According to Time, humans first interacted with fire 1.5 million years ago, and ever since, we’ve been hooked. Not only are fires fantastic for cooking things, but they’re also a great place to gather and bond with our loved ones.
Although we’ve since moved fire indoors for cooking, we haven’t forgotten our roots. This is why backyard fire pits are so popular: they help us get in touch with our inner cavemen.
If you don’t already have one, then we can’t recommend it enough. Here are some fire pit designs for cooking that’ll have you wondering why you didn’t think of purchasing one sooner.
Classic Campfire Pit
Let’s start this list off with the classic campfire pit, which is, of course, ideal for roasting toasty marshmallows for yummy s’mores. It’s also a nice choice for hot dogs and other quick-cook snacks, and it’ll instantly transport you to your childhood campgrounds without having to set foot in a cramped car or drive for hours on end.
Typically, this design involves a simple circular pit dug into the ground (in-ground) or lined with stones (above ground). The focus here is on creating a consistent, direct flame that’s optimal for quick roasting over skewers.
If you have kids or pets, then consider adding a metal ring to help contain the fire and enhance safety. Choose one with handles for easier grate adjustments.
It’s a pretty easy and basic type of fire pit, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s boring. Its clean design goes well with any yard aesthetic, so you won’t have to switch anything up with your new addition.
Multifunctional Grill Fire Pit
The multifunctional grill fire pit is perhaps the best fire pit design for cooking because, well, it’s multifunctional. It’ll do much more than roast marshmallows; you’ll be able to cook:
- Grilled steaks
- Burgers
- Chicken
- Any hearty meals
The reason why it’s so versatile is the fire pit comes with a built-in or removable grill grate. This allows you to make steaks and burgers, and you can pan-sear dishes on it too.
You can even get adjustable grates for better control over heat, meaning you’ll get juicy steaks and veggies cooked to perfection. Another option is a swing-away grill, which also gives you to have more control over the heat intensity.
Cowboy Cauldron
You’ll feel like you’re in your favorite John Wayne movie with a cowboy cauldron. As the name suggests, you’ll have a large suspended cauldron that brings a rustic flair to your outdoor cooking setup, making it one of the coolest fire pit design ideas around.
Not only can you simmer hearty stews and soups in the cauldron, but you can also do open-flame grilling for steaks and vegetables. All you have to do is adjust the height of the cauldron to change the cooking speed and heat intensity. It’s an amazing choice if you want to experiment with a variety of cooking methods.
Argentine Grill Fire Pit
Want to experience a South American style of cooking? Then get yourself an Argentine grill fire pit.
This is one of the best backyard fire pit designs to take your cooking to the next level. It’s designed specifically for those who love the rich, smoky flavor of wood-fired meals.
Argentine grill fire pits have a sloped V-shaped grate that allows fats to drain away from the fire while cooking. The result is minimized flare-ups and a cleaner burn, meaning that it’s ideal for:
- Thick cuts of meat
- Wood-fired pizzas
- Fish
- Vegetables
Often, these grills come with a crank system to raise and lower the cooking grate, leading to precision grilling.
You should pair your Argentine grill with a dedicated wood source for authentic smokey flavors, such as oak or hickory.
Fire Pit with a Rotisserie
If you love your meats, then a fire pit with a rotisserie attachment is a total game-changer. As far as cooking fire pit designs go, it has an excellent one that results in juicy meats with a deliciously crispy exterior.
Thanks to the rotating spit, whatever meat you put on it will be evenly roasted with a deep and smoky flavor. Examples of meats you can cook include:
- Whole chickens
- Lamb’s legs
- Pig roast
While shopping for a fire pit, search for a rotisserie with adjustable height or a motorized spit for consistent and hands-free cooking. A drip tray beneath can also catch juices and minimize flare-ups.
Brick Oven Fire Pit
A study done by Amazon Fresh and OnePoll found that the average American adult eats pizza three times a month. If you and your family members are pie lovers, then this number’s bound to be higher.
Save some money and have fun at home by making your own pizzas instead. A brick oven fire pit is perfect for the job, as its design mimics traditional wood-fired ovens. There’s a domed structure that traps and radiates heat evenly, making it perfect for baking:
- Pizzas
- Breads
- Flatbreads
You can also roast meat and vegetables in a brick oven fire pit. As you can see, it’s a versatile option for more gourmet outdoor meals. Plus, it’s got a beautiful look that can match your home’s exterior if it’s made of brick too.
Portable Fire Pit with a Grate
Can’t make up your mind regarding where to put your fire pit? Well, with a portable fire pit, you won’t have to!
For those who want to prioritize flexibility, this fire pit choice offers the convenience of mobility while still delivering solid cooking functionality. Not only can you move it around the yard based on your preferences, but you can also take it with you on camping trips.
This is one of the lightest home fire pit designs you can get too. In addition, they’re easy to set up while still having great grilling capabilities.
If you choose one with foldable legs and a removable grate, you’ll have easy transportation. Those concerned about the wind should get a model with built-in wind guards to get more consistent heat.
Fire Pit Table
If you want to steer clear of the camping aesthetic, plus you want dinner and a show, then get a fire pit table. They’re good if you have a smaller patio and want a dining area since they combine a dining table with a fire pit, which saves space.
While you can’t do heavy-duty grilling like you can with dedicated fire pits, there’s still plenty you can cook here. For instance, you can do the following:
- Grilling and skewers
- Hot stone cooking
- Light griddling
- S’mores and desserts
No matter which cooking method you pick, you’ll have a fun time socializing with your guests while whipping up delicious dishes. The communal aspect encourages interactions and conversations!
Fire pit tables come in various styles too, from rustic to modern. You’ll be able to choose one that matches your aesthetic while providing a cozy focal point for your patio as well.
Plancha Fire Pit
Plancha fire pits are really interesting to look at since they’re basically large and circular griddles. These are ideal for cooking foods that benefit from high-heat searing, such as:
- Steaks
- Seafood
- Stir-fries
Are you a breakfast lover? Then you’ll be pleased to know that the flat surface is ideal for making pancakes, as well as bacon and eggs.
The circular layout allows you to create different heat zones too. Build your fire in the center; use the hotter central area for searing and the outer edges for slower cooking. For even heat distribution and easy maintenance, stick with cast iron or stainless steel.
Smokeless Fire Pit
Smokeless fire pits have become a popular option for homeowners who love what fire offers but don’t want the hassle of excessive smoke. These innovative designs still use wood or fuel, but utilize an advanced airflow system to eliminate smoke from the air.
You might be skeptical about their cooking power, but smokeless fire pits are still outstanding for a wide range of cooking methods. They include:
- Grilling
- Roasting
- Cast-iron cooking
- Dutch oven and pot cooking
Since there’s minimal smoke, it’s more comfortable to cook and gather around the fire. Plus, these fire pits are great for smaller spaces and/or breezy days.
They also get more heat with less fuel, allowing you to cook for longer periods without needing to constantly add more wood. There’s easier cleanup too, as there’s less ash.
Consider These Fire Pit Designs for Cooking
If you thought fire pits were only for warmth and light, then think again. There are fire pit designs for cooking that’ll enable you to utilize your outdoor space for more. And there are so many fire pits that fit any style or preference, you can even find designs for small spaces.
So whether you opt for a stylish cowboy cauldron or a modern plancha fire pit, you’ll be on your way to mastering outdoor BBQing. It’ll be an exciting and refreshing way to cook outside your kitchen!
Check out our fire pit collections! We also have many accessories that you can use to feel comfy around the fire.
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