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What Is the Best BBQ Camping Grill? Check Out Our Reviews for Some Top Rated Options!
Camping trips differ in duration and difficulty, and a trip may range from a one-night excursion at the edge of a forest near town, to a one-month-long adventure in the Great Bear Rainforest where the weight of your cargo really comes into play. Due to these varying settings, we’ve come up with a selection of five of the best camping grills that will suit your needs. Since you’re aware of what to consider when purchasing one, let’s move on to our selected products, convinced that you will find one that you like.
Related: Delicious Veggie Dishes to Make on Your Grill This Summer – PLUS Best Gas Grills Video Review
Our Top Choice
Make your summer cookout memorable with the Coleman Roadtrip LXE Grill. It is packed with premium features with excellent BTU grilling power that stands out from the rest. It is great for barbecues and general outdoor grilling. If you want something smaller, in a lower price range check out the
Coleman NXT Lite Tabletop Propane Grill.
Coleman Roadtrip Propane Grill for Camping & Tailgating – Folds for Transport, InstaStartTM, Multiple Color Options, Choice of LXE or Larger LX Model
Features
The Coleman Company has operated in the outdoor recreation market since it was founded in 1900, supplying great camping gear to outdoor enthusiasts world wide. We chose the Roadtrip LXE Grill because it’s designed with true portability in mind. The grill is connected to a collapsible stand for easy set up and take down. The LXE Grill heats up nicely giving you plenty of room for preparation of your favorite grilling foods. When the cooking is done, the foil interior and coated grills make clean up a breeze. Once it has cooled the entire unit folds into a compact shape that can be either carried by the handle or rolled on its wheels.
Available in your choose of green, red, black, blue, purple, silver, maroon or orange, this grill is a on the more expensive side, but that is because it has so much to offer, such as -
- Porcelain coated iron grill surface
- Cooks for an hour with 20000 BTUs of power
- Matchless Lighting system
- Collapsible wheels and legs
- Extended side trays
- Available in Green, red, black, maroon and orange color variations
- Independent adjustable burners
- Dual sliding tables
- 3 year limited warranty
By the way, this grill isn’t just for camping. Take it with on picnics, to parties or use it at home if you don’t have the space to keep a full sized grill. Love to tailgate? With 8 colors to choose from, you should find one to show your team spirt!
We also love the fact that with interchangeable SwaptopTM cook tops, you can switch between grill grates to either a stove top grate or a griddle (available for separate purchase).
Best Value
A perfect compact outdoor grill from Cuisinart that performs with speed and flexibility for barbecuing your favorite foods. Great addition to the camping gear with great grilling features. To top it off, it comes at an affordable price. Don’t want your grill on the picnic table? Then you may want consider the
Cuisinart CGG-240 All Foods Stainless Steel Roll-Away Gas Grill.
Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill – VersaStand Tabletop Gas Camping Grill, Available in 3 Colors
Features
Cuisinart has been in the home appliance industry since 1971, and has definitely made a name for itself in the culinary word. In addition to making wonderful kitchen products, they have been helping grill enthusiast make their favorite meals in the great outdoors. Their range of grills handles everything from pancakes to steaks to sausages and burgers. We choose this model camping grill because of its great features at an affordable price of $129.99.
Take a look at some of what it has to offer -
- Ultra Compact Briefcase Design
- 145 square inch grilling surface
- Foldable legs with stabilizing feet setup
- Telescopic handle
- Porcelain enamel grill grates
- Propane gas powered
The grill may be small, but it can still handle about 10 chicken breasts, 8 burgers, 8 steaks or 4 pounds of fish at a time – just not all at once of course. This portable table top grill is available in three colors – black, red and stainless steel (silver).
They say good things come in small packages, and for barbecuing the Cuisinart Gourmet Tabletop proves it. But if you are looking for a portable grill that uses the same VersaStand functionality but can stand alone off your picnic table, the Cuisinart CGG180 has legs that extend to 31.5".
Char takes you back to the good old fashion grilling with this model. The durable construction, large cooking area and no-stick surface gives meat that added flavor, also great for grilling other foods. Need a charcoal camping grill that's a tad smaller?
Char-Griller Kamado style grills promote even heating to enhance flavor. They have two side handles for easy transport.
Char-Griller Deluxe Charcoal Griller for Serious Camping – Transport Wheels, Warming Rack, Heat gauge, Utensil hooks
Features
Georgia based Char-Griller has been one the best grill and smoker manufacturers since it entered the arena over two decades ago. Because not every camper is the same, we chose to feature their Deluxe Griller for people who want more space, and have the room to pack a more traditional style grill. This model is designed for grilling for a large family or group of folks. It incorporates a side wood shelf and large bottom shelf for storage of utensils and cooking tools. It is easy to pre-smoke food that will leave your neighboring campers drooling.
By the way, it goes without saying that this grill is also perfect your backyard, giving you even more value for the money you put out. Because it is powered by charcoal, you don’t have to work about damaging any of the propane connections in transport. Plus, if you run out of charcoal, you can always collect wood from the great outdoors!
The 2828 Pro Deluxe Charcoal Grill is currently going for about $139.00 at the time of this writing, and offers these great features -
- Heavy duty steel construction
- Iron cast grates
- 8" wheels for easy movement
- 850 square inches of cooking space
- Can cook for up to 30 burgers at the same time
- Removable grill and ash pan, with adjustable dampers
- On-board temperature gauge on the cover
If this grill is too big for you, but you still want a more traditional style charcoal grill to take camping with you there are two other size options – the Char-Griller Outlaw (49" L x 50" H x 29" W) or the Char-Griller Wrangler (50" H x 29" W x 35" L)
An award winning grill that focuses on infrared cooking which is unique and an alternative to the standard gas grills. With infrared your BBQ gets juicy meat consuming far less energy. If you prefer a traditional style grill for camping, take a look at the
Char-Broil Portable Kettle Charcoal Grill.
Char-Broil X200 TRU-Infrared Grill2Go Grill – Portable Propane Grill for Camping, Tailgating, Picnics
Features
Having been awarded a Gold Medal Honor at the international BBQ Awards in Friedrichshafen Germany for its TRU-infrared series, Char-Broil is one of the most recognized grill companies in the world. They have operated in the market since it was founded in 1944 and continue to impress us with all the different grilling and smoking options that they have. For camping, or any time that you need a grill on the go, we recommend the Portable Grill2Go® X200 Gas Grill.
The grill uses Tru-Infrared cooking technology and has a battery powered ignition, with a built in temperature gauge to ensure proper cooking. Tru-infrared uses less gas, prevents flare-ups shielding food from direct heat. It has an addition duel fuel kit. For transport, it has easy carry handles with stainless steel latches. If you want simpler portability, this grill is available with a carrying and storage case designed just for it.
This is a very affordable grill, going for around $149.99 with features that make it well worth the price tag, such as -
- High-impact frame
- Cooks 9500 BTUs of power
- 200 square inch grilling grate
- Cast aluminum firebox
- Limited warranty on burners
- Independent adjustable burners
- Wide temperature range (250-700F)
Experience Infrared grilling with the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 today – perfect for camping, tailgating and home.
Whenever you are on the go, and short on space the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal is a perfect choice. Basic features work well for a small grill that is resistant to the elements. It packs up well for camping and has an affordable price. Need something a bit bigger? Consider the
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill for your next camping trip.
Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Gilll for Camping, Tailgating and More - Thick Grill Rack, Large Vents
Features
Weber-Stephen is a worldwide manufacturer of BBQ equipment. Founded by George Stephen in 1952 and passed through the generations, the Weber company has provided outstanding customer service and support to both home grillers, and those who love to enjoy the great outdoors. The company has made milestones in the ever competitive BBQ equipment market. Out of all their wonderful products, we chose to showcase the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal because it is a perfect choice for camping. Powered by charcoal, there is no need to worry about running out of propane.
This charcoal grill is great for small groups of people, cooking up to 6 burgers at a time. Weber is retailing for around $61.60 at the moment of this writing, which is a decent price for a grill of this quality. You get…
- Rust proof Porcelain Enamel
- 160” Square grilling area
- Can fit 4 medium steaks
- Lid is closed by Pivoting legs
- Built-in hangers
- Tri-coated nickel steel grate
- 10 year warranty
Get your camping party started by getting with this great grill today! Or take it tailgating, the choice is yours.
Best Portable Camping Grill Buying Guide — What to Look for in a Charcoal or Propane Camping Grill
You’ve just read another article bashing millennials for being soft and unable to deal with life’s pressures, and you feel very triggered. What criteria do these writers use to make these determinations and what does a person who writes articles know about being soft? You console yourself that you are the hardest person out there by reminding yourself that you never miss an episode of MeatEater. In fact, the previous episode charged you so much that you called your closest friends and convinced them to come with you on a camping trip. Top of your agenda is eating wild hog and, to prepare it, you need the latest and most sophisticated camping grill in town.
For an extreme Rinella-inspired activity like the one you’re planning, your camping grill should be easy to carry and sturdy. The reason for this is that in the wild, the hunter sometimes becomes the hunted, and the faster you can get out of there the better your chances of survival. Further, with a sturdy design, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor grilling experience.
To boost your chances of having a successful expedition, you need a pair of binoculars to look over the horizon in search of a good hunting ground, a trail camera to help you trace the movement patterns of your preferred game, and the good old camping tent to ensure that you’re protected from the strong winds that blow at night.
At the end of the day, we all want a succulent steak. A camping grill will help you to it regardless of whether you set it up in your backyard or deep in the woods.
Video: Brilliant Camping Food Hacks
Useful Camping Food Hacks. | Courtesy of BuzzFeed Nifty
Price
Creating that moment of heaven in your mouth that we also call grilled meat should not be affected by cost. Our selection of camping grills has one for every income segment. However, if you want a grill with deluxe features such as a perfect-flow pressure control system, we would advise you to go for a more-expensive one. That said, please try and avoid cheap camping grills as they are fickle and may not give you the long-term service you deserve.
The price of our selected camping grills ranges from around $40 to $180, with the differences being accounted for by the materials used and features. For example, a camping grill that has a porcelain-enameled grate will cost you more than one that has a steel cooking grate. Similarly, a grill that has a wood-side shelf is more expensive than one without.
Features
The primary function of a camping grill is to give your meat that unique roast flavor and aroma that can only be achieved when it’s exposed to direct heat exceeding 150 degrees Celsius (302 Fahrenheit). Let’s examine the features you have to consider when purchasing one.
- Fuel Type - A propane-fueled camping grill will serve you well if you don't want to deal with waiting for charcoal. However, many purists swear by charcoal camping grills for better flavor.
- Cooking Area - The area of the cooking surface is also a crucial aspect to consider when purchasing your grill. If you’re one of those true meat-lovers that grill a hundred pounds of food during gatherings, a large cooking area is a must.
- Size- A bulky camping grill may prove to be a problem if you’re covering large distances on foot.
- Material - This is the primary constituent matter of the product.
- Ease of Use - The faster it is to get your grill started, the faster you will enjoy your meal.
- Grilling Quality - A good camping grill is one that spreads heat evenly on your meat, ensuring it cooks well.
- Weight - If you intend to carry the grill on your back during a camping trip, it would be advisable to avoid buying one that weighs 100 pounds.
- Manufacturer’s Support - Does the camping grill have a warranty?
- Extras - These are the features that improve your grilling experience. Examples include a warming rack and Telescopic VestaStand.
Construction and Design
Material
There are clear variations in the manner our selected camping grills are made. One of the most discernible differences is the material. While all the products here have stainless steel as their primary component, it is the reinforcements that differentiate them. Our camping grills are either painted, BTU, or heavy-duty steel.
Size and Weight
Size and weight are also important features to take into consideration when purchasing a camping grill. If you’re an energetic and outgoing person who unwinds by going on camping trips, a small and light grill will serve you well. With one, you don’t have to expend precious energy hauling a large load up a rocky terrain. On the other hand, if your idea of leisure involves grilling in the backyard, a large camping grill will look in place there.
Cooking Area
Size is also linked to cooking area. Despite our small-sized grills being portable, their cooking area is rather small, and one has to wait for pieces to cook before laying down others. If you have a large amount of food to grill, this may prove to be tedious.
Fuel Type
Fuel type is another important consideration factor. Our selected products either use charcoal or propane gas. If you find charcoal to be messy and difficult to use, a gas-fueled camping grill is the one for you.
Video: Assembling Portable Propane Gas BBQ grill
How to Assemble the Common Portable Gas BBQ. | Courtesy of photographiedynamic
Performance and Ease of Use
Ease of Use
In the current microwave world, patience is hard to come by. When food is involved, this quality becomes virtually non-existent. We are aware of this and have included in our selection a camping grill with an InstaStartTM start button to ensure that you can start grilling immediately after placing the food on the cooking surface.
Grilling Quality
Evenly-cooked meat is the hallmark of good grilling. Unfortunately, unless you’re a Masai pastoralist, you cannot achieve this feat over an open fire. However, our featured camping grills have adjustable airflow, enabling you to control the grilling heat.
Extras
In order to get the maximum bang for your buck, you must also consider the extras that come with the grill. Some of the features you should look out for include a warming rack, a stand, and even wheels.
Manufacturer’s Support
Further, manufacturer support is crucial. This is an area that our selected brands take very seriously. Depending on the product you choose, the warrant can last from three to ten years.
Get the Best Camping Grill of 2023!
We’re positive that this review made your selection of a camping grill much easier. Please note that the names that made their way here did so because of their dedication to producing high-quality products. If none of the selected camping grills we reviewed met your needs, please feel free to explore the other items manufactured by the brands.
Our Top Choice
Coleman Road Trip Portable Camping Grill
Best Value
Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Tabletop Gas Grill
Char-Griller Deluxe Griller Portable Charcoal Grill
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Gas Camping Grill
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Camping Grill
Camping Grill FAQs
How to fix camping propane grill?
To fix a camping propane grill, start by removing the rocks and grate. Then, remove the grime and grease that has built up and replace any worn-out parts. Also, make sure to repaint the faded parts using high-temperature paint. Now, it’s time to test the igniter for any problems. Either it may have a worn-out wire sheathing, or it’s destroyed. In the case of the former, replace it with a new igniter, remove the burner assembly before cleaning it. If it’s excessively rusted, replace it with a new one.
How long does it take for the camping grill to heat up?
It takes a camping grill nearly 15 minutes to heat up. However, that’s it you intend to cook at a higher temperature. If you want a much lower temperature, heating the grill should last for only 10 minutes. The prevailing room temperature (whether cold or warm) may affect the heating time.
What are foods you can cook on the grill while camping?
You can cook different foods on your camping grill, including stakes, chicken, turkey, and so on. It all depends on the ingredients, the recipes, and your imagination.
