Buying guide for best marshmallow roasting stick sets
There’s a lot to enjoy about sitting around an open fire, but indulging in roasted marshmallows is possibly the sweetest part of this popular pastime. But in order to prepare these tasty treats to perfection while keeping hands at a safe distance from the flames, you need the right tool. Fortunately, marshmallow roasting sticks are made especially for the task.
Long with pointed tips, these roasting sticks make it easy and fun to roast marshmallows over a fire, plus they come in handy for preparing other foods. There are two basic varieties: a fork-like utensil with prongs and disposable wooden skewers, both available in sets for sharing with family and friends.
How do you know which marshmallow roasting sticks are best for you, and how do you spot those that are built to last? You don’t have to stress over the details because we’ve provided the information for you. To find out everything you need to know about these handy tools that you’ll reach for before every cookout, continue reading our shopping guide. We’ve included some of our favorite marshmallow roasting stick sets for you, too.
Key considerations
Fork vs. skewer
There are two main types of marshmallow roasting sticks: fork and skewer.
Fork: One type looks like a giant fork, with prongs at the end on which marshmallows and other foods are pierced for roasting. Most have two prongs, but some models have three or more. These roasting sticks, typically made of stainless steel with rubberized or wooden handles, are made to stand up to repeated use.
Skewer: These simple roasting sticks are slender and straight with a pointed tip. You can find ones made of metal, but the most popular sticks in this category are made of a sustainable wood like bamboo. These are lightweight and easy to use, and you can simply toss them into the fire when you’re finished with them.
Uses
When you own a set of marshmallow roasting sticks, you aren’t limited to using them to make the beloved campfire treat. Long handles and durable tines make them suitable for preparing numerous types of outdoor cuisine.
Hot dogs: A hot dog fits easily onto prongs or a skewer. Once roasted, wrap a bun around the hot dog to remove it from the stick.
Other meats: When cut into cubes, beef, pork, poultry, and some types of fish can be placed on marshmallow roasting sticks and prepared over an open flame.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, potatoes, corn on the cob, mushrooms, peppers, and more can be prepared on marshmallow roasting sticks. Use the vegetables as side dishes, burger toppings, kabobs, or even a main course once they’re roasted to perfection.
Fruit: Try something different and slide a banana, apple, pear, or other fruit onto a roasting stick for a unique way to bring out the natural, sweet flavor.
Marshmallow roasting stick features
Before you choose a set of marshmallow roasting sticks for your next outdoor get-together, consider a few features so you can be sure to pick the type that fits your needs and expectations.
Materials
Most marshmallow roasting sticks, especially those that resemble forks, are crafted of stainless steel, a metal that resists rust and holds up well to wear and tear. Skewer sticks are available in wood, typically bamboo. These are considered disposable, so they’re ideal for consumers who don’t want the hassle of cleaning up or don’t plan to use roasting sticks on a regular basis.
Handle
Many well-made marshmallow roasting sticks have a handle that’s designed for comfort and functionality. Stainless steel fork-type sticks have contoured handles covered with silicone or a rubberized material that stays cool to the touch and protects against burns. Some are made of hardwood that resists heat and wear and tear. Some handles are telescopic and extend several inches to keep the user’s hand a safe distance from the flames. Disposable bamboo roasting sticks don’t have handles, just ample length for safety. Some innovative roasting sticks have wooden handles and removable, replaceable prongs.
Length
Adequate distance between your hand and the fire is one of the most important benefits that marshmallow roasting sticks offer. Approximately 34 to 36 inches long is best, but you’ll find sticks that range from 12 to 45 inches. Models with telescoping handles can be extended to various lengths to accommodate different users.
Quantity
Think about the last time you gathered around a campfire or participated in a backyard barbecue. There were probably lots of people there. That’s why marshmallow roasting sticks are available in sets. Fork-type sticks typically come in quantities of 2 to 10. If you need a larger number for a big group, bamboo roasting sticks come in bundles of 50, 100, and more.
Case
A carrying case is a nice bonus that makes it easy to transport your roasting sticks. You’ll find fork-style roasting sticks that come in boxes, pouches, or bags. Bamboo sticks usually come in plastic packaging, but some sets include plastic bags for transport.
"Marshmallow roasting sticks are also often referred to as campfire forks. "
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Marshmallow roasting stick set prices
Inexpensive: You won’t have to invest a lot of money if you want to take marshmallow roasting sticks to your next campfire or cookout. Budget sets containing four to eight sticks are available for between $9 and $14. Although most inexpensive models are basic, you can find some with telescopic handles in this category.
Mid-range: The marshmallow roasting sticks that cost $14 to $21 are well made, and many are solid stainless steel with telescopic handles that are either wooden or coated in a rubberized material. Sets in this category also contain around four to eight sticks, with some more specialized models including just two per set.
Expensive: The marshmallow roasting sticks that cost $21 to $35 and up are durable, and many have innovative designs. Again, you’ll find varying quantities of sticks per pack, with some high-end models coming in pairs. Disposable bamboo roasting sticks typically fall into this price category, but you’ll usually get a hundred or more sticks per set, making them a good value.
For your safety
Never let small kids use a marshmallow roasting stick without supervision. There’s always a risk of them getting poked by the tips or burned when handling hot marshmallows.
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Tips
- Clean marshmallow roasting sticks after each use. Most can be washed using mild soap and water, and some are dishwasher safe.
- Soak wooden sticks before use. If you choose wooden marshmallow roasting sticks, soak them in several inches of water before placing them near a flame to keep them from catching on fire.
- Don’t hold a marshmallow in the fire. This causes the outside to burn while not thoroughly heating the middle. Hold the marshmallow above the flames or close to the embers instead.
- Rotate the stick. This will toast the marshmallow evenly.
- Cap the tines. If you choose marshmallow roasting sticks that come with safety caps, be sure to put the caps on the prongs when transporting or storing the sticks to avoid injuries.
- Let the roasted marshmallow cool. Avoid burning your mouth by giving a roasted marshmallow a few seconds to cool off before you eat it. However, if you’re making s’mores, plop the marshmallow on top of a graham cracker layered with chocolate as quickly as possible so the heat will melt the chocolate.
FAQ
Q. Won’t a regular stick work just as well as a marshmallow roasting stick?
A. It’s a common practice among enthusiasts of roasting marshmallows over open fires to use sticks off the ground or from a tree. Doing so probably won’t harm you, but sticks from nature are likely to have dirt and germs on them. It can also be difficult to find a perfect specimen that’s straight and strong or has a tip that’s just the right size to accommodate a marshmallow. These are concerns you won’t have to think about when you own a set of marshmallow roasting sticks.
Q. I like the idea of a marshmallow roasting stick with a telescopic handle, but do they come with any concerns?
A. A telescopic handle is a convenient feature to have on a roasting stick, but some models that aren’t very well made can feel flimsy or lack control. The mechanism that moves and adjusts the handle can also fail, rendering the roasting stick useless. Despite these concerns, a well-made telescopic roasting stick can be a worthwhile investment for dedicate roasted-marshmallow connoisseurs.
Q. Can I reuse wooden marshmallow roasting sticks?
A. You can, but most skewer-type sticks aren’t made to be used more than once, so they could become weak and flimsy with repeated use.
Q. Can I use a marshmallow roasting stick to roast marshmallows over a barbeque grill?
A. Absolutely! In fact, roasting a marshmallow over a grill that is still hot after the main course has been served is a great way to top off the perfect outdoor meal. For the best results, hold your stick a safe distance from the grill, just as you would when roasting marshmallows over a fire.
