Quoted By:
I have a Biolite.
Yes, it works as advertised.
I don't think it's inefficient. It provides a single, powered USB port, and it's as efficient as any USB port on any computer. You cannot charge a laptop on a USB port. You can charge small electronics though. The port will be powered as long as you've got the fire running.
It's a fierce fire, too. The system uses some of the electricity generated to drive a bellows in the combustion chamber, creating a jet-like effect. It burns very, very hot. Sticks and leaves aren't going to give up much heat. You need chunks of dense wood. Like mulch, or sticks of fatwood. I always preferred not to keep the fire running for the full hour or two it would take to charge my smartphone, but at the same time, it was very, very nice to add 10%-15% to my battery in the time it took to make dinner.
