Fire Pit Grill Cooking: Why the Hearthstone Is Perfect for BBQ & Bonfire Nights

Fire Pit Grill Cooking: Why the Hearthstone Is Perfect for BBQ & Bonfire Nights

There’s something timeless about gathering around an open flame: the warmth of the fire, the smell of sizzling food, and the laughter of friends and family. For many Kiwis, combining a fire pit with a BBQ is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors. That’s where fire pit grill cooking comes in, and the Hearthstone Firepit BBQ is the perfect all-in-one solution. Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or a casual camping night, it delivers both atmosphere and incredible flavour.

The Difference Between a Fire Pit and a Grill

A grill is typically a purpose-built cooking device that uses gas, charcoal, or electricity, designed solely for food preparation. A fire pit, on the other hand, is primarily for warmth and ambience.

The magic happens when the two combine. The Hearthstone Firepit BBQ bridges this gap perfectly. You can enjoy the glow and warmth of a fire pit when entertaining, then place the grill over the flames when it’s time to cook. It’s multifunctional, practical, and saves space compared to owning both a standalone fire pit and BBQ.

 

Can You Cook on a Fire Pit Grill?

Yes, you absolutely can. A fire pit with a built-in grill like the Hearthstone Firepit BBQ makes it not only safe but incredibly enjoyable. Unlike traditional BBQs, which rely on gas or charcoal, fire pit cooking uses real wood, giving your food that unmistakable smoky flavour. The Hearthstone is designed with versatility in mind: one moment it’s a cozy bonfire, the next it’s a functional grill with plenty of space to cook for a crowd.

Benefits of the Hearthstone Firepit BBQ

Why choose the Hearthstone over other options? Here are the standout benefits:

  • Dual-purpose design: Works as both a fire pit and BBQ.
  • Durability: Crafted from robust materials built to handle high heat and outdoor conditions.
  • Even cooking: Its grill is positioned to take advantage of steady heat from wood embers.
  • Aesthetic appeal: Adds a stylish, rustic centerpiece to your backyard.

Social experience: Encourages guests to gather, cook, and share meals around the fire.

 

Foods We Recommend to Cook Over a Fire Pit

One of the biggest advantages of fire pit grill cooking is variety. With the Hearthstone, you’re not limited to just sausages and steaks. Here are some crowd-pleasing options:

  • Classic BBQ meats – Ribs, burgers, chicken skewers, and lamb chops develop a delicious char when grilled over wood embers.
  • Seafood – Prawns, mussels in foil, or whole fish wrapped in lemon and herbs cook beautifully over the flames.
  • Vegetables – Think corn on the cob, capsicum, courgettes, and mushrooms – all get a sweet, smoky edge.
  • Flatbreads and pizzas – With a cast iron pan or pizza stone, you can bake crisp, rustic breads and even thin-crust pizzas.
  • Sweet treats – Toasted marshmallows, s’mores, or bananas stuffed with chocolate make for an easy dessert.

 

Is It Safe to BBQ on a Fire Pit?

Safety is always a priority, and with the right precautions, BBQing on a fire pit is completely safe. The Hearthstone Firepit BBQ is designed with safety in mind, offering sturdy construction and a raised grilling surface that keeps food at an ideal distance from the flames.

 

To ensure safe cooking:

  • Place your fire pit on a stable, non-flammable surface like stone or concrete.
  • Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby, just in case.
  • Use dry, untreated firewood. Never burn painted or treated timber.
  • Supervise children and pets around the fire.

 

Tips for Fire Pit Grill Cooking

  • Start with good wood: Hardwoods like manuka, oak, or beech burn hot and clean, adding delicious flavour.
  • Wait for embers: Cooking over glowing embers, rather than open flames, gives more consistent heat.
  • Use cast iron cookware: Durable pans, griddles, or Dutch ovens expand your recipe options.
  • Foil packets are your friend: Wrap fish, veg, or potatoes in foil for easy, mess-free cooking.

Don’t overcrowd the grill: Allow airflow around the food for even cooking.

 

Recipe Ideas to Try

Looking for inspiration? Here are three easy options to get started:

Wood-Fired Lamb Chops – Marinate in rosemary, garlic, and olive oil, then grill quickly over hot embers.

Campfire Veggie Foil Packets – Layer sliced kumara, onions, and capsicum with butter and herbs, wrap in foil, and cook until tender.

Flame-Toasted S’mores – Sandwich marshmallows and chocolate between biscuits for a nostalgic dessert.

 

The Hearthstone Firepit BBQ: More Than Just a Grill

For those who love entertaining, camping, or simply enjoying evenings outdoors, fire pit grill cooking is one of the most rewarding ways to bring people together. The Hearthstone Firepit BBQ offers the perfect balance of warmth, flavour, and functionality – a true hero product for Kiwi backyards. It’s more than just a BBQ or a fire pit; it’s a centerpiece for unforgettable nights filled with food, laughter, and firelight. Ready to transform your outdoor entertaining? Explore the Hearthstone Firepit BBQ at The Fireplace NZ and experience the ultimate combination of BBQ and bonfire in one.