For camping enthusiasts, having the right portable grill can make all the difference between a good trip and a great one. Whether you’re setting up camp in a remote location, tailgating at a sports event, or simply enjoying a backyard barbecue, a reliable and efficient portable grill is essential. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top portable grills for 2024, each offering unique features to suit different needs and preferences.
Key Takeaways
- The Camp Chef Portable BBQ is highly regarded for its overall performance, making it a top choice for most campers.
- The UCO Flatpack Grill stands out for its compact design, making it ideal for backpacking and small spaces.
- Coleman’s 4-in-1 Portable Grill offers excellent value with its versatile cooking options.
- The Camp Chef Versatop is noted for its versatility, catering to various cooking styles and preferences.
- The Traeger Ranger is the best pellet grill option, providing consistent heat and flavor for your meals.
Camp Chef Portable BBQ
While all the best portable grills we tested are extremely functional, the Camp Chef Portable BBQ was a standout in terms of price, construction, and functionality. It’s exactly what I think most people are thinking of when they’re looking for a camping grill. And for most average campers who just want to produce some ribs, hotdogs, or hamburgers, it’s going to get the job done admirably.
Specifications
- Footprint: 17” x 18” x 8”
- Cooking area: 224 sq. in.
- Weight: 24 lbs.
- Fuel: Propane
- Max BTU: 18,000
Pros
- Tons of heat
- Huge grill space
- Excellent ventilation
- Lots of aftermarket accessories
Cons
- Size limits portability
- Scratched during cleaning
The Camp Chef Portable BBQ is a reliable choice for those who love the camping life and need a robust grill to match their adventurous spirit.
UCO Flatpack Grill
The UCO Flatpack Grill is a fantastic choice for camping enthusiasts who value simplicity and portability. This grill sets up in just 30 seconds, making it incredibly convenient for those on the go. Unfold the base, which consists of two hinged sides and two sturdy legs, and place the grate over the top.
Key Features
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
- Dimensions: Packs down to 1.5 inches thick
- Cooking Capacity: Can fit up to 6 burgers
- Material: Stainless steel
Pros
- Extremely compact and easy to store
- Quick and simple setup
- Versatile for various terrains and skill levels
- Affordable price at $50
Cons
- Difficult to clean
The UCO Flatpack Grill is the most compact grill we’ve ever used and is incredibly handy for backpackers and car campers with limited space.
This grill is perfect for those who enjoy camping, hiking, backpacking, or watersports. It serves the triple purpose of food prep, warmth, and ambiance under the stars. Despite its compact size, it is spacious enough to cook a variety of foods, from hot dogs and burgers to venison steaks.
Coleman 4-in-1 Portable Grill
The Coleman 4-in-1 Portable Grill is a versatile and compact option for camping enthusiasts. It features 3 interchangeable cooktop inserts (stove, wok, and reversible griddle/grill) so you can effortlessly prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner on one very convenient device. This grill is designed to be user-friendly and highly portable, making it an excellent choice for those who love outdoor adventures.
Key Features
- Interchangeable Cooktop Inserts: Includes stove, wok, and reversible griddle/grill.
- Portability: Compact design for easy transportation.
- Ease of Use: Simple setup and operation.
Pros
- Versatile cooking options
- Easy to transport
- User-friendly design
Cons
- Limited cooking space
- May require frequent cleaning
This grill is perfect for those who want a multi-functional cooking device without the hassle of carrying multiple pieces of equipment.
Camp Chef Versatop
The Camp Chef Versatop is a versatile and powerful portable grill that is perfect for camping enthusiasts. With a cooking area of 224 sq. in. and a weight of 24 pounds, it offers a great balance between size and portability. The grill operates on propane and can produce up to 18,000 BTUs, ensuring you have plenty of heat for all your cooking needs.
Features
- Fuel: Propane
- BTUs: Up to 18,000 an hour
- Weight: 24 pounds
- Cooking Surface: Griddle
- Footprint: 17” x 18” x 8”
Pros
- Very easy to clean
- Fast cooking
- Versatile
- Tons of heat
- Huge grill space
- Excellent ventilation
- Lots of aftermarket accessories
Cons
- Size limits portability
- Scratched during cleaning
Additional Versatility
Camp Chef’s grill box fits perfectly onto the Versatop’s base for additional versatility. With the grill box attachment, the propane-fueled base will crisp your salmon, sear your steak, or cook your kabobs until they’re tender. But its grate, griddle, and pizza oven attachments turn this grill into a full kitchen and render the cooking possibilities endless.
The VersaTop uses Camp Chef’s heat diffuser system, which minimizes hot spots, converts flames into infrared heat, vaporizes grease drippings, cooks evenly, and brings out your food’s best flavor. Grease that doesn’t vaporize is collected by a tray and a grease cup.
Traeger Ranger
The 60-pound, wood-pellet-fired Traeger Ranger is a heavyweight in the portable grill class. But at 13 x 21 x 20 inches, it’s still compact enough to be transportable. The 184-square-inch cooking surface held a lot for such a compact unit. On different days, we loaded up the Ranger with a rack of ribs, six burgers, and two spatchcocked chickens.
Features
The Traeger Ranger gives you that coveted smoky flavor on the go. This grill and smoker combo is essentially the smallest wood pellet grill that Traeger offers today. The footprint is small enough for the back of a vehicle, and it will easily store in an RV storage area. It’s one of the heaviest grills on this list at 54 pounds but you’ll be hard pressed to find a wood pellet grill this portable otherwise.
Performance
The nearly $400 price tag is a bit intimidating. But the fact that this grill is also a smoker adds tremendously to the value here. It’s something you’ll want to use not just on camping trips, but nearly every week at home. There are not a ton of grills of this size that can give your restaurant quality ribs and chicken whenever you want.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Coveted smoky flavor
- Compact and portable
- Versatile cooking options
Cons:
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Requires AC power
- Max temperature is 450 degrees F
Additional Information
The Ranger also comes with a cast-iron grill, useful if you want to make eggs, pancakes, bacon, and smoky breakfast kale. Whatever you’re cooking, the Ranger funnels grease into a tiny bucket on the back of the grill. Traeger also makes disposable liners to aid in cleanup, but expect a mess anytime you are grilling fatty meats.
Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop
The Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop grill is a fantastic choice for those who love the taste imparted by charcoal. With a heavy-duty steel body and cast iron cook surfaces, this grill maximizes the efficiency of charcoal, making it a favorite among camping enthusiasts. The 218-square inch cook area is perfect for a family of four, allowing you to cook up to four steaks at once. Despite its size, it’s portable enough for the campsite or tailgating.
This grill is built to last, thanks to its thick-gauge steel construction and cast iron grill grates. However, at nearly 50 pounds, it might be cumbersome to transport in smaller cars.
Pros
- Huge cooking area
- Rugged construction
- Maximizes the efficiency of charcoal
- Easy to use
- Adjustable charcoal tray and airflow vents
Cons
- Heavy
- Cumbersome
Key Specs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Charcoal |
| Weight | 48 pounds |
| Cooking Surface | Cast iron grates |
| Cooking Area | 218 square inches |
One Popular Mechanics editor used it at her neighborhood block party to grill hot dogs and sausages. It was the hit of the day.
Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
The Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill is a top choice for grill masters who value portability without sacrificing cooking performance. With its sleek details and powerful grilling capabilities, this grill is designed to impress.
Key Features
- Large cooking area of 320 sq. in.
- Excellent heat output with a max BTU of 13,000
- Easy to fold, transport, and store
- User-friendly design features
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Heats up very quickly, reaching 500 degrees in under 10-15 minutes
- Sturdy design with an easy collapsing and extending system
- Built-in side table for added convenience
Cons:
- Takes up more space in the car than other portable grills
- Pricey compared to other options
Customer Reviews
“The Weber Traveler heats up very quickly, reaching 500 degrees in under 10-15 minutes. This is the fastest heat-up time in a grill I’ve seen.”
Pricing
- $380 at Amazon
- $399 at Weber
Final Thoughts
The Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and efficient grill on the go. While it may take up more space and come with a higher price tag, its performance and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment.
Coleman RoadTrip 225
The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is a versatile and portable propane grill perfect for campers who want to enjoy delicious meals on the go. With dimensions of 21.1 x 18.3 x 16.8 inches and a weight of 30 pounds, it’s compact yet powerful, offering a cooking area of 225 square inches and a power output of 11,000 BTU/hour.
Key Features
- Portability: Weighing just 30 pounds, the Coleman RoadTrip 225 is easy to transport and set up at any campsite.
- Cooking Area: With 225 square inches of cooking space, you can grill multiple items at once.
- Fuel Efficiency: The option to use only one burner helps conserve propane, making it ideal for extended camping trips.
- Ease of Use: Ready to use right out of the box with a simple propane-tank attachment and push-button ignition.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and portable | Higher price point |
| Versatile cooking options | Limited cooking area compared to larger grills |
| Easy to clean with a removable grease pan |
Ideal For
The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is perfect for campers who need a reliable and portable grill that doesn’t compromise on performance. Whether you’re searing veggies or cooking meat, this grill offers the flexibility and power you need for a great outdoor cooking experience.
For someone experienced with cooking on the trail, the Coleman 225 lets you pull off some really impressive meals, but it’s also ready to use right out of the box.
Weber Q1200 Gas Grill
The Weber Q1200 Gas Grill is a top choice for camping enthusiasts who need a reliable and portable grilling solution. This compact grill is perfect for a family of four, offering a balance between ease of use and cooking performance. It features a thermometer and side tables to hold your plates and tongs, making it a convenient option for outdoor cooking.
Key Features
- Fuel Type: Propane, 16.4 oz
- Cooking Surface: 206.3 sq in.
- Weight: 30 lbs.
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 40.9 x 16.5 inches
Performance
Our testers praised the easy ignition, ample grill space, and excellent heat modulation on the Weber Q1200. It’s a champ at keeping a constant, even heat in pretty much any weather conditions. The grill gets the job done almost entirely through conduction, with its single burner providing heat to a porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grid.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and light
- Reliable cooking with lid down
- Convenient side tables
Cons:
- Heat control isn’t precise
For those times when you need a dependable grill, the Weber Q1200 is a fantastic choice. It’s big enough for a family and performs well even in adverse weather conditions.
Buying Options
- $329 from Wayfair
- $329 from Home Depot (May be out of stock)
Eureka! SPRK Camp Grill
The Eureka! SPRK Camp Grill ($150) is an excellent, highly portable option for folks who value packing light. While it isn’t as fully featured as some others on this list, our tester found it the perfect après companion. You can throw it in the truck for after-work fishing missions or tailgate with it between shuttle laps at the bike park. With a 16.6″ x 11.5″ x 4.6″ footprint and a briefcase-like carrying case, the SPRK is compact, highly portable, and easy to bring pretty much anywhere.
Portability
The Eureka! SPRK is so compact it can easily live in your truck and facilitate impromptu grilling opportunities. If you’re trying to squeeze one into your rig for car camping, be sure to buy one that leaves you room for other stuff.
Cooking Performance
Our testers were impressed by the SPRK, citing its no-fuss functional design, ease of transport, and compact footprint. One of our testers keeps the SPRK in their truck now, just in case. If you’re looking for a compact, highly functional grill with a small footprint, the Eureka! SPRK is it.
Ideal Use Cases
Additionally, you want to make sure the grill you choose puts out enough heat to cook the food you want to make. The Eureka SPRK wouldn’t be our first choice for a huge slab of meat. But it’s perfect for smaller fares like hotdogs or burgers. Those of you looking for a grill capable of cooking full meals might be more interested in grills like the Weber Q1200 or Camp Chef VersaTop.
Camp tips: Pick a grill that can handle food for your crew, so you won’t be stuck at the grill all night cooking in waves or burning a lot of extra fuel to heat up empty space. Grills like the Eureka! SPRK are perfect for one or two people, while other options like the Camp Chef VersaTop or the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill are appropriate for a family or big group of folks.
Discover the ultimate outdoor cooking experience with the Eureka! SPRK Camp Grill. Perfect for any camping adventure, this portable grill offers unmatched convenience and performance. Ready to elevate your outdoor meals? Visit our website to learn more and get yours today!
Conclusion
Choosing the right portable grill can make all the difference in your outdoor cooking experience, whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just enjoying a day at the park. From the versatile Camp Chef Portable BBQ to the compact UCO Flatpack Grill, there’s a perfect option for every type of outdoor enthusiast. We’ve tested and reviewed the best grills of 2024 to ensure you have the information you need to make an informed decision. So, pack up your gear, grab your favorite grill, and get ready to enjoy delicious meals in the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best overall portable grill for camping?
The best overall portable grill for camping is the Camp Chef Portable BBQ. It stands out in terms of price, construction, and functionality.
What is the most compact portable grill?
The most compact portable grill is the UCO Flatpack Grill. It is lightweight and easily transportable, making it perfect for backpacking and car camping.
Which portable grill offers the best value?
The Coleman 4-in-1 Portable Grill offers the best value. It is versatile and affordable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious campers.
What is the best portable pellet grill?
The best portable pellet grill is the Traeger Ranger. It provides excellent flavor and is perfect for those who prefer pellet grilling.
Which portable grill is best for charcoal grilling?
The best portable grill for charcoal grilling is the Oklahoma Joe’s Rambler Tabletop. It is durable and provides great charcoal flavor.
What should I consider when choosing a portable grill for camping?
When choosing a portable grill for camping, consider factors such as weight, size, fuel type, and ease of transportation. It’s important to choose a grill that fits your specific needs and camping style.
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