7 Essential Fire Pit Accessories to Elevate Your Outdoor Barbecue

Get ready for the ultimate outdoor barbecue experience with these must-have fire pit accessories. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or just starting out, these essential items will take your backyard cookout to the next level. From cooking tools to safety equipment, we've got you covered.

1. Fire Pit Grate

Placing a heavy-duty fire grate at the base of your fire pit is the first step to creating a more consistent fire with less smoke for your outdoor barbecue. Here’s why it’s a must-have:

• Enhanced Heat Distribution

  A fire pit grate elevates firewood and embers for even heat. This allows ash to fall through, reducing buildup and maintaining a steady burn.

• Improved Airflow

  Elevating your firewood off the ground allows air to circulate under your logs to minimize smoke while creating a hotter, cleaner fire. 

• Ember Retention

  A fire pit grate traps embers close to the fire for longer-lasting heat and less ash.

Invest in a durable, high-carbon steel fire pit grate with a sturdy base and 1/2-inch thick bars to withstand weather and high temperatures for years. Look for a fire grate with an ember catcher for extra control of your embers to maximize the heat of your outdoor fire pit for the perfect roast.

2. Fire Poker (and Stoker for Bonus Points)

A fire poker is essential for managing your fire safely. It helps you move logs and adjust flames while maintaining a safe distance from the heat. This handy tool will make it easier for you to break apart burning logs to allow for better air circulation, or rearrange logs for optimal burning and creating a more intense heat for your outdoor barbecue. There are two types of fire pokers we recommend for outdoor cooking enthusiasts:

• Classic Steel Fire Poker

  This is a long metal rod with a curved end. This timeless design allows you to easily reach into the fire to safely manage your logs and embers. At Walden, we put our spin on this classic by adding a bottle opener to the base of our Steel Fire Poker handle for extra convenience and fun.

• Blow-Through Stoker Poker

  This advanced fireside tool not only gives you the benefits of a classic fire poker, but also allows you to effortlessly start and revive your fire with full control by stoking it through our proprietary one-way air valve. Grilling and cooking over your fire pit becomes a lot safer and more enjoyable with our Blow-Through Stoker Poker®, as you get to keep your eyebrows and infuse airflow into the heart of your fire at the same time. 

3. Fire Starters

Reliable, high-quality fire starters are key to igniting your fire quickly and safely for grilling. If you’ve ever experienced performance anxiety starting a fire with damp logs while ten people you are trying to impress are watching you in anticipation, you have your perfect solution for always looking like the fire-starting pro. 

4. Fire Pit Grilling Grate

Once your fire pit reaches the right temperature, you’ll need a sturdy grilling grate for perfect cooking. This is where the magic happens – for perfectly seared steaks and juicy burgers, you need a grate that can withstand high temperatures and distribute heat evenly. Choose between:

• Classic Steel Grilling Grate

  
  Ideal for searing steaks, grilling vegetables, and more. Classic steel barbecue grates require regular seasoning with oil to build a non-stick cooking surface, but they offer excellent durability and can withstand very heavy loads.

• Stainless Steel Grilling Grate

  
  Upgrading to a stainless steel BBQ grate provides better durability and rust resistance, making it ideal for frequent use and exposure to the elements. Its smooth surface is easy to clean, and it conducts heat evenly for perfect grilling results. 

5. Protective Grill Gloves

Safety is key when dealing with open flames. Fire gloves protect your hands from the heat, making it easier to handle hot tools and logs. High-quality heat-resistant gloves will offer you both protection and flexibility and allow you to manage your fire pit and barbecue tools with ease.

6. Roasting Sticks and Skewers

Roasting sticks and skewers are essential for making kebabs, grilling hot dogs, and enjoying a sweet treat to end the night. These long-handled tools allow you to easily flip, turn, and serve your food without having to get too close to the flames. Look for sticks made of heat-resistant materials like stainless steel, and make sure they're long enough to keep your hands at a safe distance from the fire. Roasting sticks could also double as a BBQ fork for turning larger pieces of meat or serving directly from the grill or fire. 

The reason roasting sticks and skewers are a must-have for a fireside cooking pro is that they allow food to cook evenly and without excessive charring through constant rotation. We’ve even added a special rotation mechanism to Walden Roasting Sticks to make this process easier and more fun with a simple turn of your thumb. With this set of roasting sticks, you can enjoy perfectly cooked s'mores, hot dogs, and even whole vegetables with ease.

7. Ash Scoop

An ash scoop is handy for post-BBQ cleanup, allowing you to easily remove ashes and ensure your fire pit is ready for the next session. This small but mighty tool will help keep your grill clean and well-maintained, as clearing out old ash and debris is important for improving airflow and safety of your next fire.

Conclusion

Elevating your outdoor barbecue experience is all about having the right tools and accessories at your fingertips. From essential fire pit tools like heavy-duty fire grates and fire pokers to cooking accessories like grilling grates and roasting sticks, these must-have items can take your backyard cookouts to the next level.

Safety should always be a top priority when using a fire pit, and accessories like heat-resistant gloves and long-handled fire pokers can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your guests, while cleaning and maintenance tools will help you keep your fire pit in top condition for years to come.

So, whether you're a seasoned grill master or just starting to explore the joys of outdoor cooking, investing in the right fire pit accessories can make all the difference. Gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate outdoor barbecue experience. With these must-have accessories by your side, your next backyard cookout is sure to be a roaring success!