The best ways to cook over an open flame
There’s nothing quite like the flavor you get from cooking over an open flame, which is one of the reasons so many people love camping. Besides hot dogs on roasting sticks and s’mores on skewers, there are several other tasty excuses to gather around the crackling campfire.
Whether you’re in your backyard, at a beach or spending the weekend at a campground, here’s a look at how to use a portable campfire for cooking meals and which models are best to use.
Prepare the fire
In order for your food to cook right, you need a hot, continuous fire to cook it evenly and slowly. Your portable campfire should be placed in an area that’s wind-free and safe from other hazards to prevent it from going out or becoming dangerous.
Some portable campfires, like Solo Stove, don’t even require the extra attention that most open flames do, as the blaze is contained in a stainless steel pit.
How to cook food over an open fire
To make cooking on a portable campfire that much easier, do as much food prep as you can at home, including slicing and dicing meats and vegetables and portioning food. For safety, choose the proper heat-resistant cookware, like cast iron gear.
After you’ve properly built the fire and have done the food prep, prepare your fire with the proper heat. First decide if you’re cooking low and slow or over high heat using a cast iron skillet.
Light the fire according to the portable campfire’s manual, keeping all safety precautions in mind.
Cook the food accordingly over the open flame using aluminum foil to cook directly over coals or wrap it up to protect during cooking or to store when done.
Have some water readily available to put out any excess flames.
What foods to cook using a portable campfire
In addition to the familiar staples of campfire cooking like burgers, hot dogs and s’mores, there are many other flavorful dishes that can be simply prepared and easily cooked using a portable campfire.
Grilled corn on the cob with lime cilantro butter, lemon pepper campfire salmon and cheesy baked potatoes, skillet chocolate chip cookies, bean and sausage soup and one-dish casseroles are all menu options over an open flame.
Top portable campfires for cooking meals
Solo Stove Campfire: Heat up this compact, 2.2-pound stainless steel stove with any nearby twigs and branches to cook with minimal smoke over an open fire that doesn’t have to be tended to due to the airflow design.
Fire Sense Portable Round 29-Inch Folding Fire Pit: Fire Sense’s portable wood-fired grill comes with a cooking grate and can be easily transported from your home to the campsite in its carrying bag.
UCO Flatpack Portable Stainless-Steel Grill and Fire Pit: This foldable stainless-steel grill can be transported in a backpack and is available in two sizes (regular and mini) with a quick setup.
BioLite FirePit+ Wood & Charcoal Burning FirePit and Grill: You can fill this hibachi-style pit with charcoal or firewood in the included grill grate and cook over an open fire, then fold down the legs and pack it back up to take home.
Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace: There are three sizes available for this corrosion-resistant stainless steel fire pit that folds flat and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Best cookware for campfire cooking
In addition to having the right portable campfire for cooking meals, you need the proper cooking gear to get the job done. Here’s a look at the best picks for cooking gear:
Primus Stainless Steel Campfire Cookset: Cook in either the stainless-steel frying pan or two saucepans. Their nesting design and light weight means they’re easy to transport and clean.
Home-Complete Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet: This cast iron skillet is perfect for making breakfast with golden hash browns, serving up your favorite casserole or toasting bread.
Camp Chef Classic Dutch Oven: This classic Dutch oven was made for cooking over either charcoal briquettes or hardwood and is ideal for making lasagna or breakfast favorites.
Sunnydaze X-Marks Fire Pit Cooking Grate: Cook chicken wings over the fire pit on this cooking grate that can hold up to 25 pounds of your favorite meats and vegetables.
GSI Outdoors 8-Cup Coffee Pot: Whether you prefer hot coffee, green tea or water for dandelion tea, this durable pot can be placed directly over the fire to boil or stay warm.
Other accessories you’ll need
Cooking utensil set: Be sure you have all the proper gear to cook your meal, including barbecue skewers, paring knives or slotted spoons.
Grill gloves: Protect your hands from the high heat of campfire cooking with a good pair of heat-resistant gloves.
Digital meat thermometer: Using a digital meat thermometer is the best way to ensure meat has been properly cooked and reached its appropriate temperature.
Camping tripod: If you’re cooking with a Dutch oven, a cast-iron camping tripod is handy for hanging tea kettles, coffee pots and Dutch ovens over the open flame.
A wire grill brush: When it comes to cleaning at the campsite, a wire grill brush makes cleaning the grill a breeze.
Kellie Speed is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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