So, a funny thing happened to me not long ago. I was sitting out on my back porch drinking a beer… as I am apt to do. And I looked out across the lawn and the neighborhood (my house backs up to a bunch of other houses) and I saw a few people hanging out by one of those fire pit things. I have a buddy down in Atlanta that recently built one of those things out of stone in his backyard- and I thought to myself. Hey! That’s kinda cool. Maybe we should get one of those. So- I did. And of course, the next thought out of my pea sized little brain, was “Hey! I wonder if I could cook over this thing”. And an idea was born. See, just a little peek behind the curtain of the BBQBuffs life!! So- I started investigating fire pit bbq and this is what I came up with…

Here’s the deal—fire pit BBQ. You’re probably thinking, “Is this just another way to spend money on something I don’t need?” Well, maybe. But honestly, cooking over an open flame taps into something from my childhood and Boy Scouts. It’s not just for survivalists or guys trying to prove they can still start a fire without lighter fluid (though, if you can, hats off to you). Let me tell you why a fire pit BBQ is worth considering and which ones will save you from regretting your purchase.

Oh, and by the way- when I was doing a little research for this article, I came across a restaurant in NJ that is called Fire Pit BBQ. I bet its not worth a damn… but I don’t REALLY know. But I lived in New York City long enough to not trust anything about bbq up there!

Why Fire Pit BBQ’s are so cool

When it comes to outdoor cooking, you’ve got choices: grills, smokers, or even that rusty hibachi you’ve been dragging out for years. So why a fire pit? Well, for one thing, it’s versatile. We’re not just talking about slapping a burger down and calling it a day. With the right setup, you can grill, smoke, roast, and even bake. (Yeah, you read that right—pizza, anyone?) And let’s not forget the ambiance factor. There’s something about the crackle of fire that turns a backyard dinner into a night you remember. AND- I might add that it’s getting to be that time of year!

Fire Pit Versatility: The Swiss Army Knife of Outdoor Cooking

Here’s the beauty of a fire pit: it’s not one-dimensional. You can toss a rotisserie on top, slow cook that brisket you’ve been talking about for months, or go full caveman and grill steaks right over the flame. And once you’re done feeding the crowd, you’ve still got a cozy fire to hang around- and of course drink beer. It’s like the multi-tool of backyard gear. You’re not just getting a grill; you’re getting an experience.

Ambiance: The Secret Sauce

Let’s be real here. Food tastes better when you’re outside. I don’t know why—it just does. And when you’ve got a fire pit BBQ going, it’s not just about feeding people; it’s about creating a vibe. Warmth, crackling flames, and the smell of wood smoke? That’s backyard magic right there. Your food might even taste better because everyone’s having such a good time (or they’re just too distracted by the fire to notice you overcooked the chicken).

Best Fire Pit BBQ’s You Should Actually Consider

Now, I know you’re not here for just the poetic stuff. You want to know which fire pits won’t leave you regretting the purchase. So, let me break down a few that I’ve tested—so you don’t have to.

Sunjoy 38″ Fire Pit

This thing is like the Cadillac of fire pits. It’s got style, it’s got size (38 inches, which is plenty of room to cook for a crowd), and it’s built to last. The steel frame feels solid, like it’s not going to warp after a couple of uses. The only downside? You’ll need to get a grill grate if you’re serious about grilling. But for durability and looks, it’s hard to beat.

Rating: 4.5/5

• Pros: Sturdy, big enough to cook for a group, looks good even when not in use.
• Cons: You’ll need extra gear for serious BBQing.

Yaheetech 32″ Fire Pit

If you’re not ready to drop a ton of cash on a fire pit, the Yaheetech 32” is a solid budget-friendly option. It’s portable, which is great if you like to take your fire pit on the go (camping, tailgating, etc.), but it’s not the biggest. You won’t be grilling for the whole neighborhood with this one, but it’s perfect for small gatherings.

Rating: 4/5

• Pros: Affordable, easy to move, simple to put together.
• Cons: Limited cooking space, not the most durable.

Only Fire Adjustable Grill Rotisserie System

Okay, this one isn’t a fire pit, but if you’re serious about BBQ, it’s worth mentioning. By the way- I mentioned this thing in my article about Santa Maria Grills. I think it was originally meant for Weber 22″ grills, which, in my opinion is the gold standard for charcoal grills- but this rotisserie system attaches to most fire pits, and it’s perfect for slow-cooking meats. Picture this: a whole chicken rotating slowly over the fire while you sit back and crack a cold one. If that doesn’t scream backyard perfection, I don’t know what does.

Rating: 5/5

• Pros: Great for slow-cooking, adjustable height for perfect cooking, durable.
• Cons: You’ll need the right fire pit to pair it with.

Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Fire Pit

This is for the folks who love that wood-smoked flavor. The Bali Outdoors fire pit comes with a swiveling grill grate, which makes cooking a breeze. You can cook directly over the flame, then swing the grate out when you’re done. It’s practical and well-built, though I’ll be honest—the assembly can be a bit of a headache. But once it’s up, it’s a joy to use.

Rating: 4.8/5

• Pros: Built-in grill, ideal for wood-fired cooking, sturdy.
• Cons: Getting it set up might test your patience.

Red Mountain Valley 47′ Fire Pit

Go big or go home, right? This massive fire pit is perfect if you like to host big gatherings. It’s got plenty of cooking space, and it looks impressive sitting in the middle of your yard. But don’t plan on moving it around much—this thing is heavy. BUT, I have to tell you… this is probably my favorite!

Rating: 4.7/5

• Pros: Huge, great for large groups, visually striking.
• Cons: You’ll need help to move it, and it’s not cheap.

Hykolity 2-in-1 Fire Pit with Grill

Last but not least, the Hykolity gives you the best of both worlds. It’s a fire pit when you want ambiance and a grill when you’re ready to cook. The built-in grill flips open and closed, making it easy to switch between grilling and just enjoying the fire. It’s compact, too, so it won’t take over your yard.

Rating: 4.6/5

• Pros: Dual-purpose, easy to use, affordable.
• Cons: The grill is on the smaller side.

Fire Pit Tips: Because You’re Not Just Winging It

If you’ve ever tried BBQing on a fire pit, you know it’s not as simple as throwing some burgers on a gas grill. But with a few tips, you’ll be the grill master of your backyard.

Choose the Right Wood (or Fuel)

Not all wood is created equal. If you want that smoky flavor, go for hardwoods like oak, hickory, or mesquite. These burn hotter and last longer, which is key when you’re cooking over an open flame. Stay away from softwoods like pine—unless you enjoy food that tastes like a campfire gone wrong- it is just going to make your food bitter.

Cooking Techniques & Accessories

You don’t need fancy gear, but it helps. A rotisserie is a game-changer for slow-cooking meat, and a pizza stone (this is the one that I have and it is inexpensive and works great) can turn your fire pit into a wood-fired oven. And pay attention to where you’re cooking—directly over the flame is great for searing, but move your food to the edges when you need lower, slower heat.

Fire Pit Maintenance and Safety: The Boring but Important Stuff

Alright, this isn’t the fun part, but you’ve got to take care of your fire pit if you want it to last. And safety? That’s non-negotiable.

Maintenance Basics

After each use, clean out the ash and debris. If your fire pit is made of steel or cast iron, consider applying a rust-proof coating to keep it in top shape. And cover it when not in use—it’ll last longer, and you’ll thank yourself later. There are different shapes and sizes, so just make sure that you get one that fits.

Safety First, Always

Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby—just in case. Make sure your fire pit is on a flat, non-flammable surface and away from anything that could catch fire. And for the love of BBQ, don’t leave it unattended. Check these tips from the NFPA folks.