The best fire pit grills are beneficial beyond elevating aesthetics in any space. They can also be functional if you want to cook anything on fire. From hotdogs to barbecues, the possibilities are endless when it comes to what you can cook. It will also make a great camping companion!
Clueless about the right fire pit grill to buy? Stop looking for other alternatives. Read on and we’ll walk you through some of the top brands and models to consider.
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Top 5 Picks for the Best Outdoor Fire Pit Grills by Consumer Reports
Below are some of the options that should be on your list, as well as some of the features that make them incredible.
BioLite Firepit+ Outdoor Smokeless Wood and Charcoal Burning Fire Pit
If you want to feel that you are next to an actual bonfire, this fire pit grill is an exceptional option. It has hyper-efficient flames that look realistic. The best thing is that it does not envelope you in thick smoke, making it comfortable.
Another highlight of this product is that it uses a powerful rechargeable battery, which contributes to its reliability. The 12,800 mAh battery will light up the fire for up to 30 hours. When it is time to recharge, you can do so through USB.
It is also worth noting that the fire pit grill is equipped with 51 air jets. The latter injects fire in strategic locations, making sure of the even heat distribution.
The x-ray mesh is also an incredible feature. It radiates heat at 360 degrees. You will see glowing embers at its bottom, which also adds to its aesthetic appeal.
As a multifunctional product, you can use it as a hibachi-style grill. All that you will need to do is lift the fuel rack and add charcoal. Even better, it is inclusive of a grilling grate.
This is one of the most innovative products on this list. One reason for the latter is its Bluetooth connectivity. This way, you can download a free app on your smartphone and use it for controlling the different functions of the fire pit.
Pros:
- Enjoy an authentic experience without the smoke
- Runs using a powerful battery
- The package is inclusive of a grilling grate
- Has Bluetooth connectivity for wireless control
Cons:
- Some parts are easily prone to rust
Pleasant Hearth Martin Extra Deep Wood Burning Fire Pit
If you are looking for a fire pit grill that will instantly elevate the aesthetic of an outdoor space, it is hard to go wrong with this product. This will make a great decorative piece on your patio.
More than being beautiful, another thing that we like is that it has an extra-deep pit. The latter means that you can put more wood in, which will let you create long-lasting fire. Plus, it can generate large flames that will let you grill faster.
It is a good thing that the fire pit grill comes with a mesh cover. If your intention is to use it for warmth and not for cooking, keep the cover on. It prevents the ashes and embers from getting all over the place, which also minimizes mess.
When you purchase this product, it is inclusive of chrome-plated cooking grate. The latter is useful if you would like to cook. It has non-stick coating, which prevents food particles from accumulating while also making it easy to clean.
Lastly, it has the revolutionary CirculAir System, which is the one responsible for keeping the oxygen circulating. This means that you can create a big fire for a long time.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Has a deep interior to accommodate a lot of wood
- Mesh cover minimizes mess
Cons:
- Durability can be an issue
Pop-Up Fire Pit – Portable Outdoor Fire Pit and BBQ Grill
For those who are after portability, this is a great option to consider. This will be a reliable grilling companion in the campsite. It is quick to fold and unfold, making it user-friendly. Not to mention, it is also lightweight and compact, so you can bring it anywhere.
The generous grilling area is another reason why a lot of people love this fire pit grill. The cooking area is 441 square inches. Yet, when it is folded, it is small enough to fit in a tiny storage bag that comes with your purchase.
It has an easily convertible design that makes it versatile. Within 60 seconds, it can transform from a grill into a campfire, providing the needed warmth and ambiance.
For your peace of mind, the manufacturer is offering a 50-fire or one-year guarantee, which shows how confident they are of the quality of their product. Meanwhile, the frame and ember guards are covered with a lifetime guarantee.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact body with a folding design
- Comes with a generous cooking area
- Lifetime guarantee on the frame and ember guard
Cons:
- The panels can be easily prone to warping
Fireside Industries Outdoor Fire Pit
Simple is better – that is how the manufacturer markets this product. Its biggest selling point is its ease of use. There is no need for complicated assembly. It is like a pop-up tent, which will be ready within seconds.
Aside from the intuitive design, this model also stands out because of the stainless steel mesh. The latter will let air flow in, which will keep the fire burning. This will give you a continuous spark whether you are grilling or looking for warmth.
It has generous space for grilling. With a burn area of 576 square inches, you can create a big fire, which is perfect if you would want to cook a lot. Even better, the unit can support a weight of up to 125 pounds.
As a bonus, you will receive a carrying bag with your purchase. This way, it is easy to keep all parts in a single space, especially for long-term storage. The bag also has a convenient strap for ease of carrying.
Lastly, the product comes with a 50-fire or one-year minimum guarantee. The company believes that the fire pit grill can offer long-term functionality.
Pros:
- User-friendly pop-up design
- Stainless steel mesh improves air circulation
- Has a large cooking area
Cons:
- Sparks can end up flying around the area
Best Choice Products 22-inch Outdoor Patio Steel Pit Bowl
Even if you are on a budget, you don’t have to compromise quality and performance. Such is exactly what you can expect in this product. It is affordable, but it is decent overall. What we love the most is the aesthetic, making it a great addition to your patio.
The overall construction is incredible, so you can be confident that it will be long-lasting. The body is made of high-tempered steel and has a heat-resistant finish. They are not easily prone to wear, even after years of use.
With your purchase comes a poker. This will come in handy when you are arranging the woods in the bowl or controlling the flame. You can also use it for removing the mesh.
Ease of assembly is another thing that has been praised by many people in this product. All that you have to do is to put the base on a stable surface, insert the bowl, and put the mesh cover on the top.
Pros:
- A great option for people on a budget
- Comes with a poker
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Some might find it to be quite small
How to Choose the Best Fire Pit Grills
To help you narrow down the possibilities, below are some of the most important considerations.
Type of Fire Pit
One of the easiest ways to categorize fire pits is depending on how they burn. A common option is a wood-burning firepit, which uses wood pellets, logs, and charcoal. It is like an open bonfire, except that it is easier to burn and safer.
Meanwhile, you can also opt for a gas-burning firepit. As the name implies, it uses gas as the source of power. It has clean fire, so there are no embers and ash, making the cleanup easy. Nonetheless, it does not have the same smell as wood-fired pits.
Material
A crucial consideration is the material of the fire pit, which is indicative of its overall quality, especially its durability. Stainless steel, fiberglass, brick, and concrete are some of the most common materials that you will find.
Size
Fire pit grills are available in a wide array of sizes. You will find them ranging from 15 to 50 inches in terms of diameter. The larger the pit, the more it can cook and the more people it can accommodate. This also means that it will heat a bigger space.
Safety
Using fire pit grills can be a hazard. With this, you should consider some of the safety features that you will find in a product. If you want a safer alternative, choose propane over wood-burning pit grills. Pay attention to the instructions from the manufacturer to guarantee safety.
Portability
Some people will buy a fire pit grill to use it at home. Others, meanwhile, will purchase one to bring it when camping or anywhere outdoors. If that’s the case, then look for one that is compact and lightweight enough so that you can move it around easily.
FAQs About Outdoor Fire Pit Grills
What can I grill on a fire pit?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to what you can grill on a fire pit. You can grill chicken, sausages, steaks, veggies, hotdogs, mallows, and s’mores, among others.
How do you grill on a fire pit?
The easiest way to grill on a fire pit is to use a long stick. The other end will hold the food that you are grilling while you are holding the other end with your hand. Depending on the design of the fire pit grill, you can also put a grate on the top and use it as a cooking surface.
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