A bright spring day is perfect for going out with your family or friends. Whether you are going by the shore or camping, any gathering is incomplete without a grill. For adventure seekers, grilling and camping go side by side. However, to make the most out of your outdoor trip, you need a high-quality grill. The best portable gas grill will let you enjoy delicious smoked meat, grilled corn, and more.
Well, you can’t carry a traditional heavy gas grill for camping, right? So what’s the alternative? Fortunately, there are dozens of portable gas grills available in the market to serve the purpose.
These smart and compact grills take less space, weigh lighter than a conventional gas grill, allowing you to take the grill anywhere you want.
However, with a wide range of products available, you may be confused about the right option. To make it easier for you, we have listed the top five best portable gas grills for camping to help.
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want to know more about grilling, you can read our detailed guide here.
Top 5 Best Portable Gas Grills for Camping
We have listed the top five portable gas grills for camping based on their features, pros, and cons.
1. Cuisinart CGG-180T Gas Grill
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A pioneer in the industry of kitchen appliances, the US-based brand, Cuisinart offers you one of the best portable gas grills out there. Founded in 1973, the company is known for a variety of high-quality ovens, food processors, gas grills, and much more.
One of their most popular models, the Cuisinart CGG is a compact gas grill that offers high performance. The gas grill is versatile, which you can use as a tabletop or carry it around. The folding legs can make the grill stand tall for more convenience.
Despite the small size of the gas grill, the cooking grate has ample 145 square inch grilling area (porcelain cooking grate) to cook large family meals. You can cook up to eight steaks at one time. The grill is fueled by propane. All you need is to twist to ignite the burner.
Features
- Burner – The Cuisinart CGG has a powerful 5500 BTU burner, which is made of stainless steel. The porcelain enamel grate also ensures the even distribution of heat, allowing you to cook juicy meat.
- Drip Tray – The CGG has a drip tray to collect all kinds of residue and makes it easy for you to clean.
- Design – The briefcase-style small gas grill can fit in small spaces. The travel-friendly grill weighs only 13.5 pounds. The lid lock keeps it safe and secure.
- Energy-efficient – The cooking grate becomes hot in no time, and food gets more heat due to closer contact with the burner. That is why CGG is not-only more energy-efficient than larger grills but also allows you to cook quickly.
Pros
- Small in size, can be folded for storage.
- Lightweight, easy to carry
- Preheating doesn’t take much time
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No temperature control
- The bottom beneath the burner is shallow and grease piles up quickly
2. Weber 1141001 Gas Grill
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Weber portable gas grill offers different temperature settings, allowing you more control over your food. The model comes from Weber that manufactured its first grill back in 1952.
Since then, the US-based company produced a wide range of grills, including award-winning models. Weber sells all kinds of grills and an array of kitchen accessories. If you want to know more about Weber grills, you can read here.
Weber 1141001 go-anywhere gas grill is great for camping as it weighs 13.5 pounds. The gas grill looks like a briefcase-style black box with steel legs. The legs fold towards the lid when you carry the grill anywhere. You can open the legs to place the gas grill on a tabletop.The cooking grate is 160 square inches, which is large enough to sear up to ten steaks and burgers at the same time. The pre-heating doesn’t take much time, and you can cook your meal quickly. Also, there are two different temperatures at which you can cook. The press-button feature makes ignition a breeze.
Features
- Temperature settings – You can choose from two temperature settings in the Weber gas grill. The high temperature can sear the meat quickly while the low temperature works well too.
- Burner – The stainless steel burner has 6500 BTU power. The cooking grate is porcelain-enameled to eliminate flare-ups.
- Flat grill – The model comes with a flat grill with no slots, limiting the chances of grease falling on the burner.
Pros
- Ignitor lighting
- Different temperature settings
- Large cooking grate
- Doesn’t take much time for pre-heating
- Durable
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a drip tray
- Difficult to clean
3. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Gas Grill
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The portable gas grill by Coleman is our absolute favorite, and for all the right reasons. Coleman is one of the oldest companies established in 1900. The US-based company specializes in manufacturing all kinds of camping gear, including portable grills and smokers.
Unlike other gas grills, Coleman RoadTrip 285 is more travel-friendly. The gas grill looks like a suitcase and features two wheels and fold-legs, allowing you to move it quickly from one place to another. However, the weight is around 50 lbs, which is heavier than other gas grills.
The good thing is, with heavier weight comes a larger size. Coleman 285 has a 285 square inches cooking grate, which makes it the best portable gas grill for a larger group of people.
The model has three independent burners that you can adjust to increase the temperature. The gas grill is spacious enough to rest utensils on its sides. Also, you can monitor the temperature using the built-in thermometer.
Features
- Burner – The Coleman gas grill has improved burner, which provides 20,000 BTU of power.
- Temperature – The gas grill gives you more control over temperature. It has three different temperature settings.
- Versatility – Instead of buying iron griddle separately, Coleman allows you to interchange the cooktops. They don’t come with the gas grill, you have to buy the griddle.
- Travel-friendly – The Coleman gas grill is a stand-up grill with two wheels and quick-fold legs. The wheels make traveling easy.
Pros
- Instastart ignition button
- Swappable cooktops
- Two side tables
- Three different temperature settings
- Durable
Cons
- Doesn’t have any dripping tray which makes it difficult to clean
- Very heavy
4. Blackstone Table Top Grill
- Convenient and portable - this portable grill is built with an easy to use electric igniter, uses convenient 1 pound propane bottles for fuel, and has a built in grease catcher. Perfect for camping,...
- Easy to store - simply store the griddle top upside down on top of the griddle body After use to save space
- No hassle cleanup - Blackstone makes cleanup a breeze with this table top gas Griddle; simply wipe it off with a paper towel. No fuss cooking allows you more time to enjoy the outdoors
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are you looking for a small yet highly functional gas grill? Blackstone table top grill is a good option for you. Blackstone is an American company famous for producing high-quality gas grills and related accessories since 2005.
The Blackstone griddle is a perfect choice for every kind of outdoor activity, be it camping or tailgating. The best part is the built-in grease catcher, which means you don’t have to clean after cooking a yummy meal. You can just wipe it with a paper towel, and it would be enough.
The griddle allows you to cook your meal on its stainless steel surface of 260 square inches. The spacious cooking surface will let you cook a variety of meals. The Blackstone grill has an electric ignition as well.
Features
- Burner – The Blackstone grill has a high heat output with a burner of 12,000 BTU. The ‘H’ shape burner ensures even heat distribution.
- Portable – The compact Blackstone grill weighs 21 pounds but it won’t take much space. However, you have to carry the grill as it doesn’t come with a stand or wheels.
- Ease of storage – You can make the storage easier by turning the griddle upside down from the top. It will keep the grill safe and secure during transit as well.
Pros
- Has an electric ignition
- Built-in grease catcher
- Very easy storage
- Versatile
- Durable
Cons
- The pre-heating time is long
- There are chances of rusting
5. Coleman Fold N Go Grill
Last update on 2023-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One more gas grill by Coleman is its Fold n Go grill. As the name states, you can fold the grill and use it on the go. The grill is smaller in size, lightweight, and easy to carry as it weighs only 10.5 pounds. You can buy its bag separately that makes the portability more effortless.
The Coleman Fold n Go grill is ideal for cooking small meals as the cooking area comprises 105 square inches. It has an instant-start button ignition, which allows you to light the grill with ease.
The Fold n Go grill has two parts, which you can remove. This makes it easier to clean and maintain. One is the dripping tray, and the other is the cooking grate. After cooking the meal, you can simply pull out both trays and wash them separately.
Features
- Burner – The adjustable burner of Coleman provides 6000 BTU power. The heat keeps steady with the help of improved technology.
- Versatile – You can use the Fold n Go grill in multiple ways. A griddle can be placed in the place of the grilling tray but you have to buy separately.
- Temperature control – The burner can be adjusted for precise temperature as it doesn’t offer different temperature settings.
Pros
- Sleek and compact design
- Perfectflow technology for steady heat
- Easy to clean
- Takes very lesser space
- Versatile
Cons
- The lid doesn’t close properly
- The plastic lid starts melting
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Portable Gas Grill
If you want to buy the best portable gas grill for camping, keep these factors in mind before purchasing any product.
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Size
When you are looking for a gas grill, especially for camping, size matters the most. The larger the size, the more space it will occupy. Always check whether the grill you are buying will fit inside your car’s trunk or not. Hence, it’s better to find a smaller size grill.
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Fuel
Every fuel type has its pros and cons. The most available fuel is propane. A cylinder of propane can be used for a whole day. On the contrary, if you run out of propane, it will become difficult for you to find it anywhere.
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Construction Material
The durability of the grill depends on the type of material. The best material for a grill is steel. The griddle made of steel is preferred by professional chefs however there are chances of rusting.
So it is better to check whether it is only steel or stainless steel. It makes a difference. Also, cast aluminum lasts longer than steel.
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Cleaning
The most daunting part of camping is cleaning the aftermath. Some grills come with a removable dripping tray while others don’t. Always look for the grills with a dripping tray or a removable cooking grate. In addition, you can clean them in a dishwasher without any hassle.
FAQs
Here is a quick list of common questions you may have about portable grills.
How Many BTUs are Important?
British Thermal Units (BTU) will let you know the output of gas utilizes to warm up the grill. The higher the BTU, the more your grill heats up. If you buy a higher BTU burner, it will take you less time to searing the meat. However, it will also burn fuel faster.
When Should I Clean the Grill?
We will recommend you to clean your grill after every use. If you don’t clean the grill, the grease will stick to the tray and form a layer. It might turn into fungus. Therefore, it is better to clean your grill after every use.
Conclusion
There are a lot of extra features that have very little use but add up the cost, and also the weight. Nobody likes to spend hundreds of dollars on a product that won’t be of any use. It is better to find a gas grill that has all the essential features for outdoor camping.
In conclusion, the best gas grill for us is Coleman RoadTrip 285, as it has all the necessary features for a larger group of people. It is travel-friendly and has different temperature settings. Above all, it has the highest BTUs. If the size is not an issue for you, this one is a must-buy!
Last Updated on August 11, 2020 by Judith Fertig
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