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Best Campfire Grills for Outdoor Cooking
Cooking over a campfire is one of the best ways to enjoy delicious meals while camping. Whether you’re grilling meat, vegetables, or even cooking in a cast iron skillet, having the right campfire grill makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover the best campfire grills to ensure you get even heat distribution, durability, and portability for your outdoor cooking needs.
What to Look for in a Campfire Grill
Before purchasing a campfire grill, consider these essential factors:
- Material: Stainless steel is rust-resistant, while cast iron offers excellent heat retention.
- Portability: Foldable and lightweight grills are best for backpacking and camping.
- Cooking Surface: A large grilling area accommodates more food, but a compact size is better for solo campers.
- Height Adjustability: Adjustable grills help manage heat intensity by controlling the distance from flames.
- Stability: A sturdy base or legs prevent the grill from tipping over while cooking.
For a full camp kitchen setup, check out our Best Camping Cookware and Utensils and Best Portable Camping Stoves to complement your cooking gear.
Top Campfire Grills
1. Texsport Heavy-Duty Over-Fire Camp Grill – Best for Heavy-Duty Cooking
- Type: Steel mesh grate with foldable legs
- Pros: Sturdy, supports cast iron cookware, large cooking surface
- Cons: Not height adjustable
The Texsport Heavy-Duty Camp Grill is built for durability and can support heavy pots and skillets directly over a fire, making it ideal for those who want a reliable, no-fuss grilling surface.
2. Amazon Basics Folding Campfire Grill – Best for Budget-Friendly Cooking
- Type: Steel foldable grill
- Pros: Affordable, compact, easy to set up
- Cons: Smaller grilling surface
This lightweight and budget-friendly campfire grill is perfect for those who need a simple, portable option without breaking the bank.
3. Camp Chef Lumberjack Over-Fire Grill – Best for Large Groups
- Type: Heavy-duty steel grill
- Pros: Large grilling space, sturdy construction
- Cons: Heavy, not adjustable
With its extra-wide cooking surface, the Camp Chef Lumberjack Grill is great for cooking large meals for family or group camping trips.
4. GameMaker Swing Grill – Best for Adjustable Cooking Heights
- Type: Rotating grill with adjustable height
- Pros: Versatile height control, durable, great for slow cooking
- Cons: Requires ground stake installation
The GameMaker Swing Grill provides full adjustability, allowing you to raise or lower the grill over the fire for better heat control.
5. Wolf Grizzly Compact Fire Grill – Best for Backpackers
- Type: Collapsible stainless steel grill
- Pros: Ultra-lightweight, compact, adjustable height
- Cons: Smaller cooking surface
For backpackers and ultralight campers, the Wolf Grizzly Compact Fire Grill is easy to pack and quick to set up, making it one of the most portable options.
Comparison Table
| Campfire Grill | Best For | Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texsport Heavy-Duty Grill | Heavy-Duty Cooking | Steel mesh grate | Sturdy, supports cast iron | Not adjustable |
| Amazon Basics Grill | Budget-Friendly Cooking | Foldable steel | Affordable, compact | Small grilling surface |
| Camp Chef Lumberjack | Large Groups | Heavy-duty steel | Large cooking area, durable | Heavy, not adjustable |
| GameMaker Swing Grill | Adjustable Cooking Heights | Rotating grill | Versatile, heat control | Requires ground stake |
| Wolf Grizzly Grill | Backpackers | Collapsible stainless steel | Ultralight, compact | Small cooking surface |
FAQ: Campfire Grills
What type of campfire grill is best?
- If you want stability and durability, go for a heavy-duty steel grill.
- For adjustable heat control, a swing grill works best.
- If portability is key, choose a lightweight, foldable grill.
Can you put a regular grill grate over a campfire?
While you can use a standard grill grate, it’s best to choose one designed for open flames, as they are more heat-resistant and stable.
How do I prevent food from sticking to my campfire grill?
- Preheat the grill before cooking.
- Oil the grate to create a non-stick surface.
- Use cast iron cookware if grilling delicate foods like fish.
What’s the best way to clean a campfire grill?
- Let the grill cool completely.
- Scrub with a wire brush to remove residue.
- Use a damp cloth and mild soap for extra cleaning.
- Coat cast iron grills with oil to prevent rust.
How do I safely cook over a campfire?
- Build a stable fire pit and let it burn to hot embers.
- Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for fire control.
- Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot grills.
Tips for Cooking on a Campfire Grill
- Use hardwoods like oak or hickory for even heat distribution.
- Create a two-zone fire to control cooking temperature.
- Keep a spray bottle of water handy to manage flare-ups.
- Let meats rest before cutting to retain juices.
- Bring aluminum foil for easy grilling and less cleanup.
For more expert outdoor cooking tips, check out our How to Cook Over an Open Fire guide.
Final Thoughts
A campfire grill is an essential piece of gear for outdoor cooking, whether you’re grilling burgers, cooking in cast iron, or roasting vegetables over an open flame. Choosing the right grill depends on portability, adjustability, and durability. Pair your campfire grill with sturdy camping cookware and a reliable fire pit for the ultimate outdoor kitchen setup.
Looking for more outdoor cooking gear? Check out our guides to Best Camping Cookware and Utensils and Best Portable Camping Stoves to upgrade your campsite meals.
