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Sure, you can stick to the tried and true fire pit, but it offers little to no control over temperature. That could lead to some very precarious situations, so why not invest in a great quality camping grill? There are so many to choose from, and that makes choosing just one quite difficult. That is why we have created this ultimate round-up of the best camping grills.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Camping Grill
- OUR TOP PICK: Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet
- RUNNER-UP: Camp Chef Deluxe Barbecue Grill Box
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Char-Griller Box Charcoal Grill
Comparison of the Best Camping Grills
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Can You Find a Quality Camping Grill That is Affordable?
Consider what's critical to you and how you utilize your barbecue. Many people pick one with extravagant features, only to end up never using them. One of the most widely recognized additional features is stainless steel. However, this surface is both more costly and less climate-safe than choices like cast iron.
If you do choose to go for tempered steel, realize that there are various evaluations. 203 is the best, 304 is the most well-known, and 430 is the one that is probably going to be vulnerable to harm in the components. Now, the question is, can you find a good quality grill for a reasonable price?
The answer is yes! You just have to pick and choose the must-have features for you and all your grilling needs.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Camping Grills
When looking for the right grill for all your camping needs, there are some factors that will be helpful to keep an eye on. These are the factors that we used to make our choices.
Temperature Control
To cook appropriately on any barbecue, you have to have a degree of temperature control available to you. With gas flame grills, this ought to be simple. You should have knobs that will have the option to control the measure of gas that is fueling the barbecue.
With charcoal barbecues, this can be increasingly more troublesome, as you don't have controls that can turn it down. However, you can control the amount and position of the charcoal to control the airflow through dampers and vents.
Fuel Type
There are two types of fuel sources…gas or charcoal. Each has its pluses and minuses. With gas, you get more control, and with charcoal, you tend to get that specific flavor.
Size
Size will be an essential factor in your purchasing choice right off the bat. You have to ensure that there is sufficient space for you to take it home in your vehicle. You will also need to pay attention to the size in regards to the cooking area.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Camping Grills
Here are the top 3 best camping grills:
Review of the Best Camping Grills
Now that you are armed with what to look for, it's time to check out our grill choices.
Best Overall:
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This grill is easy to transport and store, which makes it perfect for camping. It heats up quickly so that you don’t have to wait long to get your food going after a long day of nature adventures. It is a little harder to clean due to the small drip tray, though.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a lot of great features included in the design of this grill. The one that we feel stands out the most is the heat distribution. The inclusion of an enamel-plated grate helps maintain even cooking temps. Therefore, you will have perfectly cooked food as long as you keep an eye on the food.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the perfect grill choice for hikers or small groupings because of the size and portability. The grill is able to be easily carried due to its lightweight, compact design. That is why we chose this one as one of our top choices.
Bottom Line
This may not be the largest cooking surface available, but the cooking capabilities in regards to the heating make up for that. That, combined with the compact nature, easily makes this one of the best grills on the market today.
Runner-up:
Camp Chef Deluxe Barbecue Grill Box
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This grill is perfect if you want to add it to the stove set up. It also doesn’t hurt that it offers a great, even cook for whatever you are grilling up. The unit is a little messy to clean, though, as the grease easily drips down the side of the unit.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When we chose this item, we pored over the assets, and the thing that really struck us as awesome was the grate. The fact the team included a cast-iron grate that is pre-seasoned saves you time and allows you to add great flavor to your food.
Who Will Use This Most
This takes a little extra care, and that is why, if you are a seasoned grilled, this is the perfect choice for you. This is especially true if you have a large family or are planning an extended camping trip.
Bottom Line
When you look at the functionality and durability of this grill, it is very easy to see why we chose it to be on our list. The construction allows for easy portability and the versatility of use helps elevate the cooking ability that it brings to the table.
Best for the Money:
Char-Griller Box Charcoal Grill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Sometimes, when you buy on a budget, you have to sacrifice some quality. This grill does not require that, though. Instead, it gives you an easy-to-season grill that offers optimal heat distribution. There are problems with the paint bubbling off after one use, but other than that, it truly is a high-quality option.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The thing that makes this grill shine is the large cooking space afforded with its design. The 250 square inches of space will be able to feed an army of people. Its versatility is also a great asset, and that is why it is such a great option for almost anyone.
Who Will Use This Most
The versatility of this grill is amazing, and that is why it is perfect for the camper who likes to grill and smoke. It is also ideal for the hunter that spends time in a hunting camp. Smoke the catch or the kill and enjoy while you hang out with your buddies enjoying your time away from it all.
Bottom Line
Searching for a grill on a budget can be daunting, but there are great options out there. The Char-Griller Box is a versatile cooker that is compact and easy to transport to whatever location you are heading to.
Best Portable Grill for Camping:
Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman's Grill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This grill is very portable and easy to use. The design allows for even cooking, which gives you more security when whipping up your meals. The unit does have issues with rust, but all in all, this is a highly recommended option by most recent buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love this unit's ability to regulate heat. This is done through the inclusion of a draft door that will help adjust the airflow. By being able to control the airflow, you will be able to make sure the temp stays at the level you are looking for.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great grill for both tailgaters and small families. The portability and cooking space of this grill makes it one of the best for these types of campers. Plus, when you look at the adjustable height, you soon find it is an excellent choice.
Bottom Line
Having a grill that is lightweight and compact gives this model its place on our list. It is a durable and rugged grill that doesn’t require much maintenance. That means you can sit back and enjoy your time communing with nature.
Best Camping Grill Stove Combo:
Eureka! Gonzo Grill Portable 3-in-1
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This is one of the most versatile camping grills available. That is why many recent buyers love to recommend it to their friends and family. It is also rugged, which gives it even more credibility in the camping community. It is heavy so, although it is portable, it is not quite as portable as others.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Versatile! That is the word that comes to mind when we look at this grill. The ability to be used as a stove, a grill, and/or a griddle gives you a wider selection of meals to enjoy while you commune with nature.
Who Will Use This Most
The size of this grill is perfect for almost any camper, but those who are hitting nature solo or as a couple will get the most out of this. The compact design still comes with everything you will need for successful meal prep, all wrapped up in a tidy package.
Bottom Line
There are a lot of things that make this grill shine. It is crafted with high-quality materials and made to stand the test of time. All of the amazing features that are included in this compact dynamo makes it capable of cooking any way you want.
Best Grill for RV Camping:
Weber 51060001 Q1200 Grill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The ability to control the heat and temp of this grill is amazing. That, combined with the consistent regulator, makes it easy to control the heat dissipation within the casing. The price is a little much, but other than that, the grill is perfect for most campers' needs.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When you are camping in an RV, you want the option to cook both outside and indoors, and with this model, you get that. Crafted with a portable, lightweight, and compact design, this grill is perfect for those long road trips.
Who Will Use This Most
Once you look at all the features combined into the build of this unit, it is clear that it will benefit one type of camper above all else. The RVer is going to get the most from this grill. From its compact build to its controls, it is designed for optimal performance.
Bottom Line
RVers have a kitchen, but sometimes, it's better to cook in the great outdoors. It is crafted with them in mind, and because of this, it is perfect for those looking for an outdoor grill to use alongside the kitchen they are given.
Best Camping Charcoal Grill:
Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This grill is easy to clean, and that is just one of the many things that are awesome about this grill. That and the great ability to cool quickly make this a highly proficient and portable cooking tool. The body is a bit shallow, but other than that, almost anyone you talk to would recommend it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When it comes to charcoal grills the thing you need is control over the heat. This unit offers a great system for that. Built with dampers in the body the grill is easy to maneuver and control so that you get the cooking temp you are looking for.
Who Will Use This Most
Because of the nature of charcoal, this model would not be good at high altitudes where there is a lot of wind. Other than that, it is perfect for those solo hikers looking for a grill that is easy to transport from place to place.
Bottom Line
This grill is a go-anywhere model. Plus, it is built with a design that uses its fuel source to its utmost capability. This is one of the many reasons we chose to include this model on our list.
Best Propane Camping Grill:
Coleman Propane Grill
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This unit cooks very evenly and is easy to control. The grill allows you to cook at two separate temps. The size is perfect for this, and it has enough space to cook for a small-sized family. The locking mechanism is a little subpar, but that doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the grill.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a great grill that has a lot to offer, but above all, the thing that stands out the most is the patented pressure control system. This allows for better control over the heat and propane use. It gives you everything you need for the creation of those delicious campfire meals.
Who Will Use This Most
This grill is easy to transport and set up, which may make it perfect for anyone, but especially for those living that van life. With the ability to pull over and craft yourself a meal anywhere, this portable grill is quite the lifesaver.
Bottom Line
Propane grills are all about control. That, coupled with the large surface for cooking, makes this grill an awesome investment. With this option, you get a high level of quality, and that is why it is one of the best choices available.
Pros and Cons of Taking a Grill Camping
There is something to say for campfire cooking, but maybe you want a little more control. That is where investing in a good grill comes in. Just like with everything else, there are pluses and minuses. Let’s take a look at those in regards to purchasing a grill for camping.
Pros
There are a lot of reasons to go this route. The first is that the set up is quick and easy. Most offer a system that gets you going quickly. No matter the style, whether gas or charcoal, you will be able to get the meal started sooner than a typical campfire setup.
Unlike a campfire, a grill is very similar to cooking in your own home. This makes meal prep much more familiar, and the cooking process is easier to control, as well.
Grills are easier to control the heat with. When cooking with a campfire, you are left with one of two heats…cool or hot. With a grill, you can monitor the heat better for optimal results.
Cons
However, there are a few things that detract from this type of purchase. It does add extra gear, and that could be a problem for those trying to travel light. You also are restricted in what you can do with the stove. From the size to the features, you will have to get creative when cooking your meals.
Conclusion
When you have decided what all you need from your grill, then you will be able to make your choice with confidence. Ideally, this guide has given you all the info that you need to know precisely what you need and how to get it.
People Also Ask
There is a lot of knowledge to be had when dealing with grills. Though we covered a lot of it above, we still wanted to do more. We collected some of the most commonly asked questions and answered them for you below.
Can You Grill in the Wind?
Wind influences gas and charcoal flame grills more than anything else. When it is blustery, it might be useful to cover a gas flame.
For charcoal grills, it might be important to add charcoal more regularly to keep up a reliable temperature despite the wind. Continuously keep the vents open. Lift the cover gradually and to the side to keep remains from exploding on the food. Overall, it’s best not to use a charcoal grill in heavy wind.
How Do You Grill on a Small Grill?
When using a small grill, the first step is always warming it. You will want to place the grill on a flat surface and remove the cover. Pile the charcoal and sprinkle with lighter fluid. Replace the lid and keep covered until coals are red. Spread the charcoal and begin cooking.
Make sure to use the grill tools to manage the temp, and cook the food on the grill where the heat is optimal for your food of choice.
What to Do if It Starts Raining While Grilling
Grilling in the rain may not be high on everyone’s list, but if you're into that, here are some tips on how to do it the right way.
- Light your fire and utilize extra charcoal.
- Plan for some sort of shelter from the downpour above and wind from the side.
- Keep the cover shut as much as could reasonably be expected.
- Utilize a remote thermometer to decrease your time in the downpour.
- Wrap veggies in foil and barbecue them at the same time.
When Should I Cover my Grill?
Covering one's grill has no set of rules or standards. Some of the time, it is better to not cover it, and on different occasions, a blend of covering and not covering is what is required.
How Do You Start a Grill in the Wind?
If the burners happen to go out during a grill session due to the wind, make sure to turn all gas valves off. Then, open the cover and wait 5 minutes before trying to relight the grill. While you wait, look for a way to shelter the grill when relit.
