Since I’ve been cooking outside for such a long time, people often ask me, “What kind of open fire cooking essentials do you recommend?” My answer? Commit to the adventure first, and then invest in the most reliable gear and cooking tools to help you along the way. The amazing thing about cooking with fire is that you can go as bare bones as you want, or dive in head first with lots of great gear!

Derek Wolf cooks up some tasty steaks and bone marrow treats using a Breeo Smokeless Fire Pit and a grill grate attachment. Open Fire Cooking Essentials.

If you’re ready to level up your roasted hot dogs game to the joy of cooking epic restaurant-worthy meals at home, keep on scrolling for my cooking essentials overview.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Gear

For your next outdoor adventure, it doesn’t have to be in Alaska. It can be as close as your own backyard firepit or rotisserie grill. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the glow of a campfire in the great outdoors, especially when it’s your own backyard. It’s cozy, comforting, and downright magical. No matter what you’re making, open-fire cooking is more than “making breakfast, lunch, or dinner”—it’s a way to make memorable moments for you and your whole family.

Derek Wolf cooks up some steaks. Open Fire Cooking Essentials.

This ultimate guide is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who are ready to embrace open-fire cooking at home. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ve come to the right place. Having the right tools is what takes your food from “meh” to unforgettable.

What is Open Fire Cooking anyway?

Open-fire cooking is basically the OG way to cook—no fancy stoves, no buttons to push, just you, the fire, and your food. It’s all about harnessing the heat from flames, coals, or even glowing embers to grill, roast, bake, or slow-cook your next masterpiece. Think radiant heat, smoky flavors, and that raw, untamed vibe you can’t get from a gas grill.

The setup? Simple but legit. We’re talking cast iron skillets, campfire cooking grates, Dutch ovens, and maybe even a rotisserie grill if you’re feeling fancy. It’s not just cooking—it’s an experience.

Mastering heat zones, picking the right fuel (shoutout to hardwood charcoal like Cowboy Charcoal), and timing everything just right is the key to nailing it.

Open Fire Cooking ESSENTIALS

Whether you’re camping in the backyard, heading out on your next outdoor adventure, or just firing up the grill for dinner, there are a few essentials I can’t go without when it comes to cooking with flames.

So, let’s jump into the must-have tools for building your ultimate backyard fire-cooking setup. With durable, versatile tools, you can make a variety of foods easily—from a perfectly seared steak to the best Dutch oven cowboy stew you’ve ever tasted. The best outdoor cooking experience starts with the right equipment to ensure consistent heat and exceptional results. Here are some campfire cookware essentials and more to get you started.

How to Fuel the Flames

Open-fire cooking essentials start with the fire itself. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or mesquite are the best for fire cooking because they burn hot and for a long time! They also provide that great smoky flavor we all know and love.

Begin with dry kindling to get the flames going. Then, add small logs to build a steady burn. If you’re using a fire pit, grab a chimney starter for easy, hot coals.

  • Fire Starters – Natural fire starters like wax-coated wood shavings or fatwood sticks for easy ignition. I love the tumbleweed version for my fire starters!
  • Seasoned Wood – Properly dried hardwood ensures a clean, efficient burn with minimal smoke.
  • Hardwoods – Oak and hickory are my go-to choices for long-lasting burns and rich, smoky flavor. Cherry, pecan, and maple are awesome for adding more flavor (and also are best for smoking a good brisket!).
  • Softwoods – Pine or fir for quick, hot flames—great for kindling but not ideal for cooking due to resinous smoke.
  • Charcoal – Lump charcoal provides consistent heat and is easy to manage in a fire pit. If you follow me, you know that Cowboy Charcoal is my go-to source for clean-burning, all-natural fuel.
  • Smoking Chips – Perfect for adding an extra layer of flavor to your food. Soak chips like apple, cherry, or mesquite in water before tossing them onto hot coals for a slow, smoky infusion.

Open Fire Cooking Essentials Must-Have tools

  • Sharp Knives and a Knife Sharpener – When your knives are sharp, the results you achieve will be so much better. A chef knife is typically my go to! However, there are so many knives out there, so definitely explore a few different types to pick out your favorite. If you want help picking a favorite, make sure to check out my Outdoor Cooking Knife Guide and How To Sharpen Knives article!
  • Long-Handled Tongs and Spatula – Keep your hands safe while flipping burgers or turning steaks with long-handled tools. They’re essential for maintaining control and avoiding burns.
  • Fire Poker – A sturdy fire poker is a must for adjusting logs, spreading coals, or keeping the flames under control while you cook.

Gadgets & Contraptions

  • Digital Thermometer – Even though we’re cooking like cowboys, we want to make sure the temperatures are safe. Achieve the perfect doneness with a reliable thermometer to check internal temperatures. They even make thermometers with an app so you can step away for a minute while you’re cooking.
  • Fire Pit Grill Grate – A heavy-duty grate that fits over your fire pit lets you grill meats and veggies directly over the flames. Some models are adjustable, so you can control how close your food is to the heat.
  • Charcoal Chimney – This is most helpful when cooking with charcoal. A chimney starter is the fastest and easiest way to get your coals blazing hot for cooking, whether you’re grilling directly over the coals or starting up your smoker.
  • Campfire Rotisserie – Take your open flame cooking to the next level with a rotisserie setup. Slow-roast meats like chicken or a pork evenly over your fire for that perfect, all around smoky flavor.

open-fire Cooking Essentials: GEAR

  • Welding Gloves – This is my pro tip of all pro tips… Welding gloves. Yes, the make thick gloves for cooking with fire, but I’ve found none more durable and protective as welding gloves. When you’re managing roaring flames or moving hot coals, you need some serious protection. Throw on a pair of welding gloves and keep your hands burn-free like a true fire master.
  • BBQ Apron – Rocking a grilling apron will make you stand out as a pro at your next backyard gathering around the fire pit. They’re also great for protecting you from the heat of the fire and the messiness that comes along with cooking.
  • Headlamp or Flashlight – If the cookout goes into the night, a reliable light source will help you manage the fire and food safely.

Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed

  • Aluminum Foil – Buy some in bulk because there are a million uses for foil, from wrapping up veggies and potatoes for roasting in the coals to creating makeshift drip pans, lining your grill for easy cleanup, or fashioning a quick lid for your cast iron skillet. You can even use it to keep food warm while finishing the rest of your meal.
  • Cutting Board – My personal preference is a big hunk of wood that doesn’t slide around when I’m slicing up my juicy steak. Check out this hefty one from John Boos.
  • Basting Brush – A heat-resistant brush is perfect for applying marinades, butter, or BBQ sauce while your food cooks. For a rustic twist, try crafting herb brush with fresh rosemary twigs, thyme and any of your other favorite herbs for added flavor.
  • Spray Bottle – Keep a spray bottle of water handy to tame flare-ups or control the heat as you cook over an open flame.

Must-Have cast iron cookware

  • Cast Iron Skillet – A must-have for any open-fire cooking. From seared steaks to perfectly crisped veggies, a cast iron skillet is one of the easiest ways to reach high temperatures for your steak masterpieces. It’s versatile, durable, and improves with age. If you’re the owner of one of these amazing tools, make sure to check out my articles on Cleaning Your Cast Iron Skillet and Season or Re-Season a Cast Iron Skillet.
A stack of clean and seasoned cast iron skillets.
  • Cast-Iron Dutch Oven – The best Dutch ovens allow you to slow-cook meals easily. Great for braising meats that melt in your mouth when done. Think bubbling stews, tender roasts, or even fresh-baked bread. There are many options available. Check out Food & Wine’s 2024 rankings of the best Dutch Ovens.

Fire Pits and Grills: The Heart of Open-Fire Cooking

  • Traditional Fire Pit – If you’re into keeping things classic, a traditional fire pit is a perfect way to go. Choose a safe spot in your yard, away from anything flammable like tree branches. Dig a shallow pit, about 8-12 inches deep, and line it with stones. Build your fire with hardwood logs for consistent heat. Once you’ve got some solid coals, throw on a campfire cooking grate or tripod, and you’re ready to grill, sear, or slow-cook like it’s 1870. Simple, rustic, and undeniably epic.
  • FYR Grill – Yes, I know I’m biased, but this grill is a game-changer for open-fire cooking because I made sure of it. Its versatility is unmatched by any other rig on the market. This bad boy handles open-flame cooking like a boss with an adjustable grill grate, rotisserie attachment, and metal rotisserie skewers.
  • Smokeless Fire Pit – A smokeless fire pit is truly a thing of beauty when it’s set up in your backyard. Plus, when you add on all the accessories like grill grates, it’s a great way to feel like a cowboy while you make a killer meal outside. Breeo has been, and always will be, my go to! Made in Lancaster, PA; the quality is unbeatable and truly delivers on the smoke-less promise.
  • Smokers – Grill made with a lid that are pros at holding low temperatures for an extended period of time. These guys make briskets, chuck roast, and pork butts a breeze to cook! The cooking times may be extended, but the process is simple and the results of tender, juicy meats is well worth it!

Campfire Tripod Options: DIY or Buy?

When it comes to campfire tripods, you’ve got two main options: make your own or buy a ready-made one. Both have their pros and cons, so it really depends on your style and how much effort you want to put in. A DIY tripod can be as simple as three sturdy branches lashed together with rope or chain. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and gives off serious wilderness vibes. Plus, if you’re out in the wild and forgot your gear, making a tripod on the spot can save the day. However, DIY versions can lack the stability and durability of store-bought ones, especially if you’re cooking heavier dishes.

On the other hand, buying a campfire tripod offers a lot more convenience. Store-bought tripods are typically made of heavy-duty steel or aluminum, giving them better stability and the ability to support more weight. Some even come with adjustable chains and hooks, making it easier to control cooking temperatures. Brands like Texsport or Stansport make reliable options that are ready to use right out of the box. If you’re someone who camps often or loves cooking over an open flame, investing in a quality tripod can save you time and hassle in the long run. Whether you build it or buy it, a campfire tripod is a game-changer for open-fire cooking.

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FAQs: Open Fire Cooking Essentials

What are some other ways to stay safe when cooking with fire?

Always keep a first aid kit handy, and grab some heat-proof gloves or a heavy-duty pot holder to keep your hands safe. Use a sturdy cutting board that doesn’t slide around when carving. Oh, and keep the kids, pets, and anyone clumsy at least a few feet away from the fire ring.

What’s the deal with cast iron? Do I really need it?

​Yes. Yes, you do. Cast iron cookware is the GOAT for open-fire cooking. It holds heat like a champ, works for everything from high-heat searing to slow cooking, and only gets better with age.

What kind of charcoal should I use?

For open-fire cooking, the type of charcoal you use makes a huge difference in both flavor and performance. My go-to choice is Cowboy Charcoal. It’s 100% natural hardwood, which means you get clean-burning coals without any added chemicals or fillers.

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Derek Wolf

Derek is the driving force behind Over the Fire Cooking. He started cooking with live fire in 2016 and decided to start a social media page so his friends and family could follow the journey. Fast forward to today and Over the Fire Cooking has spread across multiple platforms with millions now following Derek's fire cooking journey. He's a southern fellow who enjoys everything from classic BBQ to Central and South American inspired dishes. Whatever he's cooking up, it's guaranteed to be so freakin' delicious!

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