steel and high-temperature plastic, giving it solid durability. The electronics are well-shielded from heat, though care should be taken to avoid water exposure. In cold conditions, battery performance remains stable, but starting the fire may take longer.

Overall, the CampStove 2+ performs best as a multi-purpose survival and camping tool, rather than a single-function stove or charger.

Pros & Cons 

Pros

• Generates electricity while cooking

• Uses renewable, readily available fuel

• Reduced smoke compared to traditional wood stoves

• Built-in battery stabilizes charging

• No need for gas canisters

• High build quality and innovative design

Cons

• Heavier than ultralight backpacking stoves

• Slower charging compared to power banks

• Requires active fire management

• Performance depends on dry fuel availability

Comparison With Alternatives 

BioLite CampStove 2+ vs Traditional Canister Stoves

Canister stoves are lighter, faster, and easier to use. They excel at boiling water quickly and require minimal setup. However, they depend entirely on fuel canisters, which can run out, are not always recyclable, and add ongoing cost. The CampStove 2+ trades convenience for sustainability and versatility.

BioLite CampStove 2+ vs Solo Stove Lite

The Solo Stove Lite is a popular wood-burning alternative known for its simplicity and excellent airflow. It's lighter and cheaper but lacks any power generation or fan-assisted combustion. While the Solo Stove is great for minimalist backpackers, it can't charge devices or burn as cleanly as the BioLite.

BioLite CampStove 2+ vs Portable Power Banks

Power banks provide faster, more reliable charging, but eventually run out of juice. The CampStove 2+ offers renewable power, making it superior for long-term off-grid use, emergencies, or survival scenarios. Ideally, the two can be used together.

Buying Guide: Who Should Buy the BioLite CampStove 2+?

The BioLite CampStove 2+ isn't for everyone, but it shines in specific use cases.

Ideal For:

• Car campers who want a sustainable cooking and charging solution

• Preppers and emergency kits needing off-grid power

• Eco-conscious campers who prefer renewable fuel

• Overlanders and van-lifers seeking multi-use gear

• Weekend backpackers who don't mind a bit of extra weight

Not Ideal For:

• Ultralight thru-hikers focused on minimal weight

• Campers who want "set-it-and-forget-it" cooking

• Users needing fast, high-capacity device charging

When buying, consider pairing the CampStove 2+ with a small power bank to store generated electricity. Also, think about accessories like the kettle or grill if you plan to cook more than dehydrated meals. While the upfront cost is higher than that of many stoves, the long-term value improves as you eliminate fuel purchases.

Final Verdict 

The BioLite CampStove 2+ is a remarkable blend of old-school fire and modern technology. It's not just a stove—it's a self-sustaining energy system designed for life outdoors. While it won't replace ultralight stoves or high-capacity chargers, it excels as a versatile, eco-friendly tool for campers who value independence and preparedness.

If you're looking for a camp stove that does more than boil water—one that reduces waste, harnesses renewable energy, and keeps your essential devices powered—the BioLite CampStove 2+ is absolutely worth considering. For the right user, it’s a luxury and more of a long-term investment in off-grid freedom.