Need some ideas for outdoor open fire cooking pits/setups/contraptions

[LordRiffenstein]

After redoing our patio last year, our backyard is in a rough shape. We were planning on redoing it later this year but have thought about keeping it sorta rough and grow wild flowers etc. While discussing this, I mentioned to LadyRiffenstein that I'd like to do some open fire pit thingy. Much to my surprise she was all for it and said we should do it :wacko: :icon_smile_tongue:

I've been toying with doing a (suckling) pig on a cinder block pit so I'd need a space for that as well as somewhere to burn wood (burn barrel or so). But I need some more ideas.

So, if you could do this in your backyard, what would you do/build/set up? I'm going to re-watch some Man Fire Food episodes as I remember a bunch of killer setups but I want your ideas/videos etc.

 

[4ever3]

If I were going to do live fire cooking I think I’d have to go with a Santa Maria grill, because the grate height is easily adjustable during the cook.

 

[Mike Twangzer]

Cowgirl has some interesting set ups ... check her site ... some are pretty rustic

 

[charcoalwilly]

If I were going to do live fire cooking I think I’d have to go with a Santa Maria grill, because the grate height is easily adjustable during the cook.

This ^^. There are some very interesting drop-in Santa Maria / Argentine gill set-ups out there.
http://www.azbbqgrills.com/
https://www.jdfabrications.com/
http://www.norcalovenworks.com/
https://www.sunterraoutdoor.com/

 

[Big George's BBQ]

Marty Leach built a real nice Santa Maria Grill he use to post on this site Definitely check cowgirls blog She digs a pit to go a pig

 

[jdtTX]

id love to have something like this, but not at $2300

 

[sleebus.jones]

Here is a link to the build of my cinderblock pit. Might be just what you're looking for.

 

[cfrazier77]

I use one of these and love it. We use it as a fire pit the most but it cooks well too.
https://breeo.co/collections/ablaze

 

[BBQ Bacon]

If you're handy or know someone who is they can help with some of the gadgets.

My firepit area.

Old camper jack turned into a cooking rack by my dad.

He also made a couple stands that can be used to hold a cooking stick. Made with heavier gauge steel, they could straddle the pit.

 

[SmittyJonz]

https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=246763

 

[WhitesideJC]

I have a cinder block pit, and I've enjoyed exploring other ways to incorporate the cinder blocks into cooking. For example, I created a small fire pit where I could hang some yard birds in front of the fire. But, if you're ready to go full steam ahead - I'm always envious of the Santa Maria grills.

 

[4ever3]

id love to have something like this, but not at $2300

That’s CRAZY

 

[HogGrog]

I am restricted by space and found the Santa Maria pit with wheels to be a good compromise for what I wanted. I had mine fabricated at Old Pioneer Manufacturing but someone with ability could make something similar.

 

[BuffettFan]

That’s CRAZY

How long you reckon that there chicken's gonna take to cook? :loco:

 

[Stingerhook]

How long you reckon that there chicken's gonna take to cook? :loco:

Don't know but I would pass on the pineapple.

 

[Rocky Branch BBQ]

How long you reckon that there chicken's gonna take to cook? :loco:

Until that snow melts in the background.

 

[BillN]

If it were me I would send Jeanie "Cowgirl" a round trip plane ticket and while she is there she can help you build a Smokehouse, fire pit, hog cooker and anything else you night desire, just make sure you allow time so she can do some sightseeing.:razz:

 

[SmokinAussie]

^^^ Ha Ha!

Pretty sure volunteering Jeanie's services isn't something she's interested in...:razz:

 

[Swine Spectator]

How long you reckon that there chicken's gonna take to cook? :loco:

That was EXACTLY my first thought when I looked at the picture.

 

[LordRiffenstein]

If I were going to do live fire cooking I think I’d have to go with a Santa Maria grill, because the grate height is easily adjustable during the cook.

I think a Santa Maria is very nice and something that I might add.