ALBA- Ask LavaBox Anything
Can you burn a LavaBox when it's windy?
We know you have very good judgement. Use it! The LavaBox is very naturally
wind resistant but that doesn't mean you should fire that baby up. With great power comes
great responsibility, Spidey.
How long does it last?
Depends on a lot of factors. Typically, the classic Tabletop Vol-CAN-no (Naked, Tacana Twosome, Hekla, Trident) will last about 2 hours per pound of propane at a foot-tall burn. This measurement was done at an altitude of 5280 ft with an air temp of 61 degrees. It always depends on how high you burn it. Obviously, if you blast it, it won't last as long.
Note: If it lasts more than 4 Hours see a doctor...Just kidding. You can burn it all night long! All night!
Can you cook on it?
YES! We recommend using our specially designed Over/Under Grill Thingy. You can find it HERE. You can also use your own elevated grill or tripod over the top. Be sure to leave 1-2 inches of space between the top of the ammo can and your pot, pan, or dutch oven. The Lavabox needs to breathe! NEVER COVER THE TOP.
Why doesn't it come with a Quick Connect fitting?
Great question! We LOVE to keep things simple. The Quick Connect is very convenient but has a higher failures rates to a classic screw-on. In fact, I had one fail on the first day of a 5 day raft trip. We couldn't cook for the whole trip! We ended up eating each other al tartar. Tough trip for sure.
You can always add a quick connect to our 3/8 flair fitting.
Why doesn't the Tabletop clip into the Over/Under Grill Thingy?
Ok, look. We all know that dogs and children are going to run through the campsite. We also know that drunk people love to trip over shit. After tons of testing with both drunks and kids, we realized that it was better to have the LavaBox slide on the Over/Under than have it toopple with the LavaBox.
Do you have a patent?
Our signature ammo can fire is patent pending. Check it out here: APPLICATION NUMBER: 63085359 FILING DATE: 09/30/2020 PATENT NUMBER: ISSUE DATE: TITLE: SELF-CONTAINED PORTABLE CAMPFIRE. APPLICATION NUMBER: 63162770 FILING DATE: 03/18/2021 PATENT NUMBER: ISSUE DATE: TITLE: COMPACT PORTABLE FIRE PIT
Is it water tight?
Naw Bro. It isn't like a real ammo can in ths regard. We cut holes in that thang.
Flexible Burner? Bug or Feature?
Feature for sure! Our patent-pending burner was designed to be as light weight and fail-safe as possible. If it get's bent down, just bend it back up. No addtional bolts or welds to break.
Why are there 12 Hades Stones with my order? Why not 20?
Ok, on to the rocks. There is a great reason why we only include 10-12 rocks. It's not because we are cheap bastards. It's because the LavaBox functions much better and safer with only 12 rocks. Let me explain. Because LavaBox was designed with no holes on the sides (for better wind protection), the excess gas must escape from the top through the rocks. If you fill it up with rocks, the gas can't get out and it lingers long after you shut off the valve. Are you picking up what we are dropping?
Is the LavaBox safe to use during a fire ban?
Depends on your local municipality, county, or state laws. Generally, the Lavabox meets or exceeds Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restriction requirements. Be sure to check with your local authorities if you are concerned. Here is more info:https://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/dispatch_centers/r2ftc/documents/Fire_Restriction_Chart.pdf
Is propane bad to breathe?
Propane vapor is not toxic, but it is an asphyxiating gas. That means propane will displace the oxygen in your lungs, making it difficult or impossible to breathe if exposed to high concentrations. For this reason, you should NEVER use Lavabox indoors. What you are smelling is an additive to help you detect a propane leak. Propane, by nature, is odorless and invisible.
Is the Lavabox Sooty?
A little. When you see propane burn yellow, it means it is burning off unused gas. This process gives off soot. If you add more oxygen, you get less soot but you also get a blue flame unlike a real campfire. Unfortunately, you can't have it both ways. We love the yellow flames of Lavabox so we can handle a little soot.
Can you burn wood in it?
Sure. However, we don't really recommend it. Of course, it may no longer meet fire restrictions if you do it. And you will destroy the paint.
Do I have to clean it?
Nope. We dump ours out every now and then or take it to the car wash and spray it. No fuss, no muss.
Can I use it with a Quick Connect?
Yes!
Here is what you need for a simple QC from your LavaBox to a propane tank:
1. 1/4" Female NPT x Female Quick Connect with shutoff valve
2. 1/4" Quick Key Connect Plug x 3/8" Female Flare adapter,
3. 3/8" Flare x 1/4" NPT Male Pipe Half-Union Fitting
4. Teflon Tape
Check out this diagram.
Get the parts HERE.
Here is what you'll need to make this handy adapter for on-board RV propane:
1. Propane Quick Connect Fitting Adapter- Full Flow Male Plug x 1/4" Male NPT
2. Coupling, 1/4" x 1/4" Female Pipe
3. Male QCC1 Acme Nut Propane Gas Fitting Hose Adapter with 1/4 Inch Male Pipe Thread, Propane Quick Connect Fittings
You can get all of these on Amazon. Be sure to get the right male QC fitting for your female QC
Check out our Instructions for a handy pic of your converter HERE.
Can I throw a virgin in it?
We do not recommend sacrifice of any kind.
What if it fills up with water?
No problem. Just pour it out. Wait for it to dry before lighting it.
Can I return it if I don’t like it?
Of course! 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Just be cool. The river gods are watching.
Does it conform to Leave No Trace standards?
Yes. Be sure to have the Lavabox off the ground or in an established fire ring. Be sure to check out "The 7 Principles."https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
Can the kids roast marshmallows with Lavabox?
For sure! Let the roasting begin! If a flaming marshmallow falls into the box, you can leave it to burn away or clean it out. That's up to you.
What if I kick the Lavabox over by accident?
No big deal. Turn off the Lavabox at the regulator control and turn it back over. Use gloves! The LavaBox is a hot little devil.
Can I start the Lavabox with a flint and steel?
We recommend you use the long, BBQ-style lighter.
Can I use any PSI regulator and hose with the Lavabox?
Theoretically, yes. However, we strongly recommend you use a maximum of 20psi.
Can I take it on the Grand Canyon?
Yes! Our testers encountered a few rangers on their trips and the rangers approved. We have not received official word yet.
Will my campfire rust?
Maybe. All things made of steel rust. Our Naked Tabletops will rust for sure in certain climates. If you want to slow this natural process, give your fire a quick coat of high heat enamel paint.
Did a drunk clown write these FAQs?
Yes.
Do you use USED ammo cans?
No! Don't be so crazy. These are brand new cans that we coat with a high heat paint that can withstand about 1200F. Only shiny new things for you, my darling.
What is the hottest I can burn my LavaBox?
One of our favorite questions. We highly encourage you to be VERY cautious with your LavaBox. With that in mind, there is a safety cut-off on your regualor BUT you can still burn that sucka BIG!
Where do I get those adorable 10lb tanks?
We suggest one of our favorite places...Murdochs. Amazon carries them too.
Will I get crap on my hands from the Naked LavaBox?
Maybe a little but, hey, you're camping, right? Just take a moist rag and wipe down your naked box now and then. That will keep the patina off your fingers. Get your mind out of the gutter.
Can I just send you a old ammo can and you can put your burner in it?
Hard "No" on that one. The coatings that are used to paint regular ammo cans are not designed to be burned...so don't burn them. They are nasty. We have also tried to sandblast and strip boxes but this is a ton of work. You'll just have to be patient and get one of our new, shiny boxes, ya animal.
Do you ship to Canada and Mexico?
Canada Yes (or oui)! Mexico Pronto!
How about to Europe, Asia, etc.?
Not yet but soon.
What is all this crap I got in my shipping box?
We try to recycle and upcycle every piece of packing material we receive in the manufacturing process. Feel free to pay it forward!
How hot does this sucker get?
The BTUs output for the Tabletop Vol-CAN-no clocks in at 280,000 BTUs. The Krak can put out more than 330,000 BTUs!
Does the Over/Under fully break down?
Yes! BUT as our friend, Damien, put it: "was like 3 Chinese finger traps trying to get back together for sure." All jokes aside, it is pretty easy to put back together once you get the hang of it. We have made it locked with glue but you are welcome to break it down if you like.