Before embarking on your next adventure in the great outdoors, ensure you have a reliable portable grill capable of withstanding the elements and providing you with a delectable, camp-friendly meal. Whether you’re car camping, RV camping, tailgating, or backpacking, a lightweight, compact, and easily transportable grill is essential for effortless cooking.
The best camping grills are determined by their fuel type, size, and portability features, which will guide you in choosing the right one for your needs. After weeks of testing the most popular models, grilling burgers, asparagus, corn, and onions, we evaluated every detail.
Keep in mind that camping grills differ from camping stoves. Camping stoves use propane burners, whereas camping grills allow you to cook over an open flame. We also have an over-the-fire grill option recommended by an experienced camper.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart
Pros:
- Excellent for beginners
- Highly portable
- Accurate temperature control
Cons:
- Assembly is time-consuming
This grill may be too heavy for backpacking, but it excels in performance and mobility for car or campsite cooking. The fuel hopper allows easy refilling, even for charcoal novices. The standout feature is the SteadyTemp system, with a temperature dial controlling a battery-powered fan, maintaining precise temperatures from 250°F for slow-smoking to 500°F for searing. Its collapsible wheeled cart enhances mobility, and it can cook up to nine burgers or 15 brats simultaneously. Initial assembly is required and can be time-consuming.
Dimensions: 36 x 45 x 19 inches
Weight: 52 pounds
Cooking Area: 200 square inches
Fuel: Charcoal
Best Propane
Weber Q1200 Gas Grill
Pros:
- Even heating
- Nonstick porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Folding side tables
Cons:
- Heavy
Available in various colors, this grill offers both style and performance. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates prevent sticking, and the oval-shaped burner ensures even heating with 8,500 BTUs. Convenient features include flip-out prep tables, a built-in lid thermometer, and a removable drip pan. Suitable for picnics, tailgating, or camping, it’s not ideal for long treks due to its 30-pound weight and 1-pound propane cylinder requirement.
Dimensions: 20.5 x 40.9 x 24.6 inches
Weight: 31 pounds
Cooking Area: 189 square inches
Fuel: Propane
Power: 8,500 BTU/hour
Best Budget
Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Legs double as a lid lock
- Capable of searing a steak
Cons:
- Uneven heating
- Awkward tank layout
The Weber Go-Anywhere stands out for its portability and ease of use. Its legs lock the lid in place for secure transport, making it backpack-friendly. Despite its small size, it has a 160-square-inch cooking surface and sufficient power to sear steaks and fish filets. The 1-pound propane tank screws in at an angle, requiring a flat surface for stability. The temperature-adjustment knob’s placement near the tank is slightly inconvenient.
Dimensions: 14.5 x 21 x 12.2 inches
Weight: 13.5 pounds
Cooking Area: 160 square inches
Fuel: Propane
Power: 6,500 BTU/hour
Best Splurge
PK Grills PKGo Grill Grilling System
Pros:
- Versatile
- Large cooking area
- Heat-retentive cast-iron grates
Cons:
- Heavy
- Exterior gets very hot
The PKGO is more than just a grill; it’s a versatile grilling system. With four vents for direct grilling or indirect smoking and a removable lid that doubles as a separate hibachi-style grill, it offers various cooking options. The cast-iron grates retain heat well, ensuring even cooking. Though the grill is heavy at nearly 40 pounds, its performance and features justify the weight and cost. The grill arrives mostly assembled, with simple instructions for use.
Dimensions: 15.3 x 20.9 x 13 inches
Weight: 39.5 pounds
Cooking Area: 204 square inches (additional 204 square inches for separate lid grill)
Fuel: Charcoal
Best Compact
Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill
Pros:
- No flare-ups
- Effective nonstick coating
- Powerful burner for a small grill
Cons:
- Limited to 1-pound propane canisters
- Uneven cooking
The Cuisinart Venture is cleverly designed for portability, resembling a lunch box or small cooler. It includes a propane tank compartment, wooden top serving as a cutting board, and a comfortable carrying handle. The 9,000-BTU burner achieves searing temperatures, but the lack of a lid results in temperature variance. It’s best for small items that can be frequently turned for even cooking.
Dimensions: 13 x 16.3 x 10.8 inches
Weight: 20.6 pounds
Cooking Area: 154 square inches
Fuel: Propane
Power: 9,000 BTU/hour
Best for a Group
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
Pros:
- Easy to set up and transport
- Unique fold-flat design
- Built-in side table
Cons:
- Uneven heating with the lid open
Perfect for group cooking, the Weber Traveler offers 320 square inches of cooking space and a side prep table. Its design allows easy transport and one-hand setup. Compatible with both 1-pound and 20-pound propane tanks, its single burner delivers 13,000 BTUs. The cast-iron grate heats quickly, though the grill loses heat rapidly with the lid open.
Dimensions: 42.7 x 43.6 x 37.2 inches
Weight: 49 pounds
Cooking Area: 320 square inches
Fuel: Propane
Power: 13,000 BTU/hour
Best for Experts
Coleman Portable Propane Grill
Pros:
- Large cooking space
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons:
- Expensive
The Coleman 225 offers a large cooking area with cast-iron grates that retain heat well, ideal for experienced campers. It features two heat zones for versatile cooking, a removable grease pan, and the option to steam food while searing. The grill is powerful and easy to use, though it is more expensive.
Dimensions: 21.1 x 18.3 x 16.8 inches
Weight: 30 pounds
Cooking Area: 225 square inches
Fuel: Propane
Power: 11,000 BTU/hour
Best Over Fire
Rome 128 Pioneer Camp Grill
Pros:
- Adjustable height
- Durable steel construction
- Compact and easy to store
Cons:
- No carrying case
The Rome 128 Pioneer Camp Grill is a compact grate for grilling over a campfire. Made of food-safe alloy steel, it allows direct cooking of hotdogs and hamburgers. The adjustable legs provide height control, and they fold for easy storage. Ideal for backpacking, car camping, or RV use, it lacks a carrying case.
Dimensions: 17 x 10.5 x 12 inches
Weight: 1.7 pounds
Final Verdict
The Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart provides excellent temperature accuracy and effortless ignition when you’re out in nature. On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience of propane and an easy start with the push of a button, we recommend the Weber Q1200 Gas Grill.
How We Tested
We conducted hands-on testing of the portable grills listed here in our Lab. Our evaluators grilled and seared burgers, steaks, bratwursts, and corn on each unit to assess every feature and gauge performance. They also assembled and disassembled the grills, simulating a typical camping setup, and transported them around our Birmingham campus. Each grill was rated based on its heat control and retention, portability, features, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
What to Look for in a Camping Grill
Fuel Type
Propane-fueled grills are the most popular choice for camping. Experts like Mike Lang, founder of Another Pint Please, endorse propane for several reasons. “Propane can handle outdoor temperature changes and high elevations,” he notes. “Additionally, many camping grills designed for portable propane tanks can be adapted to connect with larger propane tanks, making your camping grill versatile enough for backyard use when you’re not on the trail.”
If you opt for a propane grill, remember to bring a propane canister or tank, along with an adapter hose if you’re using a larger tank. Alternatively, charcoal grills are also available. While charcoal grills require more effort to light, they impart a smokier, more flavorful taste to food. Just ensure you pack enough charcoal or pellets if you go this route.
Size
The size of your grill is crucial. Larger grills offer more cooking space, ideal for feeding four or more people, but they also tend to be heavier and bulkier. You’ll want a grill that balances ample cooking surface with portability and ease of transport.
Grates
The material of the grill grates is important. Nonstick-coated grates simplify cleanup, which is a bonus because nobody wants to spend their camping trip scrubbing a grill. Stainless steel grates are another durable, easy-to-clean option that resists rust. High-end portable grills often come with porcelain-enameled or cast iron grates, known for their heat retention and even heat distribution.
Portability
“When selecting a camping grill, I prioritize portability and power,” says Lang. “I need a grill that’s easy to move yet capable of cooking at high temperatures. The ease of cleaning is also important because you’ll want a grill that’s simple to maintain for future trips.”
If you’ll be frequently packing the grill in your car or RV, ensure it fits your storage requirements and is easy to transport. Features like folding legs, built-in handles, or wheels can make transporting a camping grill much easier. Opt for lightweight models to enhance portability.
Special Features
Additional features can distinguish one camping grill from another. Drip trays to catch grease and food debris make cleaning easier. Folding shelves add prep space without increasing bulk. Adjustable legs allow you to control the grill’s height for more convenient cooking. Built-in lighting is useful for nighttime grilling, though grill lights can be attached as needed. Features like built-in thermometers and ignition systems provide better control over cooking temperatures.
FAQs
Can you grill on a camping stove?
Grilling on a camp stove is different from grilling over an open fire or with charcoal. Most camp stoves feature circular gas burners powered by propane. While you can cook over this flame, it’s not the same as using a grill grate over an open fire. Some camp stoves offer grill or griddle options, so if grilling is important to you, make sure to choose a model with these capabilities.
Is camping gas the same thing as propane?
The terminology for gases can vary by region and retailer, making it confusing to distinguish between them. Camping gas and propane are both types of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). LPG includes propane, butane, isobutane, or combinations of these. When you purchase “propane,” you’re getting pure propane. In contrast, camping gas can be a blend of propane, butane, and isobutane.
