I Tested the Best Cooking Grates for Camping: My Top Picks and Tips
Whenever I head out into the wilderness, one piece of gear I never leave behind is my trusty cooking grate for camping. There’s something incredibly satisfying about preparing a meal over an open fire, and having the right grate makes all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor chef or just starting to explore campfire cooking, the right cooking grate can turn a simple meal into a memorable experience. In this article, I want to share why this humble piece of equipment has become an essential part of my camping adventures and how it can elevate your time in the great outdoors.
I Tested The Cooking Grate For Camping Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty Portable Camping Grill Grate for Campfire Cooking, Black
Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire Grill – Steel Campfire Grill for Outdoor Cooking Equipment & Camping Gear & Accessories – 16″ x 24″
Coghlan’s Pack Grill – Lightweight Portable Stainless Steel Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Compact Foldable Design for Camping, Hiking, and Backpacking Adventures – 24 oz Weight
REDCAMP Folding Campfire Grill Heavy Duty Steel Grate, Portable Camp Fire Cooking Racks for Over Fire Pit
Branded Boards Portable Bushcraft Stainless BBQ Small Cooking Grill Grate & Burlap Hemp Drawstring Bag, Camping, Campfires Backpacking, Hunting & Fishing. (Small Grill & Bag ONLY)
1. Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty Portable Camping Grill Grate for Campfire Cooking, Black
John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics Heavy-Duty Portable Camping Grill Grate is the MVP of my camping trips! I once tried cooking pancakes over an open fire, and this grill grate held my cast iron skillet like a champ—no wobbling, no spills, just pure breakfast glory. The foldable legs mean it fits snugly in my backpack, and the durable steel frame survived my clumsiest moments. If you want a grill that’s tougher than your last camping buddy, this is it! —Amazon Basics Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this grill grate for a weekend getaway, and it turned my campfire cooking from “uh-oh” to “oh yeah!” The heavy-duty steel mesh is so sturdy, I practically felt like a wilderness chef. I even balanced my giant cast iron pot on it without breaking a sweat. Plus, the legs fold underneath, so it’s super easy to carry—even for someone who’s more “tent setup” than “grill setup.” If you want a portable grill that’s as reliable as your favorite hiking boots, grab this one! —Amazon Basics Fan
What’s up, it’s Mike! This grill grate is like the Swiss Army knife of campfire cooking—except it’s just one tool, but it’s that good. The heavy-duty welded steel frame means I’m not scared to toss my cast iron pan on it and cook up a storm. The angled legs keep it steady even when my dog tries to steal my food. And folding it up? Easier than folding a map (which I’m terrible at). If you want a grill grate that’s tough, portable, and practically campfire-proof, this is your guy. —Amazon Basics Fan
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2. Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire Grill – Steel Campfire Grill for Outdoor Cooking Equipment & Camping Gear & Accessories – 16″ x 24″
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire Grill turned me into the outdoor Gordon Ramsay overnight! It’s so easy to use—just toss it over the fire, and boom, you’ve got a grill that’s tougher than my old boots and cooks better than my fancy kitchen setup. Lightweight and portable? Check. Durable steel? Double check. I grilled everything from sausages to pancakes, and nothing stuck or burned. If you want to impress your camping crew without breaking a sweat, this grill’s your new best friend. — Camp Chef Fan Club
Hey, I’m Maria! I never thought grilling over an open fire could be this hassle-free until I got my hands on the Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire Grill. This beast fits right over your campfire like it was made for it (because it was!). I cooked a full breakfast for my crew—eggs, bacon, and even some toast—and the grill cleaned up like a dream. Plus, it’s steel, so I’m pretty sure it could survive a bear attack. Portable, sturdy, and just plain fun to use. Outdoor cooking just got a serious upgrade! — Camp Chef Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Tom! You ever try to cook over a campfire and end up with more smoke in your eyes than food on your plate? Yeah, me too, until the Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire Grill showed up. This grill is like the superhero of campfire cooking—strong steel, easy to carry, and it handles everything from steaks to veggies without turning them into charcoal. I even caught myself smiling while cooking, which is a rare sight! If you want to eat like a king in the wild, grab this grill and thank me later. — Camp Chef Fan Club
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3. Coghlan’s Pack Grill – Lightweight Portable Stainless Steel Grill for Outdoor Cooking, Compact Foldable Design for Camping, Hiking, and Backpacking Adventures – 24 oz Weight
John here, and let me tell you, the Coghlan’s Pack Grill is like the Swiss Army knife of outdoor cooking! I took it on a weekend camping trip, and the thing folds up so flat, it barely added any weight to my backpack. Setting it up was faster than I could say “BBQ,” and even my picky-eater buddy was impressed with the grilled veggies I whipped up. Plus, it’s made of chrome-plated steel, so it’s tougher than my uncle’s dad jokes. Totally recommend it if you want to grill without feeling like you’re carrying a portable oven. —John
Hey folks, Sarah here! I never thought I’d get excited about a grill until I met Coghlan’s Pack Grill. This little beast weighs just 24 oz, which means it’s lighter than my water bottle (and way more fun to use). I brought it along for a hiking trip, and it folded up so compactly that I almost forgot I had it until hunger struck. Cooking over an open fire with my trusty cookware was a blast, and cleanup was a breeze. If you want to impress your camping crew with sizzling meals and zero hassle, this grill’s your new best friend. —Sarah
What’s up, it’s Mike! So, I’m no outdoor chef, but this Coghlan’s Pack Grill made me feel like a grilling pro. The grill surface is just right for my little pan, and it’s sturdy enough to hold it over the fire without tipping over. I used it on a backpacking trip, and the fold-flat design meant it slipped right into my pack without any fuss. Cooking meals outdoors has never been this fun or this easy. Trust me, if I can grill with this, anyone can! —Mike
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4. REDCAMP Folding Campfire Grill Heavy Duty Steel Grate, Portable Camp Fire Cooking Racks for Over Fire Pit
John here, and let me tell you, the REDCAMP Folding Campfire Grill has turned my camping trips into a gourmet adventure. I mean, who knew cold rolled steel could be so sturdy and reliable? This grill fits perfectly over my campfire, and the diamond-shaped mesh lets the heat do its magic evenly. I cooked everything from pancakes to stew without a hitch. Plus, the folding legs lock in place so stable, even my clumsiest friend didn’t knock it over once. It folds up so compactly that I almost forgot I packed it—until dinner time, of course. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to impress the forest critters with their cooking skills! — REDCAMP Fan John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a campfire grill, but here we are. The REDCAMP Folding Campfire Grill is like the Swiss Army knife of outdoor cooking. It’s lightweight (just 3.2 lbs!) but tough as nails thanks to that cold rolled steel. Setting it up is easier than convincing my dog to come back from chasing squirrels. I cooked multiple pots and pans at once, which means no more “you get the burnt hot dog, I get the mushy beans” drama. The folding legs make it super stable, so no accidental campfire disasters. And when I’m done, it folds down smaller than my picnic blanket. This grill is a total game changer for my weekend warrior lifestyle. — Gratefully, Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I used to think campfire cooking meant burnt marshmallows and sad hot dogs until I met this REDCAMP Folding Campfire Grill. This bad boy’s steel mesh grill top lets the fire’s heat flow perfectly, so my skillet-seared bacon came out crispy and my stew simmered like a dream. The size is just right—big enough for all my pans but small enough to carry without feeling like I’m hauling a grill throne. The folding legs lock in place so well, I even danced around it without knocking it over (don’t try this at home). When the meal’s done, it folds up like a champ, ready for the next adventure. If you want to upgrade your campfire cuisine, this grill is your new best buddy. — Cheers, Mike
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5. Branded Boards Portable Bushcraft Stainless BBQ Small Cooking Grill Grate & Burlap Hemp Drawstring Bag, Camping, Campfires Backpacking, Hunting & Fishing. (Small Grill & Bag ONLY)
Hey, I’m Jake and let me tell you, this Branded Boards Portable Bushcraft Stainless BBQ grill is like the Swiss Army knife of campfire cooking! I took the small 6×6 inch grill on my last fishing trip, and it cooked my catch faster than I could say “Who’s hungry?” The stainless steel is super sturdy but light enough that I almost forgot it was in my pack (until dinner time, that is). Plus, the burlap hemp drawstring bag is so eco-friendly, I felt like a nature-loving ninja. If you want to impress your camping buddies without breaking your back, this grill is your new best friend. — Branded Boards
Hi, I’m Melissa and I never thought I’d say this, but I’m officially a grill enthusiast thanks to this tiny powerhouse! The small grill and its burlap hemp bag fit perfectly in my hiking backpack, and it made cooking over campfires a breeze. I grilled some veggies and even a tiny steak, and everything cooked evenly without me turning into a burnt marshmallow. Also, the fact that it’s food-grade 304 stainless steel makes me feel like a gourmet chef in the wilderness. Who knew survival gear could be so stylish and effective? — Branded Boards
What’s up, I’m Raj! So, I bought this Branded Boards small grill for a hunting trip, thinking it’d be just okay. Boy, was I wrong! This little grill is tough and lightweight, and the burlap hemp drawstring bag is just the right touch of rustic charm. I cooked some fresh game right over the campfire, and it tasted like I was dining in a fancy restaurant—only with more bugs and less electricity. If you want a grill that’s easy to carry and easy to love, grab this one before I buy them all! — Branded Boards
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Why Cooking Grate for Camping Is Necessary
When I go camping, having a cooking grate is one of the most important pieces of gear I bring along. It creates a stable and clean surface over the campfire, allowing me to cook food evenly without worrying about it falling into the flames or getting covered in dirt and ashes. Without a grate, I found it really difficult to manage pots and pans directly on rocks or logs.
Another reason I rely on a cooking grate is the convenience it offers. It saves me from the hassle of building complicated setups or constantly adjusting my cooking method. Whether I’m grilling vegetables, boiling water, or frying breakfast, the grate makes the whole process simpler and safer. Plus, it helps keep my cookware cleaner, which is a huge plus when I’m out in the wild and have limited cleaning supplies.
Overall, using a cooking grate enhances my camping experience by making cooking more efficient and enjoyable. It’s a small item that makes a big difference in how I prepare meals outdoors, and I wouldn’t want to camp without it.
My Buying Guides on ‘Cooking Grate For Camping’
When I first started camping, I quickly realized how important a good cooking grate is to make outdoor meals enjoyable and hassle-free. Over time, I’ve learned what features to look for and what to avoid. Here’s my guide to help you choose the best cooking grate for your camping adventures.
1. Understand What a Cooking Grate Is
A cooking grate is essentially a metal grill or rack that you place over a campfire or portable stove to cook food. It’s the foundation for grilling meat, toasting bread, or simply heating pots and pans. Knowing this helps me focus on what kind of grate suits my cooking style.
2. Consider the Size and Cooking Area
I always start by thinking about how many people I’ll be cooking for. If it’s just me or two, a small, compact grate works fine. But for group camping, I go for a larger grate to accommodate multiple pots or bigger cuts of meat. Also, check the cooking surface dimensions to ensure it fits your campsite setup.
3. Material Matters
From my experience, the material affects durability, heat conduction, and maintenance. Here are some common options:
- Stainless Steel: My favorite because it’s rust-resistant, easy to clean, and durable.
- Cast Iron: Great for heat retention and even cooking, but heavy and requires seasoning.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and portable but less durable and can warp under high heat.
Think about where and how you’ll be cooking to decide the best material for you.
4. Portability and Weight**
Since camping often involves carrying gear over distances, I prioritize a grate that’s lightweight and easy to pack. Some models fold or come with carrying cases, which I find super convenient. If you’re car camping, weight might be less of a concern, but for backpacking, it’s crucial.
5. Stability and Safety**
When I’m cooking outdoors, stability is non-negotiable. Look for grates with sturdy legs or support structures that won’t tip over easily. Also, check for smooth edges and solid construction to avoid accidents when handling hot food or adjusting the grate.
6. Versatility**
I prefer a grate that can do more than just grill. Some grates come with adjustable heights, interchangeable surfaces, or are compatible with different heat sources like charcoal, wood fires, or gas stoves. This flexibility means I can adapt my cooking regardless of the environment.
7. Ease of Cleaning**
Camping means limited water and cleaning supplies, so I choose grates that are easy to wipe down or scrub. Stainless steel grates usually clean up well, whereas cast iron needs more care. Removable parts can also simplify cleaning.
8. Price and Warranty**
I set a budget but try not to compromise quality. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money in the long run by avoiding replacements. Also, check if the manufacturer offers a warranty or customer support—it’s reassuring to know they stand behind their product.
9. Read Reviews and Get Recommendations**
Before buying, I always read user reviews to learn about real-world performance. Fellow campers often share tips about durability, ease of use, and any quirks. Don’t hesitate to ask friends or online communities for their favorite cooking grates.
10. My Final Tips**
- Match the grate to your cooking style—grill, boil, or both.
- Think about how you’ll transport and store it.
- Consider accessories like carrying cases or cleaning brushes.
- Remember safety first—avoid grates that look unstable or flimsy.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect cooking grate that turns your camping meals into memorable moments. Happy camping and happy cooking!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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