One of the things that gets me through the freezing winter is sitting around a fire and enjoying some s’mores with my family. These gooey, fluffy treats and the faint scent of hot sugar are nostalgic and heartwarming.
So, I decided to invest in a propane fire pit.
But then it occurred to me, will it be safe to roast marshmallows on a propane fire pit? I was a little worried about the toxic residue of the propane.
Well, if you’re in the same situation, I bring you good news! You can definitely use your propane fire pit to make some tasty s’mores.
However, there are some things you need to know before setting up your campfire. And that’s what I’ll tell you in this article!
Can You Roast Marshmallows on a Gas Fire Pit?
The short answer is yes! It’s the same as roasting your marshmallows over a wood fire pit or in a microwave.
Additionally, a propane fire pit burns cleaner and doesn’t produce sparks, making it a safer option.
More importantly, propane won’t leave any toxic chemical residue on your treats. So, it’s 100% safe to eat.
Nonetheless, you need to keep in mind that your propane fire pit wasn’t designed for cooking purposes. And roasting marshmallows can get messy sometimes.
As a result, you want to be careful not to let your mallows melt into the pit. The problem is that these sugary droplets can clog the fire ports.
How to Safely Roast Marshmallows on a Propane Fire
Although propane fire pits are generally safe, there are certain measures you need to follow to enjoy a peaceful, accident-free gathering.
1 – Use the Right Skewers
When picking your sticks or skewers, go for the long ones. You want to keep a safe distance between you and the flame, and long skewers are perfect.
If you’re using wooden skewers, you want to pay extra attention to the distance, as they can easily catch fire.
Bonus tip: Soak your wooden sticks or skewers in cold water before roasting. This will reduce the risk of them catching fire.
Alternatively, metal skewers won’t burn, but they might conduct the heat to your hands. So, you want to pick sticks that don’t conduct heat or have a safety handle.
2 – Keep the Flames Low to Medium
To avoid burning your marshmallows, you want to keep the flames at the lowest level. Once you feel confident with your roasting technique, you can take it up a notch.
Generally, it’s best to keep it at a medium level. High flames aren’t safe and might burn your gooey treats in no time.
Some love their marshmallows burned, and I tend to enjoy them too. However, I don’t recommend giving your fluffy goods that extra burn on a propane fire pit.
The situation might get messy! And you won’t enjoy the cleaning process the next morning.
3 – Keep a Close Eye on Children
Roasting marshmallows might seem easy, but this doesn’t mean you should leave your kids unattended around the fire pit.
You can start by teaching them the basics of fire safety. Then, you can show them how to safely roast a marshmallow over the fire pit.
It’s important to show them the safe distance they should keep.
Then, you can sit back and relax while you keep an eye on them.
Can You Make S’mores on a Gas Fire Pit?
You can make the best s’mores on a gas fire pit! All you need to do is turn on the fire pit and follow these steps:
- Start by breaking your long Graham cracker in half to make two squared pieces.
- Then, put a small piece of chocolate over one of the crackers.
- After that, place one marshmallow on a stick and hold it a few inches above the flame while keeping your hand away from the fire.
- Once the fluffy treat turns golden brown on one side, rotate the stick to roast the other side.
- Remove your marshmallow from the fire and put it on top of the chocolate as soon as possible. You want to put it in your s’more when it’s hot so that it melts the chocolate.
- Finally, put the other cracker on top and enjoy this classic treat!
Does Roasting the Marshmallows on a Propane Fire Pit Alter Their Taste?
No. I know that gas smells like rotten eggs, but your fire won’t be stinky. The smell doesn’t pass through the flames, so your marshmallows will be safe!
In fact, I make the perfect s’mores using my propane fire pit. So, you have nothing to worry about.
Will Roasting Marshmallows Damage My Fire Pit?
Well, the problem only arises when you drop your treats inside the pit. Of course, you can’t pick the food up right away. Even if you turn off the pit, you’ll still have to wait until it cools off.
It gets worse when the gooey treats accumulate down there and clog one of the burner pits. As a result, it can affect the performance of your gas fire pit.
Not only that, but this burnt sugar might attract insects and rodents of all kinds. And you don’t want them to end up inside your house.
They’ll make themselves at home and hide inside your fire pit. So, the next time you invite friends and family over for a cozy campfire, you’ll have some unexpected guests!
Luckily, you can avoid that by keeping an eye on your marshmallows.
Accidents happen, I know. In that case, you want to clean the pit as soon as it’s safe to do so.
How to Clean a Propane Fire Pit
Cleaning a fire pit is easier than you think! Here’s how to clean your fire pit after a campfire night:
- First, allow the fire pit to cool off completely.
- Second, disconnect the propane tank to avoid gas leakage.
- Third, clean the supply line and burner pits from any debris.
- Then, wipe the surface with soapy water and a cloth.
- Finally, let your fire pit air out before having another s’mores night.
Can You Roast Hot Dogs Over a Propane Fire Pit?
I don’t know about you, but I always crave some roasted hot dogs when I’m sitting around a cozy campfire. While your propane fire pit isn’t designed for cooking, a quick hot dog roast won’t be a problem!
You might need a grill grate or any other utensil to hold the sausage over the fire, though. Hot dogs take time to cook, and you don’t want to spend your night standing next to the fire.
Final Thoughts
So, can you roast marshmallows on a propane fire pit?
The answer is yes. You’ll make the best golden-brown marshmallows on a propane fire pit. It burns clean, so there’ll be no sparks or stinky scents.
However, you need to pick the right skewers. They should be long enough so that you can keep your face and hands away from the fire.
If you have wooden skewers, I recommend soaking them in water before the s’more party begins. By doing this, your sticks won’t catch fire!
Remember to keep your flames at a low to medium setting and keep an eye on the children while they create unforgettable memories.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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