Fire Pit + Grill

Backyard Fire Pit and Grill Ideas for Outdoor Living

One piece of furniture. Two functions. The Outer Fire Pit Table is a fire pit and a grill — in one.

Outer Editorial TeamUpdated August 20265-minute read
Outer fire pit table with grill grate attachment for outdoor cooking
The fire pit table with grill grate. Flame on one side. Cooking surface on the other. Dinner and a fire in one footprint.

The quick answer

Fire Pit Grill — How It Works

A fire pit table with a grill grate turns the flame into a cooking surface. The Outer Fire Pit Table includes a removable grill grate.

01

The grill grate spans the burner. Remove the grate for a fire. Drop it in to cook. The transition takes 30 seconds. The OuterStone surface stays cool enough for serving.

02

Propane is the right fuel for grilling. Consistent, controllable heat. Push-button ignition. No charcoal. No ash. Reaches cooking temperature in minutes.

03

The dual-zone layout separates cooking from lounging. The fire pit table in the center. One side is the cooking zone. The opposite side is the lounge zone — sectional facing the fire, waiting for food.

What the Outer Fire Pit Table Can Cook

The Outer Fire Pit Table is three appliances in one footprint: a propane fire pit, a grill, and a dining-height table. The grill grate attaches directly over the burner. The burner cover converts it back to a table. The conversion takes under a minute.

Direct grilling. The grate sits roughly 4 inches above the flame. Best for high-heat, short-cook foods: burgers (4-5 minutes per side), skewers (3-4 minutes rotating), sausages (6-8 minutes), vegetables (2-3 minutes). The 50,000 BTU output delivers restaurant-grade searing heat. The flame is adjustable — dial it down for thicker cuts that need lower, slower heat.

The griddle plate. A flat griddle attachment turns the fire pit into an outdoor griddle. Breakfast: pancakes, bacon, eggs. Dinner: smash burgers, fried rice, quesadillas. The griddle distributes heat evenly across the surface — no hot spots that burn one side while the other side stays raw.

Indirect warming. The OuterStone surface surrounding the burner stays warm but not hot. Use it to keep finished food at serving temperature while the next batch cooks. Platters, cast iron pans, and foil-wrapped sides all sit on the OuterStone without scorching. The surface handles up to 400°F of radiant heat without cracking or discoloring. See the Fire Pit Table with grill

The Dual-Zone Layout: Cooking Side vs Lounge Side

The fire pit table sits at the boundary between two zones: the cooking side where the host stands and tends the grill, and the lounge side where guests sit around the flame. The table itself is 64″ long — long enough to separate the zones physically while keeping everyone in the same conversation.

Cooking side. The host stands on one long edge of the table. The grill grate is on this half. A small prep table or bar cart sits within arm's reach behind the host — seasoning, utensils, plates, raw ingredients staged in order of cooking. The host faces the guests while cooking. This is the critical difference from a standalone grill: the fire pit table keeps the cook inside the social circle rather than exiled to the corner of the yard.

Lounge side. Guests sit on the opposite long edge and the two short ends of the table. The flame is centered — visible to everyone, with the grill grate occupying roughly the front third of the burner area. Guests eat what comes off the flame. The OuterStone surface around the burner holds drinks, plates, and condiments. The seating should be a U-shape facing the lounge side of the table, with the host standing at the open end. Browse fire pit seating

Grill-first or fire-first? How to time the eveningLight the fire 15 minutes before cooking. Guests arrive. The flame is already going. Cook the first course while guests settle in — the sizzle and smell are the appetizer. Serve directly from the grate to plates. After the main course, remove the grill grate and let the flame run solo. The cooking side becomes the second lounge side. The fire pit reverts to its primary function: warmth, light, and a reason to stay outside for another hour.

Fire Pit Grill Accessories That Bridge Cooking and Lounging

The right accessories turn a fire pit table from a grill into an outdoor kitchen — and back again without clutter when the cooking is done.

Grill grate. The essential piece. Stainless steel. Fits the Outer Fire Pit Table burner opening. Stores flat in an outdoor cabinet or hung on a wall hook. Clean with a grill brush immediately after cooking — the residual heat makes cleaning effortless.

Griddle plate. Expands the cooking repertoire to breakfast and delicate foods that fall through grill grates. Seasoned cast iron or non-stick carbon steel. Requires a flat surface for storage — the prep cart serves double duty here.

Utensil set. Long-handled tongs, a spatula, and a grill fork. Keep them in a utensil crock on the prep cart — not on the OuterStone surface where they absorb heat and become too hot to handle.

Serving platters. Heat-resistant stoneware or cast iron. Pre-warmed on the OuterStone perimeter. Food moves from grate to platter to guest without a trip inside. The platter that arrives at the table warm keeps food warm for 15-20 minutes. Shop fire pit tables and accessories

Outdoor Fire Pits

 

Complete the Setup

Fire Pit Grill and Seating: Everything You Need

Common questions

Fire Pit Grill Questions, Answered

How do I clean and maintain a fire pit?

Gas fire pits: wipe the burner and surface with mild soap monthly. Check gas connections seasonally. Cover when not in use. Wood-burning: remove ash after each use once completely cool.

How far should seating be from a fire pit?

Wood-burning: 6-7 feet minimum. Propane/natural gas: 3-4 feet. Fire pit table: 2-3 feet. These distances account for heat, spark risk, and walking paths.

How many people can sit around a fire pit?

A 48 inch round fire pit seats 6-8 with chairs. A rectangular fire pit table seats 8-10. A U-sectional facing a fire pit table seats 6 with room for additional chairs.

Outdoor fire pit setting

The Fire Pit. The Sectional. One Complete Outdoor Room

Every Outer piece includes OuterShell built-in cushion protection.

OuterStone Fire Pit Cooking Set

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Profile Image Mike Ren

Mike Ren

Mike Ren writes about how to make outdoor spaces more functional, comfortable, and easier to enjoy. His content focuses on practical backyard ideas, patio layouts, furniture planning, and everyday outdoor living topics that help readers turn inspiration into usable spaces.

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