3 Best Portable Grills For Camping

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Hey there campers, and welcome to my post covering my 3 best portable grills for camping in 2022. Grilling is often an integral part of camping and we all expect to smell that sweet barbecue aroma. I think you will agree with me that camping is never the same if there’s no barbecue on your outdoor menu.

With that under consideration, in this article we will look for the three best portable grills out there that would meet your barbecue requirements on your upcoming camping trip. And in case you are wondering why you would need a portable grill when there are usually grilling stations available within most camping sites. Here are some reasons below:

  1. It can be tedious to control the temperature of on-site grill stations.
  2. These grilling stations are not well-maintained. You can still see the charcoals of the previous users.
  3. The equipment itself may have already deteriorated or rusted (yikes!), which affects your barbecue flavor (and safety).
  4. All grilling stations may already be occupied.

And if for no other reason, you don’t have to leave your campsite (or your drink cooler) to do your cooking. So let’s check out what is out there in terms of portable grills for camping below…

My 3 recommended portable grills for camping

I will review these in more detail below but if you just want to get moving without all the carry on, my 3 are listed here for your convenience:

02/18/2024 07:55 pm GMT

What are portable grills?

best portable grills for camping - charcoal grill

Portable grills are just like normal grills, except that they are small and easy to transport hence allowing you to prepare delicious meals wherever you are. They’re a natural choice for camping and day outings, but their modest size makes them ideal for anyone living in a city or a small residence as well.

Portable grills may come in two types: charcoal or propane.

What should you be looking for?

In buying portable grills, here are some considerations you should keep in mind:

Type of Grill

As above, when looking for a portable grill, there are two types to purchase as below:

1. Charcoal

As the name suggests, a charcoal grill is powered by charcoal tablets or lumps of wood. They are simple to use and food lovers adore the smokey, deep flavor that charcoal provides.

All charcoal grills available today work on the same basic principles. The air inlet is placed near the bottom of the grill and is manually adjustable. When air enters the grill, it passes through the lit charcoal and leaves via an extra vent at the top, much like a wood-burning stove. The more air allowed to enter and depart the grill, the hotter it will become.

2. Propane/Gas

Gas and propane grills all work in the same way, with burners releasing heat via three, four, or more burners to cook your food from below with direct or indirect heat.

Gas grills are appealing because they are practical, heat up quickly, and have numerous accessory options such as side burners, lights, integrated food thermometers and electronic ignition to enhance the cooking experience.

Other influences

best portable grills for camping - propane grill

Below are some other influences to consider when it comes to portable grills. These include:

Vents and airflow

When it comes to charcoal grills, you must ensure that they have excellent vent placement because this is how you will manage the temperature that comes in and out of the grill. Because charcoal grills lack a temperature control knob, you must address the oxygen that fuels the fire.

Grills with excellent air circulation have ventilation at the top of the grill and in the middle of the firebox. On the other hand, these vents must be easily accessible so that you may adequately control the flames.

Cooking area

How much food will you need to cook? Most portable grills feature a 200-300 square inches cooking area, which is adequate for a family of five. A circular grill with an 18-inch diameter can accommodate eight burgers however if you plan to cook for more than five people (or, perhaps, a couple of teenagers) then a larger option may be required.

Lid

A lid can play a vital part in controlling the heat of your meal as it can help with air circulation hence allowing you to control the temperature better. When the cooking is finished, you want a lid that can lock into place for excellent mobility. To be honest, in my opinion a lid is almost as important as the grill plate.

Fuel

With a propane grill, you will need to know how much gas they will use (per hour etc.) as it will determine the size of the propane tank you should bring with you on your camping trip. The reason behind this is that you will not be hauling too much with you (gas bottles can be heavy).

The same goes for charcoal-fueled grills. Get to know how much you need for certain temperatures so you can take enough for your trip without again, having to weigh yourself down with too much.

Durability

In choosing a portable grill, durability is one of the essential considerations as camping is generally quite hard of all equipment used. Cast aluminum is an excellent material for the firebox since it is durable and resistant to rust. It also can absorb and reflect heat evenly, which will benefit the cooking process. Many grates are also porcelain-coated, allowing for greater protection and easier cooking.

Additions

Other potential additions include:

  • Extended legs – These allow the grill to have various heights, according to your situation.
  • Handles – These are necessary to lift the portable grills from one place to another.
  • Foldable – For easy movement of the equipment, some manufacturers made their grills foldable.
  • Wheels – Wheels are often found on the stand to allow for easier movement.
  • Lid thermometer – This is very helpful to control how much heat is cooking your barbecue.
  • Control knobs – Normally installed on gas grills, control knobs allow you to control the flames for your roasting.

FAQ

Are portable grills any good?

Absolutely they are. They come in the same varieties as their bigger cousins – gas, charcoal or electric with the added advantage of being small and portable enough to move around with ease. This makes them perfect for camping, picnics or even the back yard should space be at a premium

What do I use?

I do a lot of camping in myself and after trying a few options myself, I have the third option below being a Weber 1000Q which I sit on a fold out camp table. It is everything you need is a good portable grill with high quality components, ceramic plated grill and thermometer on the lid. It is light on the gas and cooks as well with the lid open as it does shut for some roasted food.

The only downfall I see with the smaller options is that you cannot adjust the temperature of the grill plates individually.

My three recommendations broken down

So based on the information above, and my own experience, I recommend the following options:

1. Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill

I have chosen this grill as it is easy to use and easy to assemble. It is small and compact and will cook all manner of foods quickly and simply – even for those looking for low and slow smoking. It features a three-locked lid for safety and is large enough for a family of four. Its specifications include:

  • Brand: Cuisinart
  • Material: Alloy steel
  • Cooking Material: Charcoal
  • Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 14.5 x 15 inches; 2 pounds
  • Finish type: Painted aluminium

Other inclusions:

  • 150-square-inch chrome-plated grate
  • Dual venting system
  • Enamel coated firebox and ash catcher

Why have I chosen it?

This is the perfect companion for camping for those who are after a no fuss charcoal grill for a decent price. Its fast-assembly feature means less prep time so that grilling can commence in minutes. There is also no ash litter thanks to its built-in catcher, which helps for easy clean-up.


2. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Our next option is a bestseller for so many good reasons including a wide 200-square-inch grilling place underneath a body engineered for road travel and safe handling. Its TRU infrared technology cooks food evenly for great flavor and appearance. Check out its specifications below:

  • Brand: Char-Broil
  • Material: Die-Cast aluminium
  • Cooking Material: Gas
  • Product Dimensions: 23.7 x 15 x 13.6 inches; 20 pounds
  • Finish Type: Painted aluminium

Other inclusions:

  • Sturdy frame with legs, carry handles and stainless steel latches
  • Push button ignition
  • Temperature gauge in hood
  • TRU-Infrared technology for even heat and no flare-ups

Why have I chosen it?

I like this one for its rugged build and excellent cooking capabilities not always found on a portable model. The propane tank is easy to install and will power the entire 200sq inch grill with ease.


3. Weber Q1000 Propane Grill

The Weber Q1000 is the option I use with its excellent performance with functional add-ons and even cooking power. They include a sizable grip handle and control knobs, ergonomic side grips, and strong front and rear cradles. Other specifications include:

  • Brand: Weber
  • Material: Die-Cast aluminium
  • Cooking Material: Gas
  • Product Dimensions: 20.5 x 27 x 23.5 inches; 26.65 Pounds
  • Finish Type: Painted aluminium

Other inclusions:

  • 189 square-inch total cooking area.
  • Push-button ignition and infinite control burner valve settings
  • Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates

Why have I chosen it?

As above, this is the portable grill I use and can attest that you could do a lot worse than this option. Its cast-aluminum construction is durable and lightweight, making it the ideal camping companion. There is not much that I haven’t cooked on it and can attest to its toughness and durability as well. I am not sure about other parts of the world but here in Australia, these (and their larger cousins) fill a camp ground at a ratio of around 4 to 1.

02/18/2024 07:55 pm GMT

Conclusion

And there it is – my 3 best portable grills for camping in 2022. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul

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Hi, I'm Paul

I am a passionate fishing, camping and four wheeled driving hobbyist who researches, tests and educates around issues and equipment relevant to them.

I am by no means a professional however my passion is to assist you in making informed decisions about buying and using awesome gear that will give you the best chance of success at whatever you are doing for the best price.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Paul