If you have an open fire, you can cook a variety of dishes using nothing but your grill and some fireproof pots. But even if you don’t have a backyard fireplace, an outdoor fireplace insert or a gas burner, you can still get a taste of a real fire in your cooking by using a variety of cast iron cookware.
What makes cast iron so special? Unlike most cookware, cast iron distributes heat evenly so you don’t have to worry about hot spots. This makes it an ideal material for slow-cooking tough cuts of meat like ribs or pork shoulder, or simmering stews and chili.
Here are our picks for the best cast iron cookware to use on an open fire.
Our Editor’s Best Open Fire Cookware Reviews
- GENUINE TASTE: Bring authentic Asian flavor to your kitchen or outdoor cooking with the YOSUKATA 13.5” flat-bottom carbon steel wok. Designed to lock in juices and flavors, this wok is ideal for preparing Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and other Asian dishes
- PRE-SEASONED: Unlike many stir fry pans, this carbon steel wok is pre-seasoned at over 600°F using advanced techniques, offering a better non-stick start right out of the box. Like any traditional Chinese wok, it will still require proper oil seasoning over time for best natural non-stick layer performance.
- HEAVY-DUTY MATERIALS AND ERGONOMIC HANDLE: Crafted from high-grade black carbon steel, this large wok delivers excellent heat distribution and durability — perfect for high-heat cooking. The ergonomic wooden handle ensures a secure and comfortable grip, whether stir-frying over a gas stove or grilling outdoors. No synthetic coatings – 100% non-toxic cookware
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL COOKING TOOL: This isn’t just a wok for stir fry. It’s your go-to for pan-frying, braising, deep-frying, searing, smoking, and steaming. Suitable for all stovetops. Compatible with gas, electric, induction, glass cooktops, as well as BBQ grills, open flames, and camping gear — the ultimate versatile outdoor wok.
- EASY TO USE, EASY TO STORE: Despite its solid construction, the wok is light enough for easy handling and compact for storage. A great addition to both your kitchen cookware and outdoor cooking kit. Why It's the Best Wok for Stir Fry - the YOSUKATA wok delivers rich, authentic flavor and restaurant-quality results anywhere you cook.
- Enhanced Outdoor Cooking: Enjoy campfire meals with this 10 qt cast iron cauldron pot; even heat retention makes it suitable for stews, soups, and slow-cooked dishes, enhancing flavor with every use
- Efficient Heat Distribution: Three-legged dutch oven pot with lid ensures even heat while cooking; lid doubles as a griddle or skillet, making it a multifunctional choice for open-fire and camping
- Durable and Versatile: Built with cast iron, this cast iron dutch oven retains heat evenly and locks in moisture; ideal for simmering, braising, and slow-cooking at the campsite
- Multi-Purpose Cookware: Functions as a Dutch oven, frying pan, or casserole dish; an essential addition to any cast iron pot collection, delivering flexibility for all outdoor cooking needs
- Easy Cleaning and Maintenance: Pre-seasoned and resistant to warping, this campfire cooking equipment is built for rugged outdoor use; simple to clean, ensuring long-lasting durability
- OUTDOOR FIRE PIT GRILL: The GameMaker Combo makes outdoor open fire cooking fun, quick and easy. The grill and skillet combo is a must for any camping or backyard adventure. with the Gravity Combo (grill & skillet).
- HEAVY DUTY CAMPFIRE GRILL: The GameMaker open fire gravity grill & skillet system is incredibly durable yet is an ultra-portable campfire cooking system. Grill dimensions: 18.5” x 16.375”: Skillet dimensions: 18. 625” x 15. 625”: Pole dimensions: 36.75” tall.
- ADJUSTABLE: This outdoor cooking system sets up & breaks down with no tools needed. The grill and skillet are easily adjusted with a 'lift & set' process allowing gravity and leverage to do the rest.
- ROCK SOLID: Simply drive the stake in the ground next to your fire and pivot the grill and skillet over to begin cooking. The grill & skillet can independently rotate 360 degrees, moving it off the fire to serve or one direction or another away from hot spots.
- VERSATILE: The Gravity Grill Combo features over 300 sq. inches of cooking space & comes with the grill posts, grill and skillet.
- 304 STAINLESS STEEL：The cookware is made of 304 double-bottomed stainless steel; The material is robustness and resistance against wear and tear or corrosion, and conducts heat speedly. Enjoy your outdoor meals, heated via open flame, charcoal, wood, gas or induction cooker with our cookware set
- MULTIPLE SIZES FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS: Large pot size 7.8*4.9IN,middle pot size 6.2*3.8IN, Colander size 7*3.7IN,Fry pan size 7.8*1.9IN.You can select the size of the cookware based on the tribe size of your travel, ensuring convenient meals; This set for 4 to 6 people, ideal for those who love hiking, camping, mountaineering, picnics, or other outdoor events
- PORTABILITY: All pots can stack together into the travel tote bag. Pot handles are perforated for hanging and suspending pots over open fires
- NON STICK GRIDDLE PAN: It is designed to conduct heat quickly and provide good cooking performance to bring you a fast and delicious meal in your journey. Non stick material for easy clean and removable handle for easy storage
- COLANDER FOR EASY STRAINING: Perfect for straining berries, vegetables, pasta and more. Enjoy hassle-free cooking and cleaning
- Material: The Swing Grill Campfire Cooking Stand is made of high quality carbon steel material make it solid and durable to use, high temperature resistant, can be directly used in campfire.
- Size: The Swing Grill is 34x34"/88*88cm(HxW) the Grill Grate is 16*11"/41*28cm. Weight: 22.3lbs/10.13kg. The support angle of the grill has been fixed, it is very easy to install, and stable, to protect your safety. It can also be easily disassembled after use.
- Adjustable design: The BBQ Grill Swing Cooking Stand comes with the convenient swing grill, chain latches to raise, and lower grill height. You can adjust the height of the campfire grill according to your need eaier to control the cooking temperature
- Practical Campfire Grill: Making it easier to cook a hot meal with this portable outdoor folding grill when you're outdoors. Designed for use with outdoor cookware, frying pans, skillets and pots, for cooking over an open fire.
- Easy to use: The outdoor cooking equipment can be easily set up and six hanging hooks to place your grilling tools. With a stable A-shaped structure, the grill can be used in a variety of terrain, such as beach, grass and slope, as well as your backyard.
- Heavy-Duty Steel: The Bushcraft Swivel Grill Set is made of high strength, welded steel that’s easy to clean and campfire rated – Bushcraft Cooking and Camp Cooking at its best – This Packable Cook Set can handle everything you throw at it
- Design: This cook set enhances your campfire cooking experience and gives you more options for cooking and controlling temperatures over a fire
- Lots of Uses: Provides 2 swinging grill surfaces that swivel horizontally and are great for small pots, frying pans, and tossing meat and vegetables straight onto the surfaces – Hook Arm above is designed for hanging pots, kettles, water bottles, etc – Also has 3 welded notches for even more adjustments
- Versatile: Ideal for cooking veggies and all kinds of meats: Grill burgers, steaks, fish, vegetables – These compact and durable steel grills are perfect accessories for Hiking, Camping Cookware, Survival Kits, Bushcraft, Backpacking, and much more!
- Components: You can fully adjust the height of the grill surface and hook arms to meet your needs – Arms are secured in place using gravity and won’t shift on their own – Comes with 3 Vertical Extensions with correlating male/female ends & 3 cook arms (2 grill surfaces, 1 pot hook arm) – All parts conveniently pack flat into an included canvas carry case
- Durable & Stable – Built from premium thickened steel, this sturdy campfire tripod’s triangular design ensures no tipping or wobbling. Perfect for safe and secure campfire cooking
- High Heat Resistance - Withstands up to 1500°F thanks to a durable black powder coating, ensuring this dutch oven stand longevity even under extreme heat.
- Efficient Heat Flow Design - The open center design enhances airflow and even heat distribution, helping you cook meals evenly and efficiently
- Versatile Cooking Compatibility - Whether frying, boiling, or grilling, this camping tripod for cooking fits multiple cookware types, including dutch oven,kettles,Jetboil, Camping Griddle,pots, and grills
- Portable and Lightweight - Easy to disassemble and carry, this tripod stand is designed for ultimate portability—perfect for camping trips and outdoor adventures
- Open-Fire Cooking: From frying meat and simmering stews to making open-fire popcorn, the Chuckwagon Pot is a versatile, functional campfire pot. Perfect for all your camping oven needs, the design is what every trail cook in the 1800’s wished he had.
- Built To Last: Three-layered enamel coating covers the cast iron cauldron pot, preventing rust and making post-cooking cleanup a breeze. Our Chuckwagon Pot is made for rugged outdoor use, whether hanging over a fire pit or placed directly on coals.
- Snug-Fitting Lid: Comes with a tight-fitting lid that won't slip off, ensuring heat and flavor retention during every cook. Designed in unison with the S-hook to prevent tipping and spilling, so you can safely handle your cooking pot with ease.
- Easy Maintenance: With glass enamel protection and a lighter frame, this 7 quart pot is a more versatile, easier-to-maintain alternative to a typical cast iron dutch oven with lid. It was developed with tough, open-flame culinary adventures in mind.
- Traditional Design Elements: The Chuckwagon Pot's rounded basin and three-legged design take inspiration from the classic open-fire potjie pot. But have been refined and modified for more efficient live-fire cooking and quicker camp oven needs.
- Versatile Cooking: The Bruntmor Grill Swing is perfect for campfire cooking with a portable grill stand; easily supports a Dutch oven; enjoy outdoor meals with this adjustable, collapsible cooking solution
- Durable Design: Made from reliable-quality steel, this campfire grill grate over fire pit is sturdy and reliable; withstands high heat, making it essential for any camping fire pit setup; easy to assemble and disassemble
- Easy to Use: This cooking grate for fire pit features an adjustable design; the swing grill and chain latches allow for precise height control; perfect for cooking a variety of dishes over a fire pit grill
- Compact and Portable: The Bruntmor Grill Swing is lightweight yet durable, making it the ideal camping cooking set; folds up for easy transport and storage; includes a convenient carrying case for on-the-go adventures
- Complete Accessories: Each set comes with multiple hooks for hanging cookware and Dutch oven accessories; versatile for different cooking needs; enhances your outdoor cooking experience with every use
- COMPLETE COOKWARE SET FOR YOUR ADVENTURES- Sharing a hearty meal over the fire surrounded with people you care about, is priceless. Wealers brings you a complete cookware set to make all that possible, consisting of 1x WITH OUT NONSTICK COATING Frying/ Sauce Pan, 1x Steamer/strainer, 1x Large Pot & Lid, 1x Medium Pot & Lid,1x Small Cooking Pot & Lid.
- SUPERIOR STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION- All our outdoors cooking set’s pieces are made with premium 304 Stainless Steel for extra durability and longevity. Feel absolutely free to take our cookware set on your trips and enjoy wholesome meals cooked over open fire, charcoal, wood or gas induction when you hike, camp, or take your RV to the outdoors.
- PRACTICAL, TRAVEL-FRIENDLY- Our pots are highly portable; they come with a handy, lightweight travel bag, and features folding and removable handles for extra space. The lids have easy-grip handles for safe touching when cooking, and are stackable so that you don’t have to sacrifice room for other important gear.
- INDOORS OR OUTDOORS- Our cookware set delivers perfect results whether outdoors or indoors. With a pure aluminum encapsulated base you get even heat distribution, handles and side grips that are professionally riveted for a lifetime of perfect balance- our set delivers in all fronts. Plus, all our pieces can be used with ovens, stovetops, broilers and can be frozen for easy storage.
- 100% SAFE & TESTED- The Wealers cooking set goes through rigorous controls to ensure that it’s perfectly safe for your health, as it’s 100% Food Grade Material. What’s more, our kitchen equipment is dishwasher friendly to make your life easy and mess-free. DIMENSIONS (diameter): Sauce pan : 14/16cm, Stock pot : 20cm, Frying pan : 20cm, Steamer : 18cm.
Best Open Fire Cookware Buying Guide
Before choosing the best open fire cookware you should consider following options:
1. Size and Capacity: The first thing you should consider when buying an open fire pot is its size and capacity. You need to get a pot that is suitable for the number of people you want to cook for.
The ideal size of an open fire pot would be one that has a capacity of at least 12 liters. Smaller ones are not suitable for large groups of people.
The size and capacity of the pot will depend on the number of people you want to cook for. If you have a large group of people to cook for, then you need a large pot.
2. Material: The material of the pot will affect its durability and cost. The most common materials include cast iron, aluminum, and titanium.
Cast iron is the most durable and affordable option. However, it requires special care to prevent it from getting damaged.
Aluminum is light and affordable. However, it is not as durable as cast iron and can react with some foods to give them a strange taste.
Titanium is light and durable. However, it is expensive. You need to make sure that the lid also made of a similar material so that it can fit well with the pot.
3. Weight: The weight of the pot will depend on the material used. The lighter the pot, the easier it will be to carry it around with you.
Generally, aluminum and titanium pots are lighter than cast iron ones. You can also get two aluminum pots of different sizes to cook different types of foods.
4. Cost: The cost of the pot will depend on its size and material. Cast iron pots are cheaper than aluminum and titanium pots.
You can buy a cast iron open fire pot and then decide to either paint or not paint it. If you paint it, then the pot will be easier to clean. However, if you don’t paint it, then the pot will be cheaper.
5. Ease of Use: It is important to get a pot that is easy to use. The lid of the pot should have a good fit so that it doesn’t fall off while you are cooking.
What else you should know about open fire cookware
1. What are the best types of open fire cookware?
Some of the best types of open fire cookware are Dutch ovens, skillets, and griddles.
2. What are the benefits of cooking with open fire cookware?
Some benefits of cooking with open fire cookware include the following:
-It can help add flavor to food.
-It can help food cook more evenly.
-It can help reduce the amount of time needed to cook food.
3. What are some of the best recipes for open fire cooking?
Some of the best recipes for open fire cooking include:
-S’mores
-Campfire Cones
-Campfire Pizza
-Campfire Foil Packets
-Campfire Banana Boats
-Campfire Sausage and Peppers
4. What are some tips for using open fire cookware?
Some tips for using open fire cookware include:
– Place cookware on a level surface to prevent it from tipping over.
– Use a fireproof mat or pad under cookware to protect surfaces from heat damage.
– Preheat cookware before adding food to it.
– Use appropriate utensils for the type of cookware being used.
– Be careful when handling hot cookware. Use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands from burns.
5. How do I care for my open fire cookware?
If you have cast iron cookware that you use on your open fire, it is important to season it regularly. This will help to prevent the iron from rusting. You can season your cookware by rubbing it down with vegetable oil and then heating it over the fire.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best open fire cookware. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best open fire cookware will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.