BioLite has been developing and manufacturing advanced energy products that make cooking with wood as clean, safe and easy as modern fuels. These devices also provide electricity to charge cell phones and LED lights off-grid. Although the new BioLite KettleCharge, doesn’t use wood to cook, it does provide safe water and 10 watts of chargeable power.
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Appearance: As with all of the BioLite products, the KettleCharge just looks sexy. From the stainless steel pot to the orange handle with Smart LED dashboard it just gives off the aura of a well made product. The BioLite KettleCharge is equipped with a 750ml stainless steel reservoir to boil water for cooking, drinking, or cleaning. The foldable handle has a USB out and the smart LED Dashboard showing you how much energy you’re getting from the boiling kettle water, and the amount of internal battery life you have. Being able to charge the kettle before you head out is awesome and allows you to get some battery boost whether you’re cooking or not.
Ease Of Use: The BioLite KettleCharge was built for everyone to easily use. It’s uses go beyond the campsite, giving many people who don’t have reliable power or lights the ability to create power. To use the KettleCharge just fill the stainless steel container with water, find a heat source (camp stoves, BioLite Stove) and let it work it’s magic. The smart LED dashboard will tell you how much power is being created by the water. 1 green light is a small amount of power while 4 green lights is your 10 watts. To charge, just lift the USB flap on the front and plug in any USB compatible device. They do give you a USB extender to barr any of your ordinary wires from being burned.
Durability: Built with toughness in mind, the KettleCharge is a solid piece of equipment. The stainless steel reservoir is sturdy while the handle that houses the USB outlet and smart dashboard feels very solid. The handle folds for easy storage with a button near the bottom that makes it easy to move the piece. As with most electronics there is always a question of quality with LED screens, BioLite puts that to rest quickly with the durability of their smart dashboard. Being over the part of the kettle, in which steam is released the handle holds up extremely well.
Weight: At just 2 pounds the BioLite KettleCharge can go anywhere from the weekend campsite to the far reaches of the back country. The Kettle Charge is also compact with a folding handle so it will pack easily in a camp box or backpack. Being light weight provides endless possibilities for traveling with the kettle charge.
Value: At $149.95 the BioLite KettleCharge may seem like a hefty price but if you think of all the elements you are receiving it really is fair. Not only do you get a top notch kettle for boiling water to cook, clean or drink – you also get a means to charge your electronic devices, fast. 10 watts can charge your phone just as fast as the wall, which is amazing. A charger like that will cost upwards of $100, but only does that one task. Just 15 minutes worth of charging when the water is boiling can give you 5 hours of talk and play time – that is invaluable.
