Can you put a grill on a Solo Stove?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can put a grill on top of a Solo Stove. The Solo Stove is designed to be used as a stand for grills, pots, pans, etc. The stove creates a centralized heat source that you can then place cookware on top of. Just be sure to use cookware that is meant for grill tops or open flame cooking.

Can Any Grill Go On Top Of A Solo Stove?

While you can place a grill on top of a Solo Stove, not every grill is ideally suited for using with a Solo Stove. Here are some guidelines for choosing the right grill:

• Look for grills designed specifically for portable, open flame cooking. These will often be referred to as “grill tops” or “open flame” grills.
• The grill should have legs or a stand so it can securely sit on top of the Solo Stove without tipping.
• Make sure the grill is not too large or heavy for the particular Solo Stove model you have.
• Cast iron grills work very well as they hold and distribute heat evenly. Stainless steel or enamel coated steel are also good options.
• Avoid grills with plastic handles or accessories as these may not stand up to the high heat of the Solo Stove.

The Solo Stove Yukon model can accommodate larger grills up to 26 inches in diameter. The smaller Solo Stove models like the Titan and the Campfire are best suited for more compact, portable grill tops.

Benefits Of Using A Grill On A Solo Stove

There are several advantages to placing a grill on top of a Solo Stove:

• Takes advantage of concentrated heat source – The design of the Solo Stove focuses and intensifies heat in a small area, which is ideal for grilling.
• Uses less fuel – You may need less wood or biomass fuel since the heat is concentrated right under the grill.
• Portability – The Solo Stove and grill top provide an easy to transport grilling solution for camping, tailgating, etc.
• Fewer ashes – With less fuel burned, there are fewer ashes to clean up afterwards.
• Works in any outdoor space – You don’t need a prepared surface or electricity to use a Solo Stove.

The compact design allows you to have a full grilling experience anywhere outdoors with minimal setup or mess.

Tips For Grilling On A Solo Stove

Follow these tips for best results when using a grill on your Solo Stove:

• Preheat the Solo Stove for 10-15 minutes first until the flames are consistently licking the bottom of the cooking grate.
• Keep the Solo Stove vent holes clear to allow proper airflow.
• Use well-dried biomass fuel only.
• Start with your food over indirect heat, not directly over the flames.
• Keep a spray bottle of water handy – a light mist can tame flare ups.
• Use cooking oils and marinades to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overload the grill – leave some space between food for proper air circulation.
• Rotate or flip food frequently.
• Keep the Solo Stove stove door closed once grilling begins.

It may take some trial and error to get the right heat control for different foods. Wind conditions can also affect performance. But with a little practice, you’ll be able to master grilling on your Solo Stove.

Choosing The Right Fuel For Grilling On A Solo Stove

The Solo Stove is designed to burn wood, leaves, pinecones and other biomass fuels efficiently. When grilling, you want an intense heat concentrated under the food. Here are some tips for fuels:

• Hardwood lump charcoal lights easily and burns hot, making it a good choice.
• Avoid briquettes – they contain fillers that can leave chemical smells.
• Dry aromatic woods like hickory, pecan, apple, or cherry impart nice smoke flavor.
• Avoid resinous woods like pine that can cause flare-ups.
• Paper and cardboard work well for ignition, but avoid inks and dyes.
• Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly are great starters.

Always use caution when handling fuels and supervise the Solo Stove when in use. Store extra fuels safely away from the grill.

Solo Stove Accessories For Grilling

Solo Stove offers some specially designed accessories to enhance grilling:

• Grill Tools – A set of stainless steel spatula, fork, and tongs customized for Solo Stove grilling.
• Fire Pit Cooking Grate – Cast iron grate sized to fit Solo Stove models perfectly.
• Pot Support Ring – Stainless ring lets you use pots, pans or grill tops.
• Shields – Help block wind and contain heat around the cooking area.
• Carry Cases – Nylon cases for safe transport of grill top and accessories.

Third party companies also make grilling accessories sized for Solo Stoves. You can find grill baskets, vegetable trays, Dutch oven supports and more.

Best Foods To Grill On A Solo Stove

The concentrated high heat of a Solo Stove is perfect for quickly searing meats and smaller vegetables. Some top foods to try include:

Food	Prep Tips
Hamburgers	Form relatively thin patties for quicker cooking.
Hot dogs	Slit hot dogs lengthwise before grilling.
Chicken pieces	Cut into smaller wings, thighs, breasts.
Kebabs	Assemble on skewers before grilling.
Vegetables	Slice zucchini, peppers, onions, etc.
Fish fillets	Brush with oil and grill skin-side down first.

The Solo Stove isn’t the best option for large cuts of meat that require long cooking times. The smaller the food, the easier it will be to maneuver on a compact grill top.

Cleaning And Maintaining A Grill Used On A Solo Stove

To keep your grill in good shape after using it on a Solo Stove:

• Let the grill cool completely before handling.
• Use a grill brush to remove any food debris and grease from grates.
• For cast iron grills, apply a thin coating of cooking oil to maintain the seasoning.
• If the grill has burners, clear any blocked ports.
• Empty and wipe down any grease catch trays.
• Use warm soapy water to clean other grill parts.
• Re-season grates periodically with cooking oil.
• For porcelain enamel coatings, avoid abrasive cleaners.

Store the grill in a dry location when not in use. Perform periodic deep cleaning by scrubbing with baking soda and rinsing thoroughly. A well-maintained grill will distribute heat more evenly and prevent food from sticking.

Safety Tips When Grilling On A Solo Stove

While very convenient, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind when using a grill with a Solo Stove:

• Grill in a clear area away from vegetation, structures, vehicles, etc.
• Don’t leave the grill unattended while hot.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Have a fire extinguisher, bucket of water nearby.
• Allow grill to cool completely before moving the Solo Stove.
• Ensure grill is stable and centered before cooking.
• Wear closed toe shoes and long sleeves while grilling.
• Avoid loose clothing that could catch fire.
• Use proper utensils with long handles.
• Don’t put flammable items near the heat.

Always place the Solo Stove on a non-flammable base like concrete, dirt or stone. Avoid wooden decks or surfaces that could burn. Proper ventilation and fuel handling are also very important for safe operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size grill is best for a Solo Stove?

For the Solo Stove Yukon, a grill up to 26 inches wide works well. For other models like the Bonfire or Campfire, compact 12-15 inch portable grill tops are ideal.

Can I use a charcoal grill on my Solo Stove?

Yes, lightweight charcoal grills are well-suited for use on top of a Solo Stove’s cooking ring. Make sure it’s stable and doesn’t exceed the size limits for your model.

What about cooking pans or pots on a Solo Stove?

The Solo Stove can support cookware like pans, pots, kettles or Dutch ovens. Choose ones with legs to keep the vessel stable and elevated above the flames.

Should I preheat my Solo Stove before grilling?

It’s recommended to preheat your Solo Stove for 10-15 minutes before grilling. This allows the fuel to fully ignite and the flames to spread evenly for consistent high heat.

How do I prevent flare ups while grilling on my Solo Stove?

Flare ups are common on open flame grills. To minimize them, leave space between food, trim excess fat, and lightly mist with water as needed. Keep the grease catch tray clean.

Conclusion

The unique design of the Solo Stove makes it possible to convert it into a grill for cooking over an open fire. Compact and portable grills are best suited for placing atop a Solo Stove to take advantage of the concentrated high heat it generates. With some basic guidance on setup, fuel choice, and usage, the Solo Stove can become an incredibly useful grilling appliance for outdoor cooking anytime, anywhere. Just be sure to take some basic safety precautions and care for the grill properly. In no time, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious grilled foods cooked over your versatile Solo Stove fire pit.