How to Cook Outdoors with a Smokeless Fire Pit | Helios Fire South Africa

There’s a certain moment that happens around a fire. The flames settle, the noise drops a little, and people naturally draw closer. Someone asks if anything’s cooking. Someone else says it doesn’t have to be fancy — just something simple, over the fire.

That’s exactly where a Helios Fire smokeless fire pit fits in.

It’s not about rushing a meal or turning outdoor cooking into a technical exercise. It’s about keeping things relaxed, clean, and enjoyable — letting the fire do what it’s meant to do, while food quietly becomes part of the experience.

Fire First, Cooking Second — And That’s the Helios Point

One of the first things we usually explain is that a Helios Fire pit is designed around the fire itself. The warmth, the atmosphere, the way it brings people together — that’s the starting point.

Cooking comes in naturally, almost as an extension of the moment.

There are no complicated stands, no adjustable grills, no levers or moving parts. When you cook on a Helios Fire pit, the accessories rest directly on the rim of the fire pit. The cooking height stays the same. What changes is the fire — how it settles, how hot it runs, and when you choose to cook.

Once people understand that, the whole experience feels easier.

Why Smokeless Matters When You’re Cooking Outdoors

Anyone who’s cooked around a traditional fire knows how quickly smoke can take over — in your eyes, on your clothes, and sometimes in your food. Helios Fire pits are designed to minimise that, using a dual-airflow system that helps burn off smoke before it escapes.

When the fire is built properly and you’re using dry, seasoned wood, the result is a clean, steady flame that’s far more comfortable to sit around — and much nicer to cook near.

That said, we’re always honest about one thing:
 wet or damp wood will smoke.

The smokeless effect depends on good fuel. Dry wood makes all the difference, both for the fire and for cooking.

Cooking, the Easy Way with Helios

Cooking on a Helios Fire pit isn’t about juggling temperatures or adjusting heights. It’s about timing, patience, and letting the fire settle into its rhythm.

Once the flames calm and the heat evens out, the pit becomes a natural place to cook — not rushed, not forced, just part of the flow of the evening.

The Helios Accessories That Make It Possible

The Flat Griddle / Skillet

This is where most people start.

The flat griddle — sometimes referred to as a skillet — gives you a solid, even surface that sits directly on the fire pit. It’s perfect for cooking meat, vegetables, flatbreads, or breakfast-style meals when the mood calls for it.

There are a few things we always mention, simply so expectations are clear:

●      The surface is flat

●      It doesn’t come with a stand

●      The cooking height is fixed

Once people accept that, they usually realise how refreshing the simplicity is. You preheat it, cook at your own pace, and enjoy the process.

Afterwards, once everything has cooled, a quick clean and a light oiling keeps the surface protected and ready for next time.

The Folding Braai Grill

For those who love cooking directly over flame, the folding braai grill offers exactly that.

It rests on the fire pit and gives you direct heat — ideal for meat, skewers, or vegetables once the fire has settled. There’s no height adjustment and no moving parts, just honest fire and good flavour.

It’s the kind of cooking that feels familiar, but cleaner and more relaxed.

A Quick Word About the Lid

This is something we always explain clearly.

The lid is not designed for cooking.

When you place the lid on the fire pit, it cuts off oxygen and puts the fire out. That’s its purpose — safety, shutdown, and covering the pit once you’re done.

You can keep food warm briefly once cooking is finished, but the lid should never be used while actively cooking. Think of it as the final step, not part of the process.

Small Habits That Make a Big Difference

Let the Fire Find Its Balance

Because the cooking height stays the same, timing matters. Let the fire burn down slightly before you start cooking. That’s when the heat becomes steady and predictable.

Always Preheat

Giving the griddle or grill time to heat properly improves everything — better searing, less sticking, and more even results.

Clean and Oil After Use

Once the fire pit has cooled:

●      Clean the cooking surface

●      Dry it thoroughly

●      Lightly oil it

It’s a simple habit that keeps everything in good condition and prevents rust.

What People Actually Cook

Most people don’t try to do everything at once. They cook what fits the moment:

●      Steaks or sausages on the griddle

●      Vegetables slowly cooking alongside

●      Flatbreads warming while conversation flows

●      Food resting while everyone enjoys the fire

It’s unhurried, flexible, and social — exactly how outdoor cooking should feel.

A Few Questions Helios is Often Asked

Can I cook directly on the fire pit?
 Yes, with the right accessories. Cooking surfaces sit directly on the pit.

Does anything adjust or come with a stand?
 No. Everything is fixed-height by design.

Why is my fire smoking?
 Usually damp wood. Dry, seasoned wood keeps the fire clean.

Do I really need to oil the griddle?
 Yes. It’s the easiest way to protect it and keep it ready for next time.

The Helios Fire Way of Cooking Outdoors

Cooking on a Helios Fire smokeless fire pit isn’t about replacing your braai or mastering a new system. It’s about adding another layer to outdoor living — one that feels natural, relaxed, and honest.

Good fire. Simple food. Clean flames.
 Nothing rushed. Nothing complicated.

That’s what keeps people standing around long after the food is done — and why the fire always becomes the centre of the evening.