Cooking outdoors doesn’t have to mean lugging around a full BBQ setup or building a complex fire pit. With a Swedish torch, you get a ready-made heat source and cooking platform in one — no grill required.
These self-contained fire logs are perfect for simple, rustic meals and are especially popular for camping, glamping, garden gatherings, and off-grid cooking.
Why Use a Swedish Torch for Cooking?
Swedish torches burn vertically from the inside out. This creates a stable, chimney-like flame that delivers both heat and surface area — ideal for holding a pot, pan, or kettle. Once lit, they require very little attention and can burn steadily for up to two hours depending on size and conditions.
That means no fiddling with coals, no uneven heat zones, and no mess. Just a single log that does it all.
What Can You Cook on One?
Surprisingly, a lot. Anything that fits in a cast iron pan, camping skillet, or heatproof pot is fair game. Some popular ideas include:
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Fried eggs or hash browns
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Pancakes or flatbreads
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Sausages or burgers
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Sautéed vegetables
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Foil-wrapped halloumi or mushrooms
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Hot drinks and soups
Just set your pan directly on top once the flame has settled into a steady burn, and let the torch do the work.
Top Tips for Cooking Success
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Let the flame settle: Wait until the torch has been burning for 10–15 minutes before placing your pan — you want a solid flame and even heat.
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Use a pan with a flat base: This helps it sit securely and heat evenly. Cast iron works especially well.
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Adjust with foil or bricks: If your pan needs to sit a little higher above the flame, use heat-safe supports around the edge.
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Monitor cooking times: Swedish torches burn hot — which is great for searing, but keep an eye on delicate ingredients.
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Don’t overcrowd: These are great for small meals or single-pan cooking. For bigger groups, light two torches side by side.
When and Where to Use It
Swedish torch cooking is all about keeping things easy. Whether you're preparing a simple breakfast outdoors or cooking dinner at a remote campsite, they’re ideal when:
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You want to pack light and avoid a full BBQ
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You’re camping or glamping off-grid
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You’re cooking at a cabin or fire pit
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You’re after a fire-and-food experience with less mess
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You want an ambient flame and cooking setup in one
Why Birch?
At The Logsmith, our Swedish torches are made from sustainably sourced birch, kiln-dried to under 20% moisture. That means they light more easily, burn more cleanly, and give off a steady flame with minimal smoke — essential for cooking.
With each torch around 23–28cm in diameter and 18cm tall, they’re easy to carry and perfectly sized for most outdoor meals.