The best camping grills for outdoor cooking with your family

Gerda Ferry
  Sep 22, 2023 6:03 AM

After a lengthy journey for a picnic with loved ones, hot food is still much more appealing than a cold sandwich. When summer vacation arrives and you begin planning your multi-day camping trip—possibly even at a primitive or fully unserviced campsite—be ready with a reliable camping grill that meets your demands. If you want a barbecue that doesn't take up a lot of space, you may want to choose one of these 5 types to use in your backyard or terrace. We compiled our top picks, which include the best camping grills for various grillers and campers.
 

Our Top Picks

5 best camping grills 

1. Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill

Snow Peak Takibi Fire and Grill is a fire pit and grill combined. By making you think of people who cooked over a fire, it feeds you food prepared in an antique style. It is quite excellent, sturdy, steady, and nicely built. A base plate, a fire pit (a portable fireplace), a grill bridge, a grill net, and a carrying case are all included in the kit. Everything was neatly packaged in a box. Lots of cardboard that is firmly fastened to ensure that nothing moves or shifts during transportation.

The stylish Takibi Fit & Grill from Snow Peak will surely upgrade your gear setup, and it's simple to assemble and fire up with wood. Five components and a carrying case are included with the Takibi Fire & Grill. The Takibi fireplace can be unfolded and placed on the baseplate that is provided; it will catch any ash that falls through. You must start a fire within the pit before you add the grill net and bridge. To move the food nearer or farther from the heat, adjust the grill bridge's three heights.

The Takibi has the advantage of being a firepit in addition to being an expensive barbecue. It will quickly transform into a fire pit or spot on chilly nights. Therefore, you and your camp crew can congregate around far into the night in addition to the fact that it grills well and looks excellent.

This item is heavy, so unless you want to get a good workout in, you probably don't want to bring it trekking. But it is probably most useful when used as intended as a fire pit or base case cooker.

2. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

If you enjoy foods like steaks, burgers, poultry, and other items cooked directly on the grill grates, you might want to consider buying a camping grill. It's a decent grill for small family backyard use on occasion, especially if you live in a townhouse, and it's portable enough for camping or tailgating.

You don't have to bother about assembly because of the strong quick-fold legs and wheels. It is the perfect choice for campers or tailgaters who want to perform some serious cooking because it sits securely on an incorporated stand. The cart has two wheels that make it simple to pull and can be folded up when it's time to pack up and leave. When you can cook three different foods at once, the three independent burners with upgraded burner technology for more precise temperature control can help you save time in an astonishing way.

Like the stand, there are two side tables that you may use to rest your spatula and beverage of choice while traveling.

3. Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

The Q1200 will surpass your expectations in most ways if you're seeking for a compact, portable gas grill that works well for your 3-person household that will heat up, maintain its temperature, and grill food in a predictable, effective way.

Once the grill is lit, you will be delighted with the burner. Although there are some cuts in the burner where the flame is larger, its ring shape aids in heat distribution. It runs on a one-pound propane cylinder, which will give you enough time to cook for a few hours and make enough food for multiple rounds of burgers, freshly caught fish, hot dogs, or even chicken.

This grill includes two side tables that can be folded up so it can fit neatly in your trunk and provide a place to lay your tongs or a bag of buns. You can purchase an adaptor hose if you wish to use a 20-pound tank. Also available is a cart that is optional. The weight of the grill is roughly 23 pounds.

The grill cleanup was typical of most. The grill plates were covered and required some soaking before you used a kitchen scrubber (made of plastic teeth) to remove the greasy residue left over from cooking the meat. The disposable drip pan managed to catch all the drips. The grill plates can be cleaned and put back in the grill for the next usage after some work.

A built-in lid thermometer, foldable side tables, a glass-reinforced nylon frame, and a retractable drip pan for simple, hassle-free cleanup are a few additional practical design elements it has. This is a wonderful middle-of-the-road size for camping vacations with 189 square inches of potential cooking space.

4. Blackstone Tabletop Griddle

You want to be able to cook steaks and lamb ribs simply for dinner as well as bacon and eggs for breakfast whether camping or getting ready for your next RV. Almost anything may be grilled on this grill's flat griddle cooking surface. Additionally, you may cook the entire packet of bacon in one go without making a mess in the kitchen. It can also be used to simultaneously cook other things, including bread. And it rarely requires using the oven or stove.

The one-pound LP tank and 32-pound Blackstone are intended to be used together on a tabletop (with an adapter hose it can be hooked up to a larger tank). The carbon steel griddle needs to be seasoned before use. The griddle will eventually turn black and acquire a nonstick patina.

There are two burners, thus there are two heat settings for cooking. You can sauté the onions and peppers over low heat while the skirt steak is being seared on high for cooking fajitas. You may fry 24 brats or 12 burger patties on the griddle.

5. SPRK Portable Butane

A benefit of grilling is that it doesn't require gas, electricity, charcoal, fuel, lighters, or a long wait for the charcoal to heat up enough. This SPRK grill is not at all lightweight and fragile, but rather more solid and well-made than you might anticipate. Our reviewers used it to prepare wonderfully cooked veggie kabobs. If you've run out of energy for cooking, the butane fuel is convenient to find in supermarkets, simple to use, and makes grilling fun again. This grill is simple to install and turn on and off.

With nonstick ceramic plates and an integrated fuel pocket for an 8 oz. butane canister, this straightforward, small choice makes cooking while camping easier than ever. Additionally, the feet are adjustable, so you won't have to be concerned about cooking on uneven surfaces.

This camping grill, with auto-ignition for quick, simple beginnings, is a terrific companion for as many memories formed after a rain hike as on a sunny afternoon. The large, non-stick ceramic grate with adjustable flame creates the ideal sear, and the removable drip tray with dishwasher safety makes cleanup simple.

An added plus is the grill's highly durable and well-made carrying case, which enhances portability. The SPRK grill is the grill for you if you enjoy grilling on a portable barbecue with simple cleanup.

Compare Products

TOP Choice
1
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.6
  • Brand
    Snow Peak
TOP Choice
2
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Coleman
TOP Choice
3
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.6
  • Brand
    Weber
Most Saving
4
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.6
  • Brand
    Blackstone
Most Saving
5
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Eureka!
Most Saving
6
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Pit Boss Grills
Most Saving
7
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Cuisinart
Most Saving
8
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Royal Gourmet
Most Saving
9
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Pit Boss Grills
Most Saving
10
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Everdure
11
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    8.8
  • Brand
    Martin
12
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    8.6
  • Brand
    Masterbuilt
13
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    8.6
  • Brand
    Royal Gourmet
14
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.6
  • Brand
    Blackstone
15
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Pit Boss Grills
16
  • HD Score

    HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Royal Gourmet

Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buying Guide

Please bear the following factors in mind when purchasing a camping grill to ensure that you receive the best one for your getaway:

1. Weight 

For backpacking or wilderness camping, a camping grill's weight is important because you'll have to carry it while hiking. A barbecue that weighs more than 15 pounds is probably not something you want to transport. If you plan to camp at a conventional campsite, make sure you purchase a grill that is easy to move from and to your car. Additionally, always have barbecues with folding legs on hand, such as the Coleman RoadTrip 285 in case of rough terrain and if your truck is large enough for an extended portion of the grill.

2. Portability 

The concept of portability depends on your camping style. The Blackstone Tabletop Griddle can be a good idea for you if you RV or glamp. Something like Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill or Coleman RoadTrip 285 that fits in your trunk or truck bed is more appropriate for car camping with a big group or your extended family. For lone campers, you'll need a portable grill with enough power to prepare hot meals quickly like SPRK Portable Butane.

3. Fuel-type 

The two most popular grills for camping are those powered by propane or charcoal. Choose charcoal if you prefer a fiery flavor, but be sure you can start a fire and always be watchful and wary of the possibility of accidental fires. If you run out of charcoal, you may always keep well-prepared by going out in search of wood to start a fire. Always remember to pack charcoal or pellets with your grill if you plan to cook with them. Although gas is a convenient and safe fuel, you can't completely rely on it when you're camping. Additionally, fuel canisters can be large and take up a lot of storage space.

4. Heat 

It should go without saying that the best camping grill should be capable of producing steady heat that completely cooks your meals. Don't forget your calculator while looking for the greatest camping grill because you should be looking at an output of 60 to 100 BTU (British Thermal Units: the worldwide standard measure for energy use connected to heating) per square inch of a grill. On your camping excursion, undercooked or burned food is the last thing you want. None of our listings offer a very low BTU level, usually between 7250 (like SPRK Portable Butane) up to 24000 BTU (like Blackstone Tabletop Griddle) overall.


5. Individuals who take part in the excursion

A grill's capacity and cooking time are two important factors to take into account when buying one. Consider one of the larger camping grills with a larger grilling area if you're planning on cooking for a large party, such as your entire family, plus perhaps some distant relatives and friends, so that everyone can eat together. Think about the number of people you'll actually be cooking for and select a grill accordingly. Cooking on a grill that is too big for your requirements might be just as problematic as using additional fuel to heat one.

FAQs

1. What should I grill while camping? 

Camping can be done in many different ways. There are many other types of camp cooking as well. While lone campers might prefer something quick and simple like pre-cooked sausages burned on the grill and bread, for some individuals hot meals like chicken, hot dogs, and steak are necessities. And one of the most crucial things to remember is to cook only as much as you can. Make as much of the preparation at home as you can to avoid slicing and dicing potentially dangerous items in an unhygienic way. The most perishable foods should be consumed first, and food should always be kept cool and safe. Because they cook quickly and are simple to put together at home, food on skewers is almost always an excellent option.

2. How do I clean my camping grills? 

You should maintain your camping grill to ensure its sturdiness and cleanliness because you don't want your food to taste like the crusty sausage from the previous season.

Always refer to the packaging's instructions, as they provide special cleaning instructions for that particular grill. For instance, some grill components may be dishwasher-safe while others will need to be cleaned by hand. After cleaning, lightly oiling your grill gives it protection and seasons the metal grate for future usage.

A lot of waste and material can be "burned away" by lighting the grill for 30 minutes. Remove grease splatters and food particles from the grate with a grate brush. If the grill is constructed of stainless steel, you can clean it with water, a little dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth. It could be required to use stainless steel or grill spray cleaning.

3. What's the difference between a camping grills and a camping stove

Camping grills let you prepare bigger meals for a bigger group of campers. Camping grills may take more cleanup than stoves, but they provide you a lot more cooking possibilities, including roasting, smoking, grilling, and baking (depending on the grill) while the stoves might only offer small meals with pots and pans and heat a kettle of tea or coffee. 

Final Thoughts

All of our 5 products can help create memorable eating experiences, thus none of them are bad choices. We are pleased with the work we did to weigh all the possibilities and grateful for the opportunity to play a tiny role in your outdoor culinary adventure. 

We suggest the Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill because of its small size and functionalities that are suitable for a hot meal serving group of around 3 to 5 persons. It uses a one-pound propane cylinder and can cook for several hours, producing enough food for several rounds of burgers, freshly caught fish, hot dogs, and even steak that is as good as restaurant quality.

It also heats up extremely rapidly and is quite easy to set up, whether using the stand or doing so on the patio deck. The cleaning up will not take many efforts, just as easy as setting it up. 

 For more information about other products, check out our related articles below to make your ideal deal.