Can You Use a BBQ as a Fire Pit?

Yes, Using a BBQ grill as a fire pit is easy. With just a few too tools and a little ingenuity, you can use an old grill to make a fire pit. 

When using a BBQ grill as a fire pit there are a few things to know:

1. Why use a BBQ grill as a fire pit?
2. What do you need to build a fire pit using a BBQ grill?
3. Nine easy steps to building a fire pit using a BBQ grill

Let’s cover them in detail.

Why Use a BBQ Grill as a Fire Pit?

EASY – A grill is an easy way to create a backyard fire pit.

RECYCLABLE – Reusing resources is good for the environment.

ECONOMICAL – It is very, very inexpensive. If you get an old grill for free your only cost is time for assembly.

What Do You Need to Build a Fire Pit Using a BBQ Grill?

If you want to use a BBQ grill to make a fire pit you need the following:

• Old charcoal or gas grill
• Screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Adjustable wrench
• Shovel
• Ornamental rock or gravel (optional)
• Measuring tape

Nine Easy Steps to Building a Fire Pit Using a BBQ Grill

The first thing is to find an old BBQ grill.

Kettle-style charcoal BBQ grills, such as ones made by Weber, are the best. The round shape makes them the easiest to work with. Also, most people think of sitting in a circle by a fire. Can you smell the weenies and hear the sound of camp songs?

If you only have a gas BBQ grill, don’t despair. This will work. The rectangular shape of most gas grills will just give a different vibe.

How to build a fire pit using a charcoal BBQ grill

1. Take the lid off. Set any grills aside. Using the wire brush, scrape any debris and burned pieces out of the grill. Dispose any particles into the trash.
2. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws which hold the legs in place. If the legs are inserted into a tube welded to the bottom of the grill, pull and remove them. These can be discarded.
3. Next make sure to remove the screws holding any handles on the grill. Discard the handles.
4. Since this is going to be an in-ground fire pit, use the tape measure to measure the diameter of the kettle as well as the depth.
5. Dig a hole one inch deeper and one inch wider than the grill without the lid. If using a Weber grill the depth should be 19 inches and the width 26 inches.
6. Now it’s time to place the grill in the hole. Make sure to close the vents first. Push the grill into the newly dug hole making sure it is properly seated in the ground.
7. After the grill is set properly in the ground, backfill between the grill and ground with gravel or ornamental rock. Make sure to fill any gaps between the grill and the ground. Add more gravel or ornamental rock in a circle up to twelve inches wide around the grill.
8. Take the charcoal grate (the small grate) and place it in the bottom to support the firewood when you build a fire. Use the lid to cover the fire pit when not in use.
9. Place your firewood into the new fire pit and enjoy!

 How to build a fire pit using a gas BBQ grill 

Using a gas BBQ grill will take a little more time and energy to make. There’s lot of parts which need to be removed. Don’t worry. You can do it!

1. Open the grill and remove the grates. Dispose these items in the trash.
2. With the wire brush scrape the grill, removing debris and rust. Wipe the inside of the grill clean.
3. Find the burners and loosen them using an adjustable wrench. Pull the burners out of the BBQ and dispose them in the trash.
4. Remove the gas knobs, handles and any other accessories (including legs, shelves and lid) with a screwdriver or wrench. Discard the knobs, handles and accessories.
5. Measure the grill length, width and depth using the tape measure.
6. Place a piece of sheet metal (using the drip pan if possible) over the bottom to cover the grease trap hole. Secure with a few screws.
7. Dig a hole with the shovel which is one inch greater than each measurement.
8. Place the BBQ grill inside the newly dug hole. Make sure the grill is properly seated and level to the ground. Backfill between the grill and ground with gravel or ornamental rock and spread the gravel up to twelve inches wide on the perimeter.
9. Place your firewood into the new fire pit and enjoy!

If taking the old and making it new is your jam, using a BBQ grill as a fire pit is a great thing.

It costs little money. It saves the planet.

It’s a WIN-WIN!