RV camping is a great way to find your own adventure without having to sacrifice some of the comforts of home. For those who enjoy RV camping, finding compact counterparts for some of these comforts is essential due to the limited space within the vehicle itself. This includes cooking options. For many, a grill is the tool of choice for camping adventures. While many RVs include kitchenette-style options, a grill allows you to cook even when your adventure takes you away from the RV itself.
Below, we take a look at the 5 best portable RV grills that allow you cook anything, anywhere on your great adventure.
The 5 Best RV Grills
5. Pit Boss Grills Portable RV Grill
The Pit Boss Grills Portable RV Grill is a compact grill with two 10,000 BTU burners that makes both grilling and searing effortless. In fact, because they are independently controlled, you have full control over grilling temperatures. With a 276 square inch cooking surface, this means you have plenty of room to grill food for up to four people. The dome thermometer helps you monitor interior heat even when the lid is fully closed.
With a 430 stainless steel body and a 304 stainless steel grid construction, this portable grill is durable and stylish. Furthermore, to help with storage and portability, the design features folding legs, as well as a latching hood.
Weighing in at only 23 pounds, this RV grill is lightweight and easy to take with you wherever your adventure should lead. In addition to this, the Pit Boss Grills Portable Grill uses a 20-pound cylinder and includes a 36-inch LP hose attachment.
Pros and Cons
4. Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Tabletop Grill
The Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Stainless Tabletop Grill comes highly recommended. Another stainless-steel model, the Cuisinart Tabletop Grill comes with two, individually controlled 10,000 BTU burners. Stainless steel grates help to ensure even the largest cuts of meat are fully supported and cook evenly. The integrated thermometer always keeps you apprised of the internal grilling temperature.
At only 22 pounds, the Cuisinart CGG-306 Tabletop Grill is light enough to carry anywhere. The large, comfortable carrying handle help make portably even easier. A locking cover and four foldable legs ensure the Tabletop Grill remains self-contained as your carry it in and out of your RV. When closed, the CGG-306 grill measures 21.5 inches wide, 13 inches tall, and 17 inches deep.
The Cuisinart CGG-306 comes with 245 square inches of cooking space. It includes a large slide out drip tray, as well, which captures runoff and makes clean up easy. The Cuisinart CGG-206 Tabletop Grill includes a 42-inch hose for connection with a 20-pound propane tank.
Pros and Cons
3. Camco 57305 Olympian 550 RV Grill
The Camco 57305 Olympian 550 Stainless Steel RV Grill includes folding legs and latching lid. However, unlike several of the other grills on this list, the Camco 57305 comes with mounting brackets that allow you to hang the grill on an RV mounting rail. This means this grill can be used on a tabletop or connected directly to your RV.
The Camco 57305 RV Grill has a 480 square inch cooking surface and Piezo electric spark starter located to the side of the grill face. (Camco claims this starter will last up to 20,000 uses!) With a 12,000 BTU/HR design, this grill can be used with your RV’s low-pressure system, as well as 1-, 5-, or 20-pound propane tanks. (Separate hoses and adapters will be needed for use with propane cannisters.)
The included drip tray helps to capture greasy runoff and slides easily out for quick cleaning. A cast iron smoker plate prevents flare-ups while delivering full flavor.
At only 11.7 pounds, the Camco 57305 is very lightweight and easy to carry or mount. With the lid closed, this compact grill measures just 24.2 inches wide, 14.6 inches tall, and 11.6 inches deep.
Pros and Cons
2. Camp Chef Big Gas Grill
The Camp Chef Big Gas Grill includes matchless ignition and a 38-inch by 16-inch cooking surface. (That comes to a whopping 608 square inches of cooking surface!) The base itself includes 3 aluminum burners, each offering 33,000 BTUs. With a stove height of 31 inches, the Camp Chef Big Gas Grill comes with removable, independent leveling legs to ensure your grill flame burns evenly no matter what terrain you are cooking on. Weighing 49 pounds, the Big Gas Grill is a solidly constructed, larger grill base.
Large, heavy duty grates mean the Big Gas Grill base supports even the largest cuts of meat with easy. That being said – the main base may not be ideal for smaller meats. However, the Big Gas Grill includes a removable grill box, as well as the hose and regulator. The grill box, model BB90L, includes a latching lid, carrying handle, smaller cast-iron grill grates, and a cover temperature gauge. (If you happen to be a fan of Camp Chef products, any of the 16-inch accessories can be used with the Big Gas Grill base too!) Dimensions of the grill box provide you with 384 square inches of cooking surface, with an overall measurement of 24-inches wide, 7 inches tall, and 16 inches deep. The grill box adds an additional 33 pounds to your grill base.
Pros and Cons
1. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable RV Grill
Coleman is one of the best-known brands when it comes to roughing it up in the great outdoors. The RoadTrip 285 Portable RV Grill lives up to the high standards set by this renown brand. Easy to fold up, this stand-up grill includes wheels and a handle – allowing you to tow the grill behind you instead of carrying it. (Since it weighs 46.7 pounds, the convenient built-in wheels make it easy to take anywhere.)
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 includes 3 individually adjustable burners, giving you a total 20,000 BTUs to work with. As implied by the name, the RoadTrip gives users 285 square inches of surface space to cook on. The push-ignition starter and integrated thermometer makes starting up and monitoring the grill a breeze.
The Coleman RoadTrip uses a 1 pound propane tank to operate. The included grates can be replaced with one of many different Coleman accessories, including the griddle top. (Please note, these accessories are sold separately.) In addition to this, there are two fold-out tables on either side of the grill that make it easy to hold your tools, cookware, and seasonings.
In terms of size, the Coleman RoadTrip measures 30.2 inches wide, 19.2 inches tall, and 16.1 inches deep. It can be stored on its side, minimizing its necessary storage space. Additionally, the latching lid ensures all internal components remain safely in place when stored.
Pros and Cons
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Grill for Your RV
There are several features you should consider when looking to buy the perfect RV grill. Some of the most important features include BTU rating, burner controls, cleaning difficulty, fuel type, portability, and size.
BTU Rating
A British Thermal Unit, or BTU, is a standard unit used to measure energy. A BTU is defined as the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree.
When it comes to grills, the BTU rating describes the amount of heat it is capable of can generating. In other words, the BTU tells you how powerful a grill is. However, it is important to remember that producing more cooking power requires more energy. This means that an RV grill with a higher BTU rating will use more gas at a faster rate.
Rather than looking at the total BTU, a much better way to determine the power of a portable grill is to calculate the BTUs per square inch of the cooking area. To do this, take the total number of BTUs and divide it by the size of the cooking area. For instance, a grill with 25,000 BTUs and a primary cooking area of 285 square inches has 88 BTUs per square inch.
When purchasing a portable RV grill, we recommend choosing a model with 70 to 100 BTUs per square inch.
Burner Controls
Being able to individually control each burner can ensure your food cooks the way you want. From setting burners to different temperatures to create a varied internal environment for your grill, you can sear, smoke, or low-and-slow your way into a perfect meal. Burner control is an individual preference however the capability allows you to customize your grilling instead of utilizing a “one-size-fits-all” style approach to cooking.
Easy to Clean
A portable grill needs to be easily cleaned. Unlike your smoker or heavy home grills, a portable grill needs to be cleaned quickly and stored for transport. Things like sliding drip trays, for example, allow you to quickly remove the dirtiest region easily. It also helps to ensure potential leaks are minimized should clean up be rushed due to a sudden storm or other potential emergency situation. Additionally, latching lids help to minimize any charred bits from falling out when being stored.
Fuel Type
There are plenty of fuel choices available to RV users. That being said, camp stores and general stores do not always stock the same types of fuel. From your RV’s low pressure propane tank to external canisters that come in a range of sizes, having options can ensure you have a fuel source no matter where you go.
If you decide to opt for an electric grill or stove for your RV, we recommend bringing a portable inverter generator to use as a power source. Alternatively, a high-quality RV boondocking battery is also a good option.
Portability
Portability is extremely important when you are an RV camper on the go. While you may grill right outside your RV, you may also want to pack up and take your grill to even more remote areas your RV cannot venture to. Finding a grill that includes portability in the design can help ensure you invest in a model that can go anywhere with you. From latching lids to built-in wheels, your grill’s design can make a difference in how often you use it.
Size
The size of your grill affects usability, as well as portability. Small grilling surfaces, for example, may mean you have to cook in batches in order to feed everyone at your site. This can be inconvenient to many users. That being said, when a grill becomes too large, it may diminish its portability. A 60 pound grill, for example, may be too heavy for the average user to carry even the shortest distances. Size can also impact storage options when the grill is not in use.
Refrigeration
This is a factor that many people tend to overlook and it can help determine the appropriate size grill you need. If you plan to cook a lot of food on the road, you will probably need a refrigerator in your RV to safely store perishable ingredients. Without one, cooking over the course of a multiple day trip can become challenging, especially if you have to feed the whole family. Additionally, a small fridge is great for storing leftovers.
Portable RV Grill FAQs
Should I choose an RV grill with a high BTU Rating?
This is more of a personal preference. Nevertheless, as stated above, having too many BTUs may make it harder for a novice user to control. If the BTU rating is too too low, however, the RV grill may be unable to reach the desired temperature when it is cold outside or the weather is inclement.
For portable RV grills that have a lid, a 20,000 BTU rating is typically sufficient because the lid can be closed during colder weather. If you choose a grill without a lid, you may want to opt for a higher BTU rating — especially if you plan to cook in cold weather.
Does the material of a portable grill affect how well it cooks?
If you are looking for a portable grill, most experts recommend using one made from lightweight stainless steel. This metal is naturally lighter than cast-iron or other grill materials and make them easier to take with you. However, stainless steel is still exceptionally durable and able to withstand high temperatures, as well as any bumps, vibrations, or accidental falls it may experience during use or storage.
How much food can you cook on a small RV grill?
Portable RV grills are available in several different sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large. Most portable grills, however, fall into the small or medium categories. Small grills, or those that measure up to 26 inches, are great for small families. A 26 inch grill is large enough to grill a dozen burgers at a time, so small camping groups should be able to get by with a model that’s a few inches smaller.
Medium grills, or those that measure up to 33 inches, can cook even more. They also allow you to take advantage of cooking with indirect heat, which opens up your options to some more complex recipes.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the perfect portable grill for you RV depends on a few different factors. Some of the most important things to consider are: how many people you plan to cook for, your budget, portability, and storage options. Overall, our recommendation for the best RV grill is the Coleman RoadTrip 285. It is powerful, portable, and affordable. It’s time to get cookin’!
Happy Camping!
Is there a portable grill that you love to bring on your RV camping adventures? We would love to try it out! Let us know your thoughts or questions in the comments section below.
