Cooking meals over an open fire is delicious, satisfying and fun. A campfire cooking grid, also called a grill or grate, is perhaps the handiest piece of equipment you can have in your campfire kit. These simple metal grills sit over the campfire, using a bed of coals pulled from the fire to cook meals directly on the grill, or in pots and pans.
Construction
Campfire grills are typically constructed from steel or cast iron. Most grills are made from long, thin metal bars welded to a frame, spaced closely enough to keep most foods from slipping between the bars. Campfire grills are typically circular or rectangular. The grill surface may be coated with chrome or porcelain to keep food from sticking and prevent rusting.
Features
Campfire grills are typically held over the fire using a grill stake, attached legs or a tripod stand. A grill stake is planted in the ground outside the fire, and an adjustable-height clamp holds the grill to the stake. Some staked grills are designed to rotate so food can be turned, basted and served away from the fire. Attached legs are generally not adjustable, but fold up neatly making the grill easy to store. A tripod campfire stand can be used to suspend a grill or pot over the fire. Raised edges around the grill surface keeps food from rolling off the grill and into the fire.
Cooking
Cooking on a campfire grill is similar to cooking over a backyard barbecue. After the campfire has burned for a while, hot coals are pulled aside to create the heat source under the grill. Many meats, vegetables and even fruits can be grilled by placing them directly on the grill. Fire-proof pots, pans and griddles can be set over the coals on the grill to heat soups, brew coffee, fry up a batch of bacon and eggs, and cook other foods that cannot be grilled.
Cleaning and Care
Cleaning a campfire grill is quick and easy. Place the grill directly in the campfire for a few minutes to burn off any food stuck to the surface. Scrub the surface with standard wire grill brush to remove any remaining grime. Make sure the grill is cool before wiping with a damp cloth and putting it away. Uncoated cast iron grills require regular seasoning to prevent rust and maintain the cooking surface.
Accessories
Long handled grill tongs, spatulas and other grilling utensils are perfect for campfire cooking. Pots and pans must be completely fire-proof and able to withstand extreme heat. Cast iron is a popular material for campfire cookware because it distributes heat evenly and is very durable. A good set of fire-retardant grill mitts are a must for handling the hot grill, pots and pans. Heavy duty aluminum foil can be used to create pockets or impromptu pans for roasting and sauteing.
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