I just ordered a Quikfire portable campfire, which should be here in time for a trip to the Black Rock Desert the second weekend in April. I'll post a review upon my return.
Mike, the current owner of the company, was very helpful over the telephone. He is currently in the process of updating the website, but the Quikfire Facebook page is operational:
https://www.facebook.com/Quikfire-by-Got-Wood-Firewood-LLC-434710689945773/. There is also a relatively recent review at
http://ruggedamericangear.com/camping/quikfire-propane-campfire-review/.
I like the idea of a sheetmetal box to protect the unit/hose/regulator and to raise the fire a bit, although instead of trying to make one I think I will try to find a surplus ammo can in the appropriate size. [A 20mm ammo can might work - inside dimensions 7 3/8" w x 17 1/4" l x 14 1/16" h; outside dimensions 8 3/8" w x 18 5/8 l x 14 7/16 h.]
Quikfire can supply a fake log set for those who like the aesthetics, but Mike acknowledges that it is an expensive option and not something he advertises. My plan is to buy some "fire glass" at my local fireplace store that I can pour into the Quikfire pan for use and then store in a cloth bag for travel:
Oh, and for those looking to save space and wondering whether a 1 lb. green propane canister will work - Mike recommends a 1 gal. or larger propane bottle (i.e., the common 5 lb., 11 lb. or 20 lb. BBQ tanks). He says that the 5 lb. tank will last about 4-5 hours with a good size flame, longer if the flame is kept low. He told me that the little 1 lb. green canisters don't have enough volume/pressure to work with the regulator he supplies and the flame wouldn't last long enough to justify the space multiple 1 lb. canisters would take up vs. a single 5 lb. or 11 lb. tank. He is developing a smaller Quikfire that will work with the green canisters but can't say when that will be ready for market.
More updates later.
