Thanks for your questions and suggestions.
Let me take them one at a time.
What makes FiAir better than Air Grill or Looftlighter?
Glad you asked, ScottyDaQ!
I bought an Air Grill Executive when I found one at Restoration Hardware many years ago. I was happy to pay $35 for it. It works and I used it in our fireplaces until I got my FiAir prototype. And, as I've said, I just recently switched to charcoal so I never tried it on the grill.
There are three things that make FiAir better.
The first is that since FiAir is battery powered you don't have to crank it. You also have to stop cranking at some point just to take a break. FiAir will keep blowing as long as you hold the button.
Second, price. I believe you can now buy the Air Grill Executive for $30 but that's still $5-$10 more than FiAir will sell for.
Then there's the size. FiAir is under 9" long and is very light and portable. I believe the Air Grill Executive is 15"-18" long and considerably heavier.
I won't even talk about the $10 Air Grill because I've read that the plastic gears have been known to break on the first use.
As for the Looftlighter:
It requires AC. You have to plug it in. That means it's not portable.
And the price? Well, I couldn't figure that out. When I ran it through an online currency converter, 450,000 SEK came out to over $7,000!
Somehow, I don't think thats right. I don't even know if you can by one in the US. And just looking at it make me think it must cost more than FiAir.
I would NEVER SUGGEST that FiAir is a new idea.
People have been trying to find faster ways to make fires since they realized that the standard squeeze bellows just doesn't work as well as the GiANT BELLOWS the blacksmiths used.
I am suggesting that FiAir represents a new answer to the old question and as far as grilling is concerned, could change the debate between charcoal vs. gas.
Here's one of my favorite stories:
In the 1920's a Congressman moved that we abolish the US Patent Office because - everything that was going to be invented had already been invented!
I think he was wrong about that.
I've done my own and two professional patent searches and have seen most everything there is to see. When I asked my Industrial Designer about many of the patents, he said that after what we learned developing FiAir, many of those ideas simply wouldn't work if you built them. Well, we built one FiAir - and whether you want one or not - it DOES WORK well on the grill and in the fireplace.
So - i still think i have something with FiAir. And like writing songs, it's just something I'll have to keep doing until the spirit dies.
Nick - I get what you're saying and you guys have taught me a bunch about the difference between grillers and smokers.
And most of it has to do with time. The long time it takes to BBQ and the "no hurry" attitude that goes along with it. Hey, more power to ya!
I also know that around my house my job is making the fire and my wife will often be getting everything ready in the kitchen so it's fine with her if we're ready to cook sooner.
I also have to admit, I've been using FiAir more than I need to on some of the fires. I really need to back off more often and just let the coals react after I've given it some FiAir. Still learning that stuff, too.
And Swampsauce - I think you're right. But the numbers say I'm looking at a target market in US and Canada of about 60 million.
I know I'm not going to get everybody, but I sure am looking forward to Fathers' Day and Christmas!
I now know I jumped in a little too soon to the wrong Forum.
I'm glad you gave me the straight skinny.
Guys - thanks so much for playing this game with me.
I'm still waiting for the production figures, but if they come in where I'm hoping, maybe I'll be able to share a few free samples when I finally have some on the shelves.
It's months away, but I'll keep you posted, if you don't mind.
I know I have to concentrate on the backyard grillers, but now that I've found you I'd like to stick around.
The best to all of you!
FiAir Chief
PS - please keep it coming if you like. . .