Long hours on the road can rustle up quite an appetite. When it’s time to park, you want to have the best portable grill for RV living so you can cook up mouthwatering meals.
There’s nothing like hosting a good-ole fashioned outdoor cookout after a long day of RVing or in celebration of reaching your destination. The satisfying sound of burgers and steaks on the grill, along with those delicious aromas, makes all of the headaches of the road magically melt away.
This is why you don’t want to settle for just any grill when you’re on the road. You deserve the best portable grill for RV travels.
Trust us: Your friends, family, and tastebuds will thank you later.
Comparison Table
What Makes the Best Portable Grill for RV Living?
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The first thing you should look for in the best portable grill for RV travels is qualityconstruction. You need a grill that can handle the bumps and shakes of the road and not fall apart after a few months. Stainless steel is a popular material used in many top grills, as well as cast iron, aluminum, and ceramic. One of the best things about stainless steel is that it can last a bit longer and it’s rust-resistant.
The top grills will also have a sturdy stand or legs, so you don’t have to worry about it tipping over (which especially problematic with hot coals).
When it comes to the best portable grill for RV traveling, there are only two real choices: charcoal and propane (gas). Yes, technically there are some electric grills out there, but those types deliver the most inferior quality taste.
Top features for gas grills
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Gas grills are by far the most popular type of grill used both on and off the road by grillers all over the world. Gas grills are easier to clean, set up, and maintain. Plus, they deliver very delicious flavor (in our humble opinion).
Surface area
Cooking space or surface area is one of the main features to look at when choosing the best portable grill for RV travels. This factor determines how much food you can cook at one time. For instance, if you select a surface area that’s too small, you’ll have to cook in batches, which means extra time.
But, if you choose a model that’s too big, you may end up with a grill that takes up too much storage space.
The good news is that most grills will give you an idea of how many people you can cook for at one time.
British Thermal Units (BTUs)
BTUs dictate the amount of gas output needed to heat your grill to a specific temperature.In other words, the higher the number of BTUs, the hotter theoretical temperatures your grill can reach. We say theoretically because other factors can affect your grill temps. Things such as cover seal, outside conditions, as well as the types of material used to make the grill, and even the grill grates can impact the cooking temperature.
If you cook with your lid open or closed, this will also have an impact on temperatures. And keep in mind that higher BTUs also means that you are burning through fuel faster.
Temperature control knobs
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For gas grills, a built-in temperature control nob is a must for controlling cooking temps. Fortunately, the best portable grill for RV life has this feature. Some may even have more than one nob depending on the number of burners they have.
Burners
Some of the larger models will offer multiple burners, which allows you to cook foods on different surface areas and at different temperatures. This can be handy for cooking high-temperature foods like burgers and steaks while grilling lower temperature fare such as vegetables.
Grates
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When it comes to cooking grates, the best portable grills for RV traveling will either offer porcelain-coated cast iron, porcelain-coated steel, or stainless steel.
Try to avoid grates made with materials such as chrome or nickel-plating, as they are prone to rust and chipping.
Another important factor is heat retention.
Porcelain-coated steel is the most common type you’ll find on most grills. They offer decent heat retention and good-quality grill marks.
Stainless steel can be the longest-lasting if adequately maintained. However, they do not retain heat as well as some other types.
Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates are arguably the best quality grates. They are also better at retaining heat longer than the other types. These grates are very desirable for those who love bolder sear marks.
Features unique to charcoal grills
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There are a couple of features exclusive to charcoal grills. But, keep in mind that not all of the features may necessarily be included with the best portable charcoal grills for RVs.
Ash catcher
Basically, an ash catcher is a bowl-shaped container or pot that attaches onto the bottom of the grill. Ash residue can then fall into it using a lever in the drum’s base, which also serves as a bottom vent.
Hinged grate
A model that has a hinged grate allows you to more easily access your charcoal bed, without the need to remove the cooking grate.
Tight-fitting lid that has a lock
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A must-have feature for all models is a tight-fitting lid. But if you want to use your charcoal grill to do some smoking, a good seal is a must. And a good latch or lock on the lid is necessary for transport.
Dampers
Dampers offer a more efficient burn that saves fuel and regulates airflow. Keep an eye out for models with dual dampers, one for your intake and one for your exhaust.
Additional Notes About Disposing of or Recycling Charcoal Ash
Disposing of burnt coal ash and wood chips properly is extremely important, especially when camping in a wooded area. You want to try and let the ash cool for about 48 hours in a metal ashcan.
You can speed up the cooling process by pouring water on the hot ash and very carefully stirring it. Once the ash is completely cooled, you can wrap it up in aluminum foil, and store it inside a noncombustible trash bin.
Here’s a safety video about the proper disposal of charcoal ash. Here’s a safety video about the appropriate disposal of charcoal ash.
You can also use spent coal ash for a lot of handy things, such as fertilizer, odor removal, prolong the life of your flowers, and much more.
Here’s a video with some great ideas for using ash as a survival tool in the woods.
How We Picked Our Best Portable Grill for RV Model
To find our choices for the best portable grill for RV travels, we compiled personal recommendations from dozens of experienced grillers and via a few online grilling forums. We then cut down our list using factors such as size, weight, portability, cost, and warranty coverage. Finally, we picked out the best-reviewed grills to create our list.
Fire up with These Best Portable Grill for RV Champions
Our top choices for the best portable grill for RV range in sizes, shapes, and cooking types. Our list consists of five gas grills and three charcoal grills. And the warranties range between 30-days and 5 years.
1. Weber Q 1000 Gas Grill
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
- Fully assembled out of box. Dimensions - lid closed (inches): 14.5H x 27W x 16.5D inches
The Weber Q 1000 gas grill is the first in Webers Q-series. This grill features a stainless steel burner tube that creates 8500 BTU-per-hour heating a 189-square-inch cooking surface (which can handle about nine hamburger patties).
It also offers a porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate and has a cast aluminum body and lid with a glass-reinforced nylon frame. Plus, it’s fully assembled out of the box.Also, it comes with a removable catch pan and has a cool-touch handle.
And this grill features a push-button ignition along with infinite control burner valve settings. It’s also compatible with either a 14.1 or 16.4-pound liquid propane (LP) container (sold separately). Just make sure you pre-heat this grill with the burner on high for about 10 to 15 minutes.
As mentioned above, this model is one of many in the Weber Q series. Some of the larger models may have additional features such as a larger cooking area, higher BTUs, foldable shelves, and a built-in thermometer.
Here’s a video to help you decide which model is right for you.
Amazon customers rated these models 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate
- Push-button ignition
- Infinite control burner valve settings
- Fully assembled
Pros
- Doesn’t produce as much heat as some other models
Warranty
The warranty for this product is five years for the cookbox, lid assembly, stainless steel burner tubes, porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, and plastic components. All remaining parts have a two-year warranty.
2. Cuisinart Chef’s Style Stainless Tabletop CGG-306 Grill
- Sets up in under 10 minutes without tools
- 2 Stainless Burners total 20,000 BTUs
- Twist Start ignition and integrated thermometer
This grill features two stainless steel 10,000 BTU burners with dedicated control knobs and a 275-square-foot cooking surface. So, it can handle about 12 burgers at a time, making it the best portable grill for RV living for large families.
The Cuisinart Chef’s Style Stainless Tabletop CGG-306 Grill requires no assembly and can be ready to grill within 10 minutes right out of the box.
It features a stainless steel grate, foldable legs, a grill lock, and comfortable carrying handle. Plus, it fires up using a twist-start automatic ignition and comes with a built-in thermometer.
Here’s a video showcasing the Cuisinart Chef’s Style Stainless Tabletop CGG-306 and its features.
Reviewers on Amazon rate this grill at 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Built-in thermometer
- Push-button ignition
- Two stainless steel burners
- Creates 20,000 BTUs
- Compatible with 20-pound propane tanks
- Stainless steel construction
Pros
- Built-in thermometer not as durable as other models
Warranty
The warranty for this grill is three years.
3. Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
- Portable gas grill with 145-square-inch grilling area and foldaway legs
- Cooks 8 burgers, 8 steaks, 6 to 10 chicken breasts, or 4 pounds of fish
- Powerful 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner and even-heating porcelain-enameled grate
The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill features a powerful 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner and porcelain-enameled grate. It has a 145-square-inch cooking surface that can cook about eight burgers or eight steaks.
Plus, it has aluminum stabilizing feet and legs that you can set up in seconds. And it has an integrated lid lock and briefcase-style carrying handle.
Finally, the grill comes with a removable spill-resistant drip tray for easy cleanup.
Reviewers on Amazon rate this grill at 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Small and portable
- Aluminum legs with stabilizing feet
- Stainless steel burner
- Carrying handle
Pros
- Handle’s not very sturdy
Warranty
Cuisinart covers this grill with a three-year warranty.
4. Camp Chef Big Gas Grill Three-Burner Stove
- Matchless ignition - 38" x 16" cooking surface - Cooking surface area: 608 square inches
- Patented Wind Baffle Burner Technology, Appliance-style temperature controls
- Three cast aluminum burners - 90,000 total BTU/r
This Camp Chef Big Gas Grill Three-Burner Stove features a large 608-square-inch cooking surface and comes with a 16 by 24-inch professional grill box accessory with a pre-seasoned cast iron grill grate. And you can also purchase a separate 16 by 24-inch season steel griddle to go with this grill.
The grill heats up to 90,000 BTUs total using three cast-aluminum burners. It also comes with a hose and regulator that hooks up to your propane tank.
This 31-inch high grill has removable leveling legs that you can adjust on just about any surface, along with a foldable side tray.
Here’s a video on the Camp Chef Big Gas Grill.
Grillers on Amazon rated this product 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- 90,000 BTU Burner
- Includes cooking accessories
- Takes minutes to setup
- Comes with removable legs
- Includes a grill box
Pros
- Might be too bulky for some
Warranty
This product includes a 90-day warranty.
5. Coleman Road Trip LXE Grill
- GRILLING POWER: Up to 20,000 total BTUs
- 3 ADJUSTABLE BURNERS: With improved burner technology for more precise temperature control
- LARGE GRILLING AREA: 285 sq. inches
The Coleman Road Trip LXE Grill features 20,000 BTUs of heat covering 285 square inches of grilling surface (which accommodates 12 to 14 burgers). Large families may find this Coleman model the best portable grill for RV travels because of its capacity.
It comes with easy to clean porcelain-coated cast-iron grill plates that you can swap out with griddle and stove grates (sold separately). And, it has an instastart button that ignites your grill quickly, as well as two independent temperature knobs.
Not to mention, it has two built-in fold-out trays.
This grill offers a collapsible design that folds up for easy storage. Plus, it has two heavy-duty wheels along with a large handle for easy pulling. Some assembly required.
Here’s a video about this grill.
Folks on Amazon rated this grill 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Portable
- Produces up to 20,000 BTUs
- Quick start ignition
- Has utensil hooks
- Collapsible design
- Comes with built-in shelves
Pros
- A bit pricer than other models its size
Warranty
Coleman offers a three-year limited warranty.
6. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
- Holds up to six burgers made with a Weber burger press
- Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
- Porcelain-enameled lid and base retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill has a lightweight and compact design with a lid that locks allowing easy portability. It also features dampers that will enable you to control the temps inside your grill.
It also has a sturdy plated steel cooking grate that retains heat and makes cleanup much more manageable. Plus, the porcelain-enameled base and lid keeps heat, and won’t peel or rust.
The grill has a primary cooking surface of 160 square inches, allowing you to cook up to six burgers at a time.
Here’s a short video about the Weber Go-Anywhere Grill.
Hot-to-trot grill fans on Amazon rated this product 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Porcelain-enameled base and lid
- Glass-reinforced handle
- Fantastic storing capabilities
- Made with strong, lightweight material
Pros
- Enamel may be prone to chipping
Warranty
Weber’s warranty for this grill covers five years for the cookbox, lid assembly, stainless steel burner tubes, porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, and plastic components. All remaining parts have a two-year warranty.
7. Weber Smokey Joe Premium Charcoal Grill 14-Inch
- Travel with taste, or grill up a quick meal on your patio with the Jumbo Joe portable charcoal grill. The compact size...
- Holds up to eight burgers made with a Weber burger press
- Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
The Weber Smokey Joe Premium 14-inch Charcoal Grill has a cooking surface that can hold up to five burgers. It’s also lightweight and compact with a tuck-n-carry lid lock that doubles as a lid holder. Plus, the porcelain-enabled bowl and lid retains heat and will not peel or rust.
You can also use the built-in dampers to control your temps inside the grill easily. Not to mention it has a classic kettle design and sturdy tripod legs.
Here’s a short video about the grill.
If you need a bigger size, you should check out the Weber Jumbo Joe, which measures 18 inches with a surface that can cook up to eight burgers. It also comes with an aluminum ash catcher.
Amazon reviewers gave the 14-inch grill 4.3 out of 5 stars while awarding the 18-inch model 4.7 out of 5 stars.
- Travel with taste, or grill up a quick meal on your patio with the Jumbo Joe portable charcoal grill. The compact size...
- Holds up to eight burgers made with a Weber burger press
- Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
Pros
- Adjustable dampers top and bottom
- Porcelain-enabled coating for bowl and lid
- Outstanding lightweight design
- Great warranty
- Aluminum ash catcher
Pros
- Bottom vents can get clogged, limiting airflow
- Legs are thin and may bend easily
Warranty
The Smoky Joe grill comes with a 10-year warranty on the bowl and lid and a five-year warranty on the one-touch cleaning system and plastic components. All remaining parts have a two-year warranty.
The same warranty applies to the Jumbo Joe model as well.
8. Char-Griller Side Fire Box Classic
- Removable ash pan for easy coal clean up
- Offset for Texas style smoking
- Attaches to all Char-Griller barrel grills (#2123, #2828, #2137 and the #5050 Duo Gas and Charcoal Grill)
The Char-Griller Side Fire Box Classic features a classic Texas-style smoker design with heavy steel construction, along with cast iron cooking grates. It also sports a 250-square-inch cooking area and has a sliding drawer, giving you easy access to ashes and coals. Plus, it has a quick ash dump pan and stay-cool hood handle. It also fits the Chargriller Pro Deluxe, Outlaw, Wrangler, and Duo, acting as a side firebox or you can use it as a stand-alone smoker-grill.
Take a look at this video featuring the Char-Griller Side Fire Box Classic
Customers on Amazon rated this grill 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Can use as either grill or smoker
- Cast-Iron cooking gratesDurable
- Easy cleanup
- Large cooking surface
- Lightweight
Pros
- Limits on dual usage
- Could have benefited from more dampers
Warranty
Char-Griller offers a five-year warranty on the grill hood and bottom, and a one-year warranty on the ash pans and defective parts.
Hitting the Road with the Best Portable Grill for RV Adventures
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Now that you’ve had a chance to look over our choices for the best portable grill for RV travels, hopefully, you’ve found the grill of your tailgating dreams.
If you have any suggestions or grilling tips, please be sure to share them in the comments section.
Until next, happy trails and happy grilling!
Have you used any of the portable grills included on our list? If so, tell us about the experience in the comments section.
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Last update on 2023-05-06 at 08:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API