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
- Great for toasting sandwiches, grilling meat, and cooking desserts over an open fire
- Affordable, essential gear for car camping, RV trailers, motor homes, cabins, and more
- Lightweight cast aluminum or heavy cast iron
- Toasts sandwiches, grills meat, and seals in flavor
- 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
- GENUINE TASTE: Bring authentic wok 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 deep wok pan is ideal for preparing Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and other Asian dishes — the perfect fried rice pan for home or professional use
- 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 authentic wok, it will still require proper oil seasoning over time for the best natural non-stick layer performance. No synthetic coatings, this is a wok no PTFE – 100% safe and non-toxic.
- HEAVY-DUTY MATERIALS AND ERGONOMIC HANDLE: Crafted from high-grade black carbon steel, this extra 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.
- 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, camping stoves, and open fire cookware setups — the ultimate versatile xl wok for both kitchen and outdoor cooking.
- 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 camping gear. Why It's the Best Wok for Stir Fry — the YOSUKATA carbon steel cookware delivers rich flavor and restaurant-quality results anywhere you cook.
- 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.
- Larger Cooking Area: The large cooking area of 44 x 15-inch makes our fire pit cooking grate perfect for family or friend gatherings. It can hold up to 25 pounds of food for 8 people. It can sit right above the fire with no assembly and allows you to sear steaks, fish, kebabs, ribs, pizzas, sausages, oysters, and various vegetables.
- High-Quality Steel: The fire pit grill grate is made of heavy-duty steel with a coat of paint on the surface, which is durable, food-grade, rust-proof, and high-temperature heat resistant. It can stand temperatures up to 572℉ / 300℃ without deformation and cracking. Load Capacity: 44 lbs / 20 kg.
- Diamond-Shaped Mesh: The fire pit grate is designed with a high-density mesh grill, which can transfer heat efficiently and distributes heat evenly. You won't worry about dropping food if you want to cook bacon, eggs, toast, steaks, pancakes, sausages, or even pineapple slices.
- Compact Design: This cooking grate has a handle, which makes your transportation easier and more effortless. It is easy to carry and can be placed in the trunk without occupying a place. It is definitely your ideal camping equipment.
- Multi-Purpose Use: Designed for outdoor cookware, frying pans, skillets, and pots, for cooking over an open fire. Widely used outdoors such as camping, hiking, picnic, traveling, backpacking, climbing, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
- ⭐🍳[Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Ready to Use] - Our cast iron skillet comes pre-seasoned with natural oil, providing an instant surface that improves with each use. Enjoy restaurant-quality results at home with this versatile cast iron frying pan.
- 🌡️🔥[Excellent Heat Retention & Even Heating] - Made of high-quality cast iron, our skillet distributes heat evenly, eliminating hot spots. It's perfect for achieving the perfect sear on steaks, baking cornbread, or creating delicious campfire meals. Use on gas, electric, induction stovetops, ovens, or grills.
- ♾️💪[Lifetime Durability for Cast Iron Enthusiasts]- Unlike non-stick pans that wear out, this cast iron pan gets better with age. It's virtually indestructible and can withstand high temperatures. A valuable addition to any cast iron cookware collection, it's built to last for generations.
- 🧽✨[Safe & Easy to Maintain]- Includes silicone anti-scalding gloves for safe handling and a specialized scraper/cleaner for easy maintenance. Unlike regular pans, our cast iron skillets develop a natural non-stick patina over time. Simple cleaning and occasional oiling are all it needs.
- ❤️🎁[Perfect Gift for Cast Iron Lovers] - This cast iron skillet set makes an ideal gift for home cooks, camping enthusiasts, and cast iron collectors. Beautifully designed for both function and appearance, it comes with everything needed for a complete cooking experience. Start your cast iron journey today!
- Our regional high iron content red clay is perfect for nutritious, healthy cooking.
- Giftable elegant packaging. Heavy metal (Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic) free.
- Retains heat better than metal cookware, cook and serve in the same pot for a hot sizzling display!
- Acidic dishes especially can pick up a metallic taste when cooked in metal cookware, this is never an issue with natural earthenware!
- Versatile, can be used on gas and electric stove tops, ovens, open fires and more.
- 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
- Pre-Seasoned for Instant Use: Ready to use right out of the box, the pre-seasoned cast iron surface ensures your food cooks evenly with less sticking, offering a hassle-free cooking experience
- Slotted Design for Healthier Cooking – The carefully placed slots in the broiler allow grease and fat to drain away from your food, resulting in healthier meals without sacrificing flavor. Ideal for grilling meats or roasting vegetables, the slotted design ensures even cooking while reducing excess grease, making it a go-to tool for those who love flavorful, health-conscious outdoor cooking.
- Reinforced Hinge for Added Durability – Designed to withstand rugged outdoor conditions, the reinforced hinge ensures that the broiler stays securely together while you cook. Whether you’re flipping burgers over an open flame or moving the broiler around a hot grill, the durable hinge guarantees lasting performance, even after repeated use in challenging environments
- Removable Wooden Handles for Easy Transport – The cool-to-the-touch wooden handles not only provide a safe grip during cooking, but they are also completely removable for compact packing. Whether you're backpacking, camping, or loading up the car for a tailgate party, these handles make transport and storage a breeze, saving valuable space in your gear.
- Break-Apart Hinge & S-Clip Locking Mechanism: The innovative break-apart hinge design allows for quick disassembly and thorough cleaning, while the S-clip locking mechanism ensures the cooker stays securely together when in use
- GENUINE TASTE: Bring rich, traditional Asian flavors to your kitchen or campsite. The YOSUKATA 14-inch carbon steel authentic wok with round bottom is specially crafted to lock in moisture and flavor. Ideal for Chinese and Japanese cuisine, this xl wok is designed for use as a camping wok, open fire cookware and BBQ wok
- PRE-SEASONED: Unlike unseasoned stir fry pans, this round bottom extra large wok is pre-seasoned at over 600°F using professional techniques. Please note: you must season the wok with oil before first use to strengthen the natural non-stick surface and prevent rust.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made from heavy-duty black carbon steel, this deep wok pan is built for high heat and long-term use. The ergonomic wooden handle provides a secure grip during cooking, whether stir-frying or deep-frying over a gas flame. No synthetic coatings – 100% non-toxic cookware (wok no PTFE).
- VERSATILITY: This 14" pow wok is perfect for pan-frying, braising, deep-frying, searing, smoking, steaming, and serving as a fried rice pan. Best suited for gas stovetops and open fire use only. Not compatible with flat electric or induction cooktops due to its traditional round bottom design. Why It's the Best Wok for Stir Fry – the YOSUKATA wok delivers rich, authentic flavor and restaurant-quality results anywhere you cook.
- EASY TO USE, EASY TO STORE: Despite its solid construction, the wok is light enough for easy handling and compact for storage. A detailed manual with care instructions, seasoning steps, and tips to prevent rust or sticking is included and available in the product video section.
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.