Why haul a grill and a fire pit when one piece of steel can do both? A good fire pit and grill combo cooks dinner, then keeps the fire going long after the plates are cleared.
Full disclosure: we build Slot Grills in Southeast Texas, and we cook on them constantly. These recommendations come from that real-world use.
Quick Answer
The best fire pit and grill combo gives you real grill capacity, a contained fire that stays off the ground, thick steel that handles high heat night after night, and packs flat when you're done. Both the Full Size Slot Grill and Compact Slot Grill work as small portable fire pits.
What to Look For
1. Real grilling capability
Some fire pits have a flimsy grate added as an afterthought. Look for a grill first, with a proper cooking surface and grates. The Full Size gives you 20.5" x 11.25".
2. Steel thick enough for fires
A wood fire burning all evening is hard on thin metal. 10- and 12-gauge carbon steel holds up to repeated high-heat fires.
3. An elevated firebox
Keeping the fire raised, with an air gap underneath, gives it airflow and helps minimize radiant heat to the ground below. That makes it easier on sand, gravel and fire-safe pads.
4. It packs down
Many portable fire pits are big, round and awkward. A flat-pack design stacks into one flat bundle.
How to Go From Grill to Fire Pit
- Finish cooking and move the food off the grill.
- With heat-safe gloves and tools, carefully lift off the grates or griddle and set them on a safe surface to cool.
- Add clean, untreated hardwood like oak, pecan or fruitwood.
- Enjoy the fire, and yes, roast s'mores.
- Let the fire burn out and the steel cool completely before packing up.
Never burn treated or painted lumber, construction scraps or trash. Follow campground rules, burn bans and local fire regulations, and never leave a fire unattended.
Safety first: always set up a charcoal grill outdoors on a stable, level, non-combustible surface like bare ground, gravel, sand or a fire-safe pad. Keep it clear of vehicles, boats, tents, dry grass and anything that can burn, and never use it in an enclosed space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Slot Grill be used as a fire pit?
Yes. We regularly use both sizes as small outdoor fire pits after cooking.
What wood should I burn?
Clean, dry hardwood such as oak, pecan, apple or peach.
Will fires damage the grill?
Carbon steel naturally darkens with heat, and some temporary movement can happen at high heat. Keep it seasoned and dry between uses and it'll last for years.
The Bottom Line
One grill, one fire pit, one flat pack. If you like cooking outdoors and sitting around the fire afterward, a combo like the Slot Grill saves space and gear.
Shop the Full Size Slot Grill · Shop the Compact Slot Grill
Made in Southeast Texas. Free shipping in the lower 48.