Outdoor Blog

Can You Roast Marshmallows on a Propane / Gas Fire Pit?

Published

4 years ago

June 22, 2021

Two marshmallows roasting over fire flames.

A backyard fire pit can be a lot of fun, and there are many advantages to using natural gas. In particular, it can be a cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly fuel source.

This is great for an outdoor fire pit where reliability is especially important. Some people prefer wood fire pits for the ambiance but, let’s face it, getting a wood fire started can be a pain in the neck when you’re entertaining. Gas pits make it easy to flip on the fire and the fun.

A propane fire pit burns clean and produces no smoke or ash.

Can You Roast Marshmallows on a Propane Gas Fire Pit?

Still, there are some downsides to gas fire pits, and many people worry about the safety of cooking or even just roasting marshmallows over a propane flame. The good news is that it generally is safe to cook over a gas flame as long as you keep some key safety issues in mind.

In particular, it’s important to keep your gas fire pit clean and we’ll cover care and cleaning further down. Briefly, just remember that natural gas is highly combustible, and so it’s important to store and use it safely. That means following all manufacturer instructions, using common sense, and keeping your fire pit clean and well-maintained.

Cooking on a Gas Fire Pit

If you’ve ever done any grilling, you’ve probably already used a propane gas flame to cook! Most modern grills use propane fuel, although of course there are charcoal and wood-pellet grills as well. The only difference with a natural gas fire pit is that, unlike a grill, most fire pits don’t have the necessary grease catches and venting.

Thankfully, there are some workarounds for this. So you can cook in your outdoor space even if you just have a gas fire pit. For something like roasting marshmallows or even hot dogs, however, you won’t need to set anything up. Just be careful not to let anything drip into the fire bowl.

If they do, there are ways to clean it up, which we’ll also cover in a moment. But it’s always best to prevent this from happening in the first place. So make sure you have secure skewers to use if you’re going to roast a marshmallow on your gas fire pit.

Keep in mind that while it is safe to cook over a basic propane gas fire pit, there are some gas-fueled outdoor fire features that you don’t want to cook on. These can add a lot of flair to your outdoor space but they’re not the best option for cooking.

Cooking on Lava Rocks

Lava rocks are a common filler for gas fire pits, Almost every gas fire pit will have some kind of fire pit media to fill the fire bowl and distribute the flames more easily. This makes the pit a more beautiful outdoor feature, but it can sometimes be a problem for cooking.

You want to make sure the lava rocks you’re using have been weathered and cleaned before cooking over them. Not only do fresh lava rocks emit some dangerous gasses, but they can also explode! This is rare though, and most commercially available lava rocks have been properly treated before the sale.

Cooking on Fire Glass

Fire glass on the other hand, is a perfectly safe fire pit media to cook over. Fire glass looks pretty spectacular, and it’s a bit easier to clean up than other fire pit media.

Unlike lava rocks, fire glass is usually smooth. You should still be careful not to drip marshmallow gunk or other food into the fire pit, but fire glass is one of the easier options to clean. In particular, you can easily replace any “beads” of glass that get messy and this is usually fairly cheap.

Cooking on a Fire Table

Gas fire tables are not the best for cooking. Because they tend to have more complicated designs, fore tables are sometimes made to be decorative only. With lots of complicated parts, it’s easier to mess up than a simple propane fire pit.

Still, a fire table can look quite beautiful, and it’s understandable to want to fire up some marshmallows when you’re gathered around. Just like any other gas flame fire feature, you can do simple things like roasting marshmallows or hot dogs without much work.

Just be careful not to drop a melty marshmallow into the table’s mechanisms. That said, some fire tables come with cooking equipment that makes it safe and easy to cook right on your fire feature. There are also fire tables available that take a variety of different fuels and it may be a good idea to look into alternatives that allow you to use wood or charcoal. These tend to be a bit better designed for cooking over.

Gas Fire Cooking Tips

The key to effective and safe outdoor living with a gas fire pit is to account for drippings and grease. The main problem with cooking on a gas fire pit is that grease and dripped food can clog the gas lines and create other problems for the pit itself.

There is not really any risk of dangerous chemicals entering the food and it’s not even a problem of weird smells or tastes. It’s really about making sure you keep your fire pit clean to avoid difficult clean-up or a ruined gas pit. So how can you cook with a propane tank fire pit while keeping your outdoor living space clean and functional?

The simplest option is to use burner pans. These are pans that fit over your fire pit and allow the flame to heat the food without exposing the burners or other elements to food mess. You’ll want to get one that has a lip to keep grease from dripping out.

Grill boards are a no-go because too much grease falls through the slats. The other option for cooking in an outdoor space with a gas fire element is to use a simple cast iron pan over the open flame. Just like a burner pan, a cast iron pan will prevent food from dripping into the fire bowl.

Make sure to take care when moving the pan, however, as it will heat up quite a bit! Cast iron skillets are great for a lot of things, and they have just the rustic feel you want when cooking over an outdoor fire.

How Many BTUs Do I Need to Cook?

One advantage of the gas fire pit is that it’s a bit easier to control the size, temperature, and other aspects of the flame with gas. The average gas fire pit ranges from about 30,000 to 150,000 BTU. A BTU or British Thermal Unit is a measurement of thermal energy.

A simple way to think about it is that this is how much heat is being provided. For cooking, the amount of heat provided by a gas fire is usually plenty! On the subject of cost, one thing to keep in mind is that while a gas fire pit may cost more upfront, they do tend to pay for themselves pretty quickly.

Propane is cheaper than other fuels and with the right care, a gas fire pit can provide family fun for a long time to come. While different materials can burn hotter (and provide more heat), another advantage of propane is that it’s a relatively cheap fuel per BTU.

So you can get your fire up to the needed temperature for cooking accurately and easily with gas. This is one reason why gas grills are so popular. It’s a more precise operation than using charcoal or wood.

Gas Fire Pit Venting

While it’s perfectly safe to cook over a gas fire pit, it’s important to pay attention to potential risks as well as safety features and procedures. In particular, you’ll want to make sure your gas fire pit has proper ventilation before using it for anything.

This helps with cooking in particular because potentially dangerous chemicals need to be vented off of any fire. It’s easy with a wood fire on the ground to make sure there’s proper airflow and ventilation, but gas fires can be a bit trickier as they’re often integrated into other outdoor features and are built to take up less space.

Not only can improper ventilation be dangerous for you and your family, but it can also damage the materials around the fire pit. Plus, with insufficient airflow, it’s hard to get a flame big and hot enough to cook on. After all, fire needs oxygen to keep burning.

The way to make sure your gas fire pit has proper ventilation is to have it installed by a professional. There are versions that you can install yourself, but with gas especially, it’s good to have a professional eye on hand. You can also ask about ventilation during the installation and talk to your technician before the install to identify a good place for the pit. Placement will be crucial to maintaining proper ventilation and airflow.

Cleaning A Gas Fire Pit

So as you’ve probably guessed, it’s important to know how to clean and maintain your gas fire pit. Of course, it’s best to avoid messes in the first place as they can be a real pain to clean. Unlike wood fire pits, you can’t just hose down the inside of a gas fire pit.

It takes a little more precision, and there are some components that you shouldn’t disassemble or try to clean at all. If you do run into a situation where your gas line is clogged or you have a major, burned-on mess, it’s best to call a professional for help.

However, there are some very basic cleaning tasks that you can and should do on your own. You can use water and a little bit of soap to wipe down the interior. Make sure to remove the gas pit media first (lava rocks, glass, etc.), and be sure to fully dry the interior when you’re done.

You should also take care not to jostle or move anything too much. Gas fire pits are integrated units, so it can cause major problems if you jostle the gas line for instance. When in doubt, ask a professional.

Roasting marshmallow over a gas fire

How to Roast Marshmallows with Gas

One thing to remember is that, unlike grills, gas fire pits are not rated for cooking. So, while it’s generally safe, you’ll want to be careful you aren’t violating warranty conditions or using your gas fire pit in a way that will cause permanent damage.

You should also be aware of any local laws or regulations to be sure you’re operating within legal guidelines when cooking on a gas fire pit. The main thing you can do while roasting marshmallows to avoid this fallout is to invest in secure roasting sticks.

You can always use regular skewers in a pinch, but purpose-made roasting sticks are a good idea if you’re roasting on a gas flame. You’ll also want to be conservative with how long you roast them. While some people like the taste of a burnt marshmallow, they’re not only not great for your health, they’re risky in a gas pit.

It’s simple physics. As a marshmallow heats up, the gelatin inside breaks down, giving us that wonderful, gooey texture. If it breaks down too much though, the marshmallow will fall off the stick and into your fire pit. It’s a huge mess to clean and can damage your fire pit permanently, so be careful not to leave your marshmallows on too long.

How to Make S’mores

With all this talk of marshmallows and s’mores, we should briefly look at how to construct a s’more. It’s a very simple and classic campfire treat. Most Americans probably know how to make one already, but if not, here’s what to do:

Gather your ingredients. You’ll need graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars. Hershey’s is a classic choice.
Then, take your mallow and place it at the end of a secure, purpose-made roasting stick. Hold it over the flame and toast it until it’s golden brown on most sides. Again, some people like them burned, but this is risky with a gas fire pit.
When your marshmallow is fully roasted, place a few squares of chocolate bar on one graham cracker.
Finally, squish the roasted marshmallow between this cracker and another, with the chocolate on the inside.
The heat of the roasted mallow will melt the chocolate a bit, making for a gooey, messy, but delicious treat.

It’s a summertime classic, and there’s no reason to skip it just because you have a gas fire pit. Just be careful to avoid spills and drips, and make sure to clean your fire pit thoroughly if you do have a marshmallow fall in.

Final Verdict

Gas fire pits can be perfectly safe for cooking, as long as you keep some key safety and cleaning parameters in mind. Make sure you have proper ventilation, a way to prevent grease and other food waste from getting into the components, and a solid understanding of how to operate your gas pit.

From there you should be ready to roast marshmallows, cook a hot dog, or even get into more serious campfire cooking! Remember, if you do want to get serious about cooking on a gas flame, a burner pan or cast iron pan is your best friend. Bon appetit!

Bonus tip: Check out this great video on someone who forges their own roasting sticks!

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

2 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.