There has always been something to be said for cooking meals over a great campfire; if it's not the best reason to go camping, it's easily in my top three. Product manufacturers are on to wood fire enthusiasts like us, and at this point, I think they're working to upend the entire grilling industry.
Wood fire cooking is quickly becoming more than just a campsite necessity, it's a trend that's about to become a mainstream novelty for modern outdoor kitchens, backyard setups, and tailgating experiences.
Is it a coincidence that the two biggest brands in smokeless fire pits announced very cool product packages this year? Perhaps, or they're simply in tune with the typical consumer's appetite (pun intended). Wood fire grills are poised to compete not only with your traditional charcoal and propane grills but also with your favorite wood-fired pizza kitchens and Blackstone griddles. As the popularity of outdoor kitchens and living spaces continues to climb, these brands are ready for it.
If you're ready to take your outdoor cooking experience to a new level, you'll really enjoy what they shared with us.
Breeo Launched its Live-Fire Grill (and It's Hot)
MSRP: $849–$1,599
The Breeo Live-Fire Grill is not your typical backyard grill—it's a seriously heavy-duty charcoal/wood grill for the consumer who wants performance, versatility, and durability. This is not for the nights you want to whip up some frozen patties before basketball practice—use the propane grill for those moments. Just like a campfire, using a live, wood-burning grill is a commitment, a process, and a technique that can take time but will amplify your entire cooking experience.
The Breeo smokeless fire pit we were gifted this year is a real workhorse, and so we knew what to expect when a Live-Fire Grill arrived via forklift last month. Billed as "the most complete and well-built open-fire grill on the market," it gives backyard chefs a whole new toy, with accessories that make it perfect for searing, slow-cooking, and everything in between.
Yes, it costs more. It's a higher price point compared to traditional grills, but remember: this isn't a traditional grill. That said, you won't have to buy propane or navigate gas line connections for your outdoor kitchen. And the way it's made, it might outlast me.
Product Features
- Heavy-duty construction: Made from high-quality stainless steel and corten steel.
- Accommodates wood or charcoal: Reviews already cite that it works better than a traditional charcoal grill, thanks to being engineered for ideal airflow.
- Adjustable cooking height: Retain control over how much heat reaches your food.
- Modular design: Just like our X30 fire pit, you can order a range of cooking accessories and upgrade with bundles designed to appeal to all types of home cooks. We're talking kettles, live-fire pizza ovens, the outpost grill, as well as skillet rests and searing surfaces. They're very heavy-duty, very well made, and we've loved being able to cook everything from vegetables to steak on the same surface.
- Smoke-less burn technology: Like its fire pits, Breeo focused on building a grill that burns efficiently and reduces smoke output for a more pleasant grilling experience.
- Removable ash tray
- Built-in wood storage
My Take: Breeo is a Step Ahead
I say this because I've been grilling on my X30 all year long. Breeo made wood fire cooking achievable with a range of accessories, so it's natural to see a fire pit like this hit their lineup. The grill itself is a good height (unlike trying to cook over a fire pit), and I like that they've pre-built a range of bundles for different types of users. If you want an accessory, chances are, you can find a live-fire grill bundle that has it.
Solo Stove Turned Up the Heat With its Cookout Kit
MSRP: $299–$549
Unlike Breeo, Solo Stove's Cookout Kit is highly portable. In fact, if you're currently tailgating with your Solo Stove and you didn't know this add-on existed, let's get you up to speed. Solo Stove is practically the Kleenex of smokeless fire pits, yet the brand trailed behind its competitors on the cooking front. We're glad to see that they've found an in-roads that can level up experiences for existing and new customers. The compact, portable grill conversion kit is perfect for backyard hangouts with friends, camping, and classic tailgates (Go Bills, always), and it's an easy alternative to a full-sized grill when it comes to grilling on the go.
The product builds upon the existing Bonfire 2.0. If you have a 2.0, you're in luck; it'll fit right into the conversion kit. If you already own a different Solo Stove fire pit or are a new customer, you'll have to buy the kit that includes a 2.0. When you order, you'll also have the chance to buy a grill or a griddle, but you can't buy them individually right now.
Product Features
- Lightweight and portable: Weighing in at just a few pounds and easily collapsing for easy transport, it's easy to move it about.
- Durable materials: Bonfire 2.0 is already made with high-quality stainless steel, but the broader kit also features a corrosion-resistant electrophoretic and powder-coated cold-rolled steel finish.
- Fuel versatility: Compatible with both wood and charcoal, giving you more flexibility in fuel choice. The conversion kit ships with a charcoal adapter so you can keep the briquettes contained.
- NFL Customization: Soon, you'll be able to add your favorite NFL team’s logo to your kit.
- Compatible with other accessories. While it isn't a fit for the popular Surround, you can still use a shield, lid, and Pi Fire with this kit.
My Take: Solo Stove Has a Time and a Place
This isn't the product I'd pick to replace a propane grill, but I love the idea of being able to finally cook something (other than marshmallows and hot dogs on a stick) over my Solo Stove. If you already value a portable fire solution, this elevated fire pit is a great product to add to your lifestyle. The Solo Stove Cookout Kit is especially nice if you already own and use a Bonfire 2.0.
Wood Fire Grilling Is About to Transform Outdoor Cooking
The appeal of wood fire grilling isn't going anywhere. Now that consumers have taken to trying it, outdoor kitchens and backyard grill setups will continue to become more popular. Whether you're a homeowner looking for fun, versatile cooking options or an outdoor enthusiast looking for practical cooking solutions, these products are worth considering. After all, you already know that wood fire grilling isn't just about the food—it's about the process, the gathering, and the enjoyment of being outdoors.
With more brands like Breeo and Solo Stove bringing innovative products to market, it's clear that live-fire cooking is here to stay.
Is grilling over a real wood fire difficult for beginners?
We've grilled on our Breeo Live-Fire Grill using wood, and I will say, it does come with a learning curve. Our best results came from starting with lump charcoal in a charcoal chimney, dumping it in, and adding seasoned hardwood for flame and additional heat where we wanted it.
If you have experience building fires in a fire pit and understand how to manage heat and flame size, it'll come more naturally. Our experience has fun and satisfying. And, for the same reasons I always liked grilling over a campfire on family trips, the flavor is just *chef's kiss.*
If this is your first go, don't use steak. Get a feel for it using burgers or sausages, and maybe test it with some roasted veggies too. Get a feel for how quickly things cook using simple, hard-to-mess-up dishes before testing your limits.
What kind of wood should I use for a wood fire grill?
Hardwoods like oak, hickory, maple, and cherry are the best options for grilling. They burn hotter and longer than softwoods and many would say that they impart better flavors to the food. I definitely like the flavor better than charcoal, but it's always a personal preference. If anything, it's worth noting that you should avoid using treated or painted wood because it can release harmful chemicals when burned.
