There is nothing better than grilling your favorite foods. So what about when you’re traveling or camping? With the convenience of a barbecue you can bring with you to an RV, a tailgate, or when car camping, portable grills provide you the flavor you enjoy. The greatest barbecues for camping are actually portable. If you don’t intend to use it solely on a tailboard, look for something that is portable. Even yet, a barbecue you can move easily makes loading and unloading the vehicle easier.
Best Camping Grills 2023
Camping grills are a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy cooking and eating meals while admiring the natural beauty. These grills are available in a variety of sizes and styles, making them an adaptable option for various camping styles and preferences.
The portable charcoal grill is a type of camping grill that is easy to transport and set up. Charcoal grills impart a smoky flavor to the food, making them a popular choice among grillers. They require lightweight and easy-to-store charcoal briquettes. The disadvantage of charcoal grills is that they are more difficult to clean and require more effort to start than other types of grills.
Another type of camping grill is the propane grill, which cooks food with propane gas. Propane grills are quick to light and reach high temperatures, making them ideal for cooking meat and vegetables. They are also simple to clean and keep in good condition. Propane grills, on the other hand, are typically heavier than charcoal grills and require a propane tank, which can take up additional space.
Finally, electric camping grills are a viable option for a clean and convenient cooking experience. They are simple to use, require little setup, and are simple to clean. However, they require a power source, which can be difficult to find when camping in remote areas.
When selecting a camping grill, it is critical to consider your camping style, cooking preferences, and level of convenience.
Read on to learn more about the best camping grills to buy :
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
Key Features
- Foldable
- Built-in Thermometer
- Large Grilling Area
- Two Wheels for Easy Maneuverability
Overview
We adore the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill because not all campgrounds have tables on which to lay a small portable barbecue. When you’re ready to cook, unfold this grill to a convenient height. When you’re done, fold it back up and store it conveniently in your car with the rest of your camping equipment.
Up to 15 hamburgers can be cooked simultaneously in 320 square inches of space. Use a 16-ounce propane tank to light the grill, or buy an adaptor to use a bigger tank. An integrated side table makes it simpler to prepare meals. For the type of food you’re preparing, you can alter the temperature settings.
Moving the barbecue from your car to the campground is simple, thanks to the two wheels. Users have, however, pointed out that doing so could result in the grill lid unlocking and the grates falling out.
BioLite CampStove 2 + Complete Kit
Key Features
- Super Lightweight
- Burns Wood and Dry Biomass
- LED Flex Light to Cook at Night
- Comes with Integrated Battery
Overview
The BioLite Camp Stove 2+, which combines a variety of cooking tools, is the best grill for backcountry hiking and backpacking. You must collect biomass (small pieces of wood, dried twigs, even pinecones) and feed it to the fuel chamber of the BioLite Camp Stove 2 in order to fuel it. Similar to how a propane tank burns a gas, the grill burns biomass.
A flexible LED light (for cooking at night) and a 3,200 mAh battery are fastened to the fuel chamber. The battery is charged by the power of burning biomass fuel. When you barbecue or go to bed at night, you may connect your phone to the battery to charge it. You must join the grill surface grate to the fuel chamber in order to grill with BioLite. Up to four hamburgers or six hot dogs can simultaneously be cooked on the surface in low, medium, and high-temperature zones.
The BioLite Camp Stove 2+ also comes with a kettle (with a removable bowl) to boil water or soup and a coffee press for a fresh brew in the mornings, as if all of that wasn’t enough. With the exception of the grill gate, which can be kept in a different plastic travel box, most of the equipment can be carried in the kettle pot.
This is undoubtedly heavier than a backpacking stove, but if you want to improve your wilderness cooking skills and feed your fellow hikers well, this is a great method to accomplish it. We appreciate that the various components arrive in independent carrying cases to distribute the weight.
Kamado Joe Charcoal Grill
Key Features
- Built-in Thermometer
- Ceramic Grill with Smoking Capabilities
- Includes a Cast Iron Stand
- 75.6 lbs Weight
Overview
Kamado Joe produces high-quality grills, according to grill experts, but their enormous egg-shaped ceramic grills are too hefty to bring on a camping trip. You may take a portable version of the traditional Kamado Joe on any excursion by purchasing a Kamado Joe Junior. Even handles and a cast iron stand are included!
This barbecue weighs 75 pounds, but it’s worth the weight and room it takes up in the car. Its grilling, baking, roasting, and smoking powers will astound you. Thanks to an integrated thermometer, you can observe how the heat changes with each adjustment of the air vents on top of the grill.
While not ideal for a large camping party, this grill’s 150 square inches of cooking space should be sufficient for a household of four or fewer. Although the Kamado Joe Junior is not inexpensive, the materials are of excellent quality, and the grilling results are excellent. If you take care of it, you can enjoy a grill like this for a very long time.
Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Key Features
- Affordable
- Super-Compact and Lightweight
- Air Vents to Help Charcoal Burn Better
- 5.39 Pounds Weight
Overview
The Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker is the best option if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a camping barbecue that you’ll only use sometimes. This reasonably priced charcoal barbecue is supported by two collapsible legs and takes up very little space in your vehicle.
Slide the grill tray in, add the charcoal, and ignite it to begin. The 166-square-inch cooking grate is heated more quickly by charcoal thanks to air vents on the side. Users may simultaneously cook meat on one end and veggies on the other of the rectangle-shaped device.
Although it has a smoker name, this grill is not one. A cover would be necessary for the grill to function as a smoker so the meat could absorb the smoke. Be advised that several users noticed that some of the black paint had burned off after the first few uses. Although it doesn’t seem to have altered or degraded their experience, it should be known.
NOMAD Grill & Smoker
Key Features
- Compact Design
- Smoking and Grilling Capabilities
- Built-in Thermometer
- 31 Pounds Weight
Overview
The NOMAD Grill & Smoker may resemble a small suitcase, yet it is the best grill for outdoor cooking. This small grill resembles an aluminum case and has a convenient handle that makes it easy to transport around the campsite.
Open the clasp and stretch it out flat before grilling. The NOMAD features a 425-square-inch cooking surface and is made to run on charcoal or wood fuel. A second grate must be purchased separately (by you). Use the built-in thermometer to monitor the temperature. Close the top to create a succulent and delectable flavoring while smoking meats.
The NOMAD’s use of SurfaceSafe technology is among its more intriguing features. Even when the gasoline burns hotly, the case’s outside stays cool.
Blackstone Table Top Camping Grill
Key Features
- Glass-reinforced Nylon Frame
- 12,000 BTU Heat Output
- Nonstick Easy-Clean Heating Surface
- Easy to Store
Overview
The big 260 square-inch cooking surface on the Blackstone Table Top Grill is nonstick, BPA-free, and simple to clean by wiping with a damp cloth. Its box-like design, removable grease catcher, and use of tiny 1 kg liquid propane tanks that slot discretely in the back make it easy to pack and store for travel. Its huge, single-surface grill excels as a griddle for pancakes and hash browns and produces an astonishing 12,000 of heat for simple searing.
It is slightly heavier than some comparable models because of its tank-like, thick stainless steel construction, but most adults can still easily carry it. It’s a terrific choice for those who want to prepare delicious cuisine even when they’re out on the trail thanks to its high performance, high-heat burners, nonstick, BPA-free, large grilling surface, precise burner valve, and robust design.
Weber Smokey Joe Camping Grill
Key Features
- Porcelain-Coated Cooking Surface
- Cooks Up to Five Burgers
- Glass-Reinforced Nylon Handle
- Lightweight and Easy to Pack
Overview
The Weber Smokey Joe is a 14″ portable steel barbecue that goes back to the fundamentals. It can comfortably fit up to five burgers, and its aluminum vent regulates smoke and heat. Its porcelain-coated cooking surface is rustproof and prevents burnt food from sticking for simpler cleaning, and its glass-reinforced nylon handle stays cool throughout use for safe handling.
Although it is charcoal-fueled, doesn’t burn quite as high as many portable ones on the market, and doesn’t have precise heat settings, it still works just fine as a classic BBQ grill for both burgers and steaks. Also, it is lightweight and quite portable, making it simple to transport, store, and pack. It’s an excellent price for a portable barbecue that’s easy to use and of high quality.
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Camping Grill
Key Features
- 3 Adjustable Burners
- Precise Temperature Control
- 20,000 BTUs Cooking Power
- Push-Button Ignition
Overview
The Coleman Roadtrip is a high-performance camping grill with 3 adjustable burners and 20,000 total BTUs of cooking capability. It runs on 1 lb propane cartridges. For a small portable grill, the dedicated precision valves on each burner provide an astonishing amount of control. Heavy-duty wheels that are integrated into the fold-up legs add mobility while in use and make it simple to store in cars. For a review of another fantastic portable grill, see the Weber Q2400.
It weighs 56 pounds, making it heavier than most in its class, and costs more than most other portable camping barbecues. Yet its portability and storage capabilities, high-heat, high-performance design, and a high degree of control it affords over your grilling, combined with features that make it easier to use, such as push-button ignition, and a sizable 285 square inch grilling area, more than justify it.
Cuisinart Camping Grill
Key Features
- Lightweight and Compact
- Even-Heating Porcelain Enamel Grate
- Cooks 8 Burgers Simultaneously
- High-Performance
Overview
The Cuisinart CGG-180T is a tabletop propane grill that is incredibly portable, small, and simple to operate. It has porcelain enamel grates that ensures even heating throughout the cooking surface. It has a broad, comfortable carrying handle that stays cool while in use, a generous-for-its-size 145 square inch cooking area that can grill up to 8 burgers or small steaks at once, and handy, durable foldout legs.
It is slightly less powerful than the average portable propane grill available on the market, producing a maximum of 5500 BTUs, but it is still capable of producing superb steak sears and is more than sufficient for the majority of cooking needs. It’s a fantastic option for the majority of camping excursions or tabletop BBQing due to its attractive appearance, small and ultra-light design, even heating grill, and affordable price.
Coleman Fold N Go Camping Grill
Key Features
- Coated Porcelain Stay-Cool Housing
- 6,000 BTUs
- Dishwasher Safe Grate and Grease Trap
- Compact Folding Design
Overview
The Coleman Fold N Go Propane is an incredibly portable, sandwich board-style folding propane grill that offers a number of contemporary convenience features while still producing 6,000 BTUs of cooking power. With its adjustable horseshoe-style hob, which allows control and even heating for smaller food items, the elegant coated porcelain housing keeps a reasonably cold temperature while in use for safer cooking.
Although it has a slightly lower cooking surface than many other portable camping grills (105 square inches), it is still large enough to cook many burgers or small steaks. Given its compact size and portability, its 6000 BTU output is respectably powerful. Its convenience features, which include a built-in carrying handle, make it a good performer at a reasonable price with better portability and storability than most in its class.
Things to Consider While Buying the Best Camping Grills
Compact & Lightweight
There’s no reason why a small, lightweight, and compact camping grill can’t work as well as the larger grills you’re used to at BBQs, and manufacturers have responded to the requirement with a wide range of grills that offer storage-friendly, extremely portable and space-saving designs. With carrying handles, collapsible legs, and very strong military-grade steel construction engineered to withstand more damage than typical at-home ones, some models are even created specifically for travel. There are plenty of alternatives available that strike the right combination of size, portability, performance, and cost.
Fuel Efficiency
This is partially related to being portable and lightweight, but when you’re camping, the last thing you want to worry about is running out of fuel. The majority of travel-friendly and specifically built camping grills are made to run on small, typically standard 1 lb liquid propane fuel tanks as their basic source, whether they use infrared technology or not. This is true even though larger models not intended for portability can run on many different fuel sources or hybrid heating methods like infrared and even electric. Usually, these are included in the grill’s design so that they don’t alter the grill’s form or weight. Also, many camp stoves and grills are made to use as little fuel as possible, so you won’t need to pack extra tanks if you don’t have room. An infrared heating system can significantly improve this situation because it simultaneously boosts heating output while using less fuel. Such cutting-edge technology will be used by the ideal camping barbecue, which will also be portable, inexpensive, safe, and simple to operate.
Easy to Clean & Safe
The majority of portable barbecues have design elements that make maintenance and cleaning easier. The primary components of many camping grills, in particular, have semi-modular designs and are dishwasher-safe or simple to clean by wiping with a wet cloth. Although smaller and more portable grills are typically safer than their full-size counterparts, they can occasionally have exposed hot surfaces, in addition to handles and housing that can get extremely hot. On grills, look for “cool-touch” elements that prevent heat from building up to potentially dangerous places on the handles or casing, as well as designs with lids to keep cooking surfaces away from curious hands. The fact that some nonstick surfaces were once created with potentially harmful compounds known to cause cancer over time is a slightly less prevalent problem. Happily, the majority of nonstick materials available today are BPA-free, meaning they have been verified to be free of any harmful or cancer-causing substances. Usually, product descriptions make this clear.
Final Words
In conclusion, selecting the best camping grill for your outdoor adventures can be a difficult task. It is necessary to consider factors such as fuel type, portability, durability, and ease of use. However, after reading the reviews of the various camping grills on this blog, you should have a better idea of what to look for when purchasing a camping grill. Whatever you decide, having a camping grill for your outdoor adventures is an excellent investment that will allow you to enjoy delicious meals and create memorable experiences with your friends and family. As a result, we encourage you to weigh your options and make an informed decision on the camping grill that best meets your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the different types of camping grills?
There are several types of camping grills, including propane grills, charcoal grills, wood-burning grills, and electric grills.
Which type of camping grill is the easiest to use?
Electric grills are typically the easiest to use since they require minimal setup and are powered by electricity, eliminating the need for fuel.
What fuel type should I choose for my camping grill?
The fuel type you choose depends on your personal preference, budget, and the level of convenience you desire. Propane and electric grills are generally easier to use and require less maintenance than charcoal or wood-burning grills.
How portable are camping grills?
The portability of camping grills varies based on their size and weight. Some camping grills are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport in a backpack, while others are larger and require a vehicle to transport them.
Can I use a camping grill in a state or national park?
Each park has its own rules and regulations regarding the use of camping grills. Check with the park’s authorities to ensure that you are using your camping grill in accordance with the park’s rules.
How do I clean my camping grill?
Cleaning your camping grill is essential for its longevity and optimal performance. Most camping grills can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a sponge or brush. Some grills also have removable parts that can be cleaned in a dishwasher.