Camping is an excellent way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing with family and friends, one thing is for sure: you’ll need to eat. And what better way to cook your meals than with a camping grill?
A camping grill is a portable cooking device designed for outdoor use. It can be fueled by propane, charcoal, or wood, and is typically compact and lightweight. A good camping grill should be easy to set up and use, durable, and able to cook a variety of foods.
When choosing the best camping grill for your needs, there are a few critical things to consider. First, you’ll want to think about the size of the grill. If you’re camping with a large group, you’ll need a grill that can accommodate enough food for everyone. On the other hand, if you’re camping solo or with a partner, a smaller grill may be more practical.
Another important factor to consider is the type of fuel the grill uses. Charcoal grills are popular because they provide a smoky flavor to the food, but they can be messy and take longer to heat up. Propane grills, on the other hand, are easy to use and heat up quickly, but may not provide the same flavor as charcoal.
In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various camping grills to identify the best ones on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, we’ve got you covered.
Best Camping Grills
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you know that having a good camping grill is essential for cooking delicious meals on your camping trips. Whether you’re looking for a portable propane grill or a charcoal grill, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the best camping grills on the market. So, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy some mouth-watering meals under the stars!
Blackstone 1971 Heavy Duty Flat Top Grill Station
If you’re looking for a portable and powerful griddle for your camping, tailgating or outdoor adventure, the Blackstone 1971 Heavy Duty Flat Top Grill Station is a solid choice.
Pros
- The patented rear grease management system makes clean up a breeze, especially when cooking greasy food.
- The 267 square inches of cooking surface is surprisingly spacious and can easily feed up to 2-4 people.
- The H-style burner provides even heat distribution across the entire surface, at a solid 12,500 BTUs.
Cons
- The griddle is a bit heavy, so you might want to consider purchasing the stand if you’re a smaller person.
- The griddle doesn’t come with a wind screen, so you might want to purchase one if you’re planning to use it in windy conditions.
- The griddle doesn’t come with a carrying case, so you might want to purchase one if you’re planning to take it on the go.
The Blackstone 1971 Heavy Duty Flat Top Grill Station is a great option for those who want to cook a variety of foods, including hamburgers, fish, hashbrowns, pancakes, eggs, bacon, veggies, and more. The griddle is compact and portable, so you can pack it up and take it for camping, tailgating and other outdoor adventures. The sturdy feet ensure that the griddle stays steady on any surface, from grassy hills to muddy terrain.
The powerful gas burner produces 12500 BTUs of heat, so the temperature stays nice and hot even after adding a lot of food. Consistent heating ensures that there are no hot or cold spots. The innovative rear grease management system collects all the mess and makes after-cooking clean up a breeze.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a portable and powerful griddle for your outdoor adventures, the Blackstone 1971 Heavy Duty Flat Top Grill Station is definitely worth considering.
Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill
If you’re looking for an affordable and compact charcoal grill for camping or small outdoor spaces, the Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill could be a good option for you.
Pros
- The chrome plated cooking rack is spacious and distributes heat evenly.
- The dual venting system allows for ultimate charcoal management and temperature control.
- The grill is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport.
Cons
- The lid locks may not be as secure as desired.
- The assembly instructions may not be clear.
- The small size may not accommodate larger food items.
This grill is easy to set up and use, and its compact size makes it a great option for camping trips or small outdoor spaces like decks and patios. The chrome plated cooking rack is spacious and distributes heat evenly, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection. The dual venting system allows for ultimate charcoal management and temperature control, so you can achieve the perfect level of heat for your cooking needs.
However, some users have reported that the lid locks may not be as secure as desired, which could be a safety concern during transport. Additionally, the assembly instructions may not be clear, which could make the setup process more difficult than necessary. Finally, the small size of the grill may not accommodate larger food items, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking to cook large cuts of meat or other bulky items.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and compact charcoal grill for camping or small outdoor spaces, the Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill could be a good option for you.
Coleman Gas Camping Grill/Stove | Tabletop Propane 2 in 1 Grill/Stove, 2 Burner
If you’re in the market for a versatile camping grill, the Coleman Gas Camping Grill/Stove is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With its 2-in-1 design, you can use the grill and stove at the same time, making it easy to cook up a variety of dishes.
- The 130 sq. in. grilling area is spacious enough to cook for a small group of people.
- The pressure-control technology ensures consistent performance, even in extreme conditions.
Cons
- The grill can get hot pretty quickly, so you’ll need to keep an eye on your food to prevent it from burning.
- The grill grates are a bit thin, so you’ll need to be careful not to damage them.
- The stove burner can be a bit finicky to light at times.
Overall, the Coleman Gas Camping Grill/Stove is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact, versatile camping grill. It’s easy to set up and use, and the 2-in-1 design makes it a great option for those who want to cook a variety of dishes. The pressure-control technology ensures that you’ll get consistent performance, even in extreme conditions. However, the grill can get hot quickly, so you’ll need to keep an eye on your food to prevent it from burning. Additionally, the grill grates are a bit thin, so you’ll need to be careful not to damage them. Finally, the stove burner can be a bit finicky to light at times, so you may need to be patient when getting it started.
Char-Broil Standard Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill
If you’re looking for an affordable and portable camping grill, the Char-Broil Standard Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill is a great option.
Pros
- The legs fold over the top of the grill to lock the lid in place, making it easy to transport.
- You can cook up to 8 hamburgers at once on the 187 sq. inch chrome-plated cooking grate that’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
- The 11,000 BTU burner is designed for use with 16.4 oz or 14.1 oz. propane cylinders, which are easy to find at most camping stores.
Cons
- The grill doesn’t have an auto-ignition button, so you’ll need to turn on the gas and light it from underneath the unit.
- The legs can be a bit wobbly, so you’ll need to make sure you set it up on a flat surface.
- The grill is small, so it may not be suitable for larger groups or families.
Overall, the Char-Broil Standard Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and portable camping grill. It’s easy to transport, easy to clean, and can cook up to 8 hamburgers at once. However, it doesn’t have an auto-ignition button, and the legs can be a bit wobbly.
Blackstone Tailgater Stainless Steel 2 Burner Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
If you’re looking for a versatile camping grill that can handle a variety of cooking needs, the Blackstone Tailgater is a great option.
Pros
- Portable and easy to set up
- Multiple cooking options with grill box, griddle, and open burners
- Durable construction with heavy-duty grill box and cold rolled steel griddle plate
Cons
- Grill lid can feel flimsy
- Heavy to move around
- Legs can be difficult to adjust on uneven ground
The Blackstone Tailgater is a versatile camping grill that offers a range of cooking options with its grill box, griddle, and open burners. It’s also easy to set up, with adjustable legs that make it stable on uneven ground. The grill box and griddle are both made from durable materials, ensuring that they’ll last for years of camping trips.
One potential downside of the Blackstone Tailgater is that the grill lid can feel flimsy, which may make it difficult to keep it open while cooking. Additionally, the grill is quite heavy, which can make it challenging to move around. Finally, the legs can be difficult to adjust on uneven ground, which may make it less stable than some other camping grills.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile camping grill that can handle a variety of cooking needs, the Blackstone Tailgater is a solid choice. Its durable construction and multiple cooking options make it a great addition to any camping trip.
Texsport Heavy Duty Over Fire Camp Grill Medium
If you’re looking for an affordable and sturdy camping grill, the Texsport Heavy Duty Over Fire Camp Grill Medium is a great option.
Pros
- The 16-by-12-inch grilling surface provides ample space to cook for a small group.
- The heavy-duty welded steel construction ensures durability and stability.
- The legs fold up for easy storage and transportation.
Cons
- The lack of a lid can make it difficult to regulate the temperature while cooking.
- The grill can be a bit heavy, weighing in at 2.5 kilograms.
- Assembly is required, which can be a bit time-consuming.
The Texsport Heavy Duty Over Fire Camp Grill Medium is a great choice for those who want a reliable and sturdy camping grill. The 16-by-12-inch grilling surface is perfect for cooking for a small group, and the heavy-duty welded steel construction ensures durability and stability. The legs fold up for easy storage and transportation, making it a convenient option for camping trips.
However, the lack of a lid can make it difficult to regulate the temperature while cooking, and the grill can be a bit heavy, weighing in at 2.5 kilograms. Additionally, assembly is required, which can be a bit time-consuming.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable camping grill, the Texsport Heavy Duty Over Fire Camp Grill Medium is a great choice.
Coleman Gas Grill | Portable Propane Grill | RoadTrip 285 Standup Grill, Red Red Grill
If you’re looking for a portable gas grill for your camping trips, the Coleman Gas Grill is a great option. With its 8 adjustable burners and large grilling area, you can cook up a feast for your family and friends.
Pros
- The grilling power of up to 20,000 total BTUs ensures that your food is cooked evenly and quickly.
- The 8 adjustable burners with improved burner technology provide more precise temperature control, allowing you to cook your food exactly how you like it.
- The large grilling area of 285 sq. in. gives you plenty of space to cook for a group of people.
Cons
- The grill is quite heavy, weighing in at 46.7 pounds, which may make it difficult to carry around.
- The setup process may be a bit challenging for some people, especially if you’re not familiar with setting up grills.
- The price point is a bit high compared to other portable gas grills on the market.
The Coleman Gas Grill is a great addition to your camping gear if you’re looking for a portable and powerful gas grill. The grilling power of up to 20,000 total BTUs ensures that your food is cooked evenly and quickly, and the 8 adjustable burners with improved burner technology provide more precise temperature control, allowing you to cook your food exactly how you like it. The large grilling area of 285 sq. in. gives you plenty of space to cook for a group of people, making it perfect for family outings or camping trips with friends.
However, the grill is quite heavy, weighing in at 46.7 pounds, which may make it difficult to carry around, especially if you’re hiking to your campsite. The setup process may also be a bit challenging for some people, especially if you’re not familiar with setting up grills. Additionally, the price point is a bit high compared to other portable gas grills on the market, which may be a deciding factor for some buyers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and portable gas grill for your camping trips, the Coleman Gas Grill is definitely worth considering. Just make sure you have the strength to carry it and the patience to set it up.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best camping grill, there are several features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your purchase:
Type of Grill
There are several types of camping grills available, including charcoal, propane, and electric grills. Consider your personal preference and the type of cooking you plan to do when choosing a grill.
Size and Portability
The size and portability of the grill are important factors to consider. If you plan on carrying the grill with you on camping trips, look for a lightweight and compact option. If you plan on cooking for a larger group, consider a larger grill with a higher cooking capacity.
Cooking Surface
The cooking surface is an important factor to consider when choosing a camping grill. Look for a grill with a non-stick surface or a surface that is easy to clean. Consider the size of the cooking surface and whether it will be sufficient for your needs.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when choosing a camping grill. Look for a grill that uses fuel efficiently to save money and reduce waste.
Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing a camping grill. Look for a grill that is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. Consider the warranty and customer reviews when making your purchase.
Additional Features
Additional features can make camping grilling more enjoyable and convenient. Look for features such as built-in thermometers, adjustable temperature controls, and side tables for food preparation.
By considering these factors when choosing a camping grill, you can find the best product to suit your needs and make your camping trips even more enjoyable.
