Best Camping Portable Grills For Delicious Outdoor Cooking

Camping is a great way to enjoy nature and relax, but delicious meals can still make the experience even better. Having a portable grill makes it easy to cook outside, giving you the chance to prepare hot meals wherever you are. Whether it’s burgers, veggies, or hotdogs, grilling adds flavor and fun to any camping trip.

Portable grills come in many sizes and styles, making it easy to find one that fits your needs. Some are small and light, perfect for backpacking, while others can cook more food and are better suited for car camping.

It’s important to consider how much space you have and the type of meals you want to make.

When buying a portable grill, think about a few key factors. Look at the size and weight to make sure it’s easy to carry. The fuel type is also important; some grills use propane, while others use charcoal or sticks. Finally, check for materials that resist rust and damage. Once you know what to look for, you can find the right grill for lots of tasty meals in the great outdoors.

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Best Portable Camping Grills

I love finding the perfect portable grill for my camping trips. It’s great to have something convenient that cooks well and fits my needs. Here’s my list of the best camping portable grills to help you enjoy delicious meals outdoors.

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Grill

I highly recommend the Coleman RoadTrip 285 for anyone looking to grill on camping trips or tailgates.

Pros

Easy to transport with wheels and folding legs
Heats quickly and cooks food evenly
Versatile with options for changing cooking surfaces

Cons

A bit heavy to carry for long distances
Needs an adapter for larger propane tanks
Some assembly required, though straightforward

Using the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Grill made my recent camping trip much more enjoyable. Setting it up was a breeze with the quick-fold legs and wheels. I was able to get it ready to cook in no time.

The Instastart ignition worked perfectly every time, letting me focus on the fun parts instead of fiddling with matches.

The cooking power impressed me, especially the three adjustable burners. I grilled burgers, veggies, and even some shrimp. Everything came out perfectly, with nice grill marks and great flavor. The surface area is spacious, so I could prepare multiple things at once. The side tables were handy too, keeping my sauces and utensils close.

While it’s a bit heavy, the grill fits nicely in my car. I appreciated that I could store it upright, saving space. Just make sure to grab an adapter if you’re using a bigger propane tank. Cleaning up was easy as well; the grease tray made it simple to wipe down after cooking.

Char-Broil Portable Grill

This grill is a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy great food while camping or at tailgates.

Pros

Compact and easy to transport.
Heats up quickly and cooks evenly.
Fairly simple to set up and clean.

Cons

Some metal parts feel a bit flimsy.
Limited cooking space for larger groups.
Requires a special propane tank.

I recently took the Char-Broil Portable Grill on a camping trip and was impressed by how easy it was to pack up. The legs fold over, locking the lid in place, which makes carrying it a breeze. Once set up, it heated quickly, reaching a good temperature to cook burgers and hot dogs in no time.

The cooking surface is adequate for several people but might be tight if you’re grilling for a larger group. I managed to cook about eight burgers comfortably. The design helps to maintain even heat, which is great when you want to avoid undercooked spots on your food.

Cleaning up afterward was simple. The grates are easy to remove and wash. However, I did notice that some of the metal parts are a bit thin, which raised concerns about durability.

Nexgrill 1-Burner Grill

This grill is a solid choice for camping or small outdoor gatherings, thanks to its compact design and reliable performance.

Pros

Lightweight and easy to transport.
Heats up quickly and maintains temperature well.
Solid cast iron cooking grates for great sear marks.

Cons

The igniter may not work, so be prepared with matches.
Can feel a bit wobbly when opening the lid.
No built-in temperature gauge.

I recently took the Nexgrill 1-Burner Grill on a camping trip, and it made cooking for a couple of friends a breeze. The compact size fits perfectly on a picnic table, and I appreciated how easy it was to set up.

The cast aluminum construction feels sturdy, and I love how the cast iron grates left beautiful grill marks on my steaks.

As for the heat, this grill really packs a punch with its 10,000 BTUs. It heated up quickly, making it easy to cook burgers and veggies to perfection. While using it, I noticed that it maintains a good temperature, which is essential when grilling. I just had to be cautious not to turn the gas too high, as it can become quite hot.

There were a couple of downsides worth mentioning. For one, the igniter didn’t work, so I had to rely on matches. Additionally, the grill lid has a bit of side-to-side movement when I open it, which was a little unnerving.

Megamaster 1 Burner Portable Grill

I think the Megamaster grill is a solid choice if you’re looking for a compact and efficient camping grill that really packs a punch.

Pros

Compact and easy to transport
Heats up quickly with even cooking
Simple to clean with smooth surfaces

Cons

Assembly can be tricky at first
Drip pan may not be large enough for heavy grilling
Can bake food more than grill depending on placement

Setting up the Megamaster grill was an adventure. While it had some small assembly challenges, once it was put together, I was impressed by how lightweight and portable it is. It folds up nicely, making it easy to toss in the car for camping trips or tailgating events.

When I fired it up for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how fast it reached the right temperature. The burner puts out 11,000 BTUs, which is quite powerful for a tabletop grill. I grilled burgers and veggies, and they cooked evenly without much hassle. Cleanup was a breeze, thanks to the porcelain-coated surfaces that don’t cling to food.

On the downside, I did notice that the drip pan could benefit from being a bit larger. After cooking a few more greasy items, it filled up quickly. Also, if I placed food too far from the flame, it seemed to bake rather than grill, which was not what I expected.

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Grill

I think the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Grill is a great choice for camping trips and backyard cookouts.

Pros

Quick and easy setup thanks to the foldable legs and wheels.
The three adjustable burners give you precise temperature control.
Easy to clean with a removable grease pan.

Cons

Requires water in the drip pan for every use.
Side tables could be sturdier.
Does not come with a propane tank.

I recently took the Coleman RoadTrip 285 on a weekend camping trip, and it really impressed me. The setup was a breeze. The quick-fold legs and wheels make it easy to transport. Once I got it out, the push-button ignition fired it up right away. It felt nice knowing I could start grilling without the hassle of matches.

Cooking with this grill is a pleasure. I loved how I could use the three adjustable burners to manage different types of food at once. The grill surface is perfect for grilling everything from burgers to veggies. Plus, the removable grease pan made cleanup much easier after enjoying a delicious meal.

There are a couple of minor drawbacks. I had to fill the drip pan with water each time, which meant a bit of extra work before cooking. The side tables are nice, but I wished they were sturdier for holding my sauces and utensils.

Buying Guide

Choosing a portable grill can be fun but also tricky. Here are some key features I consider.

Size and Weight

Size: Think about how many people you’ll be cooking for. A small grill is great for one or two, but larger grills work better for groups.
Weight: If I’m hiking or camping, I prefer a lightweight option. I want something easy to carry.