From Flames to Feast: The Fire Pit Trick Everyone’s Missing

As the UK braces for another typically unpredictable August - where sunshine often gives way to cooler breezes and overcast skies - many are rethinking their summer plans. But there’s one clever garden trick that’s heating up just in time: using your fire pit as a BBQ.

While most see fire pits as a cosy evening accessory, few realise that some models can double as an impressive grilling station. This little-known tip is perfect for making the most of your outdoor space, even when the temperatures dip.

Here are some handy tips and tricks for cooking on a fire pit:

How to use a fire pit for barbecuing 

If you’re still in barbecue mode, it’s second nature to start searing as soon as you see flames.

Steady now.

The ideal fuel for fire pit cooking comprises hot coals and wood, but more on this in a minute.

Once you’ve got your fuel, light the fire and wait for 30-40 minutes for the flames to burn down and the coals to start glowing – now it’s ready to cook!

Best fuel for a fire pit

Burning wood can be captivating, but when cooking on a fire pit, a wood-coal combo is best.

Why? Two simple reasons:

The coals bring the heat; the wood provides the flavour.

You can pick up coal from several specialist retailers, while cherry, almond, hickory, and mesquite wood have quick burn times and bold, intense flavours.

If these materials aren’t available, charcoal is a great substitute but avoid artificial fire starters – they’re not fire pit compatible.

Fire pit safety

To stay safe while enjoying your fire pit, keep these safety tips in mind:

-         While fire pits are designed to contain flames, they occasionally spit, so always keep a water bucket or fire extinguisher nearby.

-         Only light a fire pit in an open space – there should be no overhanging trees or structures in the vicinity.

-         Never light a fire pit under a gazebo or in a tent.

Fire pit cooking

The beer’s on ice, your guests are mingling and the coals are red hot, so it’s time to cook.

But how do you cook on a fire pit? Here are five simple methods:

Grilling

Grilling is a common way of cooking on a fire pit and probably the simplest.

You already know the method and timings, and everyone can have a go of the grill!

As mentioned, some fire pits come with a grill, but if yours doesn’t, we’ve got plenty of plenty of firepits to choose from here.

Alternatively, lay out the raw ingredients and let your guests cook their own food in a grill basket – it frees you up to host and adds a bit of theatre.

Skewering

Skewering – the quintessential cooking method for happy campers – is a great way to cook on the fire pit.

It’s quick, easy, and keeps the conversation flowing.

Sausages are a given but try experimenting with other chunks of meat and veg to create tasty fire pit kebabs!

One thing to remember – always ensure the skewer you’re using is metal.

Pot cooking

Pot cooking requires the most equipment but will expand your fire pit menu to epic proportions!

One-pot recipes like curries and stews are sure-fire winners, letting you serve pre-made piping hot favourites. Just cook them in your home oven, transfer to a pot, and hang over the fire pit flames with a tripod – easy!

Another great advantage of pot cooking is the even heat distribution, which is perfect for making and serving mulled wine.

Frying

To fry, put a pan or pot on the fire pit grill and cook as normal.

For faster-cooking dishes and those that need boiling, rake the coals and wood to one side and pop your pot into the empty space.

Spit roasting

A cooking method spanning millennia, spit roasting strips cooking back to its core – fire and meat.

While it takes time, that first bit of tender smoked meat is one to savour, but one word of warning – you might ditch your oven!

Most fire pits won’t handle a hog roast, but you’ll get brilliant results by starting with small game birds and working your way up to bigger birds like turkey.

Just remember to turn the spit regularly, follow standard cooking times, and you’re good to roast!

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About VonHaus

Founded in 2009 by co-founders Mark Januszewski and Craig Foster, DOMU Brands supply quality and innovative kitchen and homeware products to consumers across the UK and Europe under the VonHaus and VonShef brands. Ranges are developed in-house and sold direct to consumers via dedicated e-commerce site VonHaus.com and through online marketplaces including Amazon and eBay.