Grilling may be the most iconic summer activity and for good reason!
There’s nothing like grilling steak or charred burger for dinner and all of us think differently about going out to eat in the summer months.
Is that you when you’re the most gregarious to grill all of your meals in the summer months?
Perhaps you’re a master griller and think outside the proverbial box. Perhaps you’re thirsty for new and better ways to grill your meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Are you interested in learning how to use a fire pit for grilling? Then you’re in the right place!
Here’s everything you need to know about using a fire pit to grill your favorite meats and more in the hot summer months.
Table of Contents
Examine Your Pit
Before using your fire pit for grilling, it’s important to examine your pit for any dirt or debris; this will ensure it’s safe to use. Start by brushing any dry dirt or debris from the main fire pit area and any other surrounding areas.
Remove the baking grates and inspect these, as well as the intake and exhaust ports. Use a damp cloth or brush to remove any soot or debris. Check the grates for signs of rust – if they have deep rust spots, they will need to be replaced.
Check for air and ventilation blockages, as these can cause the fire to burn slow or poorly. Ensure the lid to the fire pit is secure, as this will reduce any risk of an undesired fire. It’s also important to double check that the gas connection is secure.
Grill Gloves Come in Handy
Using a fire pit for grilling is much different than grilling on a regular gas or charcoal grill. Before attempting to cook with a fire pit, heat resistant grill gloves come in very handy. A pair of thick, kitchen grade, heat resistant gloves are an essential tool, as they will protect your hands from high heat and flare-ups.
To begin grilling, start by lighting a fire in the pit. Once it has been burning for several minutes, add some logs, twigs, or charcoal to help the fire burn hotter. After the fire is burning hot, use the gloves to adjust the kindling or fuel in order to control the heat of the fire.
Then place the grill grate over the fire pit and use the gloves to adjust the height to your desired level. Once the temperature is right, use the gloves to add your food to the grill. Enjoy!
Use the Right Fuel
When using a fire pit for grilling, it is essential to make sure that the right fuel is used. Charcoal, wood, or a combination of both may be used. Charcoal is often preferred, as it provides a hotter and more consistent heat.
Wood chips should be soaked in water beforehand, to ensure that they will not catch fire. Propane or natural gas may also be used, though these are more expensive and require a connection to a gas source.
Fire starter cubes may be used to help get the fire started, and those made for cooking are best as they are designed to produce less smoke than regular fire starter cubes.
Start the Fire Early
Starting the fire early during fire pit grill is essential for safety and cooking success. Before you begin, make sure your fire pit and grill top are in a level and secure location with plenty of room for heat to disperse.
Gather enough fuel, like fuel-treated wood, charcoal, or wood pellets, and arrange them in a pit. Ignite the fuel with a match or lighter and adjust the fuel as needed to keep the fire at an ideal temperature between 250 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
To avoid flare-ups, keep the fire small, no larger than a three-foot long cylinder. For an outdoor barbecue, you should allow at least an hour or two before cooking to get the fire up to temperature.
Get your food ready while the fire is warming up, and keep an eye on the fire in case the fuel needs to be adjusted. By starting the fire early, you can quickly and safely cook a delicious grilled meal that everyone can enjoy!
Cook Over the Coals
To use a fire pit for grilling cook over the coals, begin by digging a hole and lining it with stones. Start by building a teepee-shaped fire, positioning some smaller pieces of wood on the outside and large chunks of hardwood on the inside.
Once the coals have formed in the center, use tongs to spread them evenly in the bottom of the fire pit. Position the grill grate over the fire pit, as close to the coals as possible, so that you can easily regulate the temperature while cooking.
Monitor the heat level of the coals throughout the cooking process, adding wood or stoking the fire as needed, and ensure the coals have burned down before moving away from the fire pit.
For charcoal cooking, use a charcoal chimney that is filled with charcoal and placed over the hottest point of the fire. Cook food directly above the glowing embers for succulent meals. When finished, cover the grill grate with a metal lid and let the coals burn out completely before disposing of the ash.
What Are the Best Foods to Grill Over a Campfire?
Grilling over a campfire is an exciting way to cook delicious meals. Hot dogs and hamburgers are the classic campfire meal staples, but there are plenty of other fantastic options.
Consider grilling marinated chicken and vegetables, grilled sandwiches or wraps, pizza, fish, and even pineapple. Marinating your meats ahead of time helps keep them tender and juicy. If cheese sandwiches are a family favourite, consider grilling them in a pie iron which will give them a gooey, golden crust.
Get creative and use up any leftovers like beans, potatoes, or rice and wrap them in a foil packet for the campfire. Dessert doesn’t have to be complicated either; s’mores are the quintessential campfire dessert and you can make various variations using your favourite bars.
Learn How to Use a Fire Pit
On how to use a fire pit can be an entertaining and rewarding experience. With a few simple steps you can enjoy a delicious meal outside in nature. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun. Go ahead and give it a try, you won’t regret it!
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