How to grill over a fire pit

You don’t actually need a grill to barbecue. You can grill over a fire pit by adding a grill grate right on top.

Backyards across America are stocked with fire pits.

Why?

They make the party more fun. Who wants to be that house where you sit in a circle around a whole lot of nothing?

Not this girl.

If you’ve joined the fire pit fan club, you’re surely the place to be on the block, but have you tried grilling on your fire pit?

Basics of grilling

The foundation of grilling comes down to three simple necessities: fire, somewhere to burn the fire and a grill grate.

Traditional grills like kettle grills, smokers and pellet grills solve those needs with a package deal, but you can improvise and make your own fire pit grill.

Why would you want to do this?

• All the fun backyards have fire pits nowadays
• One accessory, two functions
• You can pick a style and color other than black
• When the grilling is done, the party can keep on keepin’ on

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Choosing your fire pit

There are three main things to consider when selecting a fire pit that will work well as a grill. This cast iron pit with a copper finish checks the block on all three.

Choose a fire pit with a shallow bowl

You want the coals to be close enough to the grill grate that you can actually cook your meat. Those deep-bowled pits will require too many coals. A 7-inch deep bowl is perfect.

Size matters

Most fire pits don’t come with a cooking grate, so you’ll need to purchase that separately. The size of the grate you will need will depend on the diameter of the top of your fire pit.

It’s best to get a grate that is an inch or two larger than the top of your pit, so the cooking surface sets on top without sliding around or falling inside.

A 30-inch diameter is great for party grilling, but if you’re cooking for a family of four, you can go smaller.

Look for one that is sturdy and has handles for easy removal.

Also, pay attention to how wide the grate gaps are. You may want one that will keep narrow veggies like asparagus from falling into the coals.

The Sunnydaze X-Marks Fire Pit Grate is my favorite fire pit grate. It’s very sturdy, has handles for easy removal and ranges from 19 inches to 40 inches.

Select a pit that matches your style

Fire pits come in many designs.

If your backyard style is glam, go with the clean look of stainless steel. For a more rustic vibe, a copper fire pit will look great.

For an even more outdoorsy feel, add blocks or bricks around the fire pit.

According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, retailers continue to push the envelope in terms of fire pit design and eye appeal. You can even order a personalized fire pit in the shape of a guitar.

Search online or at your local hardware or barbecue store to find a pit to match your backyard style and budget.

There are three main things to consider when selecting a fire pit that will work well as a grill.

How to light a fire pit

To grill over a fire pit, it’s best to use charcoal briquets or lump charcoal. Pile the coals in the fire pit in a mound.

Tuck one to two fire starters into the coals and light them with a long-handled lighter.

As the coals burn, they will start to ash over and turn gray. Once this happens, you can use long-handled tongs to spread them around the bottom of the pit.

To give yourself more versatility, push the coals to one side of the grill and leave the other half empty. This creates a two-zone cooking area with direct heat and indirect heat.

Place your grill grate on top and let it heat up.

Cooking over a fire pit

Once your coals are ready and your grate is hot, add your favorite food to the grill grate.

Burgers, hot dogs, steaks and vegetables will cook up perfectly over the direct heat side (the side with the coals).

For foods that take a little longer to cook like chicken breasts or pork chops, cook them over the indirect side. Then, move them over the coals at the end to get a nice sear.

You can also place cast iron skillets right on the grate to cook foods like Campfire skillet mac and cheese and perfectly seared cast iron steak.

Grilling on a stick

If you want to skip the grate and cook on a stick, use metal skewers.

Here’s what to look for when shopping for skewers:

• Get skewers that are at least 17 inches long to keep your hand clear of the fire.
• Choose flat skewers so your food won’t spin around when you try to turn it.
• Give them the bend test; you want sturdy skewers that can hold a heavy load.

I like Steven Raichlen’s Best of Barbecue Signature Stainless Steel Grilling Kabob Skewers.

Try This Recipe: Campfire steak on a stick

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Sit back and enjoy

Once you’re done cooking, it’s time to enjoy the fire pit for it’s original purpose.

Wearing a pair of heat gloves, remove the grate and place it in a safe, non-combustable space.

Remember it’s HOT. If you place it on the patio or grass, it will leave a burn mark.

It’s best to set it on some bricks or rocks. And make sure the kiddos and pets can’t reach it.

Now, just throw a couple dry wood logs onto the coals and enjoy the fire and the amazing meal you grilled up.