Best campfire grill grate
Adventure Seeka Folding Campfire Grill Grate
A well-made, compact campfire grill grate with smart design and large cooking area.
Best for backpacking
Boundless Voyage Titanium Folding Campfire Grill
A lightweight, multifunctional campfire grill grate that’s built to last.
Best swiveling combo
GameMaker Open Fire Cooking Grill & Skillet Combo
An all-around grill and skillet combo with a durable and versatile construction.
What’s better than sitting around a campfire enjoying delicious meals? A campfire grill grate is an essential piece of gear to get these meals ready.
A decent campfire grill grate will elevate your food above the fire and ensure it cooks evenly, as it’s easy to flip and check if the treat is ready.
Different types of grill grates exist, each with its benefits. In this blog post, we’ll look at these types and highlight the seven best grill grates currently on the market. We’ll also guide you through the most crucial features to watch out for when buying a grill grate.
Ready to elevate your culinary camping experience? Then let’s get that grill on.
Grill grate types
Campfire grill grates come in various styles and types for different camping needs. Now, let’s look at the three most popular grill grate types:
Tripod
Tripod grills typically consist of a grate suspended over the fire by three legs. These legs can be staked into the ground for extra stability, allowing cooking over an open flame. These grill grates are easy to set up and take down and are often adjustable in height for different fires and cooking needs.
Most often, campfire tripods‘ design makes them suitable to fit over any campfire or fire pit, regardless of their size. Their durable construction gives campers peace of mind knowing it won’t collapse or rock easily while on duty.
Some tripod grates even come with a hanging hook for dutch ovens.
Flat bed
Flat bed campfire grills are a classic. You can place them directly on the ground or a flat cooking surface, providing a stable cooking platform.
Flat bed grill grates are typically made of durable, heat-resistant materials such as steel or cast iron and have a simple, flat design that’s easy to clean and maintain.
It’s excellent for people looking for a simple yet functional option with a compact size and portability, making it easy to pack up and take on camping trips or picnics.
Swivel stake
Swivel stake grill grates are a unique and versatile option for campfire cooking. They consist of a grate mounted on a stake that you can insert into the ground for additional stability. You can rotate grills around the stake, allowing easy and efficient cooking.
This swiveling ability also makes campfire grates easy to move away from any existing fire or create more space around the campfire.
The height of the stake can be adjusted depending on the heat intensity generated by your campfire and helps to access your food easily. Additionally, its two-piece construction keeps the grate stable while in motion, enabling campers to keep their hands out of harm’s way.
Best campfire grill grates
Here are our three best campfire grills that are absolutely worth a space on your next camping trip:
1. Best overall: Adventure Seeka Heavy Duty 24’’ Folding Campfire Grill Grate
Specifications
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Product size: 24 x 12 x 9 inches
- Packed size: 13.5 x 15.9 x 3 inches
- Weight: 10.65 pounds
Pros
- Durable
- Compact, stores well
- Clever, versatile design
- Easy to season and clean
- Sturdy, sets up well even on not- so-even terrains
- Lots of room for cooking
- Nice carry bag
Cons
- Quite heavy
The Adventure Seeka heavy-duty 24″ folding campfire grill grate is a well-made, compact, and perfectly designed grill grate that adds lots of convenience and versatility – and joy, in general – to campfire cooking.
It’s made from sturdy steel with a black powder coating that prevents rust and keeps it looking new, even after years of use. It’s super easy to season and clean.
It folds great and packs small into its sturdy carry bag, which makes storing and carrying this camping grill around a piece of cake.
The two-sided design is what we loved the most. You can place them over the fire or leave the flat side out and use them as a warmer. The flat side is perfect for eggs, so you’ll be sure to cook your campfire breakfast without hassle.
The included campfire stand also adds more flexibility in cooking your food, as you can use it on campfires, bonfires, charcoal grills, or camp stoves. With its heavy-duty construction, this campfire grill grate is an essential camping companion for anyone who loves outdoor cooking.
It’s a great quality product worth every cent, and it’s a real game-changer for those camping in larger crowds, as the room for cooking is huge.
2. Best for backpacking: Boundless Voyage Titanium Folding Campfire Grill
Specifications
- Material: Titanium grill, Stainless Steel legs
- Grill size: 13 x 9.6 inches
- Packed size: 13.6 x 10.5 x 1 inches
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
Pros
- Very strong legs
- Good for backpacking
- Excellent build quality
- Very versatile
- Nice carry case
- Sturdy
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean and pack out
Cons
- Legs could be easier to fold
- Might slightly bend if used with heavier cookware
The Boundless Voyage titanium folding campfire grill is a great campfire cooking system designed with backpackers in mind. It comes with a campfire grill grate, foldable legs that provide excellent stability (still they can bend a little if you put heavier cookware), and a nice carrying case.
Featuring a compact design and lightweight titanium construction, it’s ideal for backpackers but also robust enough to withstand moderate use.
It’s a multi-functional campfire grill grate, as you can enjoy frying and grilling simultaneously while your camp buddies linger, looking at your crafty camp kitchen setup. It’s also incredibly easy to clean and pack out after camping.
Despite being slightly on the slimmer side, this campfire grill holds up great and can even double as a table!
All in all, the Boundless Voyage Titanium Folding Campfire Grill is a fantastic kit that offers lots of convenience and functionality to an average backpacker.
The only flaw we found was that the campfire grill’s legs could have been slightly easier to fold but overall, this campfire grill is sure to bring more joy to your camping and backpacking trips.
3. Best swiveling combo: GameMaker Open Fire Cooking Grill & Skillet
Specifications
- Material: Metal
- Packed size: 19 x 17.5 x 5.8 inches
- Grill dimensions: 18.5 x 16.375 inches
- Skillet dimensions: 18.625 x 15.625 inches
- Pole dimensions: 35.75 inches tall
Pros
- Easy to set up, take down, and use
- Adjustable height is a plus
- Can double as a pizza oven
- Plenty of cooking space
- Made to last
- Very versatile tool
- Well-made, unique design
Cons
- Some paint chips can come off quickly
- Can loosen up as you move the plates
- Connections could be sturdier
The GameMaker Open Fire Cooking Grill & Skillet Combo is an excellent option for campers looking for a versatile and durable cooking solution.
This grill is made of heavy-duty steel and has a unique design that allows to cook in the skillet and grill food at once, with the ability to rotate each at 360 degrees independently.
You can use a grill grate and a skillet separately or together, maximizing the use of space and cooking multiple things simultaneously.
The grill grate can be adjusted to different heights with the help of legs, providing stability and allowing for cooking over an open flame, while the skillet can be used to cook or fry food on top of the grill. And when you’re down – it folds down for easy storage.
The GameMaker Open Fire Cooking Grill & Skillet Combo is built to last and can handle a good amount of weight and heat. It’s made of heavy-duty steel construction and has a durable, high-temperature finish that can withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking. It’s easy to clean and maintain and is an all-around add-on to your campfire cooking kit.
Quick note: we recommend having something to hammer it into the ground for extra sturdiness.
Runners-up
Though not on the top three list, there are other great grill grates with some unique features worth your attention. Here’s what they are:
Specifications
- Material: Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel
- Product size: 11.8 x 18.5 x 9.2 inches
- Packed size: 17 x 13.25 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 4.92 pounds
Pros
- Sturdy and well-made
- Folding design for easy transport and storage
- Cleans easily
- Good quality that’s sure to last
Cons
- Legs don’t open evenly
This medium-sized Amazon Basics campfire grill grate is made of high-quality, durable stainless steel and can easily collapse for convenient transport and storage. It’s relatively lightweight and easy to assemble: simply unfold and attach the campfire grill grate to the post.
The steel-mesh grill top provides a sturdy cooking platform that can handle heavy cast-iron pots and pans.
Its raised sides help keep embers contained, while the adjustable legs allow you to adjust the height according to your needs. Plus, its non-stick surface makes cleanup a breeze.
The compact design and easy-to-clean surface make it an excellent option for those who want a versatile, lightweight, and easy-to-use campfire grill grate.
Bonus tip: if you’re not into cleaning, don’t put food directly on your grill grate. Instead, place some cookie tray and foil underneath.
Specifications
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Packed size: 23.5 x 16.5 x 3 inches
- Product size: 18 x 18 x 10 inches
- Grilling surface: 16 x 16 inches
- Weight: 8.71 pounds
Pros
- Sturdy canvas bag
- Sturdy, made of heavy-duty materials
- Large cooking area
- Adjustable
- Swings out and away from the fire
- Folds up and is easy to store
- No problems with sticking
Cons
- The pole that comes with it could be longer
- Durability concerns, as it’s comparably flimsy
One of the standout features of this grill is how easy it is to store and transport. The Adjust A-Grill has a foldable design and comes with a sturdy canvas bag. The grill grate is made of heavy-duty materials that provide a durable and stable cooking platform.
This grill grate offers a large cooking area, allowing you to cook a variety of foods for the whole family or a group of friends at once. The adjustable height feature is also a major plus if you want to control the heat.
The ability to swing out and away from the fire while flipping the food is a great safety feature that allows you to check food without moving the grill out. And when not in use, this grate folds up for easy storage.
On the downside, the pole that comes with the Adjust-A-Grill is quite short – it might be just too close to the fire; so, additional feet would come in handy in pounding into the ground to when in need of more sturdiness.
Specifications
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Packed size: 33 x 17.2 x 2.5 inches
- Height: 2 feet
- Grilling surface: 24 x 16 inches
- Weight: 15.25 pounds
Pros
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Awesome value for money
- Straightforward assembly
- Great for solo stoves
- Adjustable height
- Easy to clean and store
Cons
- The roasting rod doesn’t turn 360 degrees
- Might have some chemical fumes from the paint when over the fire
- No carry bag
- Wobbles quite a lot
The Texsport Heavy Duty Adjustable Outdoor Camping Rotisserie Grill is an excellent option for those seeking maximum value without breaking the bank.
The campfire grill grate features solid and sturdy construction, making it safe to use around kids. The adjustable height of the grate and spit makes it a breeze to get just the proper cooking temperature for whatever you’re grilling.
Setup, assembly, and cleanup are a snap. Just wipe it down and store it away until your next campout when your grill party is over. Keep in mind the cooking surface isn’t very roomy, though it fits solo stoves perfectly.
This rotisserie grill does have some drawbacks, however, such as a limited turning range of 180 degrees, so you’ll have to manually turn the roasting rod several times during cooking if you want your treat evenly cooked.
There’s no carrying case, so you’ll have to make up your own or simply wrap in heavy-duty plastic wrap before setting the grill off.
Some say there might be chemical fumes from paint on the campfire grill grate when over the fire, so make sure not to put food directly on it – instead, use a cast iron skillet or grill pan and spray it with food-grade rust-resistant spray before first use.
Specifications
- Material: Galvanized steel
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Dimensions: 18.1 x 18.7 x 1.6 inches
- Grill diameter: 17 inches
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
- Pretty sturdy for the price
- Lots of bang for a few bucks
- Breaks down small
- Adjustable diameter to all campfires
- Self-attaching tubes
- Sliding chain design for easy height adjustment
- The grate seems durable
Cons
- Quite cheaply made
- Flimsy, sways in windy conditions
- The top doesn’t connect it all together so well
- No carrying case
The Coleman Tripod Grill is a budget-friendly pick for those looking for an easy-to-use tripod grill with adjustable height. This grill is quick to assemble, featuring self-attaching tubes with bungees. Heads up: be careful and keep those tubes away from the fire as they’re made from nylon and can melt.
The sliding chain is handy in adjusting the height, and the tripod doesn’t cause any worries related to balancing on rocks or logs. Plus, it’s easy to flip the food using this tripod grill – just adjust the grill to the height where it touches all three legs and do your job.
This Coleman tripod grill packs down to a small size, making it easy to store among your cooking equipment.
On the downside, keep in mind it’s not the sturdiest product to use with heavier, cast-iron cookware, and it could swing in windy conditions. Yet if you’re up for a budget-friendly tripod grill for occasional use, the Coleman tripod grill might be worth the shot.
Buying guide: Important features to look for
If you’re still unsure how to make the right buying decision, you’ve come to the right section. Consider the below aspects to choose the best campfire grill for your needs.
Size: Think about the number of people & gear space
The size of the grill grate will determine how much food you can cook at one time, so it’s crucial to choose a size that will meet your needs. If you’re planning on cooking for a large group of people, a larger grill grate will be necessary. But a smaller grill grate will be sufficient if you’re cooking for yourself or a small group.
Also, think about your camping style. If you’re a backpacker, weight and space will be the top determining factors, and the size isn’t a big concern if you’re a car camper with plenty of storage space.
In general, choosing a grill that’s slightly larger than you think you’ll need is a good idea. This will give you extra space for cooking, plus flexibility if you cook for more people.
Material: Look for durable, heat-resistant options
First things first – choosing a grill grate that can withstand high campfire temperatures is crucial. The most common material used in campfire grill grates is stainless steel.
Steel is a popular choice as it’s durable, heat-resistant, and can withstand lots of abuse. It usually comes coated with a rust-free finish for a smooth cooking surface. Plus, it’s a good heat conductor, which makes it ideal for grilling.
Titanium can be your best bet if you’re looking for more lightweight options for a backpacking trip. Still, it’s best to go with heavy-duty steel construction for family camping trips.
Heat retention: Aim for even heat distribution
A grill retaining heat well will allow you to cook food consistently and prevent hot or cold spots.
Look at the thickness of the metal used in the grill construction. Thicker metals will retain heat better. Also, campfire grates with a trough around the edges will help keep the heat contained.
Another aspect of heat retention is the distance between the fire and the grill. A grill with an adjustable height will allow you to raise or lower the cooking surface from/to the fire pit and control the heat level.
Portability: Choose options that are easy to move around
It’s all about how easy the campfire grate is to transport, set up, and take down. A foldable or collapsible design is an excellent feature for a portable grill grate that allows you to save space when not in use and pack it easily. Some grills come with carrying cases for even more comfortable transportation.
You’ll want a more lightweight grill for backpacking, while heavier options will be more suitable for car camping.
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