For a carnivore who loves the great outdoors, nothing is better than a good grill.
Over the last seven years, I have tried out the best camping grills on the market and have narrowed the list down to my top eight.
All these grills are great options for different types of trips, from family getaways to car camping trips with friends.
Read on to see which grill might be best for you.
The Best Camping Grills
- Best Overall Camping Grill: Weber Gas Grill
- Cheapest Camping Grill: UCO Flatpack Mini Portable Grill and Fire Pit
- Best Value for Outdoor Cooking: Camp Chef Pellet Grill
- Premier Portable Wood-Fired Camping Grill: Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill
- Leading Dual-Burner Campsite Grill: Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable Gas Grill
- High-Quality Camp Cooking Grill: Magma Double Box Crossover
- Sturdiest Heavy-Duty Camping Grill: Coleman RoadTrip Portable Grill
- Best High-Temperature Wood Pellet Camping Grill: Green Mountain Grills
Top 8 Camping Grills
1 - Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill (Best Overall)
- Built-in side table x2
- Catch pan for easy cleanup
- Electronic ignition system
- Easy to set up
- Requires a separate adapter to attach a 20lb propane tank
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Outdoor enthusiasts needing a portable grill
Who is it not for?
- Those needing a large grilling area
Final Verdict
Compact and portable, ideal for small outdoor activities. For larger grilling areas, consider other models.
The Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill is a small grill that does not skimp on quality features. It is lightweight, easy to transport, reliable, and durable.
The grill has 189 square-inch porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates that provide even heat distribution and superior heat retention.
Additionally, the Weber Q 1200 features an electronic ignition system so you can start grilling quickly and easily.
The grill also has a removable catch pan for easy cleanup after cooking. The grease is funneled away from the food, reducing flare-ups and hot spots.
I am impressed that a grill of this size comes with two included side tables. These handy extensions are great for prepping and serving my food and are foldable for easy storage.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 189 sq in
- Dimensions : 15.5” x 40.9" x 16.5"
- Material : Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates
- Fuel type : Liquid Propane
"Innovation is woven throughout Weber's culture -- it's a vital principle our founder George Stephen instilled in our brand."
- Weber Grills
2 - Camp Chef Pursuit Pellet Grill (Best Value)
- Technology to control smoke levels
- The slider moves from direct to indirect heat
- Ash cleanout system makes cleanup easy
- Has to be flipped over to extend the legs
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those needing a versatile, portable grill
Who is it not for?
- Those who dislike complex maintenance
Final Verdict
Suitable for various grilling needs and easy to carry, but requires regular maintenance and cleaning.
The Camp Chef Pursuit Pellet Grill is an excellent option for people looking to enjoy the flavor of a wood fire while camping.
This grill has an electronic auto-start ignition system, digital temperature control, and a pellet hopper that holds up to 10 pounds of wood pellets.
This allows you to get consistent heat for hours without having to add fuel constantly.
The grill also has an easy-to-read LED display that provides information like the internal temperature of your food and the amount of time left on your timer.
Additionally, the Camp Chef Pursuit Pellet Grill features an ash cleanout system that makes it easy to empty the ashes from your grill.
I appreciate the ability to pull a single grill knob to shift from indirect fire to direct flame grilling. This makes it easy to move from low and slow smoking to quick searing.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 501 sq in
- Dimensions : 38” x 18.5” x 21”
- Material : Porcelain Coated Steel
- Fuel type : Wood Pellets
3 - Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill (Premier Portable Grill)
- Digital Arc Controller
- Meat probe to monitor food's internal temperature
- Keep warm mode for serving later
- Side latches can get hot
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Those who prefer precise temperature control
Who is it not for?
- Those needing large grilling capacity
Final Verdict
Offers precise temperature control and portability, suitable for small outdoor gatherings. For larger capacity, consider other models.
The Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill is a solid choice for campers who want all the power of Traeger's signature wood-fired flavor while on the go.
This portable grill has a latching lid for transport and porcelain-coated cooking grates that can hold up to 6 burgers or a dozen hot dogs at once.
The Traeger Ranger has a meat probe that allows you to monitor your food's internal temperature from a distance. Also included is the Digital Arc Controller that helps you maintain an accurate cooking temperature and smoke level.
I like that this grill has a "keep warm" mode that allows me to keep my food warm at a low setting. This is great for times when I don't want to interrupt the fun just to serve up dinner.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 184 sq in
- Dimensions : 121” x 20" x 13"
- Material : Porcelain Coated Steel
- Fuel type : Wood Pellets
4 - Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable Gas Grill (Leading Dual-Burner)
- Integrated lid latch and briefcase-style handle for portability
- Twist-start ignition system
- 15,000 BTUs in a small area
- A small drip tray makes it hard to clean the grease out of the bottom
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small families or couples needing a portable grill
Who is it not for?
- Those needing extensive cooking space
Final Verdict
Compact and efficient dual-burner, ideal for small gatherings or camping. May be insufficient for larger groups.
The Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable Gas Grill is a choice for campers who want a lightweight and easy-to-assemble option.
This grill features a single burner that provides up to 15,000 BTUs of heat over the whole grill for searing burgers or steaks.
It also has 145 square inches of cooking space, making it large enough to feed the whole family.
This petit tabletop grill has a twist-start ignition system that makes it easy to get started. It also has an attached lid, integrated lid latch, and cool touch handles for added convenience.
I find this grill to be a truly mobile workhorse. It is only 13.5 lbs and has a briefcase-style handle, so I can easily transport it.
Furthermore, its compact size and folding legs mean it takes up minimal space when I bring it camping.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 145 sq in
- Dimensions : 17.6” x 18.6” x 11.8”
- Material : Porcelain-enameled cooking grate
- Fuel type : Gas
5 - Magma Double Box Crossover (High-Quality Grill)
- Built-in wind deflector
- Side fold-out tables
- Front panel ventilation keeps controls cool
- A higher-priced grill
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- High-end users looking for a durable, versatile grill
Who is it not for?
- Those on a budget or needing simple setups
Final Verdict
High-quality construction and versatile use, perfect for serious grillers. Not the best choice for those seeking budget-friendly options.
The Magma Double Box Crossover is a suitable option for campers who want the convenience of a two-burner grill.
This grill is made from high-quality stainless steel and is designed to be used in RV parks and campgrounds.
This Magma double-box crossover features two heat zones with a combined output of 30,000 BTUs. It also has two fold-out tables on the sides that provide extra counter space and can hold up to 25 lbs each. And you can light the burners either electrically or manually.
I appreciate the integrated windshield that surrounds each burner so that they stay lit regardless of the weather conditions.
This grill also works well at any altitude thanks to an innovative adjustment system that helps to keep my flame consistent at any elevation.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 448 sq in
- Dimensions : 144” x 22" x 10"
- Material : Stainless steel
- Fuel type : Gas
6 - Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Tabletop Propane Grill (Heavy-Duty Grill)
- Easy clean up
- Heavy-duty construction
- Designed to prevent flare-ups
- No thermometer on the lid
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Campers and tailgaters needing a robust, portable grill
Who is it not for?
- Those needing a lightweight, ultra-portable option
Final Verdict
Durable and powerful, ideal for heavy use in various outdoor settings. May be overkill for casual users.
The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is suitable for campers who want the convenience of a portable grill.
This tabletop grill includes two temperature zones controlled by separately adjustable knobs.
The grill has 225 square inches of cooking space, making it large enough to feed the whole family.
It is fueled by a single propane cylinder and has a cooking power of up to 11,000 BTUs. The exceptionally compact size makes this a solid choice for a camping grill that can sit nicely on a truck bed or picnic table.
I was pleasantly surprised that this grill came ready to grill directly out of the box. This propane grill is easy to set up and take down and cleans more quickly than many grills I have used.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 225 sq in
- Dimensions : 29.25” x 18.5” x 15.15”
- Material : Cast Iron
- Fuel type : Propane
7 - UCO Flatpack Mini Portable Grill and Fire Pit (Cheapest Option)
- Sides act as a natural windbreak
- Stable base on this camp stove
- The portable grill is fast and straightforward to set up
- The cooking surface may be too small
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Budget-conscious users and solo campers
Who is it not for?
- Those needing a large cooking surface
Final Verdict
Affordable and ultra-portable, great for solo trips or small gatherings. Limited cooking space may not suffice for larger groups.
The UCO Flatpack Mini Portable Grill and Fire Pit is the best portable charcoal grill for campers who want a grill that can also be used as a fire pit. This dual-purpose device has an adjustable height grate to cook over the flames.
The Flatpack mini camp stove features stainless steel construction and a foldable design that makes it easy to transport. You can use it as a charcoal grill or put wood in the pit and use it as an outdoor cooking space.
I found this charcoal grill to be highly versatile and straightforward to set up. I can remove it from the included carry bag and have it ready to light within 30 seconds. And at only 2 pounds in weight, I can lug it just about anywhere.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 130 sq in
- Dimensions : 13.5” x 10" x 11"
- Material : Stainless Steel
- Fuel type : Charcoal
8 - Green Mountain Grills Trek Wood Pellet (Best High-Temperature Grill)
- WiFi-enabled digital display for heat control
- Fuel is easy to load within the hopper
- Integrated fan reduces flare-ups
- At 65 lbs, best suited for car camping only
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- BBQ enthusiasts needing high-temperature grilling
Who is it not for?
- Those needing ultra-portable or lightweight options
Final Verdict
Excellent temperature control and high-heat capability, perfect for serious BBQ enthusiasts. Not ideal for those seeking portability.
The Green Mountain Grills Trek Wood Pellet Grill is a solid option for campers who want to cook with wood pellets. These portable grills can reach temperatures from 150 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
It also features a WiFi-enabled integrated digital display that helps you control your heat settings.
This grill comes with a hopper that holds 9 pounds of pellets and an auger for pellet feeding. The heating rod lights the fuel, and an integrated fan keeps the pellets burning at the desired temperature.
I like how this grill circulates smoke within the cooking chamber with its Venturi-style design. This helps to keep the temperature consistent and reduce flare-ups.
And I love that I can connect this grill to my phone and adjust settings from any location.
Quick Facts:
- Cooking area : 219 sq in
- Dimensions : 24” x 16" x 32"
- Material : Stainless Steel
- Fuel type : Wood Pellets
Buyer’s guide for Camping Grills
When looking for the perfect grill, there are a few key criteria to consider.
1. Portability
Portability is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a grill. When selecting, look for a portable grill since it makes transportation easier.
Make sure it fits in your car or backpack easily and does not take up too much space.
Additionally, look for portable grills with collapsible legs and a locking lid that make them even easier to transport and store.
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2. Cooking Area
Your camping grill's size should be based on how many people you plan to cook for.
A small grill should suffice if you plan to do hibachi-style cooking of meals for two or three people.
But if you plan on cooking meals for larger groups, look for models with larger stainless steel grates, so there is enough room to cook several items at once.
3. Price
When it comes to price tags, it's important to remember that quality matters when buying a grill.
Don't just buy the cheapest option available; instead, invest in a model designed to last and withstand outdoor conditions.
That being said, there are some great options out there that offer both quality and affordability. It just depends on what features and materials you require for your grill.
4. Durability
When investing in a grill, it's important to make sure that it is made of materials that will stand up to the elements.
Look for portable grills with durable construction and materials such as stainless steel or coated cast iron that can withstand rust and corrosion over time.
It is also important to ensure the grill has been tested in extreme temperatures since you may use it in environments with high heat or cold weather.
5. Performance & Power
The performance and power of your camping grill should be at the top of your list when looking for options.
A grill should have enough BTUs (British Thermal Units) to properly cook your food without taking too long or burning it too quickly.
If you plan on cooking large meals, look for higher BTU models or multiple burners so that you can cook multiple items simultaneously.
It's also essential to find out how much fuel is needed for each use so you know what fuel source you need to bring along on your trip.
Also Read: Best 4-Burner Gas Grills
6. Convenience
Convenience is essential when looking for a camping grill. Look for grills with features such as folding legs or lids which allow them to be easily transported from one location to another without taking up too much space in your car or backpack.
Some models even come with built-in thermometers so you can keep track of the temperature without having to guess or monitor constantly while cooking.
Additionally, look for a grill with an easy-to-clean grill surface so that it is easy to remove food debris and faster to clean after each use.
You want one with a sturdy surface that is tough enough to stand up to a grill brush or get placed in the dishwasher.
Drip trays, built-in ignition systems, and adjustable legs are convenience features found on the best portable grills.
7. Fuel Type
One thing to consider when looking for a portable grill is what fuel you want to use. The most popular types are charcoal, propane gas, and wood pellets.
Charcoal grills provide more intense heat than gas grills and cook food more quickly. However, a charcoal grill requires more effort in cleaning up after use and refueling between uses.
Propane gas grills heat quickly and are easier to set up and clean up afterward. The best propane grills provide even heat distribution across the cooking surface but may not have the heat retention of a portable charcoal grill.
Also, large gas canisters take up storage space, and the flame may blow out in windy conditions.
Wood pellet grills are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience.
They are easy to light up and control temperature settings with precision—but they require a bit more maintenance than other grills due to their reliance on wood chips that need replacing regularly.
8. Features & Accessories
The next factor to consider when choosing a camping grill is what features and accessories it offers.
Most modern grills come with temperature gauges that allow you to monitor how hot or cold your food is cooking inside.
A grill grate made from cast iron or stainless steel is ideal because that type of metal cooking grate is durable and can withstand high temperatures without warping.
Some models include additional features like built-in thermometers or a grease management system for collecting cooking fat.
Other features, such as removable shelves or side tables, can be helpful if you plan on cooking multiple items at once. Some grills even can double as a camping stove.
Also Read: Stainless Steel Grill Grates vs Cast Iron: Which to Buy?
9. Safety
Another factor to consider before purchasing a camping grill is its safety features.
Grilling outdoors by an open flame poses certain risks that you should consider before investing in any model; look for models with lids that fit snugly over the appliance so that sparks don't escape during use.
FAQs
What Kind of Grill Is Best for Camping?
The kind of grill best for camping is the one that’s easy to set up and readily portable. Charcoal grills and propane gas grills are the most popular grills due to their convenience, while wood pellet grills provide additional features such as temperature control.
Is a Camping BBQ Worth It?
A camping BBQ is worth it if you are looking for an easy and convenient way to cook while camping. Camping grills tend to be more affordable than most grills, require less effort to set up and clean up and provide a delicious meal on the go.
Can I Use a 20LB Propane Tank on a Camping Grill?
Yes, you can use a 20lb propane tank on most camping grills. However, it is important to ensure that the grill you are using is compatible with this tank size before attempting to connect it. Sometimes these require special adapters.
Is a Griddle or Grill Better for Camping?
Whether a griddle or grill is better for camping depends on what you want to cook. Griddles provide an easy way to cook dishes like eggs and pancakes, while you can use grills for cooking proteins such as steak or chicken. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your cooking preferences and the type of meal you plan.
What Is the #1 Best Camping Grill for You?
The grills I mentioned provide excellent BBQ results in the great outdoors. However, after carefully reviewing their distinct features, I’ve decided to give my vote to the Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill.
This model has all the features I was looking for among camping grills, including a large grilling surface, adjustable temperature controls, easy-to-use push-button ignition to start cooking quickly, and sturdy construction.
User reviews have also been overwhelmingly positive of this best camping grill, citing its collapsible side tables, compact grill design, and the ability to use it with a 1lb propane canister or a 20lb tank.
Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill (Best Overall)
Our #1 Recommendation
- Built-in side table x2
- Catch pan for easy cleanup
- Electronic ignition system
- Easy to set up
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