Picture this: you’re on your RV, enjoying your road trip with your family and/or your friends. You’ve been on the road for a while, and everyone is getting tired – maybe even a bit hungry. But there’s a problem: you’re in the middle of nowhere, and there’s nowhere to stop for food. Nobody is interested in eating yet more trail mix – and making instant noodles simply won’t cut it anymore. You need real food. And this is exactly where you need the best portable grill for RV use.
Having a proper grill to use while you’re on the road means that you can stop pretty much anywhere you want. You can cook food exactly to your liking and enjoy your meal before you get back on the road. Doesn’t matter if you’re in an RV park, on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, or at picnic grounds.
But how do you know how to figure out which the best portable grill is? Well, in today’s article we have five of our best recommendations, followed by a buying guide to help you decide. So let’s get started!
1. Portable Grill (Propane) LXE for Road Trips by Coleman
The first recommendation that we have for you in terms of the portable grill for RV use is this one by Coleman. As you may know, Coleman is a highly respected name in the world of camping and outdoor activities. They have a product for just about all of your needs as you’re out on your travels and your adventures. Thus, it truly comes as no surprise that they also have a grill that you can use as you travel around in your recreational vehicle.
Over the years, Coleman has established themselves as a company whose name is synonymous with durability and quality. And so, you will find that the Portable (propane) Grill LXE by Coleman is a product that strictly adheres to the standards of the industry. And, out of all of the grills, we could probably recommend for your RV, this is probably our most favorite one. It’s great if you have a larger rig that has plenty of storage space, but for smaller rigs with smaller storage bins, you may have to look for other grill models instead. That said, here’s the reason why we consider this the best.
First things first, it comes with a stand and some wheels built-in. This means that this singular RV grill will be easy to roll out to wherever you need so that you can cook. The stand-in particular is great because that means you can set your grill up downwind so you won’t have to worry about the wind making a mess of things. Plus, you won’t have to take up space on your table, since the grill will stand alone by itself! The stand, which comes attached as we noted, is incredibly convenient to use. It’s even one of the best parts of this product, so you can really enjoy the convenience of the grill. Unfortunately, the stand does make the grill heavier overall, so you win some and you lose some.
This grill comes with two burners, which are powered by propane. In our humble opinion, the fact that there are two burners is quite great since you will be able to ensure fuel efficiency. On top of that, you can turn off one of the burners if you just want to cook a much smaller meal.
In terms of performance, you’ll find that the LXE is rather consistent. The grill’s surface maintains a consistent temperature, so everything you grill will cook evenly and properly. Also, you can regulate temperature easily on this grill, so you truly need not worry about your food coming out cooked unevenly.
Lastly, we want to mention that the cooktops of this grill are interchangeable – another win in our book.
Pros
- Stand built-in, along with wheels
- 2 burner
- Temp regulation
- Surface is coated with porcelain
Cons
- Larger and a bit heavier, not for smaller RV rigs
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2. Weber Liquid Propane 54060001 Q2200 Grill
Next up, we have this grill by Weber. For those who have smaller RV rigs, this may be the choice for you. Despite it being smaller than other RV grills, the fact is this one is still pretty roomy for your cooking, with about two hundred and eighty sq in. of space. This 280 square inch surface provides you a pretty good surface to grill on, with temperatures remaining consistent so your food will cook evenly. The grates are also covered in porcelain enamel, by the way, so you know for sure that you will be able to clean this easily.
On top of the above-aforementioned features of this grill, there are other additional features that are really rather quite handy. For example, igniting this grill is incredibly easy, since it does feature electronic ignition. It also comes with a hood made out of aluminum, which you can use to roast both turkeys and chickens. Not bad! In fact, this grill is so good that we would say it’s not just great for RVs, it’s great in your home too. Well, out in your backyard (or other outdoor space), that is.
In terms of design, we do think that you’ll be as impressed as we were. The way that Weber designed this grill was obviously well thought through, so much so that you just know the company wants their customers to be satisfied. For example, the handles of this grill, along with their knobs, are really quite big enough even for those with bigger hands. That way, you can easily grip and hold onto this product no matter what.
One of the best things about this grill is the fact that it is just the right size if you want to be able to carry it around in your RV during your trips out on the road. The small size of this grill on top of the fact that you don’t need to set it up at all is truly a welcome fact for weary road travelers.
Know, however, that the Q2200 by Weber is not exactly a new product. Instead, it is just an updated version of a product that already exists, the Q220 by the same company.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight, great for people even with smaller rigs
- Split grates will help you to cook better and more evenly
- Efficient with fuel
Cons
- Slow roasting not ideal on this grill, because temp does not fluctuate all that much
- Plastic parts of this grill are not quite that durable
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3. NXT Lite Coleman Propane Grill, Table Top Style
Although we are firm on our recommendation of the Coleman LXE as pretty much the best portable grill for RV use, we know that not everyone has a rig large enough to accommodate it. And so, we are here with another recommendation: this time, it’s for the NXT Lite. It’s another grill by Coleman, which of course is a much smaller version that can be accommodated by smaller RV rigs. This tabletop version of a propane grill is great if you want to have a grill along with you on your road trips without sacrificing all of your storage space on your recreational vehicle.
When it comes to BBQ grills, we all know that Coleman is a name that’s always been at the top. They constantly release products that are always considered some of the best on the market, at least in their particular segments. And so it is for this exact reason that we know the NXT Lite will perform as expected.
This grill is really rather quite nifty. It’s small and it takes up so very little space, so much so that you start wondering whether the grill is cutting corners in terms of features. The grill is painted a beautiful red, which looks rather attractive. But let’s not bother too much with the exterior of this device. Instead, let’s talk about its performance, shall we?
There are some factors that contribute to making this grill an absolute delight to use. Now as we have mentioned, because of the small form factor of this grill, you may wonder whether it has slacked on some features. But the simple fact is, it hasn’t! For example, the NXT Lite has an InstaStart button key. This key will instantly light up your grill without any struggle or fail, which means you’ll never have to struggle with starting a fire ever again. Quite convenient, especially when you are tired out on the road and all you want is to just take a rest and eat a quick meal.
On this grill, you will also find that the burners work perfectly and consistently. This means that the heat is distributed uniformly, a fact which will allow you to cook your food easily and evenly to boot. However, despite all the lovely features of this grill, it isn’t perfect (nothing ever is!). For example, the NXT Lite is not as strong as other RV grills in terms of sheer power. This grill only gives off 8500 BTUs, far fewer BTUs than other average RV grills. Despite this fact, the NXT has a PerfectFlow feature, which will ably regulate both fuel and heat. As a result, you can cook even in cold places, such as hilltops. Then, you can clean your grill pretty easily afterwards, thanks to the coating of enamel.
Pros
- Instant Start button
- Durable
- Compact
- Detachable oil receptacle tray
- Latch for easy transportation
Cons
- No stand so you’ll have to put this on your table and it will take up space (which we don’t think is an actual con, since it is advertised as a tabletop model)
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4. CGG-220 Everyday Gas Grill, Portable by Cuisinart
Cuisinart? As in, the brand that is present in practically each and every single kitchen? You betcha. Indeed, we are talking about the very same Cuisinart, the one that is extremely well known for their stand mixers. But we aren’t here to talk about a stand mixer today – rather, we’re here to talk about their portable everyday grill. In particular, we are talking about the CGG-220 portable grill, which is fueled by gas.
The first thing that you will probably notice with this grill is the fact that it looks amazing and absolutely stunning. This shouldn’t really come as a surprise, however, since it is an extremely well-known fact that Cuisinart makes really beautiful appliances and devices. However, looks are not all that the CGG-220 has to offer. You’ll be pleased to know that there are a lot of features on offer here, which we are about to discuss today.
In a lot of portable grills, the main issue seems to be the thermometer. However, you’d be glad to know that in this grill, that doesn’t appear to be a problem at all. In fact, the Cuisinart CGG-220 measures temperature rather accurately – something we know is really quite important to ensure the grill functions well. Because of this, you’ll be sure that your food will never be undercooked.
Another fantastic feature that this grill has is its ignition system. With this grill, you will be sure that it will always start up without a hitch. No-fuss, no muss, no need to attempt to start a fire yourself! On top of that, this liquid propane-powered grill is rather easy to operate on its own. It’s portable, so you can bring it around easily – and it uses a small gas canister instead of a huge tank.
There are some issues with this grill, however. For one, the design of the drip pan is not ideal, and so in some cases you might find that the oil might drip. Because of this, you’ll end up cleaning up a mess every now and then. On top of that, the heat distribution in this grill is poor. Because of this, you’ll need to preheat your grill for some time before you can properly cook.
Pros
- Easy ignition system
- Beautiful appearance
Cons
- Only 1 burner
- Some issues with heat distribution
- Drip pan is not ideal
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5. CGG-306 Chef Table Top Grill by Cuisinart
The last grill we have to recommend is this one by Cuisinart. Yep! Another entry from Cuisinart! This time, it’s the CGG-306, a tabletop grill supposedly for chefs. However, this grill isn’t made to be exclusively for chefs. You can absolutely use this for your RV too! You see, this model, like the others, has quite a ton of features that will make you fall in love. For one, this grill has got TWO burners – yes, two! And as a result, you’ll be able to manage your cooking better. Imagine the amount of control you get this way!
Many prefer grills with multiple burners, and of course that is for good reason. After all, this will give you absolute control over the output of heat.
On top of the 2 burners, an integrated temp thermometer is also available. This makes it much easier to gauge your grill’s temperature. This way, you have another layer of control for improving your whole grilling experience.
Now, it’s worth noting that this grill is quite small and compact, which means it will be great for traveling with. This is because you’ll absolutely be able to fit it into even your smaller RV. This, plus its user-friendliness, makes this grill a contender for the best portable grill.
However, and of course, there’s a however, this grill is not perfect. When using this grill, you’ll notice some issues. For example, there have been complaints that this grill wasn’t so durable, with some problems arising within a few months. However, if you make sure you purchase safely and with a warranty, you should be okay!
Pros
- User friendly
- Double burner
- Sleek and beautifully designed
- Legs are foldable
- Thermometer is integrated
- Ignition: twist to start
Cons
- Not as durable as other grills maybe
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Your Buying Guide
For those who are looking into their first grill for their RV, we do hope that this list was truly helpful. With our in-depth looks and reviews into the products, you should be able to see which one would be ideal for you.
We do know, and acknowledge, the fact that not everyone knows what to look for when they’re looking to purchase the portable grill for RV use. And so, we have put together this quick buying guide to make it easier for you to finally make your decision. If you’re ready to get started, so are we! Let’s take a look at what you should be taking into consideration when shopping for your road trip cooking companion.
Type of Grill
Right from the very start, one of the first things that you should be looking at is the type of grill you want. You need to be able to make your mind up as to what kind you need. After all, each type does come with a particular set of advantages as well as disadvantages. To make it easy for you to figure it out, here are the types below.
Charcoal Grill
Most people would purchase a charcoal grill over a gas grill when it comes to use for RVs. To many, it is the favorite choice; and well, it’s for good reason. You see, charcoal is available at most local supermarkets. Therefore, charcoal grills are much more easily accessible, and sustainable to boot. Plus, charcoal grills are much simpler and are essentially more “basic”. Because of this, they do sometimes tend to be cheaper. However, charcoal grills are much, much, much messier! You’ll be doing a lot of cleaning after you use your grill. Scrubbing soot can get frustrating and tiring – but imagine having to store this grill after use. You need to clean it before storage, otherwise your storage spaces will become an utter mess. Not ideal if you’re in a hurry to get back on the road!
Propane Grill
Next suggestion we do have is the propane grill. As you may notice, this is the type of grill that we have recommended in our list above. You see, propane grills do their combine the convenience of charcoal grills with the easy cleaning afterwards. Furthermore, propane grills do tend to be more consistent in performance, and are more controllable by the end-user. Note, however, that propane tanks do tend to be heavy and take up space. Plus, they’re not really as readily available. But if you choose a model of a grill that allows the use of the smaller cans of gas, this option is the best out there.
Things to Look for When Purchasing a Grill
Once you have decided on which type of grill you want to buy, now it’s time to take a look at each product individually so that you can decide which one suits your needs best. Let’s look at things you should factor in:
The Cost
Naturally, one of the first things that you should be looking at is cost. And we don’t mean just the number on the price tag, of course. We mean that you should be taking a look at a) whether the item fits your budget and b) the value for money it offers. Cost doesn’t always mean you’ll be getting the best looking grill out there, but when you’ll just be cooking on the grill, looks are the last thing that should be on your mind!
Consider the value that the grill brings you in terms of features. Also, consider what the cost of refills and refuels will be. For example – liquid propane is more expensive in the short term. But, long term, it is far more efficient than using charcoal.
What Are the Features?
Next for you to look at are the features of the grill. Each model has its own set of features which may make it stand out or simply blend into the rest of the products on the market. To successfully determine which products you truly should consider, take a look at these features below:
- Burners – take a look at whether the grill has one or two burners (note that for charcoal grills, this isn’t quite as important). You see, more burners means more control over the output of heat on the grill. With better control over the heat, you’ll be able to cook your food evenly, resulting in consistently delicious food every time.
- Grates – you may think that the grates of the grill don’t matter. However, this couldn’t be any further from the truth. There are two kinds: stainless steel, as well as enameled porcelain. While stainless steel grills are fine and will probably work well for a few years, you will want to go for the porcelain. That is, if you want the grill to last you a very long time. This is because the enamel coating on the porcelain will protect your grill from both heat and rust damage.
Final Thoughts
Having the portable grill for RV use can make a huge difference in your enjoyment of your road trip. Therefore, it is truly important to find your “Goldilocks” grill. By that, we mean the item that will suit your needs while being affordable, easy to clean, and durable. We hope that our buying guide, coupled with our recommendations, will help you in finding the perfect grill for you! Don’t forget to check out reviews before you purchase your grill – and do see what you can do about purchasing with a warranty! Happy grilling!