Camping grills are a great way to enjoy delicious food while exploring nature. Whether you want to cook burgers, steaks, veggies, or even pizza, there is a camping grill that suits your needs and preferences. But how do you choose the best one among the many options available? And how do you use it safely and efficiently? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, so you can make the most of your camping grill experience.
What are camping grills?
Camping grills are portable devices that allow you to cook food over an open fire or a gas burner. They are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to set up and take down. Camping grills come in different shapes, sizes, and fuel types, depending on your camping style and cooking preferences.
Some of the most common types of camping grills are:
- Charcoal grills: These use charcoal briquettes as fuel, which produce a smoky flavor and high heat. Charcoal grills are ideal for searing meats and creating grill marks. However, they also take longer to light and heat up, require more cleanup, and can be messy to transport.
- Propane grills: These use propane gas as fuel, which is convenient and easy to control. Propane grills are great for quick and even cooking, as they heat up fast and maintain a consistent temperature. However, they also require propane tanks or canisters, which can be bulky and expensive to refill.
- Electric grills: These use electricity as fuel, which is clean and eco-friendly. Electric grills are perfect for indoor or outdoor use, as they don’t produce any smoke or flames. However, they also need a power source, which can be limited or unavailable in some camping locations.
- Pellet grills: These use wood pellets as fuel, which create a natural flavor and aroma. Pellet grills are versatile and easy to use, as they have digital controls and sensors that regulate the temperature and smoke level. However, they also need electricity to operate, which can be a challenge in some camping situations.
- Over-fire grills: These use wood or charcoal as fuel, which are readily available in most camping sites. Over-fire grills are simple and inexpensive, as they consist of a metal grate that sits over a fire pit or ring. However, they also require more skill and attention, as you have to manage the fire and adjust the grate height manually.
How to choose the best camping grill for your needs?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different camping grills have different pros and cons. The best camping grill for you depends on several factors, such as:
- Your camping style: Are you car camping or backpacking? How often do you camp? How long do you stay? How many people do you cook for? These questions will help you determine the size, weight, portability, and capacity of your camping grill.
- Your cooking preferences: What kind of food do you like to cook? How much variety do you want? How much time do you have? These questions will help you decide the fuel type, temperature range, cooking surface, and features of your camping grill.
- Your budget: How much money do you want to spend? How much maintenance do you want to do? These questions will help you compare the initial cost, operating cost, durability, and warranty of your camping grill.
To help you narrow down your choices, here are some of the best camping grills on the market today:
Best Overall: Masterbuilt Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker with Cart
This grill is a little too heavy to carry into the backcountry in a hiking pack, but if you’re parking near your campsite, it’s the best combination of quality performance and easy mobility we’ve found. It’s simple to get the fire going, even for a charcoal beginner, thanks to a fuel hopper to one side of the grill that you can access and refill easily mid-cook. But the biggest advantage the Masterbuilt offers is its SteadyTemp system: A temperature dial controls a battery-powered fan that’s able to hold the cooking surface at a remarkably accurate temperature. In testing, the dial was accurate to within 10 degrees on its entire range from 250 degrees for slow-smoking to 500 degrees for quick-searing1.
Despite its weight, this grill’s collapsible wheeled cart makes it quite mobile. It can roll around wheelbarrow-style during cooking, or fold down and turn into a setup more like a wheeled suitcase, complete with extendable handle1.
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Size: 24 x 16 x 39 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Cooking surface: 260 square inches
- Features: SteadyTemp system, fuel hopper, collapsible cart, thermometer, ash pan, side shelf
- Price: $199.99
Best Propane: Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill
This grill is a classic choice for propane lovers, as it combines a sleek design, a sturdy build, and a reliable performance. It has a single stainless steel burner that delivers 8,500 BTUs of power, enough to cook for up to four people. It also has an electronic ignition system, a built-in thermometer, and two folding side tables for convenience. The cast aluminum lid and body are durable and easy to clean, while the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are nonstick and retain heat well2.
This grill is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for camping trips. It can run on disposable 14.1 or 16.4 ounce LP cylinders, or on a 20-pound tank with an adapter hose (sold separately). It also has a removable catch pan for grease management2.
- Fuel type: Propane
- Size: 24.6 x 40.9 x 20.5 inches
- Weight: 28.9 pounds
- Cooking surface: 189 square inches
- Features: Electronic ignition, thermometer, side tables, catch pan
- Price: $209.00
Best Budget: Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill
This grill is a great option for campers who want a simple and affordable propane grill that can still deliver a decent performance. It has a single stainless steel burner that produces 6,500 BTUs of power, enough to cook for up to two people. It also has a push-button ignition system and an adjustable burner valve for easy control. The porcelain-enameled steel lid and base are durable and rust-resistant, while the plated steel legs can fold over the lid to lock it in place for transport3.
This grill is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store. It can run on disposable 14.1 or 16.4 ounce LP cylinders (not included). It also has a grease tray for easy cleanup3.
- Fuel type: Propane
- Size: 12.2 x 21 x 14.5 inches
- Weight: 13.5 pounds
- Cooking surface: 160 square inches
- Features: Push-button ignition, adjustable burner valve, folding legs, grease tray
- Price: $69.99
Best Splurge: PK Grills PKGo Grill Grilling System
This grill is a premium choice for charcoal enthusiasts who want a versatile and high-quality grill that can last for years. It has a unique capsule-shaped design that creates two separate cooking zones: one for direct heat and one for indirect heat. This allows you to cook different types of food at different temperatures simultaneously. It also has four vents that let you control the airflow and the heat level precisely.
This grill is made of cast aluminum, which is rust-proof, durable, and lightweight. It has two hinged lids that can open independently or together, depending on your needs. It also has two removable shelves that can serve as side tables or carrying handles.
This grill is portable and adaptable, as it can be used with or without its detachable stand. It can also be used as a smoker or an oven by adding wood chips or closing the lids.
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Size: 23 x 15 x 19 inches
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Cooking surface: 230 square inches
- Features: Two-zone cooking system, four
FAQs
What is a camp grill?
A camp grill is a portable grill that is designed for use outdoors. It is typically smaller and lighter than a traditional grill, and it is often made of materials that are easy to clean and maintain. Camping grills come in a variety of styles, including gas, charcoal, and electric.
Can a camping stove be used as a grill?
Yes, a camping stove can be used as a grill. However, it is important to note that camping stoves are not designed for grilling, and they may not provide the same level of heat or cooking performance as a dedicated camping grill.
Which is better for camping: a griddle or grill?
The best type of camping cooking surface for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of food you plan to cook. Griddles are a good option for cooking pancakes, eggs, and other flatbreads. Grills are a good option for cooking burgers, hot dogs, and other grilled meats.
How do you grill at a campsite?
Here are some tips on how to grill at a campsite:
- Choose a level spot for your grill that is away from flammable materials.
- Clean the grill before and after each use.
- Use a grill brush to remove any food particles that are stuck to the grill grates.
- Allow the grill to cool completely before storing it.
- Follow the fire regulations for the campsite you are visiting.
Here are some additional tips:
- Bring a fire extinguisher or water bucket to put out any fires.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the grill, as this can cause flare-ups.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your food is cooked to a safe temperature.
- Clean up your campsite after you are finished grilling.
I hope these FAQs help you plan your next camping trip!
