Can I Cook in My Fireplace?

There’s something cozy and extra rewarding about cooking over fire. Between the crackle, the fire smell, or even just the labor of love, it’s unlike any other cooking experience. As the weather becomes chillier and we’re forced within four walls, it’s natural to wonder if you can keep cooking over an open fire, but inside. The answer? Yes, but with a caveat. It depends on your fireplace type and the safety precautions followed. 

Fireplace Type Matters: Wood vs. Gas

Unfortunately, wood-burning fireplaces are the only practical option to cook in. Why, though? Mainly because of grease interfering with gas log performance. Any byproduct from cooking can drip and cause irreversible damage, or at the very least, a big mess. In wood-burning fireplaces, this is less of a concern since the wood burns away. It’s important to triple-check your fireplace before attempting to cook in it. 

Preparing Your Wood-Burning Fireplace 

Since we’re working with food here, it’s important to clean all soot, creosote, and debris from your chimney — at least what is in the firebox. Next, build a strong, steady fire with hardwoods and let the coals develop. Coals retain heat and are more consistent than flames alone. Make sure the flue is open for ventilation. 

Cooking Methods to Use

Once you have the fire and coals set, there are a few ways to cook:

• Skewers

Assemble metal or soaked wooden skewers with meats and veggies of your choice. Place them over the fire and rotate periodically. 

• Dutch Oven

Once the coals are retaining heat, you can place your filled Dutch oven directly on top of the embers. You can even put a few embers on top for top heat. 

• Grill Grates

Any grill grate can work when placed over warm coals. You can then cook chops, steak, or vegetables right on top.

• Direct Coal Cooking

Another method is foil packet cooking. You can wrap vegetables and place them right on the coals. Potatoes or onions can even skip the foil if you want, although it can get messy.

Tips & Safety Considerations

If you have a wood-burning fireplace and you’re interested in trying fireplace cooking, there are some things you should keep in mind. It’s advisable to:

• Avoid high-fat meats
• Use a drip pan
• Continuously rotate food for even cooking
• Keep flammable items far away from the hearth
• Learn your fireplace — heat zones can be inconsistent
• Don’t neglect cleaning after cooking! Residual grease and food can not only attract animals, but can also be unsafe.

Call Hudson Valley Chimney Today

Before you can cook, you’ll need a clean and safe chimney. If you are in need of your annual cleaning, it may be time to contact us at Hudson Valley Chimney. Our experienced team can assist with annual maintenance, as well as help with any repair needs that may come up over the years. We can also answer any general chimney and fireplace questions you may have. Call Hudson Valley Chimney today to schedule an appointment with a certified chimney sweep.