Humans have cooked over open flames for thousands of years. From ancient campfires to backyard weekend barbecues, cooking over fire remains one of the most instinctive, communal experiences we share. So it’s no surprise that many homeowners eventually ask the same question:
“Can I use my fire pit as a grill？”
The rise of multifunctional outdoor equipment—especially models designed for both warmth and cooking—has made this question more relevant than ever. Today’s fire pits aren’t just decorative. Many are engineered to handle real outdoor cooking safely, efficiently, and with exceptional flavor.
Let’s explore how modern fire pit design has evolved, what makes a fire pit suitable for grilling, and how SUNJOY’s combination fire pit–grill models redefine the backyard cooking experience.
The New Era of Fire Pit Cooking
Traditional fire pits were built purely for ambiance—wide bowls, stone circles, or steel basins meant only to hold a flame. Grilling required a separate appliance.
But as outdoor living trends shifted toward multifunctional backyard setups, brands began merging two beloved activities:
enjoying a warm fire and cooking over it
Modern consumers want more from their outdoor spaces—outdoor kitchens, fire features, seating areas, and spaces that can entertain year-round. This is why the multifunctional fire pit is becoming a center point of the backyard.
And yes—many of them work extremely well for grilling.
So, Can You Use Your Fire Pit as a Grill?
Yes, if your fire pit is specifically designed for cooking.
Not every fire pit should be used as a grill, but many units are engineered with the right structure, heat management, airflow, and cooking surfaces to deliver a proper grilling experience.
A safe, functional cooking fire pit includes:
A dedicated, food-safe grill grate
Heavy-duty high-temperature steel construction
Proper airflow channels for steady heat
A removable or adjustable cooking rack
Adequate space for wood placement and coal formation
This is why SUNJOY designed several fire pits to go beyond heat—offering genuine culinary function as well.
SUNJOY Fire Pits Designed Specifically for Grilling
Two SUNJOY fire pits stand out for cooking performance, versatility, and design evolution.
1. SUNJOY 38 Inch Outdoor Fire Pit with Adjustable BBQ Grill – Save 55%
This isn’t just an outdoor fire pit—it’s an adaptive cooking tool.
Why it works perfectly as a grill:
Includes an adjustable-height BBQ grate, allowing you to control heat intensity
Wide fire bowl offers ample space for wood and coal management
Thick black steel construction resists high heat
Even heat distribution ideal for meats, vegetables, flatbreads, and skewers
Fire poker included for safe and easy control
Strong cross-leg frame provides stability for cooking
This fire pit is ideal for families who love the feeling of a campfire meal but want more control than an open-flame setup provides. 
2. SUNJOY 57 Inch 2-in-1 Chiminea Fire Pit & Grill – Save 15%
This innovative chiminea design blends old-world functionality with modern airflow engineering.
Why it cooks beautifully:
Tall chimney directs smoke upward, improving comfort while cooking
Removable grill mesh lets you cook directly over the flame
Hotter, more controlled burn due to chimney-driven airflow
Great for bread, flatbreads, meat, skewers, or foil packets
PVC cover protects it between cooking sessions
Chiminea-style cooking creates unique heat circulation—more oven-like than most open pits—meaning you can achieve deeper flavor, crispier edges, and slower, richer cooking.
What Makes a Fire Pit Good for Grilling?
Think of your fire pit not just as a bowl of flames, but as a primitive, flavorful cooking source. If it includes the following, it can absolutely function as a grill:
A stable cooking platform
Wobbling grates are unsafe for food handling.
Food-safe materials
Grates must be stainless steel or coated for cooking.
Proper heat control
Brilliant cooking comes from coals—not flames.
A good fire pit should allow logs to burn down evenly.
Size and depth
There must be enough room for wood to burn and enough distance between flame and food.
Useful accessories
Adjustable grill mesh, poker, wood grate, or chimney airflow all enhance cooking.
SUNJOY’s cooking fire pits are engineered with these features from the start—meaning grilling isn’t a “hack,” it’s a designed function.
What Can You Cook Over a Fire Pit?
A fire pit grill can handle almost everything a charcoal grill can—plus more open-fire flavors.
Best foods for fire pit cooking:
- Steak with crusty sear
- Burgers
- Kebabs or skewers
- Corn on the cob
- Chicken thighs or wings
- Sausages
- Foil packet meals (potatoes, veggies, fish)
- Cast-iron skillet meals
- Toasted bread or flatbreads
- Smoked vegetables
- And of course… marshmallows and s’mores.
Fire pit cooking naturally enhances flavor—wood smoke, radiant heat, and high temperatures create an unmatched outdoor meal.
Important Safety Rules Before Cooking
Even with grill-ready fire pits, safe cooking is essential.
Never:
Cook on painted or untreated metal surfaces
Use softwood (pine creates sticky smoke)
Put food directly on an unapproved fire pit ring
Leave a burning fire unattended
Add water to a hot pit (metal can warp)
Always:
Use hardwoods like oak, maple, ash, or hickory
Let logs burn to glowing coals before cooking
Keep a safe perimeter around the grill
Clean ash after the fire pit cools
Use long-handled tools
This ensures every cooking session is delicious, safe, and stress-free.
How Fire Pit Cooking Enhances Outdoor Living
Cooking on a fire pit does more than produce great meals—it transforms your backyard into a warm, communal destination.
Imagine:
A SUNJOY pergola overhead
Lanterns glowing
Cushioned patio seating around the pit
The sound of sizzling food
Wood smoke drifting lightly in the air
Family and friends gathered around
A multifunctional fire pit becomes the centerpiece of your outdoor life—for cooking, storytelling, warmth, and connection.
Create a Complete Backyard Cooking Setup
Pair your SUNJOY cooking fire pit with:
An outdoor prep table
Weather-resistant side seating
String or solar lights
A firewood rack
Cast-iron cookware
A SUNJOY hardtop gazebo for wind shelter
Outdoor-safe rugs
Lanterns or pathway lights
Your fire pit becomes not just a cooking tool, but a seasonal outdoor kitchen.
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Use Your Fire Pit as a Grill—If It’s Built for It
Not all fire pits are meant for grilling—but many SUNJOY fire pits are engineered precisely for that purpose.
- Proper grill grates
-
Safe materials
-
Strong heat management
-
Stable structure
- True wood-burning cooking power
If you want warmth + flavor in one beautiful outdoor feature, a multifunctional fire pit is the perfect upgrade.
SUNJOY’s 38 Inch Adjustable-Grill Fire Pit and 57 Inch Chiminea Grill Fire Pit show how modern fire pits can transform the backyard cooking experience—from simple warmth to unforgettable meals.
