Firebuggz Pie Iron Review: An Avid Camper’s Opinion

Camping and summer have gone hand in hand for me since I was a kid. In those days, it meant packing up my parents’ old 70’s model orange and brown Winnebago and heading to one RV park or another. Growing up camping in an RV, we had a fridge, a freezer, and an oven for cooking. I actually didn’t experience cooking all my food over a fire until I was an adult, so I’m always looking for unique techniques to try.

Before heading out on a camping trip, I usually scour Pinterest for fun camping tips and hacks, as many adult women are want to do. Besides the regular tin foil packets and skewer recipes (most of which are good examples of Pinterest fails, by the way), I was interested in trying a few pie iron recipes using Firebuggz’ Heavy Duty Cast Iron Pie Iron.

The first night we arrived at the campground, (we being my boyfriend, our dog, and me) it was already getting pretty late. To beat the darkness, we settled for roasting a few brats and hot dogs over the campfire. I’d tried the Firebuggz Fire Fishing Poles when camping last summer, and they are super fun to roast marshmallows, but to be plain, we’re not really marshmallow people. I was happy to find that the Crank-Eez campfire roasters work amazingly for hot dogs and brats!

My boyfriend went for an over-the-top roasting method, but I always go for the hot coals. I loved how I was in complete control to maneuver my hot dog into the perfect spot but wasn’t worried about dropping it or covering it in ash from the logs. I did find a ton of fun dessert recipes for pie irons, but, as I said, we arrived too late to be able to see what we were doing. When you’re trying something new, sight is important. Full and ready for a day on the lake, we called it a night.

Out of all the recipes you can make in a pie iron - and there are a lot of them - we chose two; a quesadilla concoction and a ham and egg and croissant breakfast pie. On our first morning, we had a quick, cold breakfast with plans for a big lunch.


We lined the pie iron with a spritz of cooking spray and a flour tortilla. Then came the experimenting. We tried different methods - packing one side with ingredients and closing it together with another tortilla, folding the edges over (this seemed to work best) and a few different cooking times and temperatures. Some worked better than others, but we noticed that the pie iron took hardly any time to heat up. To get the perfect ooey gooey cheesiness without burning the edges of the tortilla, resting the iron on the outside of the fire’s logs worked best.

My first attempt didn’t go so well. Here, my method of finding the perfect coals worked against me. The cast-iron of the pie iron became (and stayed) hot quickly, so extra-hot coals weren’t necessary and blackened the edges of my quesadilla.

Despite a bit of burnt, I wasn’t discouraged. I peeled these bits off and gave them to the dog. The rest of my pie was delicious!

If you’ve ever seen a Firebuggz Pie Iron, you’ll know that they have sayings cast into the metal that read, “Yummy In My Tummy” and “Grubbin’ Time”. I propose that these sayings weren’t added for kids, but for 34-year-old men. Maybe it has something to do with the cliche of a man’s need to cook over an open flame, but my darling camping partner found words imprinted in a flour tortilla hilarious. Even after I was long full, he kept making more and more quesadillas to get better and better prints.

We met friends for dinner and enjoyed the air conditioning and mosquito-free atmosphere of a small diner. Of course, as we had made plans to try the iron once more to make a delicious breakfast, Mother Nature sent us home early with a very noisy 5 AM thunderstorm. We even took measures to conserve firewood the night before, though, couldn’t be bothered to check the weather forecast. In our defense, camping is about disconnecting, am I right?

So even though we only got to try one new campfire recipe, we got a ton of insight from it. We’ll definitely take this fun contraption out on our next wilderness adventure and try even more recipes. I imagine some sort of sandwich will be in order, as “Yummy In My Tummy” probably shows up really well on bread.

Deliciously Simple Campfire Cone Recipes

Don’t sacrifice your desserts while camping. You can keep your load light and your tastebuds satisfied with our Firebuggz Cone Cooker and some easy, campfire cone recipes.

You will need ice cream waffle cones and aluminum foil for each campfire cone recipe. The cone will hold your ingredients and makes a delicious dessert crust. The aluminum foil wraps around the cone to protect it from burning while the toppings are heating up.Here are some of our favorite recipes to try out on your next trek:

S’mores Cone

-Milk Chocolate Chips

-Mini Marshmallows

-Additional Ingredients of your choice: We recommend strawberries, peanut butter, or caramel!

Berry DeLite Cone

-White chocolate chips

-Caramel bits

-Strawberries slices

-Blueberries

-Raspberries

-Graham cracker crumbs

-Whipped cream to top your cooked cone

Caramel Apple Cone

-Apple slices (sliced thin for fast cooking)

-Caramel syrup

-Brown sugar

-Granola

Chocolate Peanut butter Cookie Dough Cone

-Milk chocolate chips

-Cookie dough bits

-Mini peanut butter cups

Mint Dark Chocolate Cookie Cone

-Dark chocolate chips

-Andes mints

-Oreo crumbs

Cooking Instructions for Campfire Cones:

1. Fill or line your cone with your toppings of choice
2. Wrap your cone in aluminum foil to protect the cone from burning
3. Place your wrapped cone in your Firebuggz Cone Cooker and hold over the fire for 3-5 minutes or until inner ingredients are melted *Some ingredients (such as apples in the caramel apple cone) will require longer cooking times.
4. Stuff your face

Hungry yet? Check out our Campfire Cone Cooker so you’re ready to take on your next campfire meal.

Your Guide to Firebuggz Holiday Gifts

It’s that time of year again–the time of giving! You can show someone how much you love and care about them by giving them a gift they never expected. Just in time for the Holidays, we’ve created the ultimate gift guide for anyone on your list. These awesome Firebuggz products are guaranteed to put a smile on your loved ones’ faces:

1. The Original Log Lugger

Have you ever been sitting around a bonfire and notice that someone (maybe you) has a long stick propped against their chair, specially saved for pushing logs around in the fire? Later, you might witness that person struggling to maneuver logs with careful jabs of their stick while using one arm to block the smoke from their face. That person, or any campfire enthusiast, would love to get a Log Lugger this Holiday season. This ingenious product allows you to turn logs, lift brush, and pull branches at a safe distance from your fire. Measuring at four feet and weighing about five pounds, the Log Lugger is easy to use and makes turning logs a breeze.

2.  Plug N’ Play Fire Pit Insert

When you have multiple people buying a gift for the same person or couple (such as adult children looking to get a gift for their parents), it’s a good idea to go in on a gift. The Plug N’ Play is the perfect option. This multi-purpose fire pit insert allows you to use multiple Firebuggz accessories that convert your fire pit into an outdoor cooking entertainment center. With products like the Swivel Grill, Rotisserie Kit, and the Slide Grill, multiple people can add to this gift, or you can keep adding on after the Holidays.

3. Happy Pak

The Happy Pak includes two Fire Fishing Poles and a carrying case so you’ll never lose your poles. These poles are unique in the way that they allow you to roast up to four marshmallows or two hot dogs seamlessly at one time. Simply jig the pole like you would a real fishing pole and your marshmallows will flip and cook evenly to the perfect toastiness.

4. Buggzy Pie Iron

Make from quality cast iron, the Buggzy Pie Iron has a unique double cooking chamber that allows you to cook twice as much as the standard pie iron. As your grub cooks, the iron brands your snacks with “Grubbin’ Time” and “Yummy in my Tummy”. Campers of any age will love cooking outdoors with this fun pie iron. From desserts and pies iron to more savory meals like hamburgers, pizza, grill cheese, and so much more, anyone on your Holiday list will be excited to find this under the tree. You can find fun recipes for the Buggzy Pie Iron here.

5. Cone Cooker

For the S’more lovers on your list, Campfire Cones are on fire this Holiday season! With the Firebuggz Cone Cooker, making a delicious S’more Cone is simple and fun! Add your favorite fixings inside a waffle cone, wrap the cone in tinfoil and place into the cone cooker. After a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious, unique campfire treat.

The holidays are a time for giving. Make your Holiday gifts unique and fun this season with the help of Firebuggz. And don’t delay–we’re selling out fast!

You can find more awesome Firebuggz products on our website and be sure to stay tuned for more cool products to come!

Perfect Night Photography: How to Take Great Pictures in the Dark

Have you ever had a bonfire with friends or family and tried to take pictures, but you couldn’t see anything? Taking pictures at night can be tricky, but you don’t have to be a professional photographer for your campfire pictures to turn out. With these helpful tips, you can capture memories at your next outdoor gathering and leave without blurry, dark pictures:

1.     Keep the Camera Steady

A shaky camera is never good. Using a tripod will be the easiest way to get the exact angle you want while keeping your camera steady. If you don’t have a tripod, that’s okay! Find a flat stable surface such as a table, chair, rock or stump to either rest your camera or your arm on to have a steady shot at your campfire.

2.     Shoot Around Sunrise & Sunset

Shooting during the blue hour (just before sunrise or just after sunset) will give your night pictures a little more detail.This time of day will also add a beautiful blue light to your scene.

3.     Don’t use Flash

If your turn the flash on your camera, it will enhance the faces of the people in your picture, but it will wash out your campfire and surroundings. If you need extra light in the picture, try bringing a flashlight or headlamp to add some extra light.

4.     Slow Down your Shutter Speed

In order to get good photos of your campfire, you will have to take some long exposures.  This means you will want to slow down the shutter speed, which will bring in more light. Turn to your camera’s manual to learn how to change your shutter speed. If you are using a phone or digital camera, look for a ‘night’ setting.

5.     Time of Day

Test out different times of the day by starting your campfire early and taking pictures before the sun goes down. As you change times of day the light will also be changing so make sure to adjust your exposure every few minutes. Take more photos as the sun goes down and again once it is pitch black outside. By taking pictures at different times of the day, you will have a variety of pictures with different lighting to choose from.

6.     Be Creative

Test out different angles and shots around the campfire. Get down low and shoot up at other people around the fire. Most people tend to look down at the fire so you will be able to capture their faces. Try incorporating the smoke by shooting through the flames.  Don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new—you never know how it will turn out until you try.

Taking pictures at night is fun and exciting. It is worth your time to grab your camera equipment and set up around the fire.  Whether you are new to photography or a little more advanced, these tips will help you better your night photography skills and capture your campfire memories for years to come.

For more tips on campfire fun, visit Firebuggz online at Firebuggz.com.

Grilling Recipes Perfect for Camping

With a few months left of the summer camping season, planning your trips and getting all your meals ready can be stressful and overwhelming. The classic go-to meal while camping is hot dogs and hamburgers cooked over the fire, but try mixing it up for your next camping trip with a few of these mouth-watering recipes:

Campfire Chili Cheese Fries

This quick, easy and delicious recipe is perfect for a camping snack or meal. All you need is tin foil, fries, chili and cheese. Cook the fries over the fire, add the chili and cheese, and wait for the cheese to melt. This recipe is simple and quickly ready for you and your family to devour.

Campfire French Toast

Instead of pop tarts or granola bars for breakfast, try this delicious French toast recipe. All this easy, low maintenance recipe includes is egg creation French toast blend and a loaf of bread. Just pour, dip and cook—it’s that easy.

Campfire Spinach Dip

If you’re looking for an easy appetizer or snack, this campfire spinach dip is the perfect recipe for you. This simple, easy dip includes sour cream, cream cheese, parmesan cheese and chopped frozen spinach heated over your campfire.

Cheesy Dutch Oven Potatoes

Add these delicious cheesy potatoes as a side dish to make the perfect campfire meal. All you need is potatoes, bacon, cheese, onions and salt and pepper… it’s that simple. If you don’t like onions, leave them out or if you really like cheese, add more! The choice is yours.

Caramel Apple Pie

Who doesn’t love dessert? This mouth-watering apple pie is easy; just chop your apples, chop the cinnamon rolls, mix it with brown sugar, cracker crumbs, pecans, and cinnamon. Once it is cooked, add the caramel and cream cheese frosting and dig in!!

We have listed a few recipes to get you started, but now it’s your turn to implement them into your next camping adventure. Whether you are heading up north or out back, our Firebuggz Fire Pits and Firebuggz Accessories can improve your camping experience and add FUN for everyone.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Building a Fire

Need some help to build a bigger, better fire? At Firebuggz, we like to think we are experts on the subject. Take a look at our do’s and don’ts for building the best campfire.

Do: Gather the ingredients for a fire

Before you start a campfire, you are going to have to forage for some materials to get it started. Tinder and kindling—the smallest and easiest burning components—are an essential place to start. Tinder includes dryer lint, cardboard, commercial fire starters, or wadded newspaper. This is the ingredient that will ignite your fire. What will really get your fire going are small pieces of dry wood and bark - or kindling. Search the forest floor for twigs, dry logs, and branches. Don’t forget to bring matches and lighters!

Do: Take advantage of a fire pit

If your campsite has a fire ring, clear it out before starting your own. Scoop out any existing charcoal, ash, and debris from previous fires - especially if it is damp. Fire pits make it easier to start a fire, but make sure it is ready for a new fire before you begin.

Don’t: Be intimidated about building your own pit

Clear away a decent-sized space for your fire. This typically means a 4-foot space for the fire itself and a greater circumference of 8 to 10 ft. to avoid fire-catching debris. In your pit, dig down several inches to construct the fire. As a barrier to your fire, you can compact the dirt around the circle into a mound, or use rocks to insulate the fire.

Do: Build the proper fire for your purpose

Don’t waste time building the wrong camp fire. For cooking, you will want to use a “teepee fire” or a “lean-to fire.” A “cross fire” and “log cabin fire” will be best for long-lasting bonfires, but don’t get as hot, therefore aren’t as good for cooking. Learn how to build these different fires below:

• Teepee Fire: Arrange your kindling into the shape of a teepee over the tinder. Then, build a larger teepee from firewood over the kindling. Once you light your fire, the flames will rise up through the kindling to create a roaring fire.
• Lean-to Fire: To begin, stick a long piece of kindling into the ground above your tinder at a 30-degree angle. Lean smaller pieces of kindling against the long stick to build a tent shape. Once the kindling catches fire, add more kindling followed by firewood.
• Cross Fire: A simple one to build, begin by layering kindling over tinder in a crosshatch shape. Follow with firewood.
• Log Cabin: Begin by creating a kindling teepee over your tinder, then place two logs on either side of the kindling teepee. Add two more logs to form a square. Build vertically to form a cabin-shaped fire. Add a “roof,” by using more kindling.

Do: Start and maintain your fire

Once you have the right structure in place, get your fire roaring. For best results, light the tinder from several sides, and gently blow air to build heat and intensity. Control the fire by only feeding it enough firewood to keep it going. To safely turn firewood, take a look at our Original Log Lugger. The Log Lugger is an excellent tool for turning logs and gathering kindling and firewood for the campsite.

Don’t: Forget your fire etiquette

Take caution, and don’t let the flames soar too high. Keep a fire extinguisher, extra water, and extra dirt with you at all times, and never leave a fire unattended. As a famous bear once said, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”

Do: Put your fire out

For smart and safe campfire usage in the woods, put your fire out when you are done with it. Lightly sprinkle your fire with water while stirring the coals around to ensure they are thoroughly soaked. Continue until you no longer feel heat from the fire pit. Don’t douse it with water because you or another camper may soon use it again.

A campfire can involve many elements, but by knowing the do’s and don’ts of how to build a campfire, you will soon be on your way to camping success! For more camping and campfire tips, follow Firebuggz on Twitter and Like us on Facebook!

Tasty S'mores Recipes to Enjoy This Summer

S’mores - also known as summertime’s favorite dessert - are delicious and oh so satisfying. S’mores are also foolproof to make and versatile. Have you ever substituted a Reese’s cup for chocolate or shortbread cookies for graham crackers? For even more variations on this summertime classic, check out our list of tasty s’mores recipes to try this summer:

S’mores Dip

Who doesn’t love a good summer dip? Dips are great for sharing with large crowds or summer parties. It’s the perfect addition to any potluck, but it can also jazz up any movie night on the couch. This S’mores dip looks beautiful and tastes just as delicious. Make sure to grab a bite before it’s gone, and, trust us, it’ll be gone quickly!

Lemon Pie S’mores

To get a little more outside the box, try this recipe for Lemon Pie S’mores. This summery concoction will taste exactly like a lemon meringue pie. And it’s a perfect alternative for those few who don’t like chocolate (the very few of you), but who want to get in on some S’mores action. This idea includes a recipe for lemon curd, which you can include in many recipes throughout the week!

Roasted Berry S’mores

This fruity twist on a classic summer treat looks like a gourmet confection. With the addition of vanilla, cardamom, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, this recipe will blow your campground dessert standard out of the water! Try this recipe when you have some fancy friends to impress or an occasion to celebrate.

S’mores Snack Mix

Want a more mobile way of eating s’mores? Try this simple recipe for S’mores Snack Mix. This recipe combines the classic sweetness of the s’mores combo with the saltiness of pretzels. Pack a bag of it in your child’s lunch bag to celebrate the last few days of school. Include a jar of it in your Father’s Day gift. This treat is easily transportable, but be careful - you are going to want to carry this around with you all summer!

Oreo Peanut Butter S’mores

This recipe hits the trifecta of a mind-blowingly delicious dessert. It can easily be made at home or out at the campground. Roast your marshmallow with a Firebuggz Crank-Eez. This colorful and easy-to-use campfire roaster is the perfect tool to help you create the Oreo Peanut Butter S’more. Likewise, the Firebuggz Fire Fishing Pole is a fun and exciting way for your little one or favorite fisherman to roast a marshmallow or hot dog.

For more ideas on s’mores recipes, check out these simple fixes.

• For the adults of a camping group, roast a Bailey’s dipped marshmallow for an extra warm and tasty treat.
• Not only can you incorporate s’mores into new desserts, you can combine it with some simple ingredients to create a s’mores milkshake.
• Use a banana or waffle cone as a new vessel for your s’mores concoction. Just wrap it in foil, and place it on a cooking rack over your campfire.
• Limit the messiness of s’mores by making s’mores in a bag. Start with a mini bag of teddy grahams, add some roasted marshmallows (depending on size) and toss in some melted chocolate chips or fun-sized bars.

These versatile recipes—ranging in taste from delicious to tantalizing—are so satisfying that you are sure to find an occasion to try each one.

Don’t forget to check out all our campfire accessories at Firebuggz.com.