Can you roast marshmallows on a gas fire pit? From the time mankind began to create fire for cooking food, we have seen fire in many different forms. It has become an element of every culture, so much so that even when people travel back to their original homeland they remember what it was like to cook over the open flame.
The culture around campfires is still alive and well in America. So much so that people all over the country love to go camping and take part in roasting marshmallows by the fire at night. Many of them do not even realize that there is a gas fire pit for this task.
Can you roast marshmallows on a gas fire pit?
The short and simple answer of question “Can you roast marshmallows on a gas fire pit” is Yes. You can roast them on a gas fire pit. It works in much the same way that it does with any other open flame. However, there are some pitfalls to avoid if you want to make sure that they do not catch fire while you are toasting them.
Steps to Make Roasted Marshmallows
The first thing that you need to do is get the fire pit ready for roasting some marshmallows. You can either put a grate on one of the legs of the fire pit or hold it over the fire manually. Make sure that you have a small skewer or a long stick to do this with.
Method 1: Roasting Marshmallows over a Lit Fire
One method is to light a fire, wait for the flames to die down, and then roast the marshmallows over the hot coals. Just remember that every gas fire pit has its own unique design as far as size and location of the regulator goes. Try not to block this part off with the marshmallow skewers, as the flame will have no way to escape.
Method 2: Roasting Marshmallows from a Distance
Another method that you can use which is a little more hands off, involves cooking your dessert from a distance. Simply light a fire and wait for the flames to die down before placing your skewers on top of the hot coals. The distance will allow you to roast multiple marshmallows at once without having them touch each other or the fire itself.
The pros of roasting marshmallows over a gas fire pit:
They do not take as long to roast You can set different types of food out to cook at the same time You can do other things like clean up or read without having to worry about your food
The cons of roasting marshmallows over a gas fire pit:
If you are not careful, they will catch on fire They do not produce as much smoke as an open flame
Tips and Instructions about roasting marshmallows.
Make sure that you are using skewers or long sticks when roasting your marshmallows. This way, you will not have to worry about them falling into the fire pit.
If there is a grate in place on your gas fire pit, make sure it is in the correct position before lighting the flame. If it is too close to the edge, the skewers could easily fall in.
You should also make sure that you are placing your food on top of a small area where there are no flames still burning. This will ensure that they get cooked evenly and not blackened on one side.
There are many things that you can roast besides marshmallows over an open flame, but they do need to be cut into bite sized pieces. If you want to roast a hotdog, make sure that it is cut in half. Making sure that they are small will also help prevent the flame from going out as quickly as it would with a larger chunk of food.
FAQs:
Do gas fire pits come with grates?
Depending on the type of fire pit that you purchase, there may be a grate included. If not, you can simply buy one separately and put it in place. It is important to have one if you plan on roasting marshmallow or other foods over the flame.
Can I roast whole marshmallows?
No, you will need to cut them into bite sized pieces. They do not require a lot of extra room and the fire pit itself will work as a roasting pan.
How long does it take for marshmallows to roast over an open flame?
It all depends on how large they are and how many you cook at once. Remember, the larger they are, the longer it will take for them to burn and melt.
What are the health risks of roasting marshmallows over an open flame?
There is a risk of burn injury, but it is not as great as you would think. Make sure that you have some type of covering to place them in when they are done so your hands do not get burned. The biggest dangers with this method will be fire and smoke. If you do not stand far enough back or leave the area, you could end up with a burn injury to your skin and inhaling too much of the smoke.
Do gas fire pits come with skewers?
No, they will need to be purchased separately if you plan on roasting marshmallows or any other foods. You can use a stick that you have collected from outside or purchase one from the store.
Can I use a gas fire pit for cooking other items besides marshmallows?
Yes, there are many things that you can roast over the open flame including corn on the cob, hotdogs and even meatballs. Just make sure to cut them into bite sized pieces first.
Conclusion
Roasting marshmallows can be done over a gas fire pit, but it will need to sit far enough away from the flames. This way you do not burn your roasting stick or skewer and you can cook other things at the same time. Just make sure that they are small enough pieces to prevent them from catching on fire and use a grate to keep them from falling in if you are not cooking on top of a flat surface.
