Grills, Grates and Fire Anchors. What I use for Campfire Cooking.

In this video, I will be going through the campfire grills, grates and fire anchors that I use when camping and cooking over an open fire. Although not essential for campfire cooking, a grill does make life easier when cooking meat, fish and vegetables over the fire and for supporting cooking pots and pans. They provided a stable platform on which to cook and they can be adjusted to take advantage of heat control while you are cooking.
I have a few grills that I show in this video, although there are many to choose from when looking for one to buy, some good, some less so. Hopefully this video might help to give you some pointers and tips for when choosing a grill for your adventures into the outdoors.
I hope you enjoy the video,
Thanks for watching.
Links
Bitty Big Q
bittybigq.com
TJM Metalworks
www.tjmmetalwo...
Coghlans Small Fire Grill
www.coghlans.c...
Boundless Voyage Ti Grill
www.amazon.co....
Mesh Grill Twin Pack
www.amazon.co....
Simon, a bloke in the woods Merchandise
simon-a-bloke-...
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Music
Sugar Grove - River Run Dry
Dude Wheres my Horse - Nat Keefe with the Bowties

[@jimpatten2323]

You know what I like about Simon's videos? He's honest, straightforward, simple, no BS. Just shares his experience and lets the viewer decide what's right for them by themselves. In a word, he's genuine.

[@jarvisskooge8602]

Good stuff… neighbor was tossing an oven & I snagged the heavy stainless oven grates. I’ve been using them for close to a decade. Free is good!

[@viewsandreviews180]

First, I don’t believe you should be apologizing that you’ve actually used your kit. I’m more inclined to believe someone who’s kit has the signs of use. That said, thank you for this presentation and your options on the grills you demonstrated.

[@ollvebranch]

I know this is an old video, but I’m always thankful that I can come here, (and other Bushcrafters, ie: Kent Survival), to hear you laugh, show us the beauty that still remains in the world and escape this insane, chaotic world. Thank-you.😊

[@jplamb77]

Great Video Simon,,,, First off,,, 2,,ok,, 3 things I love about the UK 🇬🇧. Great fish and chips,,, Your green woods event’s And TJM metal works,,,!!! I’ve gotten several items from Trevor,, and like you mentioned,, My grandkids will be using them after me. I’ve got one more item from him to purchase,, and I’ll be set( one of his base camp grill’s). Extreme Quality and I really consider it a privilege to have such Craftsmanship available,,, Shipping to the USA 🇺🇸 has been seamless,,,, Excellent review,,,,!!!!!! Joshua

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Joshua! 👍

[@stephenlaws1836]

As usual , very simple but clear information , great job Simon

[@markjones8846]

Great review Simon, thanks. I have the Bitty Big Q and find it to be a very versatile , it goes along on all of our kayaking paddle trip. Its been used a grate and as a grill over a fire. The ones from TJM Metalworks do look to be a very high quality, just wish shipping to Canada wasn't so high.

[@craiglake6091]

I've been hoping to see you do a video on your grills. I've been purchasing the TJM products that I've seen you use and have loved them. I also just purchased the flat, round frying arm for the mini fire anchor. I can't wait to use it. You are a great mentor for those who love to be outdoors. Thanks Simon.

[@SamoyedMoms]

I also got that mini anchor stainless round frying pan - arrived a couple weeks ago. Have yet to use it but will soon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Craig!

[@scottsevers6194]

I been making mine for 40yrs out of discarded oven shelves or grill trays. Have a bbq plate ( holes in each corner) and 4 long bolts and 4 wing nuts for legs. Flat packs nice. 😊

[@mitchyuk]

That mini-fire anchor is such a beautifully crafted thing. I wish I had a need for it but I'm not really a camper. Very interesting video, thank you, Simon!

[@carolnewton496]

Do you have a fire pit?

[@manowar4046]

I bought a branded boards BBQ grill grate for $13 and I use it all the time and it has served me well out in the field. I also put one in my shtf backpack its light weight and doesn't take up much room.

[@khamen723]

I have one from Boundless Voyage. It’s titanium but it’s not the flat one, it’s like the last one you showed, the bigger wire one. Love it

[@ieonking1053]

Hi Simon i have just brought my first coleman tent and my daughter and wife have brought between them for me a trangia cooker with all the pots and pans plus kettle stored inside the burner holder, its a alcohol burner. I have a wavesport ethos 10 kayak that i have just brought at the beginning of the year, for the purpose od kayak camping, well now just have to start using it and start camping. Unfortunately my wife doesn't like camping so i will be going with friends and by myself to some sites, then wild camping, so yes i am looking forward to it, i have watched most of your videos clips and you are the one who has got me back into camping, i loved it as a kid. I have seen you do video's with you son, but never with your wife, is she like mine not into it? I know some people don't. Well keep up the interesting video's great to watch, ian

[@geoffgarrett5622]

I think the grill is fantastic for the price point kzbin.infoUgkxCx5fHawkK9OoV-ojFrY8JLnZrFwAmvUt . It's hard to make something quality for 99 dollars. I use the term "quality" loosely, but it should give you many years of service if you take care of it. It is a small 2 burner grill. If you want something big enough to cook for a large family or cook over, that isn't it. This is more or less designed for a single person or a couple and maybe a child or two. The most frustrating thing is the instructions. The parts that do have writing try to jumble all the languages together on each step which makes it frustrating to read. On the actual assembly portion, no words at all. Just pictures. The pictures probably are best for a universal audience, the way they are drawn makes it hard to understand the orientation. A lot of the piece I would have thought could have been cast in place instead of having to be installed separately adding time to the build (hinges for example, just pop in a pin and cotter pin..but this process took 16 washers, 8 bolts, 8 nuts, 2 pins and 2 cotter pins).

[@friedquail9278]

Your life is really fresh. Especially when you wake up in the morning and look around full of natural scenery. I feel like I want to live like this very much.

[@kingrafa3938]

Love the first one, the Bitty Big Q and the last one. Great review and tips Simon 👍

[@robertogomez3698]

Hi Simon, it's so true, there are many choices available. Thanks for sharing the grills you use and showing us the different ways they can be used. My favorite camera shot is with the 2 sausages, they looked really good. Have a great week.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks Simon. Nice demo of grills. Take care 😊

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

When I first saw the mini fire anchor in your video back in July 2020 I bought one. I love it and it has been used extensively. Amazingly versatile, and should last many many years. I have even used the small grill off the mini fire anchor as a throw down griddle too. So glad I saw it as it’s my perfect option for bikepacking, hiking and van camping tbh

[@papajeff5486]

Really like the elegance of the Trever made artwork. I have a titanium throw down for backpacking. Nice display and explanation. Thanks, from Kentucky.

[@steveroberts1422]

After seeing your previous videos, I purchased a grill from tjm metalworks and am super pleased with it. I take it out every time I camp. Another great video Simon 👍

[@SamoyedMoms]

Simon - you and Andy (Kent Survival) have boosted TJM Metalwork sales and Britain's GDP (I live in Washington, D.C.) by introducing me to these heirloom-quality products. I car camp, solo and with friends, so have rationalized an extensive TJM collection, including the mini and large fire anchors, three grills, a tripod and two of his new lantern holders (Andy uses those). They are so useful, compact (for car camping) and versatile. I've instructed my sister, who would handle my estate and also camps, that she needs to treasure them when she inherits. You and Andy also sold me on the Petromax potato cooker a while back. That thing is fun.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Superb quality gear isn’t it! I’m sure they’ll get passed on down the generations 😁

[@stronzer59]

I can assure anyone looking to do some serious off grid travels that these camp fire tools will do the job and some. Got my kit 50 years ago and still works a treat The secret to a long service life is get it off the fire once the cooking is done

[@kathiwalker7512]

Very informative video.we have 3 of those grills. The bitty bbq which goes with us every camping trip as most fireplaces have broken grates. The fire anchor we use for low fire with vegetable steamer no footprint fire for a relaxing cup of tea,coffee or hot chocolate. We love taking our cast iron for cooking. That little cast iron you have, we have one and it's great.

[@tracykooken2606]

Simon, i was quite pleased 2 c the endless voyage in ur pile !! i've never used a grill backpacking but really want 2 c what it'll do... or not do ........ for camping experiance !! the grill has def cot my eye !!! a year later...or so... here u r with it & a good endoresment !! a sincere thank u my friend !!!!!!!

[@germantrigo3221]

Yo no entiendo inglés pero aún así se me hace fácil entender sus ideas, es genial 😲

[@johnspear3452]

I'm still using the radiator grill off the series 2a land rover, the only bit of that truck that still works.

[@philmickey7247]

Good one!🤣👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂 Nice bit of recycling!

[@brendalawhon6567]

I'm from West Virginia USA love watching all your videos, just watched Andys video.

[@alanargent5422]

Great video. This might sound stupid but I often just push 3 tent pegs into the ground before I build my fire. A pot or pan will sit on them quite nicely.

[@jonfisher9214]

Or 3 rocks. Just let them sit in the flames for a while to ensure they're not going to pop due to steam building up inside.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Nice and simple, lightweight and always good to use multi purpose kit! 👍👍

[@russelltomkins8925]

one of th best fire cookers I have is a tripod of 3 piecess of metal rod or heavy fence wire and a large nut Put th wire up thrugh th nut open it outto form a tripod and put it over th fire

[@aarondodge1913]

Simon, this is one of the most informative videos you have done. Great job. I now have my Christmas list nailed down.

[@davidjones8680]

I'd prefer to be buying the quality British product. However, having said that there are dozens of free and abandonded Tescos trolleys to be had around my town since they opened a new store recently.

[@mariumrajah]

Thanks for a great upload 12:30 I’ve done similar 👌I cut up a metal hanger for the legs sadly the canvas bag I got made for it cost £35, TJM metal works is my next buy deffo.

[@davidfitnesstech]

Long time viewer Simon. Always enjoy your videos as well as the soundtracks. From the U.S.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Good choices, all: I own most of them. Coughlin's was my go-to grill for many years. The wires did warp a fair bit but the grill still functioned well. I bought Bitty Big Q having seen it used on your channel. The same goes for T J Metalworks products.

[@schonbeardwildmark]

I love these comparison videos. It’s nice seeing someone with more gear than yourself 😊 Actually a lot of the gear I’ve got is similar and I agree with you about the quality of the TJM. It’s fantastic and a pleasure to use.

[@paulseeman6481]

Great selection Simon, I’ve also salvaged my BBQ grills for fire useage!

[@samhill3496]

Good vid Bloke. Good to know the homebuilt units. Never wear them out.

[@alexmclaren-salter9669]

Got my TJM mini fire anchor after seeing you use it. Absolutely love it! Thanks Simon (and Trevor)

[@JeremyMcCreary-ib7wo]

That first foldable grill is amazing that's just what I need

[@tish-frenchriderinuk.9913]

I saw your video and passed an order to tjm, thank you I was looking for such system a while now.

[@timcummins625]

Nice selection of grills there Simon. I do like the fire anchor but it looks heavy for backpacking. I got a couple of grills for free from an oven at the recycling depot. An oven shelf that I use on the fire pit at home (made from a washing mchine drum) and the other that I take back packing is from a grill tray that is turned upside down and hung from a tripod with hanging basket chains and keyrings.

[@mikeoglen6848]

That's great re-cycling.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Always good to recycle! Sounds like a great set-up! 🔥🔥🔥

[@roberthorwood4276]

Another Great, interesting &informative video Simon, Thank you. ingenious designs from TJM Metal works :-)

[@eatrideselfrealiserepeat]

Just bought two Bitty Big Q! Amazing! And really not expensive at all!!!

[@vipulsajagane9469]

Simon your content is very simple yet very very interesting and Original. I love watching your videos.. Love from India 🇮🇳

[@stevebruce1235]

Great review Simon appreciate your videos if ever you make your way to the states,i reside in Arizona lots if open land beautiful landscape

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Very nice review on , your camping grills Simon 👍👍. I grabbed a couple of old BBQ grills from a old one , at the dump 😜. And leave them hung up in trees, at places where Toni ( 🐕 ) I like to go camping, fishing. So I don't have to carry them around, other people have used them. As not on the same branch stub as , where I left them. All good as , atlest someone else finds it handy 😜

[@CorreSport7]

Great video. Enjoyed watching and learning from over in the States (California).

[@SmithandWesson22A]

Just back from a few days bush, used a throw down stainless wire grill to cook steak one night and lamb chops the 2nd. So simple, and the results...yummo

[@susanp.collins7834]

I like the Boundless Voyage one best.

[@chrisponsano4378]

I salvaged a couple of grills from an old BBQ.

[@chriscjjones8182]

I'm looking at getting one of the titanium ones soon to also use with my rocuboid evil eyes titanium stove. Lightweight, flat, multiple uses, and under £20, perfect

[@richardackerman6151]

PS: this was an awesome video. Well done. I was just roaming around for something to watch on KZbin and found you. ThankQ. I just happen to be a blacksmith and a camper, but I'm 74 years old so I sleep in a nice warm 4 wheel drive Lance camper, not in a tent on the ground. I'll check out your other videos.

[@MHarenArt]

Simon, you can make anything interesting. Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@rolandsalazar9562]

Simon….your tutorials are always insightful, educational and entertaining. So happy to see this channel and its success. I’m still kicking myself not being able to buy one of your homemade hacksaws. You’re still one of my favorite channels when it comes to bushcraft camping. You an Andy of Kent survival are the best. Cheers mate from across the pond in California USA 🇺🇸. Blessings to you. 🙏🏼⛺️😎

[@NewHampshireJack]

Excellent overview of what is available these days. Thank you, Simon, for posting the video.

[@6yjjk]

Fascinated by that Bitty Big Q, gives a big area but easily small enough to stuff in a kayak day hatch.

[@doozerakapuckfutin]

Still using my bush box xl titanium.

[@JerryBelotti-lq4yx]

Nice simple video, Yet covers so much. Types, brands, tips for each. Good work.

[@christopherparisi9396]

Depends how far you’re hiking. For the most part i use the coghlan pack grill. Really lightweight so when I’m hiking over 3 miles it’s my go to.

[@Uploaderization]

I find it very useful. I use it as a pot support, a grill, a dryingrack or maybe a small table. Lightweight and quite cheap too 🙂

[@MikemurderD]

I just ordered a fire anchor from TJM based on your review. Can't wait to use it. Shipping to Canada is highway robbery, but worth every penny!

[@bjh4970]

I take the grates from discarded toaster-ovens to use as throw-down grills; generally pretty light gauge, but free and light and work well

[@nickhealy9047]

I use the small square mesh grill as it is just the right size to replace the very fiddly pot supports on the emberlit firebox stove and it fits in the same bag when the stove is packed flat

[@kevinbesa1000]

I loved that intro so much. I replayed just that part 3 more times.

[@paulthomas57is]

I enjoy the videos, always interesting. Curious where to find the fry pan about 22 seconds in and 4:10 minutes in. I live in the US in the Northwest, always cooking over open fires, love it…

[@TimintheBackwoods]

Thanks so much for the demo’s Simon ! Brilliant video as always ! Cheers !! 👍👍🌲🌲🌲🇨🇦🍻

[@tjfm59]

thank you simon for a informative video. with you listing links to the products. i find myself looking for grill / grates again. some of the ones you have that i thought would work for me are limited to 'pot only no direct contact with food.'

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

Any grill with tasty grub on it is the grill for me! Great as always Simon. Thanks

[@Mart687]

9:25 Pathfinder by Dave Canterbury sells the exact same grill. Pouch is the same. So it's probably rebranded by others as well. Not sure who was first. I got one and they are 110 grams ish. Looking at prices of titanium by for example Toaks, these grills are not expensive. I love mine and as shown in the video you can put a cut in a stick with a silky and use a woodburning stove. I've grilled burgers on it, boiled a liter of water. It's a strong platform.And turn the stick and move the grill towards the fire or away. I love it.

[@JimHep]

Friend, I have been looking for a no nonsense camp grill. Thank you! Just ordered the larger grill from TJ. Stoked. 👍

[@daveadolph9069]

Great video! Thanks Simon! I also have salvaged grill plates from old (rusty)barbeque grills. They are great as a campfire grill, but they're very heavy and unsuitable for backpacking. Believe it or not, I use an old Jeep headlight protector grill with my gas and wood stoves. It nests nicely on small gas/wood stoves and provides a good and stable base for pots and kettles.

[@mickgately5423]

great seeing the TJM mini anchor in use. got email this morning to say mine as been shipped. can't wait

[@lethaleefox6017]

A grill I use with a funnel cooker is a small round one from Weber (I think) ... round because it works with a Pyrex bowl in a 5 gallon bucket that holds the funnel cooker in place and supports a Pyrex bubble made with two Pyrex mixing bowls that will hold black saucepan with the handle unscrewed.... more of a car camping type of setup.... I also have grills for my outdoor cooking fireplace, those are mostly rectangular, they might get used over a camp stove if needed. The stainless ones you showed with the legs looked tempting if I were doing more camping off the estate.

[@65indi]

Ordered trevs large ancor kit with bag shouldn't be too long now thanks for info Si 👍

[@stevebonavitarealtor]

TJM is the best!! Hands down. Thanks for the video.

[@WarrenKimpel]

another nice informative video, THANKS

[@shinysidedown9090]

Grate assortment! In Canada we rarely carry grills because most established campsites have several abandoned grates. I guess many people can't deal with the soot. Still waiting for someone to abandon their Bitty Big!

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Thanks for the reviews Simon! I like the last grill with the single rod and totally adjustable height. Very clever.

[@thomascraig7230]

Once again a very helpful, informative video. It's easy to build up a large supply of gear.

[@texasford]

Great reviews & info for camp cooking. Hope you & Andy have fun on your trip to Sweden 🍺

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Simon . 🐺 Loupis Canis .

[@ericksonjustinAK]

Would love a video about managing and dealing with soot. I use a cooking stove for only one reason: the soot. I haven’t been camping with someone that is used to cooking on the fire and dealing with the soot. Everyone I know avoids it. Would love to hear everything about what makes cooking on the fire worth it despite the possible messes.

[@claudelabelle7099]

Thank you for the review. I'm just in the process of purchasing a grill and you've helped in my decision making.. Thanks Simon..

[@johng9562]

My favorite is the mini fire anchor from TJ Metal Works.

[@magneto263]

Thanks for taking the time to show us your grills. 😁

[@stuartlockwood9645]

Hi Simon, thanks for the video, plenty of choice in grills, nice demo seeing them over a fire, and not fresh out of the bag in someone's man cave,lol. Cheers mate, looking forward to the next one, stay safe, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.

[@sea-tour]

Hi Somon Good report and video. I only missed the griddle Plate from Coleman. We uns this over 30 years now. It belongs to the green Petrol Stove 2 flame but dont use this anymore. No flames are burnig your steaks and better Heat on the surface. not so good for pods and Dutch Ofen i thin but i dont need it for this. Very good for Fish, Toast and Eggs cause nothing sticks on. Very light cause Alumiium. Cheers Frank

[@loonypics6938]

Hi Simon : With the very hot eater we've had recently I'm suprised that you haven't tried out your solar oven you made back in the spring

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

I keep meaning to ☀️☀️☀️

[@l.v.i.bushcraftandsurvival6692]

I just purchased the two grill combo by Exped Research- mostly for the 5x5 grill to go into my M40. Used the Coghlan’s for years no issues.

[@spook233]

In the States, fire anchors are also called "squirrel cookers". Hope this helps you find your dream kit!

[@markcummings6856]

@@bobabooey4537 What’s so funny about that?

[@janvanoverdijk8116]

Hey Simon Awsome video ... respect fot your video's i'll keep follow !! grtz from Holland ... Janneman

[@user-sf9rn9yx5f]

Good result 👍

[@oddmanout98]

Great video Simon thank you. I have a couple of those. My favourite being Trevor’s fire anchor. I’ve also used its grill as a throw down too.

[@SainiBadwalUSA]

I like V grates and that can go up and down easily I have a pallet grill and I am building a V grates with up down macanism.

[@CM-tj1fg]

Quote of the day "it's a bit stiff cos I haven't used it for a while" a real Carry On moment Simon!!!

[@ashleyhoward8926]

Ooh err, matron!

[@franciscoacacermeiro1788]

Thank you very much Simon, you have managed to whet my appetite. Great job.

[@moonyoungki6621]

좋은영상 잘보고있읍니다 앞으로도 많은것 보여주시길~very good

[@ladymarguerite5044]

Thank you mate, very informative.

[@NickGoldsmith776]

The great conundrum 🙌 🔥 enjoyed this one 😊

[@lscblackwell9202]

Fantastic post, Simon! Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Always nice to know what options there are out there and how they work. I know me - I am the type to start collecting these and eventually, it would just be ridiculous! 😆😆 Take care and be safe! 👍👍😊😊