How to Choose the Right Fire Pit or Heat Source for Your Auspit Setup

Author: Sasha Halabi  Date Posted:7 October 2025 

If you're gearing up for a season of spit roasting, it pays to get the foundation right, and we’re not talking about the meat. Choosing the right heat source under your Auspit is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It affects how evenly your meat cooks, how much heat control you’ve got, and how safe and stress-free your setup is.

Auspit rotisserie kit with fire pit set up in the backyard, roasting chicken on the spit, ribs in a basket, and steak on the warming rack for authentic open fire cooking.

Whether you’re cooking in the backyard, out in the bush, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you pick the best base, comparing fire pits, charcoal trays  (view product at BBQ Spit Rotisseries here), and fire drums (view product at BBQ Spit Rotisseries here) so you can cook smarter and enjoy more time with a cold drink in hand.

Fire Pit, Charcoal Tray or Fire Drum? Here’s What to Consider

Not all fire sources are created equal. The right setup depends on how and where you plan to cook, how much space you’ve got, and whether you're using firewood, charcoal, or both.

Fire Pits

Auspit rotisserie kit with fire pit set up by the river, slow-roasting meat over hot coals for authentic outdoor cooking.

  • Best for: Backyards, paved areas, and permanent entertaining zones
  • Why it works: Fire pits are stable, reliable and can double as a heat source for your mates once the roast is done. If you’ve got a flat backyard with a dedicated spot for your Auspit, a fire pit is a great choice. They’re easy to load up with hardwood or lump charcoal and give you decent heat control with practice.
  • Watch out for: Some fire pits don’t have adjustable heights, so it’s important your Auspit is set up to handle the distance between meat and flame. If it sits too high, your cook will take forever. Too low, and you’ll be dealing with flare-ups.

Charcoal Trays

Auspit rotisserie cage basket roasting food evenly over hot charcoal, perfect for vegetables, wings, and smaller cuts on open fire.

  • Best for: Controlled backyard cooking and fire-restricted zones
  • Why it works: Charcoal trays  (To view products, head over to BBQ Spit Rotisseries to read it here) are ideal if you want a clean, simple fire base with consistent results. They’re portable, lightweight, and easy to use with charcoal or heat beads. Great for renters or anyone who needs to set up and pack down quickly.
  • (If you’re looking for a charcoal tray, click here to head to BBQ Spit Rotisseries.
  • Watch out for: Trays can cool down faster than fire pits if you’re using firewood alone, so it’s best to stick with charcoal for steady, even heat.

Fire Drums

Juicy smoked pork cooking low and slow on a drum smoker with open lid, showing even heat and authentic charcoal flavour.

  • Best for: Bush camping, off-grid trips, and remote cooking
  • Why it works: Fire drums (view product at BBQ Spit Rotisseries here) are tough, flexible, and easy to set up anywhere. If you’re doing roadside spit roasts, cooking at campsites, or setting up at events, a fire drum is a go-to solution. Cut-down drums or custom drum pits give you plenty of airflow and control, especially when paired with a charcoal grate inside.
  • Watch out for: Make sure your drum has proper ventilation at the base. Otherwise, you’ll battle smoke and inconsistent burns all night.

Choosing Based on Your Space or Setup

  • For small backyards or patios: Go with a charcoal tray or compact fire pit. You’ll keep the heat under control and avoid damaging surfaces.
  • For permanent setups: Fire pits are ideal. They look great and double as a centrepiece when not in use.
  • For travel and camping: Fire drums win every time. They’re tough, flexible, and easy to transport, especially if you’re packing an Auspit Travel Kit.

Crispy whole chicken cooking on an Auspit rotisserie kit with cage basket and fire pit, ideal for authentic outdoor open-fire roasting.

Fire Safety Tips for Every Setup

No matter which option you go with, safety comes first, especially during fire ban season.

  • Always check your local council or park fire rules before cooking
  • Keep a water source or extinguisher nearby
  • Use a tray or pit with edges to contain hot coals
  • Avoid cooking in high winds or dry grass areas
  • Don’t leave the fire unattended once the meat is spinning

Need Help Choosing the Right Tray or Setup?

Whether you’re cooking for the family or planning a full bush cook-up, the right fire base makes all the difference. A stable setup keeps your spit turning evenly, helps you manage heat, and means you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the process. Were here to help! Call us for any questions, quiereis or concerns before you purchase!

Get Cooking The Right Way

There’s no single “best” fire source, just the one that suits your space and style. Whether you’re a backyard host, weekend warrior, or off-grid adventurer, matching your Auspit with the right fire base sets you up for better roasts, safer cooking, and more time doing what you came out to do, cook over fire and enjoy the feed.