Best Camping Grills

The Best Camping Grills in 2024

Are you ready to take your camping trip to the next level? Choosing the right camping grill can make or break your outdoor adventure.

A good camping grill should be easy to use, compact enough for transport, and powerful enough to cook a variety of meals. Read on to discover our top tips for choosing the best camping grill for your next trip!

From choosing between portable gas grills to charcoal grills, there are many factors to consider. Having the right cooking surface for the job will make for a great experience on your next adventure.

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What is a Camping Grill?

A camping grill is a portable outdoor cooking device that is designed specifically for cooking outdoors in various weather conditions.

Camping grills typically have three main components: an open flame source (usually propane gas), an adjustable grate over the flame, and an adjustable hood to control heat and smoke.

The majority of camping grills are designed so that the flame source is contained within the body of the grill and is protected from wind and rain by either a removable hood or an ash guard.

The adjustable grate allows you to adjust the height of the heat source to accommodate different types of food such as fish, steaks, veggies, and even desserts!

The majority of modern camping grills come with additional features such as side burners for boiling water or sautéing vegetables, hooks for hanging utensils, shelves for storage, and even downdraft systems that help to keep smoke away from your food.

Why do you need a Camping Grill?

A camping grill will enhance your outdoor cooking experience. Even with a fire pit at the campsite, or an RV or Travel Trailer with an indoor kitchen, there are often reasons why you’d want to grill instead.

First of all, a camping grill is more efficient than an open-air firepit. With an open-air fire, your food can take longer to cook and require more continuous monitoring. On the other hand, with a camping grill, you can set it up and regulate the temperature more precisely.

This means that you can prepare your food faster and with less effort. Additionally, since most camping grills come equipped with lids or covers, they allow you to seal in heat better than when using an open-air firepit. This makes them ideal for slow cooking or roasting dishes like stews and roasts.

Another advantage of using a camping grill over a firepit is that they tend to be much cleaner and easier to maintain than its open-air counterparts.

Not only do they not produce smoke as an open-fire pit does but they also don’t need as much fuel to keep going since most have adjustable burners that allow you to regulate how much heat is produced at any given time.

As such, this makes them great for those who want to minimize their environmental impact while still enjoying delicious grilled meals outdoors!

Finally, if you don’t have access to either an open-fire pit or an indoor kitchen then having a camping grill on hand may prove invaluable!

You will be able to enjoy freshly cooked meals wherever your travels take you without ever sacrificing quality or taste! So why not invest in one today? You won’t regret it!

The Best Camping Grills

daytripper Pick

Best All Around

Coleman Portable Propane Grill

budget Freindly

Charcoal Grill

Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14″ Charcoal Grill

Gas Grill

Gas Grill

Char-Broil Portable 240 Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Our top Pick

Coleman Portable Propane Grill

The Coleman Portable Propane Grill is a powerful and lightweight grill that’s perfect for camping, picnicking, and tailgating.

With 20,000 BTUs of heat, porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, and a cast aluminum lid, you can cook like a pro anywhere you go.

The patented Fire Mesh Technology makes burning more efficient, and the Trailblazer’s intuitive design means you don’t need any tools to set it up. The grill is highly portable and comes with its own side tables for storage.

Pros:

  • Propane with 20,000 BTUS
  • Low center of gravity for stability in wind
  • 12×12 burn area perfect for 3-4 people
  • Stretch mesh pockets on both sides

Cons:

  • Enameled parts are difficult to clean
Budget Freindly

Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14″ Charcoal Grill

The Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14″ Charcoal Grill is a lightweight and portable grill that’s perfect for any grilling adventure. Its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat and won’t rust or peel over time.

With a Tuck-N-Carry lid lock and dampers to control temperature, this grill holds up to five burgers and comes with free 3D assembly instructions through the BILT app.

Take your grilling game on the road with the Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14″ Charcoal Grill!

Pros:

  • Its lightweight and portable design makes it easy to transport.
  • Holds up to five burgers made with a Weber burger press.
  • Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder, avoiding placing the lid on the ground.
  • Dampers allow you to control the temperature inside your grill.

Cons:

  • Charcoal grills require more effort for setup
  • Compact Size may work for large groups
Tabletop

Char-Broil Portable 240 Gas Grill

The Char-Broil Portable 240 Liquid Propane Gas Grill is a great option for grilling on the go. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat and won’t rust or peel.

The Tuck-N-Carry lid lock doubles as a lid holder and dampers help you control temperature.

It’s lightweight and has sturdy legs and carrying handles for easy transport. Assembly is easy with the free BILT app’s 3D interactive instructions.

Pros:

  • 9,500 BTUS
  • It can hold up to 6-8 burgers.
  • 240 Square inch cooking area and built to travel.
  • Sturdy legs for stability on a Table or the ground, carrying handles for easy transport.

Cons:

  • May be too small for larger groups
  • No side burner
Wood Burning

Fireside Outdoor Trailblazer Fire Pit And Grill

The Fireside Outdoor Trailblazer Fire Pit and Grill is a versatile and portable outdoor companion. With patented Fire Mesh Technology, it burns wood, sticks, charcoal, or wax logs for efficient and hotter burning.

It weighs only 3.2lb and has an intuitive design with no fasteners or bolts, making it easy to transport and set up. It opens up to a 12″x12″ burn area for 1-4 people, ensuring stability.

Enjoy the outdoors with the Fireside Outdoor Trailblazer Fire Pit and Grill!

Pros:

  • Can be used as a camp stove, campfire, or grill. 
  • Lightweight design (3.2 lb) with intuitive design for a 12″”x12″” burn area
  • No fasteners or bolts to lose and no tools to fumble with at night
  • low center of gravity for stability on windy nights or elevated surfaces.

Cons:

  • No built-in rain cover
  • No chest strap for extra support
Great Quality

Weber Q 1200 Portable Gas Grill

The Weber Q 1200 Portable Gas Grill is a high-performance and portable grill.

Its stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTUs and heats a 189 sq.in. cooking area. Fire Mesh Technology ensures efficient burning, while the porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and aluminum lid cook food evenly.

Weighing only 3.2lb and with no fasteners or bolts, it’s easy to set up and take anywhere. Enjoy stable grilling with its low center of gravity.

Pros:

  • 8500 BTU-per-hour heat output for 189 square inches of cooking area
  • Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid
  • Patented Fire Mesh Technology for maximum oxygen intake and efficient burning
  • Portability thanks to its light weight of only 3.2lbs when packed,

Cons:

  • Low BTU output compared to other models
  • Not for large families
Table Top

Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable

The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Tabletop Gas Grill is a portable powerhouse with a 145-square-inch grilling area and foldaway legs.

The 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner and porcelain-enameled grate make it easy to cook up to 8 burgers or 4 pounds of fish.

It sets up in seconds with aluminum legs and stabilizing feet, and the briefcase-style carrying handle makes it easy to take anywhere!

Pros:

  • 145-square inch grilling area
  • 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner 
  • Aluminum legs and stabilizing feet for quick setup and breakdown
  • Weighs only 13.5 pounds

Cons:

  • Smaller grilling area may be limiting
  • Relatively low BTUs may make it difficult to get a good sear
Great Overall

Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Gas BBQ Grill

Feed a crowd in style with the Napoleon Propane Gas Grill. With 12,000 BTU’s and two individually controlled stainless steel tube burners providing 285 square inches of grilling area, this grill can cook up to 18 hamburgers at once!

Its iconic cast iron cooking grids provide even heat, prevent food from falling through, and create beautiful sear marks.

Perfect for camping, tailgating, and small outdoor living spaces, its wind-proof design ensures that your meal won’t be hindered by weather conditions.

And with its tall cast aluminum lid, you can even roast whole chickens or a holiday turkey!

Pros:

  • Dual Burners
  • 285 square inches of grilling area, capable of grilling up to 18 hamburgers
  • Tall lid is built high enough for roasts, whole chickens, and even a holiday turkey 

Cons:

  • May not work if you have limited storage space

Popular Types of Camping Grills

From charcoal grills to propane grills and electric grills, there are options that can fit any budget or style of camping. Here’s a closer look at the most popular types of camping grills and what you should consider when deciding which one is right for you.

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills are some of the most popular camping grills on the market due to their affordability, ease of use, and portability. Charcoal grills heat food quickly through direct contact with hot coals, making them great for cooking burgers, steaks, chicken, and other grilled favorites.

They’re also excellent for smoking foods since they produce less smoke than other types of grills. The downside to using a charcoal grill is that it requires more maintenance than other types of grills as the charcoal needs to be regularly replenished and ashes cleaned out after each use.

Propane Grills

Propane grills are usually bigger and more expensive than charcoal grills but they offer several benefits over their counterparts including faster cooking times and better temperature control.

Propane grillers generate heat by burning liquid propane gas which means that users don’t need to wait for hot coals before they start cooking like they do with charcoal models.

Because liquid propane gas burns cleaner than charcoal, these models also produce less smoke so they’re ideal for people who have neighbors nearby or who want to minimize smoke production while cooking over an open flame on a campsite or beach.

Propane grills are a great option for large groups due to their ability to feed large groups. They are convenient and can sit right on top of your picnic table.

Electric Grills

If you’re looking for an even quicker way to cook your meals without having to use any fuel source at all then an electric grill may be just what you need.

Electric models usually consist of two heating elements – one above the food which radiates heat downward onto it while the other element heats up from below giving your food even cooking on both sides without having to flip it mid-cooking time.

These models are easy to use since all you have to do is plug them into an electrical outlet but keep in mind that these require access to power so they’re better suited for car camping or RV trips rather than backpacking excursions where electricity isn’t readily available.

Pancakes on the grill

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camping Grill

Camping grills come in a variety of styles and sizes, so it’s important to consider your needs and preferences when choosing one. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best camping grill for you:

Size and Weight

One of the most important considerations when deciding on a camping grill is size and weight.

If you plan on carrying your grill in your backpack or car, then you want to be sure it’s lightweight and easy to transport. This is especially true if you’ll be cooking more than one meal at a time.

Choosing a grill for easy storage is a must in any situation. The best camp stove will fit just enough stuff for your party and last a long time.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something larger that will provide enough space for multiple people, then something with a larger surface area might be necessary.

Fuel Source

Another factor to consider when choosing a camping grill is fuel type. You can choose from charcoal or propane grills, both of which offer different advantages depending on what type of food you plan on cooking and how much heat output you need.

Charcoal provides more intense heat but requires more time to ignite; whereas propane offers instant heat with adjustable temperature control.

Heat Output and Temperature Control

Heat output is another important factor to consider when selecting a camping grill. The higher the BTU rating, the more intense the heat produced by your grill will be – ideal for searing steaks or roasting vegetables over an open flame.

When it comes to temperature control, look for a model that allows you to easily adjust temperatures so that you can cook everything from delicate fish fillets to thick slabs of ribs without burning them.

Durability and Reliability

As with any piece of equipment used outdoors, durability should also be taken into consideration when selecting a camping grill.

Look for models made with heavy-duty materials such as stainless steel that are built to last and won’t rust after repeated use in wet weather conditions.

Additionally, reliable brands such as Weber offer warranties so that if anything goes wrong during regular use, they have your back!

Price Range

Price is also an important factor when making any purchase – including buying a camping grill!

While there are plenty of budget-friendly options available out there these days, keep in mind that quality often comes with higher prices too – so don’t let price alone determine which model is right for you!

Safety Features

Finally, pay close attention to safety features offered by any potential camp grills before making your purchase decision – look out for items like auto shut off systems that turn off your device if left unattended too long or wind guards designed specifically for outdoor use against inclement weather conditions like strong winds or rainstorms.

Picking the right camping grill for you.

Choosing the right camping grill is an important step when planning a camping trip. A good camping grill should be easy to use, compact enough for transport, and powerful enough to cook a variety of meals.

The best portable grills typically have three main components- an open flame source, an adjustable grate over the flame, and an adjustable hood to control heat and smoke.

By taking into account these tips when selecting a camping grill, you can ensure that your next camping trip will be a success!

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