Recommended Portable Grills for RV

One of the best things about taking a trip out in the RV is stopping somewhere beautiful, taking out the grill, and having a BBQ right where you are. Although you might have a great hob inside your RV, having a grill with you just adds that something extra to your vacation. Nothing says “summer” quite like grilling outdoors, but you can’t take your own backyard grill with you so a portable grill is a must. With a portable grill, you can easily take the taste of summer with you on your vacation, without having to concern yourself with making too much space for it. After this guide, you may also check out our What are the best blinds for your camper? here. Portable grills can vary greatly in quality. Some manufacturers might think that, because it’s smaller and portable, the grill doesn’t need to be as good as a full-size one. But this is of course completely false. Just because it’s a travel item, doesn’t mean your RV’s grill needs to be of any less quality than your one back home. So, to help you sort through all of the options available and find the ideal one for you, we’ve put together a list of the best portable grills for RVs. Got a vacation coming up and need a new grill ASAP so don’t have time to browse? No problem, here’s our top pick for the ultimate portable grill for an RV.

In a hurry? This is our Winner!

Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score
Flame King RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ
  • Multi-tiered grill
  • Large stand
  • Delivers 8,500 BTUs of heat across 168 sq. in.
  • Includes bracket mount to attach the grill to side of RV

Portable Grill – Top Model Compared

ImageProductTechnical SpecPrice
OUR TOP PICK
Flame King RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ
Flame King RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ
  • Brand: Flame King
  • Color: Silver
  • Style: RV Grill
  • Weight: ‎23 pounds
  • Dimensions:  22 x 11 x 17 inches
Check Price On Amazon
BEST VALUE
CUISINART CGG-180T CGG180T Portable Propane
CUISINART CGG-180T CGG180T Portable Propane
  • Brand: Cuisinart
    Material: Steel
    Color:  Red
    Dimensions: 12.2 x 18 x 12 inches
    Weight: 1 Kilograms
Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP
Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane
Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane
  • Brand: Cuisinart
    Material: Enameled Stee
    Color: Grillster 8,000 BTU Portable Gas Grill
    Dimensions: 19 x 11.5 x 10 inches
    Weight: 10 Pounds
Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP
Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable 3-Burner
Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable 3-Burner
  • Brand: Royal Gourmet
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Size: 23.6 Inch
  • Color: Black
  • Dimensions: 25 x 18.1 x 9.1 in
  • Weight: 30 Pounds
Check Price On Amazon
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Coleman NXT Lite Tabletop Propane Grill
Coleman NXT Lite Tabletop Propane Grill
  • Brand: Coleman
  • Material: Steel
  • Color: Red/Black/Red
  • Dimensions: 18.25 x 16 x 11.25 in
  • Weight: 20 Pounds
Check Price On Amazon

Top 5 Best Portable Grill for RV

1. OUR TOP PICK: Flame King RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ

Flame King RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IZCNOXK?tag=atva03-20″ background=”#1700FF” size=”10″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]CHECK LATEST PRICE[/su_button] Specifications at a glance:
  • Size: 22” x 11” x 17”
  • Weight: 21.3lbs
Our top pick for the best portable grill for an RV is this Flame King Mounted grill. It has been designed specifically for use with an RV, has a second grilling grate level, and a tall stand. This is an especially great choice for an RV as it comes with a bracket that allows you to mount it onto the side of your RV. This is great as you can simply pull up, mount the grill, and fire it straight up. You won’t have to worry about encroaching on any other campers’ space. But, if you don’t want to mount the grill onto your RV, you can still use it as a normal grill. It comes with a large stand, so you can place it on a normal picnic table and it will be the perfect height. Some are very short and require you to bend over awkwardly to use them, but this is a well-proportioned grill. This grill already has a large grilling area but also has an additional level for extra space. This is great as some grills include wings for extra grilling space, but this then takes up more room when packing. The grilling area all still fits inside the hood. Although this isn’t the heaviest option on this list, this grill is a little heavier than average. It’s not impossible to carry but will take a fair bit of strength. Pros
  • Multi-tiered grill
  • Large stand
  • Includes bracket mount to attach the grill to side of RV
Cons
  • On the heavier side

2. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Coleman NXT Lite Tabletop Propane Grill

Coleman NXT Lite Tabletop Propane Grill [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FXM5D4S?tag=atva03-20″ background=”#1700FF” size=”10″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]CHECK LATEST PRICE[/su_button] Specifications at a glance:
  • Size: 18.25” x 16” x 11.25”
  • Weight: 20 lbs
When it comes to camping equipment, Coleman is one of the most recognizable and reliable names. They are also one of the most affordable and you know that any Coleman product you buy will be of good quality. This grill is really compact and will be easy to pack up or carry around. It has legs to keep it raised, but they are small and directly beneath the grill. The overall size of the grill is small, but the grilling space itself is still a good size. So, even though it is small and compact, you won’t be compromising on how much you can grill. It is great for traveling in an RV as you simply hook it up and press the start button to get it going. No lighters or matches are needed with this grill. So you won’t have the sad occasion of getting ready to fire up the grill, only to realize someone forgot the matches. So that’s one fewer thing to pack! Although they are sold separately, this grill also allows you to swap out the grill grates and replace them with a stove grate or a griddle. If you choose to buy these extras, this grill would be like having three appliances in one, and it’s still portable! Pros
  • Well-known and reliable brand
  • Button ignition
  • Compact
Cons
  • Legs do not fold away

3. BEST VALUE: CUISINART CGG-180T CGG180T Portable Propane

CUISINART CGG-180T CGG180T Portable Propane [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004H4WWA6?tag=atva03-20″ background=”#1700FF” size=”10″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]CHECK LATEST PRICE[/su_button] Specifications at a glance:
  • Size: 13” x 16.5” x 16”
  • Weight: 17 lbs
Cuisinart is a well-known brand when it comes to kitchen equipment, but what about camping? You know that a Cuisinart kitchen appliance will be of great quality and do a great job. For a Cuisinart product, this is (at the time of writing) a very affordable option. Cuisinart appliances can be on the pricey side, but this portable grill is very well priced. This is a great option as it looks good and is very compact. This grill is almost the same shape and size as a briefcase and can be carried just like one. It just needs to be set up, opened up, fired up and you’re ready to go. This grill is also super easy to use. Simply attach the propane cylinder, open the lid, and twist the ignition dial. There’s no need for matches or a lighter with this twist-to-start ignition. One of the great features of this grill is that it doesn’t compromise on space. It has large legs that fold directly under the grill when you carry it and pack it away. Then, when you want to set up the grill, you easily unfold the legs and place it on a table. This folding feature means that the legs provide stability and height, without taking up too much space. Pros
  • Affordable
  • Compact
  • Available in 3 colors
  • Folding legs
  • Carrying handle
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • The shape of the folded legs and hooded lid make this grill a little difficult to store

4. RUNNER UP: Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane

Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J3S1NWI?tag=atva03-20″ background=”#1700FF” size=”10″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]CHECK LATEST PRICE[/su_button] Specifications at a glance:
  • Size: 19” x 11.5” x 10”
  • Weight: 10 lbs
This portable grill is a very lightweight and easy to store option. The legs are short but neatly fold underneath the grill and are thin and flat so that it can be easily stored. Unlike some others which have four legs (one on each corner), this grill has two legs. One on the front and one on the back. The legs support each corner of the grill but then meet in the middle to provide an even more balanced foundation. Setting it up can be tricky and the one thing you don’t want is it falling over because the legs are uneven or poorly placed. This grill is also super simple to use as it requires very little set up. Simply unfold the legs, attach the propane canister, lift the hood, and push a button to ignite it. As well as being easy to use and easy to store, this grill is also easy to carry. Weighing just 9lbs, this grill is lightweight and won’t be too difficult to carry. Whether you’re just waking a few steps from the door of your RV or heading down to the beach, you won’t have any trouble. Pros
  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Available in 3 colors
  • Folding legs
Cons
  • Small grill, better suited for two people

5. RUNNER UP: Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable 3-Burner

Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable 3-Burner [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENX3VX2?tag=atva03-20″ background=”#1700FF” size=”10″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]CHECK LATEST PRICE[/su_button] Specifications at a glance:
  • Size: 25.2” x 18” x 9.5”
  • Weight: 30 lbs
This grill is very different compared to most of the other options on this list. Rather than be a miniature version of a standard backyard grill, this grill tries to do something a little different. It doesn’t have a standard grill grate, but has a flat griddle grill surface instead. Unlike most portable grills, this product doesn’t have a hood or a lid, but the griddle style means you can cook a lot more. You can cook the standard hamburgers and hot dogs that you would want on a grill, but you can also fry an egg or some bacon rashers as well. This grill is quite a bit heavier than the average portable grill. So it’s more for using right outside your RV than carrying with you on a day out. But, if you’re planning on feeding a family and need some extra space, then this is a great option. You will be able to fit a lot more food on this grill as you won’t have to worry about spreading out the hotdogs and kebabs so they don’t fall through the grate. The flat griddle surface also allows for easier cleaning, as you simply wipe it down and push the grease into the drip tray. Then, just empty the drip tray. After feeding a big family, the last thing you want to do is try to clean and scrub a grill grate. This is a much more efficient option. Another unique option with this grill is that it has three different burners. Beneath the grill are three burners, each controlled by individual ignition dials. This means that, not only can you cook more food and a greater variety of foods, but you can cook them all at different temperatures. You can separate out the hamburgers, the chicken, and the veg all on different settings. This means that you can plan your food much better and won’t have to wait on one while everything else is done. Pros
  • Affordable
  • More space
  • Able to cook a wider variety of foods
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Heavy
  • No lid/hood

Important Factors when Buying a Grill

Important Factors when Buying a Grill

Size

If you’re looking for a portable grill, you obviously don’t want something very big. Portable grills are going to be significantly smaller than your average grill, but that doesn’t mean it has to be of lesser quality or less powerful. Backyard grills come in a large range of sizes but, the average family grill is around 450 to 500 square inches. For a portable grill, you’re looking at closer to 200 square inches. But, that doesn’t mean these grills won’t be able to do a lot. Most can cook around 4 to 6 hamburgers at a time and will get just as hot as a standard grill. So you will still be able to cook plenty. When it comes to buying a grill to keep in your RV, you need to consider where you’re going to be storing it. Although they are small, they will still need some dedicated storage space. So, before you even go looking at these grills, hop into your RV, and have a good look around to work out where you can fit a portable grill. It’s going to need somewhere secure as you don’t want it being knocked about or falling off a shelf when you’re driving.

Shape/Portability

As well as making sure that you have enough space for a grill in your RV, you need to make sure that you have the right kind of space. Although they are designed to be packed away, some can still be awkwardly shaped. They can come in a variety of different styles, some with legs and some without. Some have folding legs but even these can be difficult to store as there is no flat side. A lot of manufacturers try to essentially create a miniature version of a hooded grill and then add legs. This is great if you wish you could take your big hooded family grill on the road with you but can’t (for obvious reasons). So, when looking at portable grills, try to find one with a flat side. A lot of have been designed with car travel or picnicking in mind. They are expected to be simply packed into the trunk of the car with the rest of the luggage. So they don’t need to be very sturdy when packed away, only when out and being used. But this isn’t the case for an RV. With an RV, as you will likely know, everything needs its own secure place otherwise the tiniest bump in the road can send items flying from one side to the other. When you are looking for that dedicated portable grill space in your RV, consider what else is around. The best spot will be able to cushion the grill on either side and hold it securely in place. It will be better in a space low to the ground, so there’s no risk of it falling.

Will Using a Portable Grill Damage the Outside of My RV?

Using a portable grill could potentially damage your RV’s exterior if you don’t follow essential safety measures. To prevent any damage, it’s vital to follow the best practices for keeping your RV’s exterior clean before and after using the grill. By doing this, you’ll protect your RV from any possible harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are they easy to clean?

This depends on the style of the grill. Most will come with a drip tray that the grease will drain into. This is easy to clean out as you just pull out the tray and pour the grease away. Cleaning the actual grill itself may be tricker. The outside will be easy to wipe down, but cleaning grill grates can be a bit of a trial. There are some grills that come with a griddle grill or have the option to swap the standard grate to a griddle. Griddles are much easier to clean as they can simply be wiped down. But, when it comes to grilling, the grate getting dirty is a given and as long as you start cleaning it well from the beginning and don’t let the dirt build-up, you should be fine. The cleaning becomes difficult when you don’t clean it for a while and the grease becomes burnt on.

Are they easy to use?

Yes, portable grills are very easy to use. Most grills will require little to no set up and all you need to do is attach a propane cylinder (which are not included). Most will have either a dial ignition that you twist to switch on or a button that you simply press once. Very few grills will require matches or a lighter. Most will also be powered by propane instead of charcoal. This makes things much easier and quicker and requires less packing.

Are they easy to store?

Generally, yes. As mentioned in our buyers’ guide, some portable grills have been designed to be easy to carry and set up, but not necessarily to store. They are easy to store as they are small and compact and most have a briefcase or carry case shape. But some also have legs that point out awkwardly or aren’t flat even when they’re folded in. They also usually have large handles that make them easier to carry but can get in the way when you’re trying to store them. Overall, they’re easy to store, but they aren’t all perfectly box shaped so may need a bit of extra wiggle room.
Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score
Flame King RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ
  • Multi-tiered grill
  • Large stand
  • Delivers 8,500 BTUs of heat across 168 sq. in.
  • Includes bracket mount to attach the grill to side of RV

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

5 × one =