Do you want to make your next camping adventure memorable? If so, it’s time to get your hands on a camping grill! These grills are portable and designed for adventure. You can enjoy a hot meal even in frigid temperatures!
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Best Camping Grills
For many people, camping is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a way to spend time in nature, disconnect from technology, and bond with family and friends.
One of the best parts of camping is enjoying a hot meal outdoors, especially when it cools down in the evening.
Yet, cooking a meal over a campfire comes with its challenges. This is why having a portable camping grill is essential. The best camping grills are compact and easy to use so you can enjoy a hot meal no matter where you are.
With a portable camping grill, there’s no need to worry about building a fire or wondering when your tin-foil meal is ready. Instead, you can focus on enjoying your time in the great outdoors.
With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. We hope this article will help you choose the best camping grill for your next trip. The list below covers the best portable grills with different fuel types and BTUs. We hope you will find a match before the weekend arrives.
Our Picks: The Best Portable Grills For Camping
- Editors Pick: BlackStone 22 Inch Griddle
- Best Overall: Napoleon TravelQ Portable Gas Grill
- Best Small Budget: Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill
- Best Luxury: Nomadiq Portable Propane Gas Grill
- Best for Beginners: Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill
Editor's Pick
BlackStone 22 Inch Griddle
The BlackStone 22 Inch Griddle is our favorite portable grill because of the versatile griddle top. Unlike a traditional grill, a griddle has a solid surface so you can use one for various meals. Whether you’re cooking eggs and pancakes for breakfast or burgers and mixed vegetables for dinner, this tabletop propane grill will deliver.
This tabletop griddle is also much more user-friendly than a portable charcoal grill. It has two independently controlled H-style burners that produce 24,000 BTUs of combined heat across the grilling surface. Having different heat zones is great for cooking different foods at the same time, each at its own temperature.
A large cooking surface of 339 square inches is more than enough space to cook for a family or small group. Plus, with push-button ignition, you won’t have to worry about carrying around matches or packing a BBQ lighter.
The built-in grease management system makes for an easy clean-up. Perfect for backcountry cooking. Plus, this griddle has height-adjustable rubber legs for stability on even the rockiest of terrains.
What we liked
- Griddle with solid surface
- Sufficient cooking area
- Powerful output
- Reduces flareups
- Comes with control knobs
What we didn’t like
- No lid
- No carrying case or handle
Best Overall
Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Gas BBQ Grill
The Napoleon TravelQ Portable Gas Grill is a great grill for car camping, tailgating, and adventuring.
The two independent stainless steel tube burners produce a combined output of 12,000 BTUs. The heat spreads across 285 square inches of cooking space, large enough to grill 18 burgers at once! The cast iron cooking grates provide an even heat distribution and beautiful sear marks when you’re searing steaks.
With an extra cast iron griddle to replace one of the grates, you can grill pancakes or delicious side dishes with ease. The foldable legs make this grill usable almost anywhere. Plus, you’ll have the height you need. We also love the instant ignition and temperature gauge. This makes the entire grilling experience simple and painless.
What we liked
- No assembly needed
- Two independent burners
- Windproof cast-aluminum lid
What we didn’t like
- Heavier than most portable camping grills
Best Small Budget Camping Grill
Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill
Coleman is a well-known brand that sells some of the best portable camping grills. The Fold N Go Propane Grill is no exception.
If your campsite is a long walk from your parking space, you need a grill that you can carry. This lightweight, portable propane grill with a built-in handle is exactly that!
This affordable grill features one horseshoe-shaped burner that produces 6,000 BTUs of heat. Plus, it has 105 square inches of cooking space. The unique PerfectFlow technology keeps the heat steady even in the harshest of conditions. It also comes with removable grease trays to keep the entire system clean and efficient.
The Coleman Fold N Go grill is the best camping grill for beginners. Especially those who don’t have much experience grilling on camping trips. With its simple operating mechanism, you won’t face any problems.
What we liked
- Produces consistent heat
- Affordable
- Washable
- Easy to operate
- Very lightweight
What we didn’t like
- Need a BBQ lighter or match to ignite
- Removable parts are sharp
- Unreliable latch
Best Luxury Camping Grill
NOMADIQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
The Nomadiq Portable Propane Gas Grill is a small gas grill with a compact design. It’s perfect for bringing along on your next camping trip. Weighing only 12 lbs. you will have no trouble walking long distances to your campsite with this grill.
The cooking area on this portable grill measures 226 square inches. Plus, it has two ceramic-coated grill grates, perfect for a small group. The grill grate is rust-resistant and removable for an effortless clean-up in your camping sink. The body of this portable grill is made of heavy steel and powder coated for durability.
With two stainless steel burners, this grill can produce a grand total of 10,000 BTUs. Both burners operate on their own. This is great for cooking different foods at different temperatures at the same time.
This grill can withstand all the external elements and outdoor experiences that most cheap grills fail to achieve. It includes two drip trays, a gas hose/regulator, and a carrying strap for easy transport.
What we liked
- Lightweight grill
- Non-stick grates
- Two independent burners
What we didn’t like
- No temperature gauge
Best Camping Grill for Beginners
Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill
The Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill is one of the best camping grills for beginners. It’s small, easy to use, and has amazing portability. This lightweight grill has a unique “stack ‘n go design”. This gives you the comfort to use it anywhere from car camping, beach days, or last-minute camping trips. You’ll be able to take this unit anywhere you want without any burden.
The cooking space measures 154 square inches. And it has a beautiful porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grate. Cast iron cooking grates have excellent heat distribution, durability, and performance.
There is one stainless steel burner that produces a whopping 9,000 BTUs. This means it can reach peak temperature fast! Plus, the twist-to-start electric ignition gives you full control over temperature. And it’s easy to use!
The thoughtful design of this Venture gas grill makes it perfect for people who love traveling and need a compact grill with all the perks. The stacking design allows the propane cylinder to be placed in the bottom component. This keeps it out of the way of the rest of your cook station. The top piece is a handy cutting board that fits snuggly to save more space. The entire unit is complete with a large carrying handle, making it easy to transport.
What we liked
- Extreme portability
- Lightweight and compact
- Twist-start ignition
- Cutting board lid
- High heat capacity
What we didn’t like
- No temperature gauge
Our Results for The Best Camping Grills
We hope this overview helps you pick the best portable camping grills for you and your family. Here’s a quick recap.
- Editors Pick: BlackStone 22 Inch Griddle
“large cooking surface of 339 square inches is more than enough space to cook for a family or small group” - Best Overall: Napoleon TravelQ Portable Gas Grill
“cooking grates are made of cast iron, providing an even heat distribution and beautiful sear marks when you sear steaks” - Best Small Budget: Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill
“lightweight, extremely portable propane grill with a built-in handle” - Best Luxury: Nomadiq Portable Propane Gas Grill
“ceramic coated grill grates are rust-resistant and easily removed for an effortless clean-up - Best for Beginners: Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill
“thoughtful design makes it perfect for people who love travelling and need a compact grill with all the perks”
Things to consider when buying Camping Grills
Before you make your decision, you must consider a few important factors. These factors include fuel type, cooking space, burners, and BTUs. Added features that are important for your personal needs are also worth considering.
Let’s get into it.
Camping Grill Fuel Type
The first big decision to make is what type of fuel you like working with. Gas grills are the most popular type of camping grills because of their ease of use. But, if you love the smokey flavor you get from charcoal grills, a portable charcoal grill might be more up your alley.
If that’s the case, you might want to check out our guide on The Best Small Charcoal Grills.
If you like the user-friendliness of gas grills, then propane gas will be your fuel of choice. Most portable gas grills operate on small propane cylinders that will need to be replaced and recycled. You will also need to remember to pack these cylinders on your camping trip or else your grill will be useless.
Some propane grills offer refillable gas cartridges, especially those made by Coleman. This type of fuel is also known as white gas, white fuel, or “Coleman fuel”. It goes by the generic name of petroleum naphtha. This type of gas usually lasts longer. Plus, you can refill it without having to dispose of cartridges.
Ignition and Temperature Control
When it comes to ignition, you’ll either have push-button ignition or a system that requires a match or BBQ lighter to ignite.
Push-button ignition is the most convenient because you don’t have to worry about running out of matches. But, there is the possibility that your push-button ignition could break or stop working. If this happens, you must be prepared with a backup.
When speaking of temperature control, the best portable grill will have an easy-to-control temperature gauge. This lets you reach your ideal temperature without much thought.
You should also choose a portable grill with a lid. This will factor into temperature control! Especially when you get into cooler outdoor temperatures.
Portability
We can’t stress the importance of portability enough when looking for the best camping grills. When you go camping, chances are you’ll have to walk to your campsite. Sometimes carrying many things at once. The last thing you want is a heavy grill that takes many people to maneuver. Lightweight grills are imperative to a seamless camping experience.
Consider units with a carrying case or handles that make them convenient to carry. Foldable grills are also an excellent investment! They will fit in your vehicle easily and are easy to transport.
Assembly
The last thing you want to do when you arrive at your campsite is spend hours setting up your grill for dinner. To save your precious time, choose a grill that either comes pre-assembled. Or, one that has a very quick assembly process. A grill with many parts is also not ideal for a camping adventure.
Drip Tray
Drip Trays are essential for keeping grease in one place, making clean-up a breeze. A fast and efficient clean-up process is a must when camping. Especially if you don’t have access to running water. Removable drip trays are a blessing and definitely a feature to be on the lookout for.
Furthermore, an angled grease tray is a huge bonus, especially for griddle tops. The angle allows the grease to drip efficiently into a localized catchment area. This makes cleanup a breeze!
Versatility
A camping grill that is versatile enough to cook many different camping meals is a plus. The Napoleon TravelQ Portable Gas Grill is a great option because of the griddle insert it comes with. This attachment allows you to switch from grilling burgers to cooking eggs and pancakes in a quick motion.
These additions help you experiment with your cooking ideas during camping. They can support you in creating new dishes for your fellow campers.
Price and Brand
Finally, choose a grill from a brand with a good reputation and good customer reviews. A brand that offers great service and support should always be your priority.
While choosing the brand, also consider the price of your camping grill. The best approach is to prepare a budget plan for your camping trip and include the amount you want to spend on a grill. Then, with an exact value in your mind, you can shortlist some products which will help you spend wisely.
BBQ Hero Tip: Prepare your meals ahead of time to save time. The best camping meals are the ones that are easiest to make. Prepare your marinade, seasonings, and side dishes before you head out.
Features to consider when choosing a Camping Grill
There are a few more features to consider while searching for the best portable grill for camping.
Camping Grill Construction Materials
Since the intended use of this grill is cooking while camping, it’s important to ensure that it can handle the elements! Make sure the unit is durable and able to handle sunny days as well as bad weather. You’ll want to find a grill made of a good-quality material that won’t chip or rust.
Whether it’s a charcoal grill or a gas grill, the material of the body and grill grates play a great role in its performance. Usually, stainless steel grills with an aluminum lid and porcelain-enameled grates get the job done right.
You will also come across the option of a chrome-plated cooking grate or stainless steel grate. Stainless steel grates are typically usually rust-resistant and easy to clean.
Dimensions
We mentioned earlier the importance of portability when it comes to bringing a grill on your camping adventures. Another important factor in this regard is the grill grate dimensions. If you plan on doing large camping adventures with your friends and using this grill as the main food source, it would be a good idea to invest in a grill with a large grilling surface.
Mounting
Most portable grills are designed to be placed on a table for the perfect cooking height. However, if your campsite does not come equipped with a table, you will need to find a mounting solution. If you do a lot of back-country camping, it would be worthwhile to choose a grill with mounting legs included.
Warranty
When you make a big purchase like this one, it’s important to consider what kind of warranty you’re protected by. Sometimes things go wrong and you have no control over the outcome. There may be faulty parts, or maybe you’re just not happy with your decision. This is where a warranty comes in handy. Also, when a company offers a free lifetime warranty you know it’s a good product that the company trusts will do its job.
Safety Tips for Using Camping Grills
Portable grills of any kind should be handled with care and caution. Especially small grills that you’ll be bringing on camping trips. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when handling your new camping grill.
Set Up In A Safe Space
If you have a propane grill, you must pay attention to the location in which you set it up. This is due to the simple fact that propane is very flammable. Do not place your propane grill near a fire pit or in a high-traffic area where it might get knocked over.
Never Leave Unattended
If you’re the camp chef in charge of grilling food, it’s important that you don’t leave the grill unattended. Grilling while camping introduces all kinds of hazards that can be dangerous to an unattended grill.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
A fire extinguisher is an essential piece of equipment. It should always be within reach while cooking outdoors.
BBQ Hero Tip: Check your propane before you leave on your camping expedition. There is nothing worse than setting up your campsite, pulling out your grill, and noticing that your propane cylinder is empty.
Camping Grill FAQs
What Is The Easiest Camping Meal?
If you’re looking for a very basic camping meal, we recommend grilling hot dogs, burgers, or steaks. These easy meals require minimal effort, giving you more time to spend with your friends and family.
How Do You Clean A Grill While Camping?
The easiest way to clean your camping grill is to pack a basin to fill with water, dish soap, and a scrubbing brush. Most camping grills will have removable grill grates that you can soak in your soapy water basin while you wipe down the rest of the grilling surface. Scrub the grill grates clean and that’s it!
Is It Safe To Grill Outdoors In The Rain?
As long as it isn’t a downpour, yes, it is safe to grill in the rain. Be sure to cover your food with the grill lid of aluminum foil to protect your food from getting wet.