What makes HotSpot fire pits the best available?

HotSpot fire pits offer a unique combination of design and build qualities that make them the best you can buy. 

Design: three legs for stability; strong, high-mounted ring for carrying or resting your feet (it stays remarkably cool); shallow bowl shape to encourage strong air circulation and a hot, clean burn; versatile cooking accessories that adjust in height and swing out of the way. 

Build: Every HotSpot fire pit is made in Washington with thick carbon steel. And all the individual parts are hand-welded, meaning the entire unit is essentially one continuous hunk of steel. They’re heavy, solid, and will last a long, long time, unlike cheap pits that are easily dented and rust through in a few seasons. You won’t need to buy another fire pit in your lifetime.

Why are HotSpot fire pits the best for cooking?

Cooking food over live fire is fun and results in great-tasting food…assuming you don’t burn it. Other pit manufacturer’s grills sit right on the rim of the pit, so close to the fire that you might end up with a charred exterior and a raw interior. As all grill-master’s know, adjustability is key. Our grills and chapa griddles easily slide up and down on a steel rod, so you can get close for a quick sear or back off for a slow roast.

And what happens when you need to add wood to the fire? With those other grills, you’ve got a recipe for burning yourself or getting ashes on your food. With HotSpot grills, you just swing them out of the way, then swing them back when you’re done.

Will my HotSpot fire pit rust?

Our raw steel fire pits develop a “patina” of rust that most folks think adds character and rustic beauty. Because we use such thick steel, this surface rust has no impact on the strength and durability of your pit. But if you’re not into that look, we also offer a black powder-coated option.

Do I need a cover for my fire pit?

Our solid steel covers are one of our most popular accessories. They have obvious advantages for keeping out rain and snow (which won’t hurt your pit, but can make quite a mess when combined with ashes) and for safety (pop it on before you go to bed, no need to wait for the fire to burn out completely). It’s especially convenient that you can leave your grill or chapa on your fire pit (lowest position) and cover it with the solid steel cover. No need to remove and store it!

How should I take care of my fire pit and accessories?

Your raw finish fire pit is very durable and will not need a lot of maintenance.

Here are some things we do to keep everything working well:

Use your solid cover to keep the ash from getting muddy and thick as well as protect your cooking grill or chapa. Just set the grill or chapa in the lowest position and the cover will accommodate the armature via the little dog house we build into the cover itself.

Grills and Chapas will generally get a layer of cooking oils or fat which can be rubbed in when they are warm and not hot. As long as they stay dry, they will be ready for the next use with a quick wipedown when hot. 

When you first set the grill post into its socket, apply some cooking oil to the socket and post base stub. This will allow for removal if left in position for a long period of time.

Over time, the grill post will get some rust on the surface. Simply rub the post with 120 grit sandpaper until it looks more silver, then apply some oil with a rag. This will keep the grill, chapa, or hook moving nicely up and down.

For powder coated pits and covers, you need only wipe the surfaces with a very soft cloth.

Occasionally you might want to use some Dawn dish detergent and then rinse. Note that powder coated items, while stable to 1200 degrees, can be easily scratched.