Summer is the perfect time to head out into the great outdoors. Going camping is one of the adventures we can take on to remove ourselves from the busy city life. When out with nature, grilling food is the norm. Roasted meat and beer? Oh, yes!
If packing away and carrying your home grill is the problem, do not worry. There are now portable grills that are specially made for convenience. Check out some of the best camping grills below.
8 Best Camping Grills
Char-Broil Tru-Infrared
Infrared Grill
PRICE: $$
Being an infrared grill, the Char-Broil Tru-Infrared grill can cook meats faster than charcoal or gas-powered grills
Rated by Nathan
Cuisinart
Best Choice
PRICE: $$
It produces high heat and has a decent size grilling space. It meets all the criteria of a great camping grill.
Rated by Nathan
Coleman Perfectflow
Most Portable
PRICE: $$
It did cut some corners to reduce bulk, but if you’re looking for a portable camping grill, the Coleman PerfectFlow is it.
Rated by Nathan
1. Coleman Perfectflow Instastart Camping Grill
This item has a grill and a stove in one unit. On the left side is a nickel-chrome stove grate where you can boil water or heat up food.
On the right side is the die-cast aluminum grill. Both sides give 10,000 BTU and in just one press of a button.
This grill stove costs less than $100.
The design features a lid and windscreens. This is very useful especially when it is very windy out. The windscreens can also be used as side tables. It weighs 13 lbs. and has been cut on some corners to lessen the bulk. This has a carry handle, so it is easy to carry it anywhere.
PROS
- Easy to carry around
- 2-in-1 stove and grill
- Dual purpose windscreens
CONS
- Windscreens are small
- Difficult to tune gas control
- Slightly bulky
2. Char-Broil Tru-Infrared Grill2Go X200
This camping grill from Char-Broil is portable yet sturdily built. It is made entirely of cast aluminum with 200 sq. in. of grilling space.
Being an infrared grill, it produces a high temperature and creates higher levels of infrared energy. In can cook meats faster than charcoal or gas-powered grills.
This unit costs less than $125.
The grill weighs 26 lbs. and is bulky. Nevertheless, it is still designed to be portable for camping trips. This has a push button ignition and a lid-mounted temperature gauge. It is perfect not just for camping but also for tailgating or when you are on a beach.
PROS
- No flare-ups
- Fast cooking at high temperature
- Solidly built
CONS
- Not much temperature control options
- Grate needs special cleaning to prevent blocking the airflow
- Food may get burned
3. Cook-Air Wood Fired Grill Black
The most distinguishable quality of the Cook-Air is the fan underneath the fire chamber.
It needs to be plugged into power the fan to keep the flame going. It is portable, and it sears your meat and brings out the flavor.
And this will cost you less than $150.
This grill requires natural wood pucks. The company sells this kind of wood specially made for this unit, but you can always saw your own. This grill is very close to the performance of full-sized grills. It runs on batteries, so it is safe from explosive fuel or propane.
PROS
- Battery-powered
- 5-speed settings fan
- Smokes and sears food
CONS
- Wood pucks may not always be available
- Prone to flare-ups
- Manual and frequent adding of wood
4. Lodge Sportsman
This one is really heavy because it is made entirely of cast iron. This little hibachi style grill brings out the feel of old times.
It has a front door where you can tend to the fire. This can get hot so be careful not to touch with your bare hands.
This costs less than $150.
A grill made of cast iron needs special care and cleaning. It is prone to rusting so this is not for lazy persons. Do not pour water while it is hot because it may crack. If you take proper care of it, it can last for a long time.
PROS
- Cast iron construction
- Can last a long time
- Pre-seasoned
CONS
- Has no lid
- Bare cast iron tends to rust
- Exterior gets very hot
5. Cuisinart Every Day Portable CGG220 Gas Grill
This portable camping grill has 15,000 BTU and has a 240 sq. in. of grilling space. You can use it out in your backyard, or you can carry it wherever because it weighs less than 40 lbs.
It has a cast iron grate that is made of porcelain enamel. The grilling space will heat evenly.
This unit costs less than $180.
The grill has two removable trays on the side. You can put your prep tools or beverages on it. A temperature gauge allows for precise temperature for better grilling. This is powered by liquid propane gas canisters that are pretty standard.
PROS
- Heats up fast
- Easy to clean
- Rust-free cast iron grate
CONS
- Poorly designed drip pan
- Side tables cannot be folded
- Needs time to spread heat evenly
6. Weber Q 1000 Liquid Propane Grill
With an innovative design, the Weber Q 1000 has a simple design that is easy to use. It has a push-button ignition and can produce 8,500 BTU per hour.
The grill’s body and lid are made of cast aluminum. The actual cooking grates are porcelain enameled cast iron.
This one will cost you less than $170.
The grill also allows it to be used as a griddle because of its split-grate. It is very easy to clean too. With 27.5 lbs. of weight and 189 sq. in. of grilling space, it is enough to cook for a small family. The two carrying handles make the unit easy to carry.
PROS
- Easy to clean removable split-grate
- Easy to carry
- Fully assemble and ready to use
CONS
- May not get hot enough
- Not very light at 27.5 lbs.
- Not ideal for larger crowds
7. Coleman RoadTrip LXE Camping Grill
Nothing amounts to the portability of the Coleman RoadTrip.
It is propane powered but most importantly, it folds down luggage-style. This makes it very easy to take on road trips hence the name.
This unit will cost you less than $200.
This grill has two burners, and each can blast 10,000 BTUs. With that heat and 285 sr. in. of grilling space, you can fully enjoy a portable grill. It has porcelain-coated cast iron grills and a lid that will trap the heat to cook the food evenly. It has an Instastart ignition and a dial to adjust the heat.
PROS
- Two burners for separate cooking
- Easy storage
- Easily transportable
CONS
- No lock for the wheels
- Not ideal for hikers
- Watch food to ensure even cooking
8. Biolite Portable Camping Grill
When you want this 2 lbs. grill, it is a must that you have the Biolite CampStove.
The grill itself will cost less than $60, but with the needed stove it will reach about $225. This uses biofuel, and it will be ready within 5 to 10 minutes.
With 55 sq. in. of grilling space, you can cook about four burgers on the steel grill grate.
Not only will you be able to cook food but you can also charge your phones with it. You can connect your devices via USB. If you are a grill expert, you will know how to take advantage of the high, medium, and low-temperature zones. Who knew making a meal and charging your device with one appliance is possible?
PROS
- Lightweight and portable
- Uses biofuel
- Can charge gadgets
CONS
- BioLite CampStove is required
- Uneven heating
- Fire needs tending to
Factors to Consider When Buying a Camping Grill
The Material It’s Made of
Since you will be putting food on it, your grill should be able to resist rust. Cast iron can last a few years, but stainless steel will be able to last longer. The way you clean it and how you store it will also affect its longevity.
Cooking Power
Some grills can produce high amounts of BTU while some produce lower. More heat means faster cooking. It depends on how quick you need to get the food ready for the people who will eat.
Portability
For camping, it is important that the grill is as portable as possible. You will be carrying it with you so it should be light enough for you to handle.
Budget
Consider how much you can spend on a camping grill. You do not want to overspend on something that may not even prove to be cost-effective.
Conclusion
If you want the best of the best, the Cuisinart Every Day Portable CGG 220 Gas Camping Grill is the one. It produces high heat and has a decent size grilling space. It meets the criteria of a great camping grill. The fact that it comes from a reputable brand also does not hurt.
The next time you go camping, grilled meat does not have to be hard to achieve. There are plenty of camping grills that you can easily take with you. In this article are some of your options. Your camping trip will not be complete without having a grilled meal.
