Problem with the fan unit - BioLite FirePit

I purchased the FirePit after seeing the videos online. I thought about how nice it would be to have a portable fire pit. After I received the product, I was excited to test it. The assembly was pretty straightforward.

After putting in paper and kindling and wood, I tried starting the fan. I pressed the fan and the battery indicator should full bars. Before that, I had installed the BioLite app. I tried searching for the Fir Pit but no luck. So I decided to press the button to turn the fan on. No luck. Pressed it several times. Pressed once, pressed two times, pressed and held for 5 secs. Nothing. Waited for a while, and did the app search. This time it paired. Turned the fan on from the app. No problem. Started the fire. Tried different fan speed.

In terms of wood burning, there is still smoke, but not much. I had the fan on high and that definitely help with the burn and significantly reduced the smoke. But if you are looking for a smokeless fire pit, you will be disappointed. I found the amount of smoke to acceptable. The amount of heat that radiates is OK. The radius of the heat is somewhat limited. I would guest 1 to 2 feet. This would be a good fire bit for two people - one on each side and not at the ends.

After the test burn, I let left the fan on high to burn the wood down to ashes. It did that very well. I turned off the fan with the phone app. Next day, I wanted to test the fan again as I had a heck of a time turning it on or even pairing it with the app. I spent nearly 1 hour trying to get the fan to turn on - manually or with the app. Same the first attempt, the phone app did not pair with the fan. I had charged the fan overnight to make sure it has power. I got the fan powered up - full bar. But just couldn't turn the fan on. After I left my office, when returned, the fan was on! Go figure. The phone app then sync'd. I tried to turn the fan off manully but that didn't work. The only what to turn the fan off was with the app. Very frustrating.

So, I went to BioLite's website to see if I'm doing something wrong. Couldn't find anything. I submitted an online form explaining my problem. After more then 3 weeks, no response. They don't have a phone number to call.

Overall, I was say this was a waste of money and time. This product is in beta in my opinion. I do believe I have a defective fan unit and I would be fine to have it replaced. However, since I did not get a response from BioLite, I'm giving this product a generous 1 star and returning the product.