Build your backyard around the fire.
Make a Cardinal Firecooker the centre of an outdoor kitchen that fits the way you cook. From low-and-slow BBQ to grilling, searing and wood-fired meals, bring more possibilities to the space you call home.
Plan your backyard kitchen ↗
More than a place to put the BBQ.
A great backyard kitchen makes cooking and gathering feel connected. Start with a Cardinal Firecooker, then plan the prep surface, storage, serving area and seating around it. Give yourself room to move between each task, and keep guests close to the conversation without crowding the cooking zone.
Our Canadian-built firecookers bring several live-fire cooking techniques to one cooking stage. Whether your weekends revolve around smoked ribs or a quick dinner over coals, choose the model around your menu, available space and preferred way of managing the fire.
Plan the workflow
Think prep, cook, rest and serve. Position work surfaces where you need them and leave the cooker accessible for loading fuel, handling food and cleaning.
Choose your fire
Explore internal-fire cooking with Crimson or Black Mask. Consider Vermilion when a dedicated side firebox and offset smoking are part of your plans.
Make room to gather
Allow space for people as well as equipment. A comfortable dining area and a clear route between the kitchen and the table make a busy BBQ feel easier.
Firecookers to explore.
Compare these configurations, then talk with Cardinal about your menu and space.
Black Mask
A focused Heritage Series starting point for live-fire cooking.
Explore Black Mask ↗
Crimson
Generational Series construction with internal fire cooking and no side firebox.
Explore Crimson ↗
Vermilion
A caster-mounted option for cooks who also want a dedicated offset firebox.
Explore Vermilion ↗Let the menu shape the kitchen.
A long weekend smoke, a steak seared over coals, vegetables roasted beside dinner: your cooking habits should guide the setup. The Cardinal’s Convect Effect™ airflow system and cooking-grate options give you ways to work with heat as the menu changes. Explore our BBQ and firecooking recipes for ideas before you choose your configuration.
Build flavour with Cluck & Squeal seasonings and BBQ rubs, then make each cook your own. Start with a few dishes you love and add compatible accessories as your interests grow.
A useful plan starts with a few details.
Share your ideas with Cardinal before you finalise your outdoor kitchen layout. We can help you compare firecookers and configurations; your installer or contractor can address site preparation and the surrounding construction.
- Measurements and photos of your cooking area
- Gate widths, access routes and the surface beneath the cooker
- Your usual number of guests and favourite cooking techniques
- Storage, weather protection and cleaning access
- Any planned counters, walls, roof structures or utilities
Backyard kitchen questions.
Which Cardinal is best for a backyard kitchen?
It depends on your space and menu. Black Mask offers a Heritage Series starting point without a side firebox. Crimson brings Generational Series construction to internal-fire cooking, while Vermilion includes a dedicated side firebox. Compare the models and discuss your layout with us.
Is a Cardinal a smoker, a grill or a cooker?
A Cardinal Firecooker is a live-fire cooking system with configurations for smoking, grilling, searing, roasting and baking. Your model, fire setup and compatible accessories determine the techniques available. It gives you more to explore than a single-purpose backyard BBQ.
Are Cardinal Firecookers made in Canada?
Yes. Cardinal Firecookers are built in Canada with North American steel. Read the story behind Cardinal to learn how Marc Cardinali’s experience around live fire shaped the design.
Can I build counters or cabinetry around the cooker?
Plan the surrounding kitchen around the cooker’s specifications and required clearances. Do not enclose the unit or restrict airflow, movement or service access without confirming the configuration with Cardinal. Review your plans with your installer before construction.
How much space should I leave around it?
Check the dimensions and setup requirements for your chosen model, including room to open the cooker, access the firebox and work safely. Share measurements with Cardinal before committing to counters, walls or a fixed layout.
Can it be used under a roof or pergola?
Do not assume a covered area is suitable for live-fire cooking. Confirm the cooker’s ventilation and clearance requirements and have your proposed site assessed before installation. Open-air access, overhead materials and nearby structures all matter.
Should I choose an offset firebox?
A dedicated side firebox suits cooks who want a traditional offset-smoking configuration. If internal-fire grilling and roasting are your starting point, compare Crimson and Black Mask. The model collection shows the key configuration differences.
What accessories can I add?
Options depend on your model and desired cooking technique. Ask about compatible grates, live-fire cooking accessories and pizza or rotisserie setups. Confirm fit and availability before ordering; accessories are sold separately.
Can you help with a custom backyard layout?
We can help you choose a Cardinal configuration and understand the space it needs. Bring photos, measurements and your cooking goals to the conversation. Coordinate cabinetry, landscaping, utilities and construction with the appropriate professionals.
Where can I find recipes and seasoning ideas?
Browse our recipe collection by cooking style, protein, meal type or occasion. You’ll also find inspiration using Cluck & Squeal seasonings and sauces for your next BBQ.
What if I also want to take my cooker to events?
Explore the trailer-mounted Northern and our Tailgating solution. Discuss transport, storage and setup requirements before choosing between a backyard-focused and mobile configuration.
Your backyard. Your firecooking kitchen.
Let’s choose a Canadian-built cooker around the way you want to live and cook outdoors.
