When you cook over a campfire, you get a unique smokey taste and food that tastes unlike anything you could ever make in a kitchen. It’s something everyone has to try at least once! Using a camping fire grill is the easiest way to cook over an open flame. Here’s what you need to know about using one to cook and the best ones on the market.
A camping fire grill is one way to cook over an open campfire flame, as is a Dutch oven stand or a cast-iron pan. A grill lets you place a surface directly over coals or a flame to cook your meal in a pot, pan, or tin foil.
Not all campfires will come with built-in grates, so they’re awesome to have on hand for those who love cooking over an open flame.
So today, put that propane stove aside and try your hand at using a camping fire grill!
How to Use a Camping Fire Grill
Before you can begin cooking, you’ll need to start your fire. Always cook in a designated fire pit or create a fire ring.
You won’t need a big fire for cooking. In fact, you may only need the coals. So, start your fire and allow it to burn down until you have a bed of hot coals or a steady flame, depending on your cooking preference. This may take around 20-30 minutes for charcoal and longer for firewood.
Assemble the camping fire grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure it’s stable and securely positioned over the fire area while wearing heat-resistant gloves. Some camping grills have adjustable heights for cooking temperature control.
Place your food on the grill grates over the hot coals or flames. Use tongs or other cooking utensils to handle the food and prevent burns.
Monitor the cooking process closely to prevent overcooking or burning. Remember that cooking times may vary based on the type of food and the heat of the fire. Oftentimes, they cook faster than on a stove.
Adjusting Heat
For charcoal grills, you can adjust the cooking temperature by raising or lowering the grill grates or adding/removing charcoal. With firewood, you can control the heat by adding or removing logs or adjusting their placement.
How to Clean a Camping Fire Grill
After you’re done cooking, leave the grate in the fire. Any remaining food or grease should burn right off. You can then use a grill brush to scrub them clean.
If you’re cooking directly on the grill, you’ll want to ensure it’s completely clean for the next use. You can soak the grill in soapy, hot water.
After soaking, if some bits are still stubborn and on there, I like to use SOS Steel Wool Soap Pads or Bar Keeper’s Friend.
Great Camping Fire Grills for Camping
There are a few different camping fire grills out there. Depending on how you want to cook and pack your stuff, one may be better suited to you than others.
Zalderan Campfire Grill Grate
If you want something small and simple, this Zalderan grill is perfect. It would work great for a backpacker who wants to pack light and intends to make their meal over the campfire. While small, it still has a simple stand to secure the grate.
Amazon Basics Folding Campfire Grill
This is a basic grill grate, but it sure works well! It’s a rectangular grate with folding legs for easy storage. You may not be able to adjust the height of their grate, but it’s super simple to use and store. The legs are also quite sturdy and should easily hold heavy items, like a pot of soup.
VEVOR Round Cooking Grate
I love this VEVOR camping fire grill because it covers a large amount of space. You can place it on most circular fire pits and cover the entire surface. This way, you can cook multiple things at once and keep the food safely above the flames.
Adventure Seeka Campfire Swivel Grill
If you want a versatile and well-built grill, I would highly recommend this Adventure Seeka grill. Half of the surface is a grill, while the other half is a grate. You can swivel it over the campfire for an adjustable height or have more security for heavier items with folding legs. And the whole thing packs up nice and small!
Odowalker Barbeque Basket
This small, handheld grill option is great for cooking a small amount of food. The handheld device consists of two grills that fold together, creating a basket that locks food in place. It’s great for easily cooking food like smokies, burgers, steaks, veggies, fish, and more, without fear of the food falling in the fire.
REDCAMP Campfire Swing Grill Stand
On the complete opposite spectrum, if you want a full campfire set up, this one is for you. This grill stand comes with everything you need for making food over the fire, including a swing grill and hanging racks to hold other cooking utensils like a Dutch oven.
Cooking with a grill is fairly simple. Just make sure to always put safety first when working with open flames and have the right equipment before cooking. Always put out your fire with sand or water to prevent forest fires.
Happy cooking!
Tour My Dodge Caravan Camper Van (The Best Minivan Camper!)
