To ensure you choose the best fire pit cooking grate for your needs, consider factors like material, size, and ease of cleaning. Our top pick for the best fire pit cooking grates is Hykolity 35 Inch Fire Pit with Cooking Grate & Charcoal Pan.
Fire pits are a popular addition to many outdoor spaces, providing warmth and ambiance for gatherings with friends and family. But fire pits can also be used for cooking, making them a versatile addition to any backyard.
To get the most out of your fire pit cooking experience, it’s important to have the right tools, including a high-quality fire pit cooking grate.
Fire pit cooking grates come in a variety of sizes and materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and chrome-plated steel. When choosing a fire pit cooking grate, it’s important to consider the size of your fire pit and the types of food you’ll be cooking.
A larger grate will allow you to cook more food at once, while a smaller grate may be more appropriate for smaller gatherings or more intimate meals.
One critical factor to consider when choosing a fire pit cooking grate is the material it’s made from. Stainless steel grates are durable and resistant to rust, making them a great choice for outdoor use.
Cast iron grates are also a popular option, as they retain heat well and can create beautiful sear marks on meat. Chrome-plated steel grates are affordable and easy to clean, but may not be as durable as other materials.
With the right grate, you’ll be able to cook delicious meals over an open flame and enjoy the full potential of your fire pit.
Best Fire Pit Cooking Grates
If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor cooking game, a fire pit cooking grate is a must-have accessory. These grates allow you to cook over an open flame, giving your food that delicious smoky flavor that can’t be replicated indoors.
With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best fire pit cooking grates available on Amazon.
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor cook or a beginner, there’s a grate on this list that will help you create delicious meals over an open flame.
1. Hykolity 35 Inch Fire Pit with Cooking Grate & Charcoal Pan
This fire pit is perfect for those who want to enjoy outdoor heating and grilling. The multi-functional design includes a round cover lid that can be converted into a table for drinks, fruits, and snacks.
The cooking grate is safe to cook on with an 18.5-inch diameter grill area. The barbecue grill can be easily swiveled 360 degrees and adjusted up and down as needed with built-in handles at both ends.
The fire pit also includes a log rack, a charcoal pan, and a poker for a complete grilling experience. Made from heavy-duty gauge steel, this fire pit is rustproof and weather-resistant.
The circular steel ring fixed on the four legs makes this fire pit more stable, and the 24-inch fire bowl with an open deep bowl design is perfect for a warm fire on a cool night.
Hykolity’s Fire Pit is guaranteed for 1 year, and the manufacturer offers a free exchange for any quality problems within the warranty.
Pros
- Multi-functional design: This fire pit has a round cover lid that can be converted into a table for drinks, fruits, and snacks.
- Complete accessories: The fire pit includes a log rack, a charcoal pan, and a poker for a complete grilling experience.
- Durable and practical: Made from heavy-duty gauge steel, this fire pit is rustproof and weather-resistant, and the circular steel ring fixed on the four legs makes it more stable.
Cons
- Assembly required: This fire pit requires some assembly before use.
- Heavy: At 37 pounds, this fire pit is heavy and may be difficult to move around.
- Large size: The 35-inch size may not be suitable for smaller outdoor spaces.
If you’re looking for a versatile fire pit that can also be used for grilling, the Hykolity 35-inch Fire Pit with Cooking Grate & Charcoal Pan is a great choice.
Its multi-functional design and complete accessories make it a practical choice for outdoor heating and grilling. However, assembly is required, and its heavy weight and large size may not be suitable for smaller outdoor spaces.
2. Onlyfire Barbecue Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate, 36-Inch
If you are looking for a fire pit cooking grate that is easy to use and clean, the Onlyfire Barbecue Rectangle X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate could be a great option for you.
Pros
- The large cooking surface of 36” x 15” makes it perfect for cooking for a big family or group.
- The durable metal construction with high-temperature heat-resistant paint finish ensures that the grate can withstand the heat of the fire.
- The cooking grate features two solid steel handles for maneuvering around the fire, making it easy to cook over the open fire and create perfect grill marks in food.
Cons
- The paint on the grate may bubble and come off as soon as it is over the heat.
- The grate may warp after the first use.
- The frame is lightweight and suitable only for burgers, steaks, etc., and not for roasting.
This cooking grate is easy to use and clean, making it a great camping accessory. It can also be used as a serving tray.
However, it may not be suitable for roasting and the paint may come off easily. Overall, it is a good purchase for those who want to cook over an open fire pit.
3. Hykolity 35 Inch Fire Pit with Cooking Grate and Charcoal Pan
If you are looking for a versatile fire pit that can double as a grill and table, then the Hykolity 35-inch Fire Pit with Cooking Grate and Charcoal Pan might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The multi-functional design allows for outdoor heating, grilling, and using the cover lid as a table for drinks and snacks.
- The included log rack and charcoal pan make it easy to maintain a gentle and even fire when grilling.
- The cooking grate with an 18.5-inch diameter grill area is safe to cook on and can be easily swiveled 360 degrees and adjusted up and down as needed.
Cons
- The top cover is smaller than the base, which means it cannot be left on while the fire is burning.
- The assembly instructions may not be very clear, but the assembly video on the product page makes it easy to put together.
- The plastic handle may not be very durable and could potentially melt from the heat.
The Hykolity 35-inch Fire Pit with Cooking Grate and Charcoal Pan is made from heavy-duty gauge steel, which makes it rustproof, weather-resistant, and durable.
The circular steel ring fixed on the four legs makes this fire pit more stable, and the 24-inch fire bowl with an open deep bowl design is perfect for a warm fire on a cool night.
Overall, if you are looking for a versatile and durable fire pit that can also be used as a grill and table, then the Hykolity 35-inch Fire Pit with Cooking Grate and Charcoal Pan might be a great choice for you.
4. WINTRON Firepit Cooking Grate
If you’re looking for a versatile cooking grate for your outdoor firepit, the WINTRON Firepit Cooking Grate is a great option.
Pros
- The hinged stainless steel cooking grates are durable and easy to clean.
- The foldable design allows for easy storage when not in use.
- The Weber BBQ Gourmet System insert options make it easy to cook a variety of foods.
Cons
- The cooking surface is only 17.5″ in diameter, which may not be large enough for larger groups.
- The price point may be higher than other cooking grates on the market.
- The product may not fit all firepit models.
In testing, the WINTRON Firepit Cooking Grate proved to be a reliable and durable option for outdoor cooking. The hinged stainless steel cooking grates were easy to clean and held up well under high heat.
The foldable design was convenient for storage, and the ability to change out the Weber BBQ Gourmet System inserts made it easy to cook a variety of foods.
However, the cooking surface may not be large enough for larger groups, and the price point may be higher than other cooking grates on the market. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the product will fit your firepit model before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and durable cooking grate for your outdoor firepit, the WINTRON Firepit Cooking Grate is a solid choice.
5. VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate
A great addition to any outdoor cooking enthusiast’s gear, the VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate is a durable and portable cooking grate that can be used for various outdoor activities.
Pros
- With its large cooking area of 36 x 36 inches, it can hold up to 25 pounds of food, perfect for family or friend gatherings.
- The foldable design makes it easy to transport anywhere. It can be folded in 5 seconds, which is only 12 lbs weight.
- Made of heavy-duty steel with a coat of paint on the surface, it is durable, food-grade, rust-proof, and high-temperature heat resistant.
Cons
- The diamond-shaped mesh can be difficult to clean.
- It opens the wrong way, which exposes the hinges and support rods making the surface totally uneven and limiting space to add wood to the fire pit.
- It warps really bad even on top of the slightest bit of fire.
The VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate is a great investment for those who love outdoor cooking. It’s perfect for camping, hiking, picnics, and other outdoor activities (be sure to check out our top pick for the best clay chiminea for your outdoor space).
With its large cooking area, it can hold up to 25 pounds of food, making it perfect for family or friend gatherings. Its foldable design makes it easy to transport anywhere, and it’s made of heavy-duty steel that is durable, food-grade, rust-proof, and high-temperature heat resistant.
Cleaning the diamond-shaped mesh can be a bit challenging, but it’s a small price to pay for the convenience and ease of use that the VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate provides.
The only drawback is that it opens the wrong way, which exposes the hinges and support rods, making the surface totally uneven and limiting space to add wood to the fire pit. Furthermore, it tends to warp really bad even on top of the slightest bit of fire.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and portable fire pit cooking grate, the VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best fire pit cooking grate, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for:
Material
The material of the grate is an important factor to consider. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it is durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean.
Cast iron is another option, which is known for its heat retention and even cooking. However, cast iron can be heavy and prone to rust if not properly maintained.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the grate should be chosen based on the size of the fire pit and the type of cooking you plan to do.
A larger grate will allow for more food to be cooked at once, while a smaller grate may be more suitable for individual portions. The shape of the grate should also be considered, as some shapes may be better suited for certain types of food.
Cooking Surface
The cooking surface of the grate should be chosen based on the type of food you plan to cook. A grate with wider spacing between the bars may be better for grilling vegetables or fish, while a grate with narrower spacing may be better for cooking meats.
Some grates also come with a removable center section, which can be used for adding wood chips or charcoal for smoking.
Accessories
Some fire pit cooking grates come with accessories such as handles, griddles, or rotisserie attachments. These can be useful for cooking a wider variety of foods and can add versatility to your fire pit cooking experience.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best fire pit cooking grate for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of heavy-duty grates for fire pit cooking?
Heavy-duty grates are thicker and heavier than standard grates, making them more durable and able to withstand high temperatures. They are also less likely to warp or bend over time, ensuring a more even cooking surface for your food.
How do fire pit cooking grates with legs enhance the grilling experience?
Fire pit cooking grates with legs provide a more stable and elevated grilling surface, allowing for better heat distribution and airflow. This results in more evenly cooked food and less risk of burning.
What size grate is recommended for a 48-inch fire pit?
For a 48-inch fire pit, a grate with a diameter of 36 inches is recommended. This will provide enough space for cooking while still allowing for proper airflow around the fire.
Is adjustable grill grates worth the investment for fire pit cooking?
Adjustable grill grates can be a worthwhile investment for fire pit cooking, as they allow for greater control over the distance between the food and the heat source. This can be especially useful for cooking different types of food that require varying levels of heat (check out the article: How hot does a fire pit get?).
What are the benefits of using stainless steel cooking grates for fire pits?
Stainless steel cooking grates are highly durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and easy to clean. They also provide a sleek and modern look to your fire pit.
Which is more durable for fire pit grates: porcelain or cast iron?
Both porcelain and cast iron fire pit grates are durable and able to withstand high temperatures. However, porcelain grates are more prone to chipping and cracking, while cast iron grates may rust if not properly maintained.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.