We’re big fans of fire pits, and it’s prime season to use them. Whether you prefer a smokeless fire pit, a traditional wood-burning pit, or one for on the go, a bonfire livens up any outdoor gathering—and can pull double-duty if you want to do some open fire cooking.
You may have your fire pit on standby, ready to go as soon as you feel that first hint of autumn air, but there’s still a bit more you can have on hand to be prepared: a lineup of useful, purpose-built fire pit accessories.
Fire pit tools can help you get the most out of your fire pit, helping it last longer and work better, as well as keeping you and your property safe from fire hazards. These fire pit accessories can help you stoke the fire, chop up logs, and keep your lawn or patio safe from flying embers.
How We Selected
We considered our favorite tools and accessories when we tested different types of fire pits and compiled a list of the ones that make the process easier, faster, safer, or downright better. Most of our picks work for indoor fire places as well as outdoor pits, and they work for barbecue aficionados who like to cook on pellet or charcoal grills. We recommend only high-quality tools made from durable materials—not to mention that all of the accessories on this list are genuinely necessary, many of them serving multiple functions. From splitting logs to keeping the fire going, these fire pit accessories can help you prepare for this bonfire season.
Pros
Lightweight
Stain-resistant
Waterproof
Cons
Some customers preferred a heavier mat
Fire pits and grills are—you guessed it—a fire hazard, and can leave unwanted debris on lawns, decks, and patios. This heat-resistant mat protects against falling embers and can be hosed off for easy cleaning.
It’s also oil and grease resistant so any spills from cooking won’t ruin the finish on your deck. If you have a wooden patio or deck, a mat like this is a must-have.
The mat is lightweight with a 36-inch diameter, so it’s the perfect size for Weber grills, Solo Stoves, and Breeo fire pits. Some customers mention wanting a more rigid mat, so consider another option if you’re looking for heft—we like this option because it’s easier to move and store.
Pros
Heavy-duty cast-iron construction
No axe required
Safety ring protects hands
Cons
On the heavy side to transport
For those who prefer to chop their own wood, using an axe to safely split small pieces of wood can be tedious—especially if you aren’t a pro yet.
This kindling splitter makes simple and fast work of chopping tonight’s fire fodder without swinging your blade out in the open. Instead, you just use a heavy mallet to push the wood down onto the blade, which splits it in half.
You can use it freestanding or attach it to a log through its four bolt holes for more stability. The blade is enclosed in the cast-iron frame, keeping your hands safe—and making this a good pick for learning the mechanism of chopping with an axe, minus the potential for danger.
This tool is perfect for breaking up logs to fuel smaller pits, so it might be a worthwhile buy even if you get your firewood pre-cut.
3
Best Grill Grate
Breeo Outpost Grill 19 Fire Pit Cooking Grate
3
Best Grill Grate
Breeo Outpost Grill 19 Fire Pit Cooking Grate
Pros
Can be used for fire pits and camp fires, as well as Breeo pits
Swiveling grill grate
Adjustable height
Cons
The Outpost grill is made for Breeo fire pits, but it works just as well for other fires—you can take it anywhere, stake it to the ground so it hangs over your fire, and start grilling.
The height is easy to adjust, even when it’s loaded with food, for controlled cooking of your favorite cuts of meat or veggie kebabs. You can place food directly on the grate or you can use your favorite cast-iron skillet—it’s strong enough to handle even heavy items.
The grate swivels 360 degrees to move your food away from the fire, let it cool for a moment, and start serving. Breeo makes the grill in a larger sizes, too, and it’s precisely fit for all Breeo X and Y series fire pits.
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Pros
Elegant design
Versatile
Long handle to keep a safe distance
Cons
Only serves one purpose
This poker lets you stoke your fire and place logs carefully while keeping you a safe distance away from the heat. The hooked end lets you roll logs and adjust grilling grates with ease and the stainless steel construction is highly durable.
While we recommend a three-in-one like the Pit Command Commander for folks who need something to make kindling, if you already have a good axe, this poker is a great pick.
Handsome design details like the full-grain accessory loop and tapered handle make this as functional as it is elegant.
5
Best Heat-Resistant Gloves
Rapicca Heat-Resistant BBQ Gloves
5
Best Heat-Resistant Gloves
Rapicca Heat-Resistant BBQ Gloves
Pros
Longer cuff for protection
Textured palm for better grip
Easy to clean
Cons
We’ve recommended quite a few tools for rearranging a fire, but nothing gives you control like your hands themselves. These heat resistant gloves let you reposition wood, move a hot grill grate, or flip a rack of ribs without prompting an emergency room visit afterwards.
The extended 17-inch cuff protects your forearms and the neoprene fabric is water, fire, and stain resistant. For those who like cooking over their pit, these gloves have a textured palm for a better grip on food and can be washed with soap and water.
Pros
Durable wrought iron contruction
Grabs 12-inch thick logs
Cons
Relatively short handle
These heavy-duty tongs easily carry logs to your pit and allow you to place them just so for the perfect fire construction. They’re made of wrought iron with a rust-resistant finish to guarantee years of use and are suited for both indoor and outdoor use.
Customers report the handles are comfortable enough to pick up lighter logs using just one hand and they can hold logs up to 12 inches in diameter. Just don’t leave this sitting in the fire pit since the handles will warm up quickly.
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7
Best Multitool
Pit Command Commander 3-in-1 Fire Pit Chopper, Poker, and Hook
7
Best Multitool
Pit Command Commander 3-in-1 Fire Pit Chopper, Poker, and Hook
Pros
Versatile
Lightweight
Comfort grip handle
Cons
Can’t replace a true axe
The Commander is a three-in-one tool that’ll keep your fire going without the need for multiple accessories. It has a poker at the tip for stoking, a large serrated hook on one end to roll logs, and an axe-like chopper for breaking up burning wood or to cut kindling off of your logs.
The one-piece carbon-steel construction is durable, yet lightweight for easy stowing on any trek. Its 30-inch handle keeps you safely distanced from the fire, but it’s still easy to maneuver.
8
Best Roasting Sticks
Jolly Green Products Rotating Marshmallow Extendable Roasting Sticks
8
Best Roasting Sticks
Jolly Green Products Rotating Marshmallow Extendable Roasting Sticks
Now 19% Off
Pros
Compact design
Carrying bag and tip covers included
Cons
Can’t hold heavier foods
Roasting marshmallows is an essential part of enjoying an open fire. While we nostalgically recall using any stick we’d find on the ground, we welcome this upgrade from Jolly Green Products.
The brand’s roasting sticks have a telescopic handle that extends up to 36 inches and packs down to 10 inches for easy portability. The wooden handle has a thumbwheel to keep the fork rotating so you don’t have to rely on your wrists to do the work.
The set includes five forks, a zip-storage bag, and tip covers.
9
Best Spark Screen
Sunnydaze Fire Pit Spark Screen Cover with Hinged Door
9
Best Spark Screen
Sunnydaze Fire Pit Spark Screen Cover with Hinged Door
Now 20% Off
Pros
Easy-open design
Multiple sizes available
Tall height for large pieces of wood
Cons
Even a smokeless fire pit has occasional popping embers from wood or coal, which can be a hazard and a nuisance for those trying to enjoy some warmth. This spark screen will keep you and your guests protected.
It has a hinged opening so you can stoke the fire or check on food without removing the cover, and the two handles give you multiple contact points so you can safely work around the fire inside.
This is taller than other spark screens we’ve seen, which is handy for stacking up larger logs for a longer burn, or for fitting a cooking grate inside.
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Pros
Sleek design
Serves as a good starter kit
Durable
Cons
Handle lengths are short
This fire tool set from the Japanese outdoors brand Snow Peak makes a great gift for those who appreciate function and design. The set includes a shovel, fire tongs, and a poker all constructed of stainless steel and bamboo. There’s also a canvas storage bag for portability.
Each tool has a length of 20-inches so this set is best suited to small fire pits and camp fires. Snow Peak is known for its exceptional build quality and thoughtful design—any avid camper or new fire pit owner will enjoy tending the flames with these tools.
Danny Perez
Commerce Editor
Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.