Grilling on the go is essential to any camping trip or life on the road. In this article, we will explore portable grills for RV camping or motorhomes. Using our five years of experience with portable grills, we have analyzed the features of various models to help you make a conscious buying decision.
We have considered the BTU outputs, of various models and compared total grilling space among other features to determine which models top the list. So stay with us and find out which portable grills suit an RV setup the best!
Best Portable Grills for RV:
1. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up RV Propane Gas Grill
The portable grill for RVs or motorhomes is the Coleman RoadTrip Portable Gas Grill.
This portable grill sports one of the larger grilling surfaces found on models in the market at 285 square inches. This grill also has an Insta Start ignitor button so there is no need for lighters or matches. This model also collapses for better storage and portability.
Consumers find this Coleman model very easy to assemble and include the single tool needed to do the assembling. Multiple reports note that the grill is solidly built and of high-quality material.
The Coleman RoadTrip Portable Gas Grill is a fantastic second option for a portable grill for your RV, motorhome, or camper. It has slide-out side tables for extra work space and transports efficiently.
Features
- 20,000 BTUs of heat
- 285 Square inches of grilling surface
- Swaptop interchangeable cooktops allow you to switch grill grates out for griddle and stove grates (sold separately)
- Insta Start button ignites the grill without the need for a match or lighter
- Collapsible design is easy to transport and fits into most car trunks
- Sliding side tables
- Dimensions: 32″ x 35″ x 19″
- Weight: 49.5lbs
Pros
- The collapsible design is convenient for transporting to tailgates, picnics, etc.
- Provides a strong 20,000 BTUs of heat providing even cooking
Cons
- Some consumers claim that the grill rusts very rapidly, only lasting in cooking condition for a year
2. Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane RV Grill
The next RV, portable, propane gas grill reviewed is the Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill.
This portable grill is aesthetically similar to a turtle shell. It is specifically designed to be compact and sports porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates. This model too has a push-start ignition and it runs on 14.1 or 16.5-ounce low-pressure propane cylinders.
Consumers are mostly satisfied with this portable grill from Weber and claim it cooks very evenly and heats up quickly. The compact size is also noted as ideal for grilling on the move.
In conclusion, the Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill is a perfect, portable grill for your RV if you want something compact and fit for tabletop grilling. It is also an extremely sturdy grill with a well-thought-out design.
Features
- Stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU/hr
- 189 Square inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates
- Cast aluminum lid and body
- Glass-reinforced nylon frame
- Push-button ignition and infinite control burner valve settings
- Removable catch pan
- Uses disposable 14.1 or 16.4 oz. LP cylinder (sold separately)
- Fully assembled out of the box
- Dimensions: 14.5″ x 27″ x 16.5″
- Weight: 26.6lbs
Pros
- A sturdy, compact design is ideal for maintaining functionality while transporting
- Fully assembled upon arrival so you spend zero time putting it together
Cons
- While compact, this grill needs to be used on top of a table of sorts
3. Flame King RV or Trailer Mounted BBQ-Motorhome Gas Grill
The Flame King RV or Trailer Mounted BBQ is the next model up in the RV grills review. This grill is unique to the list because it has a second grilling deck that sits above the main grilling grate.
This model sports 214 square inches of total grilling space and comes with a bracket to mount on the side of your RV or motorhome. Its dual locking lid is also helpful for its secure portability.
Consumers are generally happy with this grill model from Flame King. It is noted as being a decent little grill and consumers find the price to be reasonable.
The Flame King RV or Trailer Mounted BBQ is a solid option for your portable RV grill if you are looking for decent quality at an affordable price.
Features
- Comes with a bracket to mount right onto the side of your motorhome
- Includes an adjustable flame controller, upper grill deck
- 214 Square inches of total grilling space
- The hanging rack can also be used as legs to make the grill free-standing
- Designed with locking retainer pins to secure on a mounting bracket
- Dual locking lid for secure storage
- Only intended to be used with the RV self-contained LP gas system
- Pairs well with our 48″ Flame King Dual Quick Connect Hose (sold separately)
- Dimensions: 22″ x 11″ x 17″
- Weight: 21.7lbs
Pros
- The adjustable flame controller allows for precise heating while grilling your food
- Dual-locking lid ensures that your grill will remain secure while on the move
Cons
- Consumers note that the grill has rusted and broken down rather quickly (in some cases under 2 months)
4. Coleman Sportster Propane RV Grill
The next portable, RV grill in review is the Coleman Sportster Propane Grill. This collapsible grill from Coleman has a set of wheels on the back set of legs and has a large cooking area of 225 square inches.
As with the previously reviewed Coleman grill, this model utilizes the Insta Start ignition system removing any need for matches or a lighter. The removable drip tray and easy clean design are also noteworthy.
Consumers are not necessarily blown away by this grill but they find it more than serviceable. Consumers note that it is designed well and it comes with assembly instructions to save you time.
The Coleman Sportster Propane Grill is an awesome portable grill if you are looking for a model that can stand yet is collapsible. It also has wheels for simple mobility, adding more value to its portability.
Features
- 11,000 total BTUs of cooking power
- 225 Square inches of total cooking space
- Insta Start Ignition for push-button, matchless lighting
- Lift and lock system for easy and secure setup
- Collapsible stand with wheels (folds for compact storage)
- Removable drip tray
- Dimensions: 28″ x 12.9″ x 19.4″
- Weight: 25.7lbs
Pros
- The collapsible stand allows for compact storage and transportation while on the move
- The removable drip tray and easy clean design make maintenance of this portable grill simple
Cons
- Assembly is noted as being difficult
5. Cuisinart Grill Modified for Pontoon Boat with Arnall’s Stainless Grill
This next RV-mounted BBQ grill is modified to easily mount to 1.25″ OPEN railings on pontoon boats. The Extreme Marine Products Cuisinart Grill Modified for Pontoon Boat comes with pre-installed brackets made from seven gauges and 304 stainless steel.
The grill has 145 square inches of total grilling space and requires no tools for installation on your boat/RV.
Consumers love this portable Cuisinart grill modification from Extreme Marine Products and find it incredibly simple to install. It is noted as cooking multiple cookouts on one cylinder of propane as well.
In conclusion, the Extreme Marine Products Cuisinart Grill Modified for Pontoon Boat is perfect for any pontoon boat user looking to get your grill on. This grill comes fully prepared for installation and is a quality grill.
Features
- Mounts to 1.25″ OPEN square pontoon boat railing
- The brackets are 7 gauge 304 stainless steel
- Brackets come pre-installed in the box with the grill
- Cuisinart Petit Grill with 145 square inches of grilling space
- The grill is customized to work with Arnall’s Grill Brackets
- No tools are needed installation
- Dimensions: 18″ x 12″ x 19″
- Weight: 18lbs
Pros
- The power of a Cuisinart grill in a design that easily integrates with pontoon boat railings
- No tools are needed for installation, making secure setup easy
Cons
- Some consumers note having trouble with the ignitor
6. Magma Products Newport 2 Infra Red, Gourmet Series Gas Grill
The final portable, RV grill model in review is the Magma Products Newport 2 Gourmet Series Gas Grill.
This model is constructed of mirror-polished stainless steel and has foldable legs. This model works at 11,200 BTUs and has a total cooking space of 162 square inches.
The lower shell of the grill is fully double-lined and the top lid holds a sealed thermometer for monitoring the temperature while grilling.
Consumers are almost completely split regarding the quality of this Magma Products grill. Some find it useful and serviceable for their on-the-go grilling but others claim to have issues. One noted issue is the legs are not as stable as they need to be and create a hazard.
The Magma Products Newport 2 Gourmet Series Gas Grill is a good final option to consider in your pursuit of the portable grill for your RV or mobile home.
Features
- Rounded edge design
- Dynamic combustion system
- Electronic ignition
- 11,200 BTUs
- 162 Square inches of grilling space
- Constructed of 18-9 marine grade, mirror-polished, stainless steel
- The full double-lined lower shell
- Hermetically sealed thermometer
- Equipped with integrated fold-away legs
- Locking front access grease tray (9″ x 18″)
- Uses standard 1lb disposable propane canisters or adapts to on-board LPG or CNG systems
- Dimensions: 22.5″ x 11.63″ x 11.63″
- Weight: 18.75lbs
Pros
- Compatible with standard one-pound, disposable propane canisters or your on-board LPG or CNG systems
- The hermetically sealed thermometer is ideal for monitoring your cooking temperatures
Cons
- Some consumers note having trouble controlling the flame and heat
7. Camco Kuuma Premium Stainless Steel Mountable -RV Gas Grill
The first grill in review is the RV barbecue grill on the market, the Camco Kuuma Stainless Steel Portable/RV Grill.
The grill has a traditional rectangular cooking space and lid and spots a Piezo ignitor on the right-hand side of the grill. This model also has a foldable leg design making storage simple and transportation more viable.
Consumers report that this grill works fairly well but that the smoker plate rusts out in under a year. Some consumers note that the heat production is decent with this model.
In conclusion, the Camco Kuuma is the portable grill for your mobile lifestyle, camping, or tailgating fun!
Features
- Connects to low-pressure propane supply on RV
- Includes mounting bracket for hanging on RV mounting rail
- Folding legs for tabletop use
- Quick connect hose and quick connect valve included (equipped with an integral safety shut-off valve to prevent accidental non-ignition fuel discharge)
- 180 Square inches of cooking surface
- Piezo electric spark starter (lasts 20,000 stars)
- 12,000 BTU/hr
- Designed for use with your RV’s low-pressure system
- Compatible with 1lb, 5lbs, 20lbs, cylinders (requires separately purchased adapters)
- Dimensions: 14.2″ x 25.5″ x 17.5″
- Weight: 26.1
Pros
- Includes mounting bracket for attaching the grill to your RV mounting rail
- Electric starter lasts up to 20,000 starts
Cons
- Consumers note uneven heating on the cooking surface
8. Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Anywhere Portable Infrared Gas Grill for RV
This next portable grill in review is the RV bumper mount grill on the market. The Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill has a reasonable 155 square inches of grilling space and puts out about 14,000 BTU/hr. The grilling grate utilizes V-shaped grid bars and the grill even comes with a carrying bag.
Consumers love this portable grill from Solaire. It is claimed that this grill sears steaks to perfection and grills efficiently overall. Setup is also noted as simple and takes no more than about ten minutes.
The Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill is a strong portable grill for your RV. The carrying bag also provides easy transport to the grill.
Features
- Portable infrared grill with electronic push-button ignition
- Uses 1lb propane cylinders
- 14,000 BTU/hr
- 140 Square inches of grilling space (fits about 8, 4″ burgers)
- 61.1 Infrared Intensity Index
- Stainless steel (commercial grade) welded construction
- Bottom rails compatible with a variety of Solaire accessory mounts
- V-shape stainless steel grilling grids
- Includes carrying bag
- Dimensions: 21″ x 13″ x 12″
- Weight: 15lbs
- 1 Year limited warranty
Pros
- Enough cooking space to feed a small group (up to eight, four-inch burgers at one time)
- Comes with a carrying bag for simple transportation of the grill
Cons
- The grill is noted as hard to start and sustain on windy days
9. Cuisinart CGG-200 All Foods Tabletop Gas RV Grill
The next portable grill in review is a small gas BBQ for a motorhome or RV. The Cuisinart CGG-200 All Foods Tabletop Gas Grill has folding side tables for added working space in addition to its 250 square inches of total grilling area.
The twist-start ignition is ideal for easy starting and prevents a need for manual lighting. The temperature gauge on the top of the lid allows you to easily monitor the cooking climate while grilling.
Consumers are relatively mixed about this grill with some finding it useful and others having some fear of hazards being involved with this grill. The hazard in discussion is material melting from intense grilling heat which is something to be very cautious of.
In conclusion, the Cuisinart CGG-200 All Foods Tabletop Gas Grill is a reasonable option for a portable grill for your RV. Aside from the few notes of melting hardware, the grill has a well-thought-out design.
Features
- Modular grill-surface system
- Panels securely connect to the grill, yet remove quickly and easily for cleaning and storage
- Removable drip tray
- 12,000 BTUs and stainless steel burner
- 240 Square inch cooking grate
- Twist-start ignition for easy start-ups
- Porcelain enamel-coated cast-iron cooking grate
- Folding side shelves
- Temperature gauge
- Dimensions: 15″ x 18.5″ x 42″
- Weight: 36.6
Pros
- The grill has a cool-to-touch handle that remains cool throughout the entire grilling process for safe handling
- There is a temperature gauge on the lid for monitoring the temperature of your grill for more precise cooking
Cons
- Some consumers note product melts after a few cooks and find it potentially dangerous
10. Smoke Hollow Grill Modified for 1.25 Railing on Pontoon Boats w Arnalls Stainless Grill Brackets
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This next model in the RV camping grills reviews is another pontoon boat-compatible model.
The Smoke Hollow Grill Modified for 1.25″ Railing on Pontoon Boats puts out 12,000 BTUs via a “U” burner and does so over 305 square inches of grilling space, the largest such space on the market. This model also runs on one-pound propane cylinders.
Consumers love this Smoke Hollow pontoon boat portable grill! They note that the total cooking space is highly desirable, being able to cook multiple burgers, dogs, sausages, chicken, etc.
In conclusion, the Smoke Hollow Grill Modified for 1.25″ Railing on Pontoon Boats is another fantastic portable grill model for your pontoon boat and grilling on the open waters! Its large cooking space is a game changer too.
Features
- Grill modified to work on 1.25″ square Pontoon railing (requires OPEN railing)
- 12,000 BTU “U” burner
- 305 Square inches of cooking surface
- The bracket set is made of marine grade, 304, 7 gauge stainless steel
- Uses a 1lb propane cylinder
- Weight: 25lbs
- 1 Year limited warranty
Pros
- Easily mounts to OPEN pontoon railings with brackets
- A large grilling space of 305 square inches allows for grilling for a group
Cons
- N/A
Factors to Consider
The following is a list of factors to consider when buying an outdoor grill for RVs:
Quick connect Propane Outlet:
This is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a propane grill for an RV. Some of the grills have quick-connect hoses, and some of them do not.
Total grilling space:
The first factor to consider when buying a portable grill for your RV is the total grilling space available.
Some models offer considerably more space than others, such as the Smoke Hollow model compared to most of the list.
While cooking space is not the main determinant of the quality of the grill you are buying, having more cooking space directly increases value simply by being able to cook more at the same time.
Ability to compact and store:
The next factor to consider when buying a portable BBQ for your RV is the ability to compact the grill and store it. Some models do this better than others, such as the collapsible Coleman Sportster collapsing to a very flat, easy-to-lug, and store shape.
The models with foldable legs, for instance, are much less able to be compact than others. The ability to securely lock lids is also involved in the ability to store your grill and some models do have better locking mechanisms for secure portability.
BTU output:
The next factor to consider in each portable grill before buying is the BTU output. The higher the BTU output, the more heat the grill can produce.
Some models reach up to 20,000 BTUs while one model on the list only reaches 8,500 BTUs per hour.
Depending on your plans and intended use, the higher BTUs will typically cook more food evenly and more efficiently.
However, high heat in the upper ranges may not be what you need. Regardless, understanding the heat output of each model is essential to understanding how it will function.
FAQ
What are BTUs and why is more not always ideal?Definitively speaking, BTU is the British Thermal Unit. What this unit defines is the amount of energy needed to raise one pound of water one degree (F) at sea level. For grills, this unit translates into the amount of heat production per hour. A Higher BTU count is not necessarily descriptive of a better grill in that there are ideal ranges of BTU per square inch, with a recommended range of 75-100 BTUs per square inch.
What are the instant start ignitors discussed?Instant Start and Piezo electronic ignitors are spark buttons that allow for the ignition of flames without the need for matches and lighters. These buttons could not be easier to use, operating with just the push of a button and typically accompanied by a control knob. These spark ignitors are the safest way to start up any RV gas grill.
Should I get a grill that runs on propane cylinders or my RV propane supply?This depends entirely on the way in which you choose to use your portable grill. Simply connecting to propane cylinders is a very simple way of fueling your portable grill. However, if you have a low-pressure propane supply in your RV you could directly line into it with the grill. While this is more hands-on from the get, it might save you time down the road. We recommend connecting to your RV's supply in you are frequently on the go and using the RV. If you simply need bumper grills for campers, propane cylinders are likely your easiest and most reasonable method.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the grill for RV living is the Camco 57305 Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel Portable/RV Grill. This grill has a total package with a decent surface area of 180 square inches and a solid 12,000 BTUs per hour.
It also utilizes the highly effective, safe Piezo electronic ignitor. However, this model may not be for everyone. If that is you, consider the Coleman RoadTrip LXE or the Weber Q1000, our other top recommendations.
No matter which grill catches your eye, you are now prepared to make a conscious buying decision regarding the various features present in models under your consideration.
Perhaps you have an interest in an unlisted model. If so, be sure to compare its features with those here to gauge its quality. So what are you waiting for? Get your portable grill for RV living today!
