What truly separates a good barbecue from an unforgettable one? Many grill masters will tell you it comes down to the smoke. That deep, rich flavor that only real wood can deliver is the secret ingredient to legendary backyard feasts. But stepping into the world of wood-burning grills can feel overwhelming. You face tough choices about size, airflow control, and the right type of wood for that perfect sear.
Choosing the wrong setup means dealing with frustrating temperature swings or, worse, food that tastes more like ash than oak or hickory. It’s a big investment, and you want to get it right the first time. You deserve a grill that cooks consistently and imparts that authentic, smoky essence every time you fire it up.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about selecting, setting up, and mastering your wood-burning BBQ grill. Get ready to say goodbye to guesswork and hello to perfectly smoked ribs and steaks. Let’s explore the best ways to harness the power of fire and wood for your next cookout.
Top Wood Burning Bbq Grill Recommendations
- OPEN FIRE ARGENTINE STYLE GRILL: Cook up delicious steaks, tri-tips, and Santa Maria BBQ in your own backyard! This Argentine style grill uses wood and coal fuel for a rustic open flame experience.
- FLYWHEEL FOR TEMP CONTROL: This Santa Maria grill features a sturdy flywheel to adjust the grate height for perfect heat control - set your meat close to the flames for hot and fast searing or raise the grate for a low and slow sizzle!
- COMES WITH COOKING GRATE AND CAST IRON SKILLET: Cook up an entire meal at one time. This grill comes with a height adjustable cooking grate and a cast iron skillet for endless meal possibilities.
- HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION: Thick, powder-coated steel construction will make this grill your go-to for years to come. And it comes with a quick-clean side door for emptying ash and cool-coil handles for ease of use.
- DOUBLES AS A FIRE PIT: Remove the legs from your grill and you have an instant campfire for lounging in your back yard when the cooking is done! Simply detach the self-leveling legs and rest the main grill ring on the ground for an instant fire pit.
- Generous Cooking Area: This charcoal grill offers a roomy 627 sq. in. cooking zone. It has 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and an 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack. You can easily cook large pieces of meat all at once, perfect for big family BBQs or gatherings
- Easy Heat Control: Take charge of your grilling! Close the side air vent fully to cut off oxygen and extinguish coals when done. Plus, adjust the smoke stack for extra heat tweaks. Whether searing steaks or slow-cooking burgers, you'll get the heat just right
- Flexible Fire Grates: The 2-level height-adjustable fire pan is a game-changer. It lets you control cooking better and can hold up to 6 lbs. of coal. Raise or lower it to suit different foods, from quick-cook hot dogs to slow-roasted veggies
- Handy Temperature Monitor: No more guessing games! The lid-mounted thermometer gauge shows heat changes in real-time. Grill steaks medium-rare or burgers well-done with confidence, knowing the exact temp inside your charcoal grill
- Effortless Cleanup and More: Cleaning up is a breeze. The removable charcoal pan makes ash disposal quick and easy every time. There are also three hooks for hanging tools, a mesh shelf holding up to 20 lbs. of accessories, and two durable wheels for moving it around the backyard. Everything you need for smooth grilling
- Authentic Gaucho Grilling: Argentine open-fire design with 723 square inch grilling surface and stainless steel brasero to infuse meats with distinct smoky flavor
- Industry-Leading Warranty: 5-year warranty for added peace of mind
- Santa Maria Precision: Grill grates adjust from 2” to 24” in height, giving you perfect control for searing or slow roasting meats to perfection
- 304 Stainless Steel: Heavy-duty stainless steel grill grate frame and brasero firebox provide optimal airflow for wood fire or charcoal cooking, creating the perfect embers
- Powder-Coated Steel Construction: 12-gauge high-temp powder-coated steel provides superior durability with a touch of modern sophistication
- [3 IN 1]: OutVue fire pit is equipped with 2 cooking grills, 1 lid and tabletop. When you fix grills and tabletop to the fire pit, you can enjoy the roast and bonfire. When it not make fire and cover the lid, you will get a 36 inch round table to have a meal or coffee for 6-8 persons. OutVue provide a wood fire pit has 3 functions: bonfire, barbecue and table, which can be used all year for your garden, yard, patio. This's also a very thoughtful gift to friends.
- [Beautiful & Humanized Design]OutVue fire pit table comes with 2 height-adjustable and 360° swivel grills which disassemble freely. You can barbecue, keep food warm or put pan to cook on them. The side of wood-burning fire pit is created with modern geometric cut-out design which catches firelight for creating fun shadows. The drilled design promotes airflow and keeps the fire strong. All sophisticated designs of the fire pits for outside are dedicated to the warmth and comfort for you.
- [Durable& Safe] OutVue outdoor fire pit hold up to 20 lb wood, offer roaring fire and enough warmth. Firepit has 4 legs and enough weight can improve stability on uneven ground. Wood fire pits for outside coated with high-temperature powder for durability and rust resistance. We also send a rain-proof cover to protect fire pits. The screen meshes on the vents avoid sparks and embers from flying out. Fire poker lets you to move wood safely.
- [Easy Assembly] The wood burning fire pit comes with detailed instruction, so it can be set up in 20 minutes. NOTE: It should be noted that the screws should not be tightened completely during installation until all pieces are connected together. After easy installation, get wonderful time with family around OutVue fire pit!
- [What Will You Get]The package contains 1 fire pit, 1 lid, 1 fire poker, 1round waterproof cover, 2 cooking grates and all parts required for assembly.Overall size of fire pit is 36 '' L* 36'' W*28 H,fire bowl size 24''W*24'' L*10''H.Tabletop size 36"W * 36'' L.We wish you can get happiness and cozy memories with your families or friends around Outvue fire pits for outside.We can provide replacement parts for the product.If you have any questions, please contact us
- 【3-IN-1 Outdoor Fire Pit】: Measures 35” Dia x 26” H, This wood burning fire pit from Hykolity features a multi-functional design, ideal for outdoor heating and grilling. The round cover lid can be placed directly on the fire pit and converted into a table for drinks, fruits, and snacks.
- 【Convenient Design】: The large cooking grate has a diameter of 18.5 inches, while the small one has a diameter of 15 inches, making it safe to cook on. With built-in handles at both ends, the barbecue grill can be easily swiveled 360 degrees and adjusted up and down as needed
- 【Accessories Complete】: The fire pit also features a log rack, a charcoal pan, and a poker. The log rack can help promote efficient log burn while the charcoal pan can be placed into the fire pit for holding charcoal, maintaining a gentle and even fire when grilling.
- 【Durable and Practical】: Made from heavy-duty gauge steel, the 35in steel fire pit is not only rustproof and weather-resistant but also has a large load-bearing capacity and long-lasting durability. The circular steel ring fixed on the four legs, making this fire pit more stable; The 24-inch fire bowl with an open deep bowl design is perfect for a warm fire on a cool night.
- 【Warranty】: Hykolity’s Fire Pit is guaranteed for 1 year. We aim for quality followed up with quality customer service directly provided by the manufacturer. We offer free-exchange for any quality problems within the warranty.
- Main Smoking Area: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook large cuts of meat.
- Heat Control: Close the side air vent to cut off the oxygen flow, thus to help extinguish coals and adjust the smoke stack for extra heat control.
- Adjustable Fire Grates: Raise or lower charcoal pan to 2 different heights with lifting handles in order to control the distance between charcoal and food.
- Lid-mounted Gauge: Monitor the inner temperature fluctuations and check the timely point to smoke meat and vegetables.
- Easy Dump: The adjustable fire grate is an easy-to-dump ash pan for quick and mess-free cleanup after cooking.
- 3-in-1 Fire Pit for Any Occasion: This 52" outdoor fire pit combines a 28" fire bowl with a 26" rotating table, giving you warmth, grilling, chilling, and dining all in one. Use it as a bonfire pit, BBQ grill, or a 26" outdoor table for 4–6 people—perfect for patios, backyard gatherings, camping, and RV trips.
- Heavy-Duty & Safe Design: Crafted from cold-rolled steel and weighing 25 lbs, this wood burning fire pit offers durability and stability. The sturdy legs with integrated wheels and parking brake make relocation simple while ensuring a secure setup on any surface.
- Large Cooking Grate & Spark Protection: Equipped with a 21" grill grate, this fire pit makes outdoor cooking easy—perfect for grilling meat, vegetables, seafood, or bread. The spark guard keeps you and your guests safe by blocking sparks during cozy evenings.
- Complete Set with Convenient Extras: Comes with a cast iron fire hook for safe wood handling, a dust cover, a grill brush for easy cleaning, and a built-in water drain for simple ash removal—everything you need for hassle-free outdoor fun.
- Weather-resistant and easy to assemble: This portable fire pit is quick and easy to assemble, making it suitable for outdoor use year-round. It's more than just a place to warm up; it's a place for family and friends to gather. Make every outdoor night warmer, more delicious, and more memorable.
- 823 Square Inches: Includes 475 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 151 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 197 sq. in. offset smoker
- Tasty Smoke Flavors: The offset smoker is firmly attached to charcoal grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. Easy to open side door to add charcoal and remove ashes; air vent stokes fire instantly
- Adjustable Lifting Rack: The two-level height-adjustable charcoal pan ensures enhanced control over cooking temperatures by adjusting the distance between the food and the heat source
- Temperature Monitor: The easy-to-read lid thermometer helps you maintain the ideal cooking temperature for a wide range of foods, giving you confidence in your grilling results
- Ample Space: Front and side tables offer workspace for seasonings and grilling tools. The bottom shelf provides extra storage space and holds up to only 20 lb. accessories when they are evenly distributed
Choosing Your Perfect Wood Burning BBQ Grill: A Buyer’s Guide
A wood-burning BBQ grill brings a special smoky flavor to your food. It’s different from gas or charcoal. Finding the right one takes a little homework. This guide will help you pick the best grill for your backyard cooking adventures.
Key Features to Look For
Good features make grilling easier and more fun. Think about what you cook most often.
Size and Cooking Area
- Capacity: How many people do you usually cook for? Small grills work for families. Large grills are better for parties.
- Cooking Grates: Check the size of the area where the food sits. Bigger is usually better for flexibility.
Temperature Control
- Vents (Dampers): These small openings let air in and out. More vents usually mean better heat control. You open them to let more air in (hotter fire) or close them slightly (cooler fire).
- Lid Thermometer: A built-in thermometer on the lid helps you watch the heat without lifting the lid and letting the smoke escape.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
- Ash Catcher: A removable tray to catch the burnt wood ashes makes cleaning much faster. This is a huge time saver.
- Access Doors: Some grills have small doors to add more wood during long cooks without taking the food off the grate.
Important Materials Matter
The material of your grill affects how long it lasts and how well it holds heat.
Steel vs. Cast Iron
- Thick Steel: Heavier steel holds heat better and lasts longer. Thin metal cools down too quickly. Look for thicker gauge steel for quality.
- Cast Iron Grates: Cooking grates made of cast iron heat evenly. They create beautiful sear marks on your steaks. Stainless steel grates are easier to clean but might not hold heat as well.
Finish and Durability
- High-Temperature Paint: The outside finish should handle intense heat without peeling or rusting quickly. Good quality grills use special paint designed for high heat.
- Hardware: Check the hinges and handles. They should feel sturdy, not flimsy.
Factors Improving or Reducing Quality
Quality is often shown in the little details.
Heat Retention
A grill that holds its heat steady gives you better results. Heavy materials (thick steel, heavy lid) improve heat retention. Thin-walled grills lose heat fast when you open the lid. This forces you to constantly add more wood.
Airflow Design
Good airflow is essential for a clean-burning wood fire. When the design allows enough oxygen to reach the burning wood, you get less smoke that tastes harsh. Poor airflow creates bitter smoke that ruins the food’s flavor.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to use your grill.
Smoked Meats vs. Hot Grilling
- Slow and Low Smoking: If you love big cuts like brisket or ribs, you need a grill with excellent temperature stability and good airflow for long smoke sessions.
- Quick Searing: For burgers and hot dogs, you need a design that can get very hot quickly.
Portability
Do you need to move it often? Some wood grills are very heavy because of the thick steel. If you plan to take it camping, check for models with wheels or lighter construction.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Wood Burning BBQ Grills
Q: What kind of wood should I use?
A: You should use dry, seasoned hardwood like oak, hickory, or apple wood. Never use treated wood or softwoods like pine, as they create bad-tasting smoke and chemicals.
Q: Are wood grills hard to start?
A: They take a little longer than gas grills. You usually start a small fire with kindling or lump charcoal first, then add your wood chunks once the fire is established.
Q: How often do I need to clean a wood grill?
A: You should empty the ash catcher after every few uses. Deep cleaning, like scraping the grates and checking the inside body, should happen a few times a year.
Q: Can I use wood pellets in a wood BBQ grill?
A: Usually, no. Wood BBQ grills are designed for wood chunks or splits. Pellet grills use a special auger system. Check your grill’s manual before mixing fuel types.
Q: Will a wood grill rust easily?
A: All metal grills can rust if left outside uncovered. Higher quality, thicker steel resists rust better. Always cover your grill when not in use.
Q: What is the main difference between wood and charcoal?
A: Charcoal burns hotter and is easier to control for basic grilling. Wood burns slower, creates more ambient heat, and adds a distinct, deep smoky flavor that charcoal cannot match.
Q: How do I control the smoke flavor?
A: You control flavor by the wood type you choose and how much air you let in. Less air equals more smoke. Different woods give different tastes—hickory is strong, fruit woods are mild.
Q: Are wood grills safe indoors?
A: Absolutely not. Wood burning grills create deadly carbon monoxide. They must only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas.
Q: What is ‘seasoning’ a new grill?
A: Seasoning means heating the grill up for the first time with oil on the grates. This protects the metal and prevents food from sticking right away.
Q: How long does the wood usually burn?
A: This depends on the wood size and airflow. Small chunks might burn for 1–2 hours. Larger splits can burn for 3–4 hours, perfect for slow cooking.