By Colin FosterUpdated November 2026
Shopping for a fire pit with grilling grates means balancing three things: how much cooking surface you need, how the grate adjusts over the flames, and whether the setup is stable enough for an evening of burgers and vegetables. This guide compares seven options that pair a fire pit with grilling grates or a standalone grate you can place over your own fire. Each pick was judged on grate material and thickness, height adjustment, swivel or fixed design, cooking area, portability and how well the grate fits common fire pit diameters. Specifications come from manufacturer listings, and the observations reflect patterns owners often report rather than any testing on our part.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallVEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill GrateView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for adjustable cooking heightVEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill 24.4"View on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for a complete fire pit setupROVSUN Upgraded 33" Outdoor Fire Pit with 2 GrillsView on Amazon - 4
Best for folding and portabilityVEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill 24"View on Amazon - 5
Best for pot and kettle hangingStanbroil Fire Pit Grill GrateView on Amazon - 6
Best for cast iron cookingSolo Stove-compatible Cast Iron Cooktop 17.5"View on Amazon - 7
Best budget pickWakeman Outdoors Swiveling Camping Grill Grate 24"View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate | Everyday backyard cooking | Foldable round grate with X-wire support |
| VEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill 24.4″ | Adjustable cooking height | 360° height adjustment with support rod |
| ROVSUN Upgraded 33″ Outdoor Fire Pit with 2 Grills | Complete fire pit setup | Two grills and side shelves |
| VEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill 24″ | Folding and portability | Foldable steel mesh grate |
| Stanbroil Fire Pit Grill Grate | Pot and kettle cooking | Hanging bar for pots and kettles |
| Solo Stove-compatible Cast Iron Cooktop 17.5″ | Cast iron searing | Stainless hub with 8″ elevation |
| Wakeman Outdoors Swiveling Camping Grill Grate 24″ | Budget-minded buyers | Swivel grate with hook for cookware |
VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate
VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate, Foldable Round Cooking Grate, Heavy Duty Steel Campfire BBQ Grill Grid with Handle and Support X Wire, Portable Camping Cookware for Outside Party, 36 Inch Black
Best for: Everyday backyard cooking over a ring-style fire pit
This is a good fit for households that want a straightforward grate for burgers, sausages and vegetables over a wood fire. It suits people with a fire pit of roughly 36 inches who want the grate to fold flat for storage.
Key specs
- 36-inch round cooking grate
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Foldable design with handle and X-wire support
- Black finish
Pros
- Folds flat for storage and transport
- X-wire support helps keep the grate level
- Handle makes it easier to move while hot-free
Cons
- Fixed height means you rely on fire management for heat control
- Owners often note that it needs seasoning to prevent sticking
Bottom line: A strong all-around choice for a standard round fire pit if you mainly cook burgers and vegetables and want easy storage.
VEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill 24.4″
VEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill, 24.4" Round Portable Camping Grill Grate, Sturdy Steel BBQ Mesh, 360° Height Adjustable Over Fire Pit with Support Rod, for Outdoor Open Flame Cooking, Black
Best for: Adjustable cooking height
Cooks who want to move food closer to or farther from the flames will appreciate the adjustable design. It works well for mixed menus that include both searing and slow cooking.
Key specs
- 24.4-inch round grate
- 360° height adjustment via support rod
- Swivel design for quick repositioning
- Steel mesh surface
Pros
- Height adjustment gives practical heat control
- Swivel lets you move the grate off the fire quickly
- Foldable for storage
Cons
- Smaller cooking area than the 33-inch options
- Mesh surface can leave fine ash on food if not cleaned
Bottom line: Best for cooks who want fine control over heat and a compact footprint.
ROVSUN Upgraded 33″ Outdoor Fire Pit with 2 Grills
ROVSUN Upgrated 33'' Outdoor Fire Pit with 2 Grills, Grill with Side Shelves, Wood Burning Round Firepit with Swivel Cooking Grate, Removable Swivel Grill for Backyard, Patio, Picnic, BBQ and Parties
Best for: Complete fire pit setup
This option suits families who want a fire pit and cooking surface in one unit. The side shelves are useful for holding plates, tools and drinks during a cookout.
Key specs
- 33-inch outdoor fire pit
- Two grills, including a swivel cooking grate
- Side shelves
- Wood-burning design
Pros
- Pit and grill combined in one purchase
- Side shelves add usable workspace
- Swivel grate allows easy heat adjustment
Cons
- Larger footprint needs a dedicated patio or lawn space
- Assembly takes time and owners often recommend two people
Bottom line: A good pick for families who want a full cooking-and-fire station and have room for it.
VEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill 24″
For Outdoor Open Flame Cooking,360° Height Adjustable Over Fire Pit Equipment, Foldable Sturdy Steel BBQ Mesh,black VEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill, 24" Camping Grill Grate & Griddle
Best for: Folding and portability
Campers and anyone who stores their grill in a shed or trunk will value the foldable frame. It is a practical choice for car camping and occasional backyard use.
Key specs
- 24-inch round grate
- 360° height adjustment
- Foldable sturdy steel frame
- Black finish
Pros
- Folds down for compact storage
- Height adjustment works for various fire sizes
- Lightweight enough for one person to carry
Cons
- Thinner steel than heavier-duty grates
- Smaller cooking surface limits large gatherings
Bottom line: Ideal for campers and anyone who needs a grate that packs away easily.
Stanbroil Fire Pit Grill Grate
Adjustable Height, 360° Swivel Grill Grate, Hanging Bar for Pots & Kettles, Stainless Steel, Campfire Cooking Essential Stanbroil Fire Pit Grill Grate, Swivel Campfire Grill Cooking Grate
Best for: Pot and kettle cooking
If you plan to simmer chili, boil water or heat soup, the hanging bar is the feature to look for. This grate is aimed at people who cook more than just grilled meat.
Key specs
- Adjustable height
- 360° swivel grate
- Hanging bar for pots and kettles
- Stainless steel construction
Pros
- Hanging bar supports pots and kettles
- Stainless steel resists rust well
- Swivel and height adjustment work together
Cons
- Owners sometimes report wobble on uneven ground
- Grate surface is smaller than full-size grills
Bottom line: Pick this if you regularly cook stews, soups or boiled foods over an open fire.
Solo Stove-compatible Cast Iron Cooktop 17.5″
Cast Iron Cooktop, Stainless Steel Hub, 8" Cooking Elevation, 17.5" Diameter, 20 lb, Designed for Bonfire Fire Pit Solo Stove Bonfire Grill Top & Hub | 17.5" Cast Iron Fire Pit Cooktop
Best for: Cast iron searing
This cooktop is designed for cooks who want a heavy, even-heating surface for skillet work. It is best matched to a bonfire-style pit whose dimensions fit the 17.5-inch cooktop.
Key specs
- 17.5-inch cast iron cooktop
- Stainless steel hub
- 8-inch cooking elevation
- Approximately 20 lb weight
Pros
- Cast iron holds heat well for searing
- Elevation keeps food away from direct flames
- Sturdy hub design
Cons
- Heavy to lift on and off the pit
- Requires seasoning and careful cleaning
Bottom line: Best for cooks who prioritize searing and skillet cooking over open grilling.
Wakeman Outdoors Swiveling Camping Grill Grate 24″
360° Swivel Campfire Grill Grate Over Fire Pit with Hook for Camping Cookware – Stainless Steel Camp Fire Cooking Equipment Wakeman Outdoors Swiveling Camping Grill Grate with Adjustable Height, 24”
Best for: Budget-minded buyers
Anyone looking for a functional swivel grate without a premium build will find this one useful. It works for occasional cooking and camping trips.
Key specs
- 24-inch swivel grate
- Adjustable height
- Hook for camping cookware
- Stainless steel construction
Pros
- Simple, practical design
- Hook accepts common camp cookware
- Stainless steel resists corrosion
Cons
- Lighter build than premium grates
- Limited cooking surface for large groups
Bottom line: A sensible choice for light use and budget-conscious shoppers.
Buying Guide
Grate Size and Fire Pit Diameter
Measure your fire pit’s inside diameter before you buy. A grate that is too small leaves gaps where food can fall through, while one that is too large may not sit securely. Many owners find that a grate about 2 to 4 inches smaller than the pit opening works well.
Good picks for this: VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate, ROVSUN Upgraded 33″ Outdoor Fire Pit with 2 Grills
Height Adjustment
Adjustable grates let you control cooking temperature without moving the fire. Look for a support rod or ratchet system that locks firmly. Fixed-height grates work, but they depend more on how you build and manage the fire.
Good picks for this: VEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill 24.4″, Stanbroil Fire Pit Grill Grate
Grate Material and Thickness
Heavy steel and stainless steel hold heat and resist warping better than thin wire. Cast iron offers excellent heat retention but needs seasoning and careful storage to prevent rust.
Good picks for this: Solo Stove-compatible Cast Iron Cooktop 17.5″, VEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill 24″
Swivel and Portability
A swivel design lets you move food off the flames in one motion, which helps prevent flare-ups. Foldable grates store flat and fit in most vehicles. If you camp, choose a model that folds and carries easily.
Good picks for this: VEVOR Heavy Duty Swivel Campfire Grill 24″, Wakeman Outdoors Swiveling Camping Grill Grate 24″
Cookware Support
If you plan to boil, simmer or stew, check for a hanging bar or hook rated for pots and kettles. Make sure the bar sits securely and that your cookware fits the grate’s clearance above the fire.
Good picks for this: Stanbroil Fire Pit Grill Grate, Wakeman Outdoors Swiveling Camping Grill Grate 24″
Cooking Area and Group Size
A 24-inch grate typically serves a small family or a few guests. For larger groups, a 33-inch grate or a unit with two grills gives more room for simultaneous cooking. Consider how many items you normally cook at once.
Good picks for this: ROVSUN Upgraded 33″ Outdoor Fire Pit with 2 Grills, VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate
Care and Maintenance
Clean grates after each use with a stiff wire brush once they have cooled. Oil steel and cast iron lightly to prevent rust. Store folding grates in a dry place. Owners often report that regular care is the biggest factor in how long a grate lasts.
Good picks for this: Solo Stove-compatible Cast Iron Cooktop 17.5″, Stanbroil Fire Pit Grill Grate
FAQ
Can I use any grate over my fire pit?
Not always. Check the grate’s diameter against your pit’s opening and confirm that the support legs or rod can rest securely on the pit rim. Mismatched sizes can cause food to fall through or the grate to tip.
How high should a grate sit above the fire?
Many cooks start about 6 to 8 inches above the flames for grilling and raise the grate for slower cooking. Adjustable grates make this easy. Always keep a safe distance and never leave the fire unattended.
Is stainless steel better than carbon steel for grates?
Stainless steel resists rust well and needs less maintenance. Carbon steel often conducts heat well and can develop a useful seasoned surface, but it requires oiling and careful drying after cleaning.
Do I need to season a fire pit grate?
Cast iron and many steel grates benefit from seasoning. Lightly coat the grate with cooking oil and heat it over the fire until it darkens. This helps reduce sticking and rust.
Can a fire pit grate be used for smoking food?
Some cooks do, but open-fire smoking is hard to control. A grate can hold food over a low, steady fire for slow cooking, though a dedicated smoker gives more consistent results.
How should I clean a fire pit grate?
Let the grate cool completely, then scrub with a wire brush to remove residue. Wash with warm water if needed, dry thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to bare metal to prevent rust.
Are these grates safe for children to use?
Hot grates and open flames pose burn risks. Keep children well back from the fire at all times and let adults handle cooking and grate adjustments. For general fire safety guidance, consult a professional or local fire authority.
Conclusion
For most backyards, the VEVOR X-Marks Fire Pit Grill Grate is a practical starting point, especially if you have a standard round pit. Cooks who want to control heat closely should look at the VEVOR 24.4-inch swivel grill. Families seeking a complete cooking station will find the ROVSUN 33-inch unit more suitable, while pot-and-kettle cooks should choose the Stanbroil grate. Shoppers who cook over cast iron will prefer the cooktop, and budget buyers can consider the Wakeman swivel grate for lighter use.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance on outdoor fire and grilling equipment, including recommended clearances (cpsc.gov)
- Fire safety standards and guidance for outdoor open-flame activities (nfpa.org)
- Food safety information on cooking meat thoroughly over open heat (usda.gov)
Related reading
- Top 8 Movable Gas Fire Pit Options for Patios and Backyards
- Top 7 Propane Fire Pit Tabletop Models for Patios and Camping in 2026
- Top 7 Fire Pits with Gas Models for Patios and Backyards in 2026
About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our backyard living & play guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
