Is there a hardware switch to control the fan? I see mentions of an app online to control fan speeds, but it appears to be either incompatible with modern phones, or just flat out pulled from the app store (android).
I believe so. The last picture indicates you can control it from the rechargeable powerpack [the thing on the left shown in yellow].
I’ve never figured out a need for one of these, but dang if I don’t want it every time it goes on sale like this. Still haven’t grabbed one, though.
Could I take it camping? Sure, but it takes up a lot of space and I have 2 of the little campstoves.
Could I use it in the backyard to make s’mores and hang out? Sure, but that’s really only a couple times a year.
Come on Biolite! Give me better justification to blow my money! At least the campstoves charge my phone and other small devices while I’m using them.
The reviews say the battery pack needs replacing after a couple years. Probably not worth it.
I used to be an Assistant Scout Master and have enjoyed mine for nearly three years now. Batter is still good, so not issue with the two year rumor. You can control it from the battery/fan unit itself with ease. Cycle through the fan speeds or hold it down to turn off. My only gripe is the annual High temp paint job I need to do to keep it looking good. Mesh sides tend to get rusty every year. Other than this, I absolutely LOVE it. Perfect for oysters and ribeye cap steaks when the scouts are making burgers and hotdogs.
You can also charge your phone from this unit.
If you get a cover for it, the cover has a solar panel on the top and micro usb cable inside to charge the unit when you have the cover on and not using the stove.
any battery pack is going to eventually require replacement.