The most primitive, yet still in use method of cooking outdoors is cooking over the fire. The overriding features of fire-cooked meals are its delectable flavor and aroma. While there are other latest fuel sources like propane and isobutane, many people still prefer to cook over their fire pit because of minimal carbon footprint, reduced fuel costs, and aroma.
Sometimes taking your campfire grill grate along with you on your camping trips is much easier than bringing your gas grill. They are lightweight and space-saving. Besides, all you need is the grate and open fire to have a campfire grill to yourself.
However, there are different options on the market, which makes choosing the right product a bit tricky. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best fire pit grill grates that best suits your needs.
What is a grill grate?
Before we consider the top 10 best campfire grill grates on sale, let’s discuss what this product is first for a clear understanding of what you’re about to purchase.
To simply put, a campfire grill is similar to other types of grills but easier and much more comfortable to use. Further, fire pit grill grates do not require a cooking chamber, which allows users to place it in any preferred location.
It’s specially designed to fit over campfires, fire pits, and other similar places. With this grate, you won’t need a coal or gas stove before cooking your favorite meals. All you have to do is place the grill grate over the fire pit, and you’re ready to go.
Type of Grill Grate
Now, let’s dip deeper to the main types of fire pit grill grate out there. Basically, there are three main types of fire pit grill grate
Flat Campfire Grill
As the name implies, this type of fire pit grill grate is a flat model placed directly over the fire. With the flat campfire grill, you don’t get much versatility or movement. To get started, just place the grate over the fire. Some models feature a foldable design for ease of use.
The flat campfire grill is an ideal choice for people looking to purchase a simple and straightforward model. Keep in mind that this type does not offer much adjust-ability but much faster and easier to use.
Tripod Campfire Grill
This type comes with three legs to support the weight of the hanging grill grate. With this type of grill grates, users can hang their meat at the preferred height thanks to their adjustable height feature. However, a tripod campfire grill is not very stable and can be really tricky to set up.
So for people who prefer to hang their means far away from the fire would find this tripod model perfect. Also, this model comes in handy when the fire is a bit large, which is why most people prefer to purchase this type of grill grates.
Swivel Campfire Grill
This is the last type of fire pit grill grate. The prime advantage of using this model is it effortless to adjust to a perfect height. Sadly using this model can be challenging considering its tricky installation and weight capacity. But if you need a sturdy campfire grill, then purchasing this model is an ideal choice. It allows users to change how far you want your food from the fire easily.
Reviews of Best Fire Pit Grill Grate – Top 10 Picks of the Year
#1 – Walden Fire Pit Grate Round 29.5″ Diameter Premium Heavy Duty Steel Grate
This model is an above-ground fire grate featuring an ample ember catcher for keeping the fire brighter and hotter by offering a constant supply of hot coal into the fire. Walden Fire Pit Grate offers better airflow since the woods are kept off the ground. Therefore, maximizing your flame and creating a less smoky fire.
It’s crafted from special high carbon hardened steel for extra durability. This model has a 29.5-inch diameter to fit any large fit pit up to 30-inch fire pits. That’s not all: this unit features a high-temperature powder coating to ensure the grate holds up against extreme temperature and prevent rusting for long term use.
Walden Fire Pit Grate is built to last long, which means you won’t be shopping for a new fire grate for a long time. Its above-ground design keeps your fire cleaner since the wood stays off the ground and dry, allowing users to start fires regardless of the condition. Plus, it helps minimize ash for an easier and quicker clean up.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty construction
- High-temperature powder coating
- Quick cleanup
- Fit large fire pit
Cons:
- Tend to rust
#2 – Walden Fire Pit Grate Round – Steel Grate for Outdoor Firepits
Our runner up is from the Walden Backyards crafted from special high carbon hardened steel for impressive durability. This model has a diameter of 29.5 inches, which lets users use the steel grate with any large fire pit even up to 30 inches.
Similarly, this model is built to keep wood off the ground to improve airflow and keep the wood dry for a less smoky fire. Also, this fire grate is built to serve you for a long time without having to worry about replacing it.
What’s more? Walden Fire Pit Grate comes with a high-temperature powder coating, which ensures this unit can withstand extreme temperature and rust-free. On top of that, its design ensures the wood is off the ground and dry for convenient and quick clean up.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty construction
- Easy to clean
- Withstand high temperature
- Fit large fire pits
Cons:
- Poor quality control
#3 – Texsport Heavy Duty Adjustable Outdoor Camping Rotisserie Grill and Spit
The Texsport Heavy Duty Adjustable Outdoor Camping Rotisserie Grill and Spit is an ideal choice for people looking for a grill grate on their next camping trips. It features a compact design, which allows you to take it from one place to another.
However, it would have been best if this unit came with handles or carry bags for convenient carry. Another thing to be concerned about with this stainless steel grill grate is its little height adjustment. This means you can’t adjust the grill grate’s height, and you’ve to wait for the fire to burn down to charcoal before cooking since it’s closer to the fire pit.
In addition, users can pick the preferred size with this model – medium or extra-large. If you want to cook breakfast for a couple of people, then you should consider the larger model. In our opinion, the medium option might be too small to feed a few people.
Pros:
- Portable design
- Thick and sturdy skeleton and legs
- Different size options
- Easily adjustable
Cons:
- Small cooking space
#4 – Steven Raichlen SR8024 Best of Barbecue Cast Iron, Tuscan BBQ Grill
When it comes to the best campfire grill grate, then you want to consider Steven Raichlen SR8024 Best of Barbecue Tuscan BBQ Grill. This model is an all-round classic open fire pit grill grate with an affordable price tag and sturdy construction.
This model sports a simple freestanding design offering plenty of height off the ground with secure screw-on legs. Also, it’s easy and quick to set up and takedown for more convenient cleaning. Steven Raichlen SR8024 features a sturdy cast iron construction, which ensures this unit holds up to the hottest temperatures.
Pros:
- Crafted from durable cast iron
- Ample cooking surface
- Easy to transport
- Hassle-free cleaning
Cons:
- Height is not adjustable.
#5 – Texsport Heavy Duty Over Fire Camp Grill
Another spot, another grill grate from Texsport. Texsport Heavy Duty Over Fire Camp Grill is also made from high grade welded steel featuring a diamond-shaped fire-retardant nylon mesh for a robust cooking surface.
This heavy-duty fire grill grate comes with bigger meshes to offer maximum heat. This unit is available in different size options. It comes with two inclined foldable legs for maximum support. This unit offers impressive clearance of around 8-inch to 9-inch to allow users to cook directly over the fire with enough clearance. Even better, it comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
Pros:
- Easy storage
- Allow open fire cooking.
- Sturdy cooking accessories
- Made of heavy-duty welded steel
Cons:
- Issues with the paint
#6 – Onlyfire BBQ Solid Stainless Steel Rod Foldable Cooking Grates for Grill, Fire Pit
Onlyfire BBQ Solid Stainless Steel Cooking Grates is available in two different diameters: 30-inch and 36-inch to offer users a plethora of cooking space. This unit is crafted from sturdy stainless steel to ensure longevity.
This unit is an ideal choice for people looking for a grill grate to tag along on the next camping, picnic, and outdoor cooking. Onlyfire BBQ Solid Stainless Steel Cooking Grates will easily turn your fire pit into a grill.
Pros:
- Foldable design
- Clean embers
- Stainless steel construction
- Two different size options
Cons:
- Foods might fall through the grate.
#7 – Coleman Tripod Grill and Lantern Hanger
Unlike flat and stake-and-swivel bed grills, the tripod grills are not quite popular but still does the job. One of the main benefits of using this Coleman Tripod Grill and Lantern Hanger allows users to adjust the grill’s height.
Further, this unit comes with a pull cord, which lets users adjust the grill’s height. It includes a 17-inch diameter, which should be enough to cook for a couple of people. This model has a drawback, which is its lack of lip around the plate edges to prevent sausages from rolling off the cooking surface.
Pros:
- Good size
- Easy to fold
- Works well for any fire pit size
- Compact design
Cons:
- Swings a lot
#8 – All Stainless Tuscan Fireplace Grill by Grillin an Chillin
If you’re looking to purchase a great for tailgating fireplace BBQ, camping BBQ, and outdoor grill, you need a product like this one is a portable model. Grillin an Chillin All Stainless Tuscan Fireplace Grill, is a portable model with a carry handle for convenient maneuvering. This unit is made of stainless steel, which ensures impressive durability and long-lasting use. Besides its solid construction, Grillin an Chillin All Stainless Tuscan Fireplace Grill, it’s easy to fold four-axle free storage.
Pros:
- Stainless steel construction
- Ideal for outdoor grilling
- Wooden handle for easy handling
- Fold-up design
Cons:
- Some products arrived with a bad weld.
#9 – Gravity Grill Open fire Camping Grill
This grill is another tool designed to make grilling quick, easy, and fun on the go. Gravity Grill Open fire Camping Grill is super portable and lightweight. Without needing your toolbox, users can set up this camping grill and break down for quick cleanup.
In addition, this unit has an adjustable height feature and also spins for even heat distribution. It has a swing arm to let you flip your food and remove it safely. It’s also easy to store, thanks to its remarkable portability and easy disassembling.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- 300 sq. in. of cooking space
- Portable design
- Easy to store
Cons:
- Unlevel weld
#10 – Dracarys Grill Stack Rack for Big Green Egg Stainless Steel BBQ Kamado Joe,18″ or Bigger Diameter Grill
This model offers an extra cooking space that allows users to place extra vegetables, ribs, burgers, or whatever you want. This model works well with your grill for cooking up some dogs and burgers after smoking.
In addition, it comes with three stainless steel legs to raise the stack rack to your preferred height. This allows your foods to be away from the main grate while keeping them warm. Dracarys Grill Stack Rack is made from solid 304 stainless steel for safe cooking and healthy meals while delivering high-quality performance.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for smoking and slow cooking
- Made out of 100% food-grade stainless steel
- Rust-free construction
Cons:
- Welding issues
What should I look for when buying a fire pit grill grate?
Size
When it comes to picking the best fire pit grill grate for your outdoor cooking sessions, you need to consider the size of the grate. This is simple. You need to determine the number of people you typically cook for.
Mounting Style
There are different types of grill grates with either freestanding or stake mount style. The latter offers an adjustable height for and allows you to swivel the grate away from the fire. Further, the freestanding options are much easier to use and come with an affordable price tag.
Quality
The best fire pit grill grate should be made of high-quality steel to ensure you get the best quality for your money. However, it’s also important to keep the grate clean after each use to prevent rusting and maintaining the original quality of the material for long-term use.
Keep Barbecue Grill Grate Clean and Rust Free (video)
FAQs
1. Is it OK to grill on rusted grates?
Grilling on a rusted grate can cause rust to stick to your food, which, when ingested continuously, can lead to intestinal tract complications. Therefore, it’s important to stop grilling on a grate with even the least surface rust until treated.
2. How are grill grates measured?
Cooking grill grates are measured in depth – front to back.
Conclusion
In this post, we’ve considered some of the best swivel over-the-fire and table camping grills. For table versions, we carefully handpicked models featuring heavy-duty construction, while still being light enough to transport with ease.
Nonetheless, you can’t really go wrong with any of the models reviewed in this list. For a more informed decision, you should check out the buying guide section.
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