The difference between a heating and a cooking outdoor fireplace

Have you ever sat by a roaring outdoor fireplace on a crisp evening, just enjoying the warmth, when someone suggested cooking dinner over it? Before you reach for that cast iron pan, you should know that not all outdoor fireplaces are created equal when it comes to cooking.

We often hear from customers who want both: a stunning fireplace you can cook on while still keeping the family warm during evening gatherings. But is this dream realistic? Let's explore the fundamental differences between heating and cooking fireplaces to help you make the right choice for your outdoor living space.

Two different purposes, two different designs

The major distinction between heating and cooking outdoor fireplaces lies in how they manage heat. A heating fireplace is designed to radiate warmth outward into your outdoor space. In contrast, a cooking fireplace needs to concentrate and contain heat to create an environment suitable for preparing food.

Heating fireplaces: spreading the warmth

A traditional outdoor fireplace built for ambient heating has these characteristics:

• Open front design to maximise heat radiation
• Wider opening for better visual enjoyment of the flames
• Typically taller firebox to accommodate larger logs and create impressive flames
• Materials chosen to radiate the heat out the front rather than materials that retain it
• Focus on ambiance and visual appeal alongside the heating function.

Cooking fireplaces: containing the heat

A cooking fireplace works differently:

• More enclosed design to trap heat around cooking surfaces
• Often features integrated cooking surfaces or attachment points
• May include temperature control features
• Materials selected for rapid heating and heat distribution
• Design focused on functionality first, aesthetics second

Can you have the best of both worlds?

The honest answer is: yes, but with some compromise. Most outdoor fireplaces fall somewhere on a spectrum rather than being purely for heating or cooking.

A heating-focused outdoor fireplace can certainly be used for cooking, but you'll need to approach it more like cooking over an open fire pit than in a purpose-built oven. This means cooking directly over flames or embers rather than relying on ambient heat. You'll need to use appropriate tools and accessories specifically designed for open-fire cooking to get the best results.

When cooking on a heating fireplace, understand that heat zones will be less defined and potentially more variable than in a dedicated cooking appliance. You'll also need to accept that cooking times may be less predictable, requiring more attention and adjustment throughout the process. Overall, be prepared for a more hands-on cooking experience that requires your active participation and monitoring.

Making your heating fireplace cook-friendly

If you already have a heating outdoor fireplace or prefer one primarily for its warming qualities but still want cooking functionality, there are solutions:

1. Add specialised cooking accessories - Many outdoor fireplaces can be fitted with cooking grates, rotisseries, or other attachments that make cooking possible without compromising the heating function.
2. Master zone cooking - Learn to create and use different heat zones within your fireplace by positioning embers and flames strategically.
3. Choose the right fuel - Certain hardwoods not only provide excellent heat but impart delicious flavours to food when cooking.
4. Consider a pizza hood attachment - A removable hood can temporarily transform your heating fireplace into a more contained cooking environment ideal for pizzas and other foods that benefit from ambient heat.

What to look for in a dual-purpose fireplace

If you're in the market for a new outdoor fireplace that you can cook on, but still provides endless warmth for your family and friends, look for:

• Adjustable features that can modify airflow and heat distribution
• Sturdy construction that can withstand high cooking temperatures
• Attachment points for various cooking accessories
• A firebox design that allows for both direct and indirect cooking
• Quality materials that won't deteriorate under repeated heating and cooling (ideally a steel firebox)

Finding your perfect outdoor fireplace

The ideal outdoor fireplace for your needs depends on how you plan to use it most frequently. If you'll mostly gather around it for warmth and ambiance with occasional cooking, opt for a heating-focused model with good accessory options. If you’re mostly interested in delicious wood-fired meals with heating as a secondary concern, consider a more cooking-centric design.

Either way, an outdoor fireplace brings a magical element to any outdoor living space. There's something primal and satisfying about gathering around a fire, whether you're simply enjoying its warmth or preparing a meal over its flames.

Our fireplaces at Trendz Outdoors are designed with both beauty and functionality in mind, giving you flexibility to enjoy your outdoor space year-round, whether you're hosting a winter gathering or a summer barbecue. Planning to make the most of your outdoor living area?