Bushcraft Perfect

Bushcraft Grill: The Gear You Need for Cooking Over an Open Fire

When you’re out in the wild, there’s nothing quite like cooking over an open fire. It’s simple, primal, and when done right, makes the food taste better than anything you’d cook on a stove.

But to do it properly, you need the right setup, and that’s where a good bushcraft grill comes in.

I’ve been cooking on campfires for years, and I can tell you that a sturdy, packable grill can make a huge difference.

Why Use a Bushcraft Grill?

Sure, you could prop food up on a stick or balance your pan on some rocks, but it’s a hassle. Half the time, your food will end up in the fire, and you’ll be left eating half-burnt, half-raw meat.

A bushcraft grill fixes that. It gives you a flat, stable surface to cook on, and it’s small enough to throw in your pack without weighing you down.

When I head out into the woods, I like to keep my gear minimal, but a grill is one of the few things I don’t leave behind. It’s versatile, reliable, and makes cooking a lot easier.

What to Look for in a Bushcraft Grill

If you’re going to invest in a grill for bushcrafting, you want something that can handle the abuse of the outdoors.

First off, material matters. The two main options are stainless steel and titanium. Stainless steel grills are tough and affordable. They hold up to direct flames and rough handling.

Titanium, on the other hand, is lighter but just as durable, though you’ll pay more for it.

I prefer stainless steel because it’s heavier and doesn’t feel flimsy. It also tends to hold up better over time, even after repeated exposure to fire and the elements.

If weight is your priority, go with titanium, but if you’re looking for something to last for years, stainless steel is the better bet.

Size and Packability

One of the best things about a bushcraft grill is that it’s small and easy to pack. You’re not lugging a full-sized grate into the woods; most bushcraft grills are compact and can easily slip into the side pocket of your pack.

I’ve found that the best size is around 10 to 12 inches wide. It’s big enough to cook a couple of steaks or a good-sized piece of fish but small enough to keep the weight and bulk down.

Some grills fold in half or break down into multiple pieces to save space, which is a nice feature, but honestly, a simple flat grill works just fine.

When packing it, I usually wrap mine in a bandana or slip it into a plastic bag to keep the soot and grease off my other gear. It’s not complicated, but it makes a big difference when you’re packing up after cooking.

Using a Bushcraft Grill

Using a bushcraft grill is straightforward, but there are a few tricks to getting it right.

First off, you need to build the right kind of fire. If your fire is too big and the flames are too high, you’re going to end up burning your food. You want a bed of hot coals that provides steady, even heat. That’s where the grill comes into play.

Once you’ve got the coals ready, set the grill over them.

Some grills come with small legs that prop them up, while others are flat and need to be balanced on rocks or logs. I prefer the ones with legs because it keeps everything more stable, but either way, it’s not hard to rig something up in the field.

When cooking on the grill, keep an eye on your food. The heat from coals can be intense, so you might need to move your food around to prevent burning. I usually bring along a small spatula or tongs to handle the food without getting too close to the fire.

One of the best things about cooking on a bushcraft grill is the versatility. You can throw just about anything on it—meat, fish, vegetables—and it’ll cook evenly.

I’ve cooked everything from steak to bacon to bread on my grill, and the results are always solid. It also works great with cast iron pans or pots if you prefer not to cook directly on the grill surface.

Durability and Maintenance

One thing I like about stainless steel grills is how tough they are.

You can throw them in the fire, scrape them clean with a knife, and they’ll still be good to go for the next meal. Titanium grills are just as durable, though they tend to scratch more easily.

In my experience, though, as long as you’re not reckless, either material will last for years.

Cleaning the grill is pretty simple, too. After cooking, I usually scrape off any leftover bits with a stick or knife and then give it a quick wipe down. You don’t need to keep it spotless, but getting off the big chunks helps keep your gear from getting too grimy.

If you’re near water, you can give it a quick rinse, but even without water, a good scrub with some sand or ash will do the trick.

Once it’s clean, just let it cool down before packing it away. One mistake I made early on was throwing a hot grill back into my pack and melting some of my gear. Now I let it cool off for a bit or pack it separately in a bag to avoid any stupid accidents.

Finding the Right Grill for You

There’s a lot of options out there when it comes to bushcraft grills, but the key is finding one that works for your style.

If you’re focused on ultralight backpacking, a small titanium grill might be worth the investment. But if you’re like me and prefer something that feels sturdy and reliable, stainless steel is hard to beat.

In terms of brands, there are a few that stand out, but honestly, any well-made grill from a reputable company will do the job.

Look for something simple, without too many moving parts, and make sure it’s made from good material. You don’t need anything fancy—just a solid, functional grill that’s easy to pack and tough enough to handle the outdoors.

Final Thoughts

A bushcraft grill isn’t the flashiest piece of gear, but it’s one of the most useful.

It makes cooking over an open fire easier and more enjoyable, giving you a flat, stable surface to work with. Whether you’re grilling up a steak, frying some bacon, or just heating up a pot of coffee, having a grill makes it all more manageable.

If you’re heading into the wild and plan to cook over a fire, I highly recommend throwing a bushcraft grill in your pack. It’s small, it’s light, and it’ll make your campfire meals a whole lot better.