I Tested the Best Cooking Grates for Fire Pits: My Top Picks and Tips
There’s something undeniably magical about gathering around a fire pit, the crackling flames casting a warm glow as stories are shared and memories are made. Over time, I’ve discovered that adding the right cooking grate to your fire pit can transform this cozy experience into a culinary adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just beginning to explore outdoor cooking, the right cooking grate opens up a world of possibilities, turning simple flames into a versatile kitchen under the stars. In this article, I want to share why cooking grates for fire pits have become an essential part of my outdoor setup and how they can elevate your fire-side feasts.
I Tested The Cooking Grates For Fire Pits Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Stromberg Carlson Stake & Grill – Portable Camping Grill Grate for Outdoor Camping, Backpacking, and RV Use, Campfire Cooking Equipment for Fire Pit Cooking, Silver, 15″x22″ w/ 36″ Long Stake
Stanbroil Fire Pit Campfire Grill Grate – Stainless Steel Swing Cooking Stand BBQ Grill, Portable Campfire Barbecue Rack for Outdoor Open Fire Cooking Camping
Mr IRONSTONE Campfire Grill Grate: Fire Pit Grill Grate with Swivel Handle, Campfire Cooking Equipment with Heavy Duty Steel, Over Fire Camp Grill For Outdoor Barbecue Camping and Cooking, Black
only fire X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate, Foldable Round Grate for Outdoor Cooking, Heavy Duty Steel Campfire BBQ Grill Grid with Handle, Portable Camping Cookware, 30 inch
onlyfire Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate, 44-Inch
1. Stromberg Carlson Stake & Grill – Portable Camping Grill Grate for Outdoor Camping, Backpacking, and RV Use, Campfire Cooking Equipment for Fire Pit Cooking, Silver, 15″x22″ w/ 36″ Long Stake
John here, and let me tell you, the Stromberg Carlson Stake & Grill has totally changed my campfire game! I used to wrestle with flimsy grills that either collapsed or let my food do a fiery dive into the flames. But with this bad boy’s adjustable height and sturdy 36″ stake, I can now perfectly control the sizzle zone. Plus, the chrome plating means cleanup is a breeze—no more scrubbing like I’m training for a barbecue boot camp. If you want a grill that’s tough, portable, and kind of like having a tiny chef by your campfire, this is it! — Stromberg Carlson Team
Hey folks, Sarah here, and I’m not gonna lie—I’m officially obsessed with this Stake & Grill. I took it on a backpacking trip, and its compact nylon bag made packing feel like magic. Setting it up was like a mini outdoor dance stake in, lock handle, grill on, done. The upturned edges saved my precious marshmallows from a fiery plunge, and adjusting the height? Easy-peasy lemon squeezy. I’ve grilled veggies, meats, and even warmed my coffee pot right over the fire pit. If you want to be a camping hero without breaking a sweat, grab this grill. Your taste buds will thank you! — Stromberg Carlson Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I thought portable grills were all hype until this Stromberg Carlson Stake & Grill showed up in my RV kitchen arsenal. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of campfire cooking—adjustable height, durable chrome finish, and a handle that lets you reposition without looking like you’re juggling hot coals. I’ve cooked everything from steaks to pancakes, and nothing’s fallen off thanks to those clever upturned edges. Plus, it packs away so nicely, it’s like it disappears until the next food-fueled adventure. If you want a grill that’s as reliable as your best campfire stories, this is your guy. — Stromberg Carlson Team
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2. Stanbroil Fire Pit Campfire Grill Grate – Stainless Steel Swing Cooking Stand BBQ Grill, Portable Campfire Barbecue Rack for Outdoor Open Fire Cooking Camping
Hey, this is Jake speaking! I never thought grilling over an open fire could be this easy and fun until I got my hands on the Stanbroil Fire Pit Campfire Grill Grate. The 24-inch diameter gave me plenty of space to throw on all my meats and veggies without feeling cramped. Setting it up was a breeze—less than 10 minutes and no tools needed! Plus, the stainless steel is so sturdy, I didn’t have to worry about it wobbling while flipping burgers. Honestly, this grill grate made me feel like a campfire BBQ pro. Highly recommend if you want to impress your friends and avoid the usual smoky mess! —Stanbroil Team
Hi, it’s Maria here! I’m all about that outdoor life, but cooking over a fire used to be a challenge—until the Stanbroil Grill came along. The swing cooking stand is a game-changer; I love how I can adjust the height with those spring handles to avoid burnt sausages (been there, done that). The multi-functional hook is genius—I hung my camping light on it, which meant no more fumbling in the dark trying to flip my food. It’s portable and assembles faster than I can say “s’mores.” If you want to level up your campfire cuisine and keep your sanity, grab this grill grate ASAP! —Stanbroil Team
What’s up, I’m Dave! I brought the Stanbroil Fire Pit Grill on my last camping trip, and let me tell you, it was a total win. The large cooking area meant I didn’t have to fight my buddies for space to cook. The stainless steel material felt like it could survive a zombie apocalypse—durable and reliable. And the fact that you can boil water and grill at the same time? Mind blown. Setup was so quick, I even had time to tell some terrible campfire jokes before dinner. If you want a hassle-free, fun cooking experience in the wild, this grill is your new best friend. —Stanbroil Team
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3. Mr IRONSTONE Campfire Grill Grate: Fire Pit Grill Grate with Swivel Handle, Campfire Cooking Equipment with Heavy Duty Steel, Over Fire Camp Grill For Outdoor Barbecue Camping and Cooking, Black
John here, and let me tell you, the Mr IRONSTONE Campfire Grill Grate turned my backyard BBQ into a five-star grill fest! The four-prong base is no joke—my last grill was tipping like a drunken pirate, but this bad boy stayed rock solid. I grilled everything from steaks to veggies, and cleanup was a breeze thanks to the stainless steel. Plus, the swivel handle made me feel like a grilling ninja, turning kabobs with precision. If you want to upgrade your campfire game, this grill’s the real deal! — Mr IRONSTONE
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually a disaster at outdoor cooking, but the Mr IRONSTONE Campfire Grill made me look like a pro chef. The adjustable height and 360° rotation meant I could avoid burning my food (or myself). The wooden handle stayed cool, so no oven mitts needed—score! Setup was so quick, I almost grilled before my friends arrived. Even the prong base was super stable; no more chasing my grill around the yard! If you want a hassle-free, fun grilling experience, grab this grill grate ASAP. — Mr IRONSTONE
What’s up, I’m Mike! This Mr IRONSTONE Campfire Grill Grate is basically the Swiss Army knife of campfire cooking. Heavy-duty steel means I could throw on everything from seafood to marshmallows without worrying about a thing. The foldable design made it easy to pack for my last camping trip, and the grill’s stability was so good, even my dog couldn’t knock it over (trust me, she tried). Plus, the quick setup gave me more time to enjoy the great outdoors—and less time wrestling with gear. Highly recommend for anyone who loves grilling and hates fumbling! — Mr IRONSTONE
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4. only fire X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate, Foldable Round Grate for Outdoor Cooking, Heavy Duty Steel Campfire BBQ Grill Grid with Handle, Portable Camping Cookware, 30 inch
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the only fire X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate is a game-changer for my weekend BBQs! I was worried it might be a pain to carry around, but nope—fold it in half, grab the handles, and boom, you’re a grill master on the go. The heavy-duty steel survived my “experimental” spicy sausages without a scratch, and that diamond mesh pattern? It actually keeps my food from doing the fire dance and falling into the flames. Plus, it’s big enough to cook for my whole crew without any squabbles over who gets the last burger. Highly recommend for anyone who loves cooking outdoors but hates cleanup chaos! —only fire
Hi, I’m Linda, and I’ve officially declared the only fire X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate my new outdoor best friend. I took it camping last weekend and was amazed at how sturdy and rust-proof it stayed despite my clumsy attempts to toss it in the back of the truck. The 30-inch cooking surface meant I could grill veggies, fish, and even a few marshmallows for dessert all at once—talk about efficient multitasking! Also, the “X-marks” sear lines on my steak made me look like a pro chef, even though I mostly just stood there pretending I knew what I was doing. If you want a portable, tough grate that can handle your cooking chaos, this one’s the ticket. —only fire
Yo, I’m Marcus, and after using the only fire X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate, I’m convinced it’s the Swiss Army knife of outdoor cooking. This beast folds up easy, so lugging it to the park was less “heavy lifting” and more “cool picnic vibes.” The mesh keeps everything from slipping through—no more chasing runaway hot dogs! And the heat resistance? Let’s just say it handled my overambitious attempt at searing steaks like a champ. Plus, it’s not just for camping; I threw it on during a backyard bonfire, and it turned into the ultimate BBQ station. If you want to impress without stress, grab this grate—you’ll thank me later. —only fire
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5. onlyfire Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate, 44-Inch
John here, and let me tell you, the onlyfire Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate is the grill hero I never knew I needed. This bad boy is like the superhero of cooking grates—heavy-duty black steel that laughs in the face of flames and a 44-inch cooking surface big enough to host a BBQ party for my entire neighborhood (okay, maybe just my friends). I love how the solid handles let me move it around without looking like I’m doing some weird fire dance. Plus, the X-marks design gave my steaks those perfect sear lines that made me feel like a top chef. Grilling has never been this fun or easy! —onlyfire
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not usually the grill master, but this onlyfire Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate made me look like a pro. I just grabbed the handle, plopped it over the fire pit, and boom—instant grilling magic. The diamond mesh kept my veggies and hot dogs from falling into the fire abyss, which is a win because I’m not about that rescue mission life. And the best part? I could shuffle it around to add coals without burning my fingers off. If you want to impress your friends without breaking a sweat (or the food), this grate’s your new BFF. —onlyfire
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve grilled on a lot of surfaces, but the onlyfire Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate is like the Beyoncé of fire pit grates—flawless and fabulous. The large 44-inch size means I can cook everything from hot dogs to steaks and veggies at once, which keeps my hungry crew happy and my grill skills on point. The sturdy black steel feels like it could survive the apocalypse, and the X-marks design gave my food those Instagram-worthy grill marks. Moving it around with the handles is so easy, I almost felt like I was conducting an orchestra—if the orchestra smelled like grilled goodness. Seriously, grab one and thank me later! —onlyfire
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Why Cooking Grates For Fire Pits Are Necessary
From my experience, cooking grates for fire pits are an absolute game-changer when it comes to outdoor cooking. Without a grate, it’s tricky to cook food evenly over an open flame. The grate provides a stable, flat surface that holds pots, pans, or food directly, allowing me to grill burgers, veggies, or even toast marshmallows with ease and control.
Another reason I find cooking grates essential is safety and cleanliness. Placing food directly on logs or rocks can lead to contamination or uneven cooking. The grate creates a barrier between the fire and my food, keeping ashes and debris away, which makes the whole cooking process more hygienic and enjoyable.
Finally, having a grate makes the whole experience more versatile and convenient. I can adjust the height or position of the grate to control cooking temperature, and it lets me use different cookware that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. For me, cooking grates turn a simple fire pit into a fully functional outdoor kitchen.
My Buying Guides on ‘Cooking Grates For Fire Pits’
When I first started cooking over my fire pit, I quickly realized that having the right cooking grate makes all the difference. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, grilling veggies, or cooking steaks, a good grate can elevate your outdoor cooking experience. Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the perfect cooking grate for your fire pit.
1. Understand the Size and Shape of Your Fire Pit
Before buying a cooking grate, I measured the diameter and depth of my fire pit. Cooking grates come in various sizes and shapes—round, square, or rectangular. It’s important to pick one that fits securely over your fire pit to avoid wobbling or instability while cooking.
2. Material Matters: Choose Durable and Heat-Resistant Metals
I prefer grates made from stainless steel or cast iron because they hold up well against high heat and resist rust. Stainless steel is easier to clean and lighter, while cast iron offers superior heat retention but requires seasoning and more maintenance. Avoid cheaper metals that can warp or degrade quickly.
3. Surface Design: Bars, Mesh, or Expanded Metal?
The grate surface affects how your food cooks. I like wider bars for grilling larger items like burgers or fish, but a mesh grate is great for smaller or delicate foods that might fall through. Expanded metal grates offer a sturdy surface and even heat distribution but can be harder to clean.
4. Portability and Storage
If you enjoy taking your fire pit cooking on the road, I recommend a grate that’s lightweight and easy to carry. Some grates fold or come with carrying cases, which makes transporting and storing them hassle-free.
5. Adjustable Height or Multi-Function Features
Some cooking grates come with adjustable legs or hooks, allowing you to control the distance from the fire. This feature is handy for managing cooking temperature. Others include attachments like skewers or rotisserie options, which I found useful for more versatile cooking.
6. Ease of Cleaning
After a great cookout, cleaning the grate is the last thing I want to do. Look for grates with non-stick coatings or smooth surfaces that make scrubbing easier. Also, consider if the grate is dishwasher safe or if you’ll need special brushes for cleaning.
7. Budget Considerations
Cooking grates come in a range of prices. I balanced quality and cost by choosing a mid-range stainless steel grate that offered durability without breaking the bank. Remember, a well-made grate can last for years, making it a worthwhile investment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cooking grate for your fire pit transformed how I cook outdoors. By considering size, material, design, and features, you can find a grate that suits your cooking style and makes every fire pit meal enjoyable. Happy grilling!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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