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How to Turn Your Fire Pit Into a Grilling Station
Backyard fire pits can be more versatile than you first imagine. They are ideal for creating a beautiful focal point in your outdoor space. They are also a place where you, your family and guests can relax and socialize. Fire pits have another great function, too — you can easily turn them into a grilling station with unmatched ambience!
This guide on how to turn your fire pit into a grilling station provides essential tools, safety guidelines, cooking techniques, cleaning and maintenance considerations and steps for choosing the right fire pit.
Preparing to Grill With a Fire Pit
Ensure you have the right safety equipment for grilling and an appropriate fire pit before preparing to cook.
Wood-burning fire pits are generally ideal for cooking activities. A gas fire pit is only suitable for grilling if it is specifically designed with those features.
Considering your fire pit grilling station location is a crucial step. The spot you choose in your yard should be well-ventilated, without any fire hazards and other potential obstacles around the station.
There should also be a stable base that provides a clean, non-flammable and level surface for your grill. With these safety considerations in place, proceed to clean your fire pit of any debris, such as leaves, to make the station more suitable and sanitary for grilling.
Essential Tools for Grilling Over a Fire Pit
Once the fire pit station is clean, ready and in the right spot for grilling, it is time to gather some essential grilling tools:
Grill Grates
Finding the right grill grate for your fire pit will be a game-changer. There are many to choose from — all with different shapes and functions. Opt for round or rectangular grills to suit the shape and size of your fire pit.
You can also choose hinged grills that allow you to adjust the fire or fuel without removing the entire grate. Swivel grills, on the other hand, make moving the grate and controlling the cooking temperature easier. A DIY fire pit grill grate is not at all recommended — there is far too much risk in grilling when materials and structure may be toxic and flammable.
Tools and Utensils
Fire-resistant gloves and long-handled utensils are essential for making grilling more convenient and safe. While some might scoff at the idea of grilling with gloves, it makes the entire experience more efficient and enjoyable!
A pair of heat-resistant grill gloves means you can reset the grate even over hot coals, move food around over burn goals and dump out charcoal more easily. Long utensils also minimize the risk of burning yourself.
Fire Starters
Good fire starters help you get your grill going with minimal effort. Brands like Fatwood and Duraflame offer a superior burn time and help reduce the chance of spills and flare-ups. There are also no odors and dangerous toxins to worry about.
Fire Extinguishers
Always ensure you have the proper tools, such as a fire blanket or extinguisher, close to your grilling station. These will give you great peace of mind while you use your pit to cook up something delicious.
Grilling Over a Wood Fire Pit
There is nothing quite like grilling with a wood fire pit and enjoying the nostalgic ambience of sitting around a fire. Part of the joy of a wood fire pit grill is experimenting with different types of wood that add flavor to your food. Oak and apple are two great choices that burn slowly, produce good heat, and give a pleasant scent and smokiness to your food.
To start, place some kindling at the center of the pit and arrange your logs around it, then get a flame going. Wait for the fire to die down and for the wood to become a bed of hot embers. Move the embers around evenly and ensure you have cooler zones where you can place food that needs to cook more slowly and evenly, like thin cuts of meat, fish and vegetables.
Position your grilling grate over the embers and start grilling. You can control the temperature by adjusting the height of the grate, adding more wood for higher heat or using water to control the flames.
Can You Grill Over a Fire Pit With Gas?
Gas fire pits have a range of great benefits. They are ideal for creating heat, lighting an outdoor area, and creating a cozy atmosphere like no other. As beautiful and functional as they are, converting a standard gas fire pit into a grilling station is not recommended.
Grease dripping into gas fire pits can cause the gas to flare up and be a serious fire hazard. Without proper ventilation, cooking over a gas fire pit can also lead to a buildup of harmful gases. Thankfully, there are gas fire pits specially designed with grilling gates and safety features that make them more suitable for cooking. At the very least, grilling over a gas fire pit requires careful consideration, including what you grill and how you grill.
If you do go ahead and grill over a gas fire pit designed for cooking, stick to small, non-greasy foods like vegetables, skewers, lean cuts of meat, and treats like s'mores. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and that you have all the right safety tools, too, like fire-resistant gloves and long-handled utensils. With the right gas fire pit and the correct methods and measures in place, cooking over a gas fire grill can also be a convenient and enjoyable experience.
Cleaning and Maintaining Tips for a Fire Pit Grill
Cleaning your fire pit and the accessories you use after each use ensures that you maintain your fire pit's condition. You can follow these simple cleaning tips as part of your grilling routine:
- Turn up the heat to burn off food residue from the grate.
- Use a grill brush to scrub the grate while it is still a little warm.
- After several hours, once the coals have gone completely cold and there are no embers, use a shovel to remove the coals and dispose of them safely.
- For stubborn residue, feel free to use some soapy water, too.
- Regularly season or oil your grate to prevent rust and keep it non-stick.
Find All Your Grilling Essentials at Busy Beaver Building Centers
Are you ready to convert your fire pit into the hottest grilling station? The friendly team at Busy Beaver Building Centers is here to help.
We stock a comprehensive range of outdoor living products. Whether you need quality grilling accessories or other outdoor living essentials, we have you covered. Our selection of gas fire pits can transform your backyard space.
We have stores across Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. You can shop online and choose in-store or curbside pickup today!
