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BioLite CampStove 2+ Review

Cassie Panther (gear tester)
Andrew Shults bio photo
Apr 14, 2025
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Our Take:
3.2/5
The BioLite CampStove 2+ ($250) is one of the most unique systems we’ve tested—a complete cook kit that burns biomass instead of gas and turns fire into electricity to charge your devices. It comes with everything you need to cook and boil water, including a grill, KettlePot, CoffeePress, and LED light. But while the concept is undeniably cool, the stove struggles with basic cooking performance and ease of use. For most campers, the novelty won’t outweigh the frustrations.
Power

Power

2/5
Temperature Control

Temperature Control

1/5
Wind Protection

Wind Protection

2/5
Build Quality & Durability

Build Quality & Durability

3.5/5
Ease of Use

Ease of Use

1.5/5
Sustainability

Sustainability

3.3/5

Fuel Type

Biomass

Burners (Output)

2 (10,000 BTUs each)

Auto Ignition

No

Weight

5 lb. 3.6 oz.

Pros

Natural fuel sources are more environmentally friendly than fuel propane and butane.
Ability to charge electronics is a nice touch.
The lightest stove we tested.

Cons

We had difficulty getting the fuel to ignite.
Nonexistent temperature control.
Variable performance depending on flame strength.

For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Camping Stoves. 

The BioLite CampStove 2+ maxes out at 10,000 BTUs, which puts it on the lower end of the stoves we’ve tested. It’s capable of cooking most meals, but don’t expect blazing fast performance. BioLite’s fan-assisted combustion helps improve efficiency—the internal fan jets circulate air to feed the fire and create a cleaner, smokeless burn. Still, the wood-fueled design has its limitations. Heat output is inconsistent, and it takes more effort to reach and maintain a strong flame than it does with a traditional gas stove. If speed or simplicity is your top priority, this isn’t the stove for you.


On a mild day in Southern California, it took us about 20 minutes to get the fire going—longer than we’d hoped for. Once lit, we timed the boil for 1 liter of water at 10.5 minutes, more than twice BioLite’s claimed 4.5 minutes. The issue? The pot partially snuffed out the flame, and we had to stop and add more fuel midway through. To its credit, the fan did help keep the fire alive once it was going, but overall, the experience felt more like tending a small campfire than cooking on a controlled camping stove. The BioLite CampStove 2+ has its charm, but it's best suited for folks who enjoy the ritual of building and maintaining a fire—not those trying to whip up a quick dinner.

When it comes to temperature control, the BioLite CampStove 2+ falls flat. Because it burns wood, there’s no real way to dial in or maintain a consistent flame like you can with a gas stove. You’re essentially cooking over an open fire, which means the flame intensity is dictated by the amount and condition of your fuel—not your preferences. While the battery attachment provides a real-time readout of the fire’s strength, that information doesn’t give you much power to make adjustments beyond tossing in more sticks or letting the fire die down.


As a result, simmering or cooking anything that requires finesse is next to impossible. There’s no reliable way to hold a steady low heat or avoid hot spots, making this one of the least user-friendly camping stoves we’ve tested for anything beyond boiling water or roasting over high heat. If you’re hoping to cook scrambled eggs or anything delicate, prepare for some trial and error.

The BioLite CampStove 2+ doesn’t come with any wind shields, which leaves the flame exposed and vulnerable in breezy or gusty conditions. That said, the stove’s pot stand does sit fairly low inside the combustion chamber, and the walls around it are relatively tall—offering a bit of natural shielding from mild wind.


Still, in anything more than a light breeze, you’ll likely see performance take a hit. Like the Eureka SPRK, it gets partial credit for the recessed flame design, but for true wind resistance, you’ll want a stove with dedicated side panels or a more enclosed burner setup.

The BioLite CampStove 2+ has a solid, sturdy metal body that feels well-built and thoughtfully designed. Its aluminum legs provide extra stability—something you don’t often see in compact stoves—and the honeycomb heat mesh helps keep the exterior relatively cool during use. The battery pack also feels rugged and weather-ready, contributing to the stove’s overall dependable build.


Most of the included accessories feel equally durable, but the grill attachment is one weak point. Its lightweight legs don’t offer much stability, and since it simply rests on top of the stove without a locking mechanism, it’s prone to shifting if bumped. It’s also worth noting that the metal will discolor with use—not a functional issue, but something to be aware of if aesthetics matter to you.

The BioLite CampStove 2+ is by far the hardest stove to use of all the models we’ve tested. There’s a steep learning curve—you’ll need to figure out the right amount of fuel, how to manage the fan settings, and sometimes even manually blow on the flame to get things going. We spent about 20 minutes just getting the fire started, and—because the combustion chamber is small—had to feed it frequently with small twigs and biomass to keep it running. It's a lot more effort than turning a knob on a gas stove.


On the plus side, the included accessories are fairly intuitive. The grill features a built-in fuel intake for easy refueling and has a 55-square-inch surface (enough for a couple of hot dogs and veggies, but much smaller than average). The KettlePot is simple and efficient for boiling water. We also like the battery pack—it’s surprisingly functional, converting thermal energy into electricity to power the internal fan, charge devices, and run a small 100-lumen light. Weighing under 6 pounds for the full set, the BioLite CampStove 2+ is also the most compact camping stove we’ve tested. Still, it’s impractical for most campers and best suited for those who are highly space-conscious or motivated by the stove’s sustainability features.

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Longevity

Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.

Accessories
The BioLite CampStove 2+ is packed with accessories and tech. The standout feature is its integrated 3,200 mAh battery pack, which uses thermoelectric technology to convert heat into electricity—powering the fan jets and allowing you to charge devices via the USB-A port. The battery also supports an included 100-lumen light and displays real-time readouts for flame intensity, fan speed (adjustable across four levels), and battery level. In the box, you also get a grill with a fuel intake door for mid-cook refueling, a 1.5-liter KettlePot for boiling water, a CoffeePress for brewing in the backcountry, and even a few firestarters to help get things going.


Transportation
At under 6 pounds for the full kit, the BioLite CampStove 2+ is a light and highly portable camping stove. For comparison, the next lightest model—the Eureka SPRK Grill—comes in at over 8.5 pounds. The stove includes a cloth carrying case and nests neatly inside the KettlePot for efficient packing. The grill’s foldable legs and plastic cover also aid in transport. That said, it would have been nice to see one consolidated case for the full system—instead, you’ll be managing multiple separate pieces when packing or unpacking.

Coleman Cascade Classic ($100): Cheaper and More Consistent
The Coleman Cascade Classic is a no-frills, propane-powered stove that’s easier to use, more consistent, and far cheaper than the BioLite CampStove 2+. While both offer similar max output (10,000 BTUs), the Cascade Classic delivers better boil times, more precise temperature control with real knobs, and basic wind protection—features the CampStove 2+ struggles to match. The two-burner setup and 269-square-inch cooktop also make it a better choice for cooking for groups. That said, the CampStove 2+ is far lighter, more portable, and includes unique accessories like a grill, KettlePot, CoffeePress, and thermoelectric battery that powers fans and charges devices. If sustainability and gadgetry are priorities, BioLite is worth considering—but for ease, consistency, and value, it’s hard to beat the Cascade. For more, read our review of the Coleman Cascade Classic.

Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System ($400): A Propane-Fueled Kitchen Setup
Another all-in-one cooking kit, the Genesis Basecamp features two 10,000-BTU burners, as well as a 5-liter pot, a 10-inch ceramic-coated nonstick pan, and an attachable wind shield. From a sustainability standpoint, the CampStove 2+ is the clear winner, as the Genesis runs off a propane fuel canister. And, while they are both transportation-friendly, the CampStove 2+ is lighter by over four pounds. Plus, its rechargeable battery is a helpful feature that its competitor doesn’t have. But the Genesis boils water over a minute faster and includes a pressure regulator for precise temperature control, something that isn’t possible with a wood-burning flame. Those advantages don’t come cheap, though, as the Genesis costs $150 more than the already pricey CampStove 2+. For campers in the market for a cook kit, the Genesis caters to those who prioritize performance and efficiency, while the CampStove 2+ is for folks who value sustainability and minimalism. For more, see our Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System review.

Solo Stove Campfire 2 Pot Set Combo ($170): A No-Frills Wood-Fire Camp Stove
Solo Stove is better known for its full-sized fire pits, but the company has also ventured into the world of wood-powered camp stoves with the stainless steel Campfire 2 Pot Set Combo. Unlike the CampStove 2+, which uses electricity-powered fans to stoke its flames, the Campfire instead relies on its dual-wall design and ventilation holes to maximize fire efficiency and minimize smoke. It also boasts a cooking ring, which sits above the flames and supports the included 3-liter and 1.5-liter pots, as well as other cookware you may have. Head to head, these two stoves are comparable in weight, though the CampStove 2+ is slightly more compact. It also comes with more features than the Campfire—namely its grill, coffee press, and battery—and is able to convert the heat generated into electricity that you can use to power the included light or charge your devices. However, these additions will cost you an extra $80. If you’re looking for a simple, wood-burning camp stove and don’t need extra features, opt for the Campfire.

BioLite CampStove 2+ ($200)
BioLite CampStove 2+ camping stove set up on a rock for cooking
3.2/5

The CampStove 2+ is a unique all-in-one stove that utilizes wood and other organic materials to create powerful flames and generate electricity. However, while its design is promising in theory, its performance falls short in practice. 

Fuel Type
Biomass
Burners (Output)
2 (10,000 BTUs each)
Auto Ignition
No
Weight
5 lb. 3.6 oz.
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Power

2/5
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Temperature Control

1/5
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Wind Protection

2/5
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Build Quality & Durability

3.5/5
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Ease of Use

1.5/5
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Sustainability

3.3/5
Coleman Cascade Classic ($130)
Cooking onions and burgers on the Coleman Cascade Classic camping stove
4/5

What the Cascade Classic lacks in performance and wind protection, it makes up for in value. While this is by no means a perfect stove, it’s a commendable option for campers looking for a no-frills model that’s light on the wallet and is fine for whipping up simple meals.

Fuel Type
Propane
Burners (Output)
2 (10,000 BTUs each)
Auto Ignition
Yes
Weight
11 lb. 14.4 oz.
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Power

2.5/5
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Temperature Control

3/5
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Wind Protection

2.5/5
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Build Quality & Durability

3.5/5
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Ease of Use

3.5/5
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Sustainability

3.1/5
Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System ($450)
Making pancakes and coffee with the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System camping stove
4.3/5

The Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System is a complete cooking setup designed with both performance and packability in mind. It can easily handle quick boils as well as delicate, low-and-slow recipes, and its included pot and pan make it a one-stop shop for a camp chef. However, it’s super pricey and has some awkward design choices.

Fuel Type
Propane
Burners (Output)
2 (10,000 BTUs each)
Auto Ignition
Yes
Weight
9 lb. 1.6 oz.
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Power

4/5
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Temperature Control

5/5
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Wind Protection

2/5
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Build Quality & Durability

3/5
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Ease of Use

3/5
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Sustainability

2.1/5

Is the CampStove 2+ for You?

The BioLite CampStove 2+ is best for campers who value sustainability, portability, and novelty over convenience or cooking performance. Its compact size and lightweight build make it a great fit for minimalist setups, and the ability to burn biomass instead of propane is appealing for eco-conscious users or those heading out where fuel resupply is tricky. It’s also fun to use—once the fire is going, the fan-powered flame and charging capabilities are genuinely impressive. But if you prioritize ease, speed, or consistent temperature control in your camp kitchen, the learning curve and fiddly nature of the CampStove 2+ will likely be frustrating. It’s not the best tool for gourmet camp cooking, but it has its place in the hands of tinkerers and backcountry minimalists.

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