Camping trips are the perfect environment to unwind and create memories you’ll look back on years to come. Without a doubt, one of the greatest camping activities you can do is to share a meal with your loved ones. With a camping grill, camp food doesn’t need to comprise of soggy sandwiches and canned food either. A camping grill will let you cook juicy steaks, tasty vegetable patties, sausages, and everything in between!
You’ll need to find the right one, however. To help you out, we researched dozens of camping grills to identify the best of the best, based on factors including portability, functionality, quality of construction and materials used, and Amazon reviews. We then narrowed down our search to 5 of the top-rated camping grills on the market today.
After careful analysis, we chose the Blackstone 17 Inch Table Top Grill as our very top choice. We love the fact that it’s built with the highest-quality materials and that it couldn’t be easier to use. To learn more about this product and our other recommended picks, read on. You’ll soon discover that a camping grill is just as essential to bring along as a trusty camping tent!
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Camping Grills
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Camping Grill Overall | Blackstone 17 Inch Table Top Grill | 4.7 |
| Best Camping Fire Pit Grill | Pop-Up Fire Pit and and BBQ Grill with Tri-Fold Grates | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Camping Grill | Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill | 4.7 |
| Best Propane Camping Grill | Coleman Gas Camping Stove | 4.7 |
| Best Charcoal Camping Grill | Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Camping Grill Overall: Blackstone 17 Inch Table Top Grill
Once you’ve tried the Blackstone 17 Inch Table Top Grill for yourself, you’ll completely understand why we’ve rated it the top camping on the market. It’s worth noting that we’re also not the only fans of this 260 square inch grill, either; over 2000 happy customers have given it an extremely high average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
So what exactly makes the Blackstone 17 Inch Table Top Grill stand out from the competition? Everything about it is 100% e-a-s-y. From set up to clean up, you’ll find it all trouble-free. Take its “H” shaped burner and 12,000 BTU heat output, for example. They’ll ensure you can enjoy even and efficient heat distribution so you can perfectly grill your food each and every time.
Meanwhile, the grill’s streamlined design means you won’t need to worry about figuring out how to get it up and running. Cleaning it up also couldn’t be simpler, as you can just wipe the smooth grill surface to get it sparkling clean again. The built-in grease catcher is an added bonus too!
Blackstone 17 Inch Table Top Grill Key Features:
- Built-in grease catcher
- Fast and even heating
- Spacious cooking surface
Best Camping Fire Pit Grill: Pop-Up Fire Pit and BBQ Grill with Tri-Fold Grates
Finding a camping fire pit grill that ticks all the boxes isn’t easy. That’s why we couldn’t wait to share the Pop-Up Fire Pit and BBQ Grill with Tri-Fold Grates with you after we discovered it. It doesn’t just look and sound impressive—it truly delivers what it promises.
We’re not sure how the genius designers of the Pop-Up Fire Pit did it, but this innovative pit and grill weighs just 16 lbs and opens up to an amply-sized 24″ x 24″ fire pit with a tri-folding grill on top. The open design means that you can even cook with pots and pans. Did we mention that you can also convert it to a campfire in under a minute?
One of this grill’s most eye-catching drawcards is that it provides professional-level grilling, despite the fact that it’s “only” a camping grill. You only need to take a look at the quality of materials used, such as the 4mm food-grade stainless steel bars, to see that this pick is the real deal.
Pop-Up Fire Pit and BBQ Grill with Tri-Fold Grates Key Features:
- Made from 304 Stainless Steel
- Quick set up
- High airflow design
Best Budget Camping Grill: Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill
If you’re on the hunt for a budget camping grill, don’t settle for a clunky one that will break after a few uses. There are plenty of excellent budget options if you know where to look. Out of all of them, we can confidently recommend the Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill as your best bet.
This grill may not look like much, but once you see its stats you’ll be able to appreciate that it’s small but mighty. It comes with a rust- and peel-proof porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that flawlessly retain heat. The grill’s dampers make it easy to control the temperature inside it, while its compact and lightweight design means it’s completely portable. How’s all of that for a camping grill under $50?
Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill Key Features:
- Rust-resistant aluminum dampers
- Plated steel cooking grate
- Easy-to-grip lid handle
Best Propane Camping Grill: Coleman Gas Camping Stove
Boasting up to 20,000 total BTUs and a runtime of up to 1 hour, the Coleman Gas Camping Stove will give you the formidable power and endurance only top-quality propane camping grills can provide. If the name ‘Coleman’ sounds familiar, that’s because the brand is renowned for manufacturing outdoor recreation products that are well-designed and built to last. We can happily report that this grill is no exception.
It’s clear that no corners were cut in its design. For example, the adjustable burners provide more precise temperature control, while the wind-blocking panels and pressure-control technology will ensure even the elements can’t stop you from cooking up a mean meal in the wilderness.
Coleman Gas Camping Stove Key Features:
- Up to 20,000 total BTUs
- 2 adjustable burners
- Pressure-control technology
Best Charcoal Camping Grill: Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
There’s not much the Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill doesn’t offer campers. For starters, it’s ridiculously easy to transport, thanks to its compactness and smartly-designed lid locks. The durable plated steel cooking grate and porcelain-enameled lid are a testament to the high-quality of its materials.
If you’re worried that it looks a bit too small, keep in mind that the 160 square meter cooking area can fit up to 6 burger patties. So its the perfect size if you don’t have too many mouths to feed. Customers certainly don’t seem to mind—in fact, many have pointed out that its size is one of its most attractive features! Needless to say, they’ve also raved about how wonderfully it grills and what a handy purchase its been.
Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill Key Features:
- Super easy to transport
- Tuck-N-Carry lid lock
- Plated steel legs
Who Should Buy a Camping Grill
Anyone who’s planning a camping trip and wants to cook a freshly grilled meal should definitely consider buying a camping grill. Even if you’re not a camper, camping grills can be easily used in your backyard or a BBQ-friendly park.
It’s worth keeping in mind that they’re far more affordable to buy and convenient to use than a regular grill. What’s more, they’re built for simplicity, so you certainly don’t need to be a grilling expert to get cooking!
Important Features to Consider
A camping grill should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting one:
- Portability. Needless to say, portability is one of the most important features to look for when shopping around for a camping grill. After all, no one wants to lug around a grill that weighs a ton and is awkward to carry. Keep your eyes peeled for options that are lightweight and are designed to be easy to carry.
- Quality of materials. You should definitely take note of the quality of materials used if you want your grill to last you for years to come and to not cause you any issues. Look for options that boast rust-resistant and durable materials, such as stainless steel.
- Cooking surface size. The size of the cooking surface will determine how many items of food you’ll be grill up. Are you happy with just cooking a few sausages and beef patties at a time, or do you room for cooking a couple of steaks and vegetable sausages, as well? Most product descriptions list the grill size in square inches, making it easy to compare size options.
- BTU rating. You’ll notice that we’ve listed the BTU rating for many of the top camping grills featured in this roundup, and that’s because it’s an integral feature to keep in mind. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is a unit of measurement used to represent the amount of energy needed for a product to produce a particular amount of heat. In short, the more BTUs a camping grill has, the more powerful its heat output will be. So if you’re looking for a more powerful grill, opt for one with a higher BTU rating, and vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you set up a camping grill?
Setting up a camping grill correctly will depend on the type and particular model of the grill being used. As such, it is important to consult the instructions manual for each one. Generally speaking, here’s a simple rundown of the main steps for setting up different types of camping grill:
- Charcoal camping grill: Make a pile of charcoal at the bottom of the grill. It should look like a pyramid. Then, pour lighter fluid on the charcoal and light the charcoal. Once the charcoal is hot, spread it out. Finally, place the grate in position and begin grilling your food.
- Firepit camping grill: If you’re using wood, place some tinder in the center of the fire pit and then add kindling on top. It should look like a pyramid. Then, use a lighter to light the tinder. If you’re using charcoal, place some in the center of the fire pit and add lighter fluid. Once you light the charcoal, you’ll be ready to start grilling. One more alternative is to use a mixture of both wood and charcoal.
- Propane gas camping grill: First, correctly attach the propane tank and turn it on. Next, pull the lid up and light the grill. Finally, turn the appropriate burner on to the light position and press the ignition button. If your grill comes with automatic ignition, you’ll only need to press that to start grilling your food.
Can you use a camping grill anywhere?
The beauty of camping grills is that you can use them almost anywhere. You should keep in mind that experts generally recommend using them outside. The reason being that outdoor use significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents and a host of other problems occurring. For example, using a propane grill indoors exposes you to the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
When you’re using a camping grill, you should always ensure its safe to do so. That’s why it’s vital to check that the area you choose to set it up and the conditions you choose to use it in will both allow you to use it safely. For instance, if you’re using a fire pit grill, you will need to make sure you’re away from any materials that could catch alight.
Is gas or charcoal better for a camping grill?
Whether you choose a gas or charcoal camping grill is a personal choice. On one hand, some advantages of using gas include that it can be more affordable, easier to clean, and quicker and simpler to get grilling than gas. On the other hand, some advantages of using charcoal include that it’s less likely to flare up, can be more portable, and that it’s able to provide a distinct smokey flavor to food.
How do you use a propane grill for camping?
Using a propane grill for camping couldn’t be more straightforward once you know what you’re doing. To use one, you’ll need a propane tank. The size of it will depend on your grill’s particular specifications, so consult the instruction manual before buying one.
After you’ve attached the tank, open your grill’s lid. Completely open the valve; you can do this by turning the knob on the tank counter-clockwise until you can no longer can. Then, you’ll need to turn on the grill.
The majority of propane camping grills come with an automatic ignition button you simply need to press. If yours doesn’t, you’ll first need to turn the burner on to the light position and then push down the ignition button. The final step of this process is to shut the lid and wait for the grill to heat up before placing your food on it.
Other Camping Grills We Reviewed
Propane Camping Grills
Masterbuilt SH19030819 Smoke Hollow PT300B Tabletop Propane Grill
From its stainless steel “U” shaped burner that allows for maximum heat distribution to its stainless steel construction, this propane camping grill from Masterbuilt will help you create memories of meals around the campfire for years to come.
Key Features:
- 10,000 BTUs
- Stainless steel burner and grates
- Chrome-coated warming rack
Cost: $119
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
On the hunt for a high-end propane camping grill? This Coleman grill is the perfect choice. It offers a large cooking area of 285 square inches, but is still completely portable. The 3 adjustable burners, push-button ignition, and side tables are also particularly eye-catching.
Key Features:
- 3 adjustable burners
- 285 square inch grilling area
- Matchless lighting
Cost: $250
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable TRU-Infrared Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Stand out features of this compact grill include its durable cast aluminum firebox and lid, dual stainless steel latches, and temperature gauge.
Key Features:
- Cast aluminum firebox and lid
- High-impact frame
- 200 square inch stainless steel grate
Cost: $129
Coleman 2 Burner Grill Stove Combo 2000020929
This grill certainly packs a punch! Its advanced technology not only lets you efficiently cook your food with less fuel, but it also keeps the heat steady so you’ll get perfectly grilled meals every time. That means you can rely on it to perform optimally even when you’re in a high altitude, it’s cold out, or if fuel levels are dwindling.
Key Features:
- 2-in-1 frill and stove
- 20,000 BTU
- Efficiently cooks with less fuel
Cost: $96
Weber 51190001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
With 6 attractive colors to choose from, it could be easy to focus on this stainless steel grill’s good looks. However, it offers this and much more. You’re sure to also appreciate the its 189 square inch cooking area, porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, and cast aluminum lid and body.
Key Features:
- 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat
- 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
Cost: $209
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Propane Gas Grill
There are many things to love about this feature-packed propane grill from Cuisinart. However, if we had to choose just one stand out feature it would have to be its impressive even-heating porcelain-enameled grate. After all, a patchily grilled piece of meat or vegetable patty is never appealing—even on a camping trip!
Key Features:
- 5,500 BTUs
- Even-heating porcelain-enameled grate
- Speedy set up
Cost: $131
Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle
This option is made for anyone who’s ever thought, “Why do most portable grills only have one burner?” It features 3 separately controlled burners with 9, 000 BTUs each. If 2 burners is enough, Royal Gourmet also offers a 2-burner option for $87.
Key Features:
- 3 separately controlled burners
- Side grease collector
- Porcelain enamel griddle top
Camping Fire Pit Grill
Volcano Grills 3-Fuel Portable Camping Stove/Fire Pit
Whether you want to use propane, charcoal, or wood, this grill has you covered. It collapses down to 5″ and only takes seconds to set up, making it the perfect grill for camping.
Key Features:
- Option of 3 types of fuel
- Collapses down to 5″
- 19,500 BTU burner
Cost: $147
KINGSO Steel BBQ Grill Fire Pit Bowl
KINGSO’s offering is about as multi-functional as grills get! It’s not only a fantastic BBQ grill that multiple people can use at once, it also makes for a mean bonfire.
Key Features:
- Multi-functional
- Safe design
- Durable steel
Cost: $58 can
SanSwee Flatpack Portable Fire Pit and Camping Stove
You certainly wouldn’t be able to judge from this grill’s sleek looks that it can be bought for just $37. We love the smart high airflow design which keeps smoke to a minimum. We also appreciate how it’s both super easy and quick to set up and put away.
Key Features:
- Quick setup
- High airflow
- Folds to just 2 inches
Cost: $37
Bali Outdoors Wood Burning Fire Pit with Cooking Grill
Key Features:
- Easy assembly
- Can swivel 360 degrees
- Collapsible triangle frame rack
Cost: $166
Legacy Heating Heavy Duty Wood Burning Fire Pit & Grill
This fire pit comes complete with everything you need to impress all campers in your troupe, including a grilling grate, long poker, and protective cover.
Key Features:
- 30″ diameter x 20″ high
- Rust-resistant
- Full set included
Cost: $156
Pop-Up Fire Pit and BBQ Grill with Quad-Fold Grates
This high-quality option is from the same makers of our “Best Camping Fire Pit Grill” pick, so you can rest assured that it’s an excellent choice. It comes with a slightly higher price tag as it features quad-fold, rather than tri-fold grates.
Key Features:
- 24″x 24″ fire pit
- Dual bag design
- Kitchen-grade cooking
Cost: $180
Charcoal Camping Grill
Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill
Reputable kitchen appliance brand Cuisinart has made one of the best charcoal camping grills on the market: the CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill. It features a 50-square-inch chrome-plated cooking rack and dual venting system.
Key Features:
- Dual venting system
- 3 secure lid locks
- Enamel-coated firebox and ash catcher
Cost: $30
ISUMER Portable Charcoal Grill
Thanks to its lightweight design and detachable legs, this 15.9″x 11″ x 8.8″ stainless steel charcoal grill couldn’t be easier to set up for some delicious meals while camping.
Key Features:
- 15.9″x 11″ x 8.8″
- Detachable legs
- Stainless steel construction
Cost: $29
ISUMER Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill
If we needed to describe this charcoal grill in only three words, we’d choose “slim, lightweight, and portable.” For such a high-quality grill, it’s a steal for $70.
Key Features:
- Foldable design
- Non-stick square grill
- Stainless steel
Cost: $70
If you take your grilling seriously—especially on camping trips—you’ll want to invest in a camping grill that goes up and beyond. The Char-Griller E06614 AKORN Jr is our pick of high-end charcoal grills. Not only does it boast a 153 Square inch cooking area and cast iron grates, but it also features dual air-flow dampers and triple wall steel with insulation.
Key Features:
- 153 Square inch cooking area
- Cast iron grates
- Top and bottom air dampers
Cost: $149
Shark BBQ Portable Charcoal Grill for Camping Cooking
If you’re looking for a charcoal camping grill that offers quick tabletop assembly, high-quality construction, and an easy to clean design, try this one from Shark BBQ.
Key Features:
- 190 square inch BBQ surface
- Stainless steel grate
- Easy to clean
Cost: $50
Char-Broil Portable Tabletop Charcoal Grill
Camping grills don’t get much more convenient than this enticing option. Thanks to the fact that it compactly folds up and comes with heat-resistant handles, you can easily move it from point A to B and store it away without a fuss.
Key Features:
- 190 square inch cooking surface
- Chrome-plated steel wire cooking grates
- Heat-resistant handles
Cost: $30
Raptor Grilling Portable Charcoal Grill Smoker
One of the greatest drawcards of this option is its unique “clean-hands technology”, which means you won’t ever need to make contact with any ash or charcoal in order to relight the grill. We also love that the grill rapidly cools down after use.
Key Features:
- Clean-hands technology
- 230 square inches of cooking surface
- Rapid cooling technology
Cost: $90
