Essential Smokeless Firepit Accessories for Safe Outdoor Cooking

A Guide to Smokeless Fire Pit Grilling, Roasting, and Braaiing This Winter

Winter in South Africa brings more than just chilly evenings and woolly socks — it invites a new kind of togetherness. Picture this: flames crackling in the backyard, warm mugs in hand, marshmallows ready for roasting, and the comforting scent of food sizzling over a smokeless fire. It’s outdoor living, redefined.

But as with any fire-based activity, safety and preparation are everything. If you’re going to cook outdoors — especially over a Helios Fire Pit — you’ll want the right gear to keep your space safe, your food delicious, and your evenings stress-free.

Why Accessories Matter for Smokeless Fire Pit Outdoor Cooking

It’s Not Just About the Flame — It’s About the Whole Experience

Lighting a firepit is the start of something special — the warm glow, the crackling wood, the promise of shared food and stories. But as with any good experience, it’s the little details that elevate it from ordinary to unforgettable. That’s where the right firepit accessories come in.

Whether you’re grilling steak in your Constantia courtyard or roasting marshmallows with the kids at a campsite near Cederberg, the tools you use shape the entire experience. Here’s why firepit accessories are essential, not optional, when it comes to safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking:

Enhance Safety by Managing Open Flames

Open flames are beautiful — but they’re also unpredictable. Breezes can send sparks flying, logs can shift, and food can fall into the fire if not handled properly. Accessories like spark arrester grids, braai grills, and long-handled tools help you control your cooking environment, keeping both people and property safe.

In a backyard where children or pets are present, safety isn't just a preference — it’s a priority. With the right gear in place, you can confidently gather around the fire, knowing you’ve minimized the risks without sacrificing the atmosphere.

Improve Efficiency When Cooking

Have you ever lost a perfectly good piece of wors to the flames? Or tried to balance a pot over open coals using only hope and a stick? It’s frustrating — and unnecessary.

Accessories like the Apollo and Eros Folding Braai Grills give you a stable, elevated surface to cook evenly and reliably. Add a set of fire tools, and you’ll be adjusting logs, rotating skewers, and flipping boerewors with precision. No more scorched food, uneven heat, or burnt fingers. Just fire-controlled cooking at its best.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Smokeless Firepit

Think of your firepit as an investment — not just in hardware, but in memories. Firepit accessories like functional lids, ash tools, and waterproof covers help protect the pit’s surface, manage residue, and shield it from weather damage during Cape Town’s wet winters.

Without these extras, you risk rust, warping, or unnecessary wear. With them, your firepit will last for years, ready to warm every winter season and light up every social gathering — from Stellenbosch wine nights to backyard birthdays in Durbanville.

Make Cleanup Quicker and Easier

Cooking over fire is fun. Cleaning up the aftermath? Not so much — unless you’ve got the tools that simplify the process. A good ash scoop, poker, and grill that lifts away cleanly can cut your cleaning time in half.

And when you’re hosting guests or trying to wind down after a long evening, those extra saved minutes matter. With Helios Fire accessories, you can clean up fast, cover your pit, and be inside sipping dessert wine before your coals even cool.

Complete the Ritual, Just Like a Kitchen

Imagine trying to prepare a meal in your home kitchen without a spatula, pan, or knife. Ridiculous, right? The same applies to cooking over fire.

A firepit without accessories is like a stove with no knobs — technically functional, but practically limited. The accessories are what transform your firepit from a simple heat source into a full culinary station. They help you cook better, host smarter, and enjoy more.

In Short: Gear Sets the Vibe

Accessories are the difference between a basic backyard blaze and an immersive outdoor experience. They bring confidence to your cooking, comfort to your gatherings, and character to your setup.

So before you light your next fire, ask yourself:
Do I just want a flame — or do I want a firepit lifestyle?

With Helios Fire accessories, it’s never just about the flame. It’s about the experience you build around it.

The Must-Have Smokeless Firepit Accessories for Safe Cooking

Let’s break down the accessories into categories — from cooking musts to safety essentials and protection gear — and spotlight the best of what Helios Fire has to offer.

Cooking Over Fire Has Never Been Easier

There’s something primal and satisfying about cooking over an open flame. Whether you're braaing boerewors, melting halloumi, or crisping up mushroom skewers, the right braai grill makes all the difference.

Apollo Folding Braai Grill

• Built for the Apollo firepit
  
  

• Designed for larger cooking surfaces
  
  

• Easily folds away for compact storage
  
  

• Stainless steel construction for longevity
  
  

With a wide and stable grill platform, this accessory turns your firepit into a full outdoor kitchen. It’s perfect for hosting larger groups or prepping a variety of foods at once.

Eros Folding Braai Grill

• Made for the Eros firepit
  
  

• Compact yet functional — ideal for smaller gatherings
  
  

• Great for camping or beach outings
  
  

• Foldable and lightweight
  
  

This grill is ideal for the mobile host. Whether you’re picnicking in Tokai Forest or cooking beachside in Hout Bay, the Eros grill delivers function and flair.

Spark Arrestor Grids: Safety Comes First

Because Flying Embers Should Never Crash the Party

The joy of a winter fire shouldn’t come with the risk of stray sparks. Whether you’re on wooden decking or surrounded by flammable grass, a spark arrestor grid adds a layer of safety that’s smart, subtle, and essential.

Helios includes spark protection in their kits and as standalone options. These mesh guards fit snugly over your firepit, ensuring flames stay where they belong.

Safety tip: Always use a spark arrestor grid when children or pets are nearby, or if you're cooking on a breezy evening.

Toolkits: Control the Flame Like a Pro

Because Fire Management Is a Skill Worth Mastering

Cooking over an open fire isn’t just about lighting the wood — it’s about maintaining a consistent burn, adjusting the heat, and safely moving food or fuel. That’s where a toolkit becomes invaluable.

From tongs and pokers to ash scoops and cleaning brushes, these accessories give you control, cleanliness, and confidence. Helios offers these as part of their Apollo Silver Essential Kit and Eros Silver All-In Kit — more on those in a moment.

Travel-Ready Helios Fire Accessories: Pack, Move, Enjoy

For the Braai Adventurer in You

When your firepit moves, so should your gear. Accessories that fold, zip, and stow make it easier to bring your firepit experience to the beach, campsite, or holiday home.

• Carry Bags protect your firepit and accessories during transport.
  
  

• Foldable Grills collapse flat, fitting neatly into cars or trailers.
  
  

• Lids and Covers shield your firepit from coastal mist, rain, and sandy breezes.
  
  

Pro tip: Always let your firepit cool completely before packing it away.

Covers & Lids: Protection That Pays Off

Keeping Your Investment Looking (and Cooking) Like New

South African winters can be damp, windy, and unpredictable. Don’t leave your firepit exposed to the elements. Helios’ accessories include:

• Waterproof Covers for both Apollo and Eros models
  
  

• Functional Lids that double as table tops and keep the fire bowl clean
  
  

Lids also offer a layer of post-cooking safety — covering hot surfaces and ensuring no curious hands (or paws) get singed.

Helios Fire Kits That Bundle the Best

If you want a one-and-done purchase that covers everything from safety to cooking to convenience, Helios Fire offers bundled kits tailored to each firepit.

Apollo Silver Essential Kit

What’s Inside:

• Apollo Spark Arrestor Shield
  
  

• Folding Braai Grill
  
  

• Functional Lid
  
  

• Tool Set
  
  

• Waterproof Cover
  
  

Perfect for homeowners who’ve chosen the larger Apollo firepit, this kit gives you total control and protection, whether you're entertaining or just keeping warm.

Eros Silver All-In Kit

What’s Inside:

• Eros Spark Arrestor Shield
  
  

• Folding Braai Grill
  
  

• Functional Lid
  
  

• Tool Set
  
  

• Waterproof Cover
  
  

Compact but complete, this kit is built for the mobile lifestyle. From road trips to rooftops, it ensures your firepit experience stays stylish and safe.

Cooking Ideas to Try with Your Helios SmokelessFirepit

Want to impress your guests or upgrade your solo nights? Here are some fire-tested favourites for your Helios grill:

Skewers on Repeat

• Chicken sosaties with apricot glaze
  
  

• Halloumi, cherry tomato & olive skewers
  
  

• Boerewors “fire dogs” with caramelized onion relish
  
  

Braaibroodjies Done Right

• Cheese, tomato & chutney
  
  

• Bacon & brie with fig jam
  
  

• Nutella & banana (yes, dessert counts!)
  
  

Cast Iron Magic

• Breakfast shakshuka
  
  

• Pan-fried garlic mushrooms
  
  

• Lemon & rosemary lamb chops
  
  

Note: Always use cast iron or grill-safe cookware. Never place non-heatproof bowls or plastic handles over direct flame.

Helios Fire Safety Tips for Smokeless Outdoor Cooking with Firepits

1. Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby — even with a smokeless design.
   
   

2. Never leave the fire unattended, especially while cooking.
   
   

3. Keep kids at a safe distance, and use spark arrestors at all times.
   
   

4. Let the fire cool completely before packing up or placing a cover.
   
   

5. Avoid synthetic or chemically treated woods that release toxic smoke when cooking.

Why South Africans Love Cooking with Fire in Winter

Cooking outdoors during winter isn’t just about the heat — it’s about heritage. Fire brings us back to the basics:

• Community: Sharing food, flame, and laughter with loved ones
  
  

• Tradition: Celebrating the braai as a cultural cornerstone
  
  

• Connection: Spending more time outside, even when it’s cold
  
  

With the right firepit and accessories, you don't just cook — you create moments.

FAQ: Your Questions, Answered

Can I cook directly over a smokeless firepit?

Yes! With the right grill attachment, like the Apollo or Eros Folding Braai Grill, you can cook everything from skewers to steaks right over your smokeless flame.

What makes Helios Fire accessories different?

They're specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with your Helios firepit. Every lid, grill, and spark shield is tailored to fit perfectly — enhancing safety, performance, and longevity.

Can I take my firepit and accessories camping?

Absolutely. The Eros model is especially popular for camping thanks to its portability. Pair it with the Eros Silver All-In Kit for a complete mobile cooking setup.

Are these accessories safe for kids and pets?

Yes — especially the spark arrestor shields and functional lids, which help contain flames and shield hot surfaces. Still, always supervise little ones near any live fire.

Do I really need a lid or cover?

If you're storing your firepit outdoors or using it frequently, yes. A lid keeps your firepit clean and protected, while a cover prevents rust, moisture buildup, and debris from collecting.

Gear Up, Grill Smart, and Gather Often with Helios Fire Smokeless Fire Pit

When winter nights settle over South Africa, the flicker of a firepit becomes more than a source of heat — it becomes the heartbeat of the home. With the right accessories, your Helios Fire Pit transforms into a culinary canvas and a cozy campfire, all rolled into one.

So whether you’re in the suburbs of Cape Town, the wilds of the Karoo, or the beaches of the West Coast, make sure you’ve got the tools to light up the season safely and deliciously.

Fire smarter. Cook safer. Gather better.
That’s the Helios way.