best RV grill

This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you buy after clicking on our links.

6 Best RV Grills Reviewed – Gas, Charcoal, Mounted, and Portable

One of the most common RV accessories is a camping grill. There are a lot of reasons why – didn’t you buy an RV to spend time outdoors? 

And let’s face it, cooking in a tiny RV kitchenette isn’t ideal. Grills allow you to get some fresh air, enjoy the view, and keep the heat out of the vehicle.

But RV grills are inherently more limited than the grills in your backyard. They’ve got to be smaller and portable. That means lightweight components. 

With a variety of sizes, shapes, styles, and materials used, how do you know what kind of grill to choose?

Continue reading this guide and find all the information you need for choosing the best RV grill for your needs.

Our recommendations for the Best RV Grills:

6 Best RV Grills Reviewed

After considering hundreds of grills, we chose the best ones to be reviewed here. These units are durable, easy to use, and most of all, portable.

Best Overall: Weber Q1200 Portable Propane Gas Grill

While not specifically for camping or RV life, the Weber Q1200 is an excellent small grill at an affordable price. It has a 189 square inch cooking area with thick and durable enameled cast iron grates.

The main body of the grill is made of cast aluminum, which won’t rust and looks nice, all while being far less expensive than stainless steel. It’s also lightweight at about 30 pounds.

Weber Q1200 Portable Propane Gas Grill

Specifications:

  • Fuel Type: Propane gas
  • Number of Main Burners: 1
  • Total BTU: 8,500
  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 189
  • Weight: 31 lbs
  • Build Materials: Aluminum and porcelain-coated cast iron (grates)
  • Dimensions: 40.9″ x 16.5″ x 15.5″ (L x W x H)
  • Warranty: 5 years or 2 years (depending on part)

Weber makes a host of accessories for this model, one of which is replacement grates. The grate is split down the middle so that you can replace one or both sides with a griddle. You can also buy an adapter to hook it up to standard 20-pound propane tanks.

The Q1200 doesn’t include a stand, so you need to place it on a table or just put it on the ground and be seated (unless you want to crouch down).

If you don’t want to use a table, the best option is to get Weber’s portable cart so you can conveniently place the grill on any level platform. This allows you to use it in the backyard as well. The cart is lightweight and can be folded into a small space so it will easily fit in your RV.

The grill comes set up to use one-pound LPG cylinders, which makes it perfect for camping, tailgating, or RV adventures.

You can also connect the Q1200 directly to your RVs propane tank, and here’s how to do it:

How to Connect a BBQ Grill to an RV's On-Board Propane Tank

What We Love

  • Comes fully assembled out of the box
  • High-quality parts made with durable materials
  • Good heat retention
  • Compact size and portable
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Weber has a good warranty and customer service

What We Don’t

  • Doesn’t include a stand (sold separately)

Best Infrared Grill for RVs: Magma Newport II Infrared Gourmet Series

Magma makes a wide selection of RV and marine grills, and they are on the higher end of the price scale. But they are high-quality options that are built to last.

If you need a great grill for a small space, the marine-built Magma Newport II is a stylish choice. It’s an infrared grill that produces intense and evenly distributed heat. The grills mirror-finished marine-grade stainless steel construction is as beautiful as it is durable.

 

Specifications:

  • Fuel Type: Propane gas
  • Number of Burners: 1
  • Total BTU: 11,200
  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 162
  • Weight: 20 lbs
  • Build Materials: Marine grade stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 22.5″ x 11.63″ x 11.63″ (L x W x H)
  • Warranty: 1 year

Magma also offers a great selection of mounts and accessories, meaning you won’t be searching high and low for the right fittings. Their grills come with regulators for disposable one-pound propane bottles, but adapters can be purchased to hook them up to pretty much any system.

The Newport II is a beautiful marine-grade stainless steel grill with a mirror finish and a tempered glass viewing window. They’re made in the US, and the new versions have a smooth electric ignition system, more rounded corners, and fold-down legs for tabletop use. 

It has 162 square inches of cooking space, which Magma advertises as enough for four to six people.

What We Love

  • Constructed of 100% marine grade stainless steel
  • Gets hot fast
  • Works even when it’s windy
  • Gives a nice sear
  • Made in the USA

What We Don’t

  • The thermometer doesn’t have degrees (only colors)

Best Charcoal RV Grill: Weber Jumbo Joe 18 Inch

The Jumbo Joe is a well-designed product that is both portable and versatile. It’s compact but can still handle a decent amount of food on its 240 square inch cooking surface.

Weber Jumbo Joe 18 Inch

Specifications:

  • Fuel Type: Charcoal
  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 240
  • Weight: 15 lbs
  • Build Materials: Porcelain-coated steel, plated steel (cooking grates)
  • Dimensions: 20.5″ x 19.7″ x 19.7″ (L x W x H)
  • Warranty: 10, 5, or 2 years depending on part

The Jumbo Joe is made with high-quality materials but is very affordable. Whether you’re searing steaks or smoking some chicken thighs, it offers a great cooking experience.

If you want to maintain a steady and low cooking temperature, you need a separate thermometer, as it’s not included with the grill. Also, a hinged cooking grate is something that would make adding more charcoal or smoking chips easier.

When you take the Jumbo Out on a road trip, don’t forget to bring your charcoal bags and a chimney starter, or at least some newspaper, to use it. Then you will be ready to have some tasty barbecue anywhere you go!

TIP: Check out Weber’s compact chimney starter for a space-saving option.

What We Love

  • Great overall design
  • Compact size
  • Large enough grilling area
  • Affordable
  • Made of premium-grade US steel

What We Don’t

  • Adding charcoal while cooking is bit difficult

Great Portable Standalone Grill: Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Grill

If your trailer doesn’t have accessory rails for a grill already, another option is a stand-up grill like the Coleman RoadTrip. It sets up to be standard grill height but folds down small for easy storage. 

It’s not lightly built, either. At almost 53 pounds, you’ll appreciate the easy-rolling cart design that this little grill has built in.

Specifications:

  • Fuel Type: Propane gas
  • Number of Burners: 3
  • Total BTU: 20,000
  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 285
  • Weight: 53 lbs
  • Build Materials: Metal, plastic, and porcelain-coated cast iron (cooking grates)
  • Dimensions: 45.6” x 19.5” x 35″ (L x W x H)
  • Warranty: 3 years

The RoadTrip has a 285 square inch cooking area and provides 20,000 BTUs over three burners. The burners are arranged in a unique inner and outer circular design, which allows you to control the heat distribution from 350 to over 700 degrees. 

The fold-up cart features side prep tables, which are a bit small but are still a big help. The enameled lid is available in five colors.

While the grill does have some great features, keep in mind that his is an entry-level model and is priced appropriately. It’s not the highest quality grill on the list, and the design gets some low marks for its difficulty to clean and low-quality parts.

What We Love

  • Easy to set up, store, and transport
  • Adequate grilling space
  • Heats up fast
  • Sturdy enough

What We Don’t

  • The latch doesn’t always hold the lid on transport
  • The side handles could be more durable

Durable & Lightweight: Camco Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel Gas Grill

The Olympian by Camco is a sharp-looking stainless steel grill built to fit on accessory rails and plug right into the RVs low-pressure propane system. 

Camco sells all the hoses and fittings to make it happen, too. They even offer fittings if you want to use it with standard tanks or disposable one-pound camping cylinders.

Camco Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel Gas Grill

Specifications:

  • Fuel Type: Propane gas
  • Number of Burners: 1
  • Total BTU: 12,000
  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 180
  • Weight: 26 lbs
  • Build Materials: 304 Stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 14” x 24” x 10.5″ (L x W x H)
  • Warranty: 1 year

The Camco really gets bonus points for its versatility. It comes standard with a rail mount and folding legs for tabletop use. And since it can be used with any size propane tank, it can be set up anywhere. 

The cast-iron smoker plate helps with distributing heat better than some of its competitors, but it can easily rust since it’s not enameled. Be sure to season it well and keep it dry during storage.

Camco makes the Olympian in a variety of sizes to suit any camp-side chef. The Olympian 5500 has a 180 square inch cooking area. If you feel like that’s not enough, you can choose the larger Olympian 6500 with 316 square inch grilling space.

They also sell a unique electric grill, albeit in a smaller size. 

Camco is a well-known brand name in RV accessories, so they have an advantage when it comes to mounts and fittings for your new grill.

What We Love

  • Great value for money
  • Relatively large cooking area
  • Made of 304 stainless steel
  • Looks nice and is lightweight

What We Don’t

  • Smoker plate is made of cast iron and can start rusting over time

Compact Budget Option: Weber Go-Anywhere Tabletop Charcoal Grill

Weber is known for its quality grills, and just because the Go-Anywhere is tiny doesn’t mean it isn’t loaded with great features. But this grill is simple – it’s a rectangular tabletop charcoal grill. 

It’s big enough to grill about six burgers on the 160 square inch cooking grate. It’s not huge, but it is enough for most dinners. Twin dampers on the upper lid give you plenty of heat control.

Weber Go-Anywhere Portable Charcoal Grill

Specifications:

  • Fuel Type: Charcoal
  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 160
  • Weight: 15 lbs
  • Build Materials: Porcelain-coated steel, plated steel (cooking grates)
  • Dimensions: 12.2″ x 21″ x 14.5″ (L x W x H)
  • Warranty: 10, 5, or 2 years depending on part

The Go-Anywhere is made of porcelain-enameled cast iron. The fold-down legs allow for tabletop use, and they fold up to lock the lid in place for easy transport. 

The entire package is about 21 x 14.5 x 12.25 inches, making it one of the smallest grills on our list.

Read also: Weber Go-Anywhere Grill Review

What We Love

  • Super compact & portable
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Top vents allow good temp control
  • Quick and easy to assemble
  • Durable plated-steel grill grates

What We Don’t

  • Relatively small cooking area

Picking the Best RV Grill – Things to Consider

Getting a grill for the RV sets you free and gives you more space to work. Plus, on hot summer days, it gets the heat out of the camper.

RVs on seashore

Here are the most important things to consider before buying one.

1. Fuel: Gas or Charcoal

Just because you’re hitting the open road doesn’t mean you will be losing grilling options. There are dozens of different grills designed specifically for RVers. It’s important to look at how you’re going to use and store the grill.

The first choice you’ll have to make is what fuel you’ll want to carry around. RVs are usually rigged with propane onboard already, making that a simple choice.

RV Propane Gas Grills

Most grill owners, including those in RVs, enjoy using gas grills for the simple reason that they’re quick and easy to use. You may find yourself using this grill a lot more than you imagined since RV kitchens are small and cramped. 

RV LPG gas grills usually have a simple push-on connector to hook up to the rig’s big tank. That means you’ll never be without fuel, and you won’t have to worry about carrying around small, expensive camping bottles.

Of course, it also means that you’ll be stuck at the RV, right next to the propane hose. If you want to spread out a little more or cook next to picnic tables around your campsite, this might be a little limiting.

RV Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills are another popular choice as they are often inexpensive. Also, some chefs prefer the flavor and experience of cooking on charcoal. If you’re a true purist, there’s no talking you out of a charcoal-powered flame thrower.

2. Materials and Features

You’ll find most RV grills look relatively similar to one another, although they vary considerably in terms of quality.

Stainless steel is a popular material since it lasts a long time and will not rust. It also looks very sharp.

Less expensive grills will use enameled or painted steel, which works fine if kept away from harsh environments and taken care of.

Cast aluminum is also a great option as it’s weather-resistant and lightweight.

RV grills balance the need for something small and compact with the desire to be as functional as possible. Most are only going to have one or two burners, and they lack all the bells and whistles of your home grill. 

The models we have picked for this guide get plenty hot enough to sear anything you want. However, low and slow recipes that require better heat control can be a challenge.

3. Mounting Options and Storage

Many campers and RVs come with side-mount accessory rails. If your rig has these already, you’re in luck. Several grills come ready to slide on these mounts, hassle-free.

grill mounted on RV
Having your grill mounted to the side of the RV is very convenient

If you want to set up away from the RV, you need either a free-standing or a tabletop grill

Tabletop models offer a great mix of advantages. They can be used practically anywhere; you can even set them on the ground in a pinch. 

Free-standing models are nice too, but remember – you’ll have to transport and store the stand when not in use. Fold-up stands tend to be a bit shaky, as well.

Size and Weight

As with all things travel, you need to give some thought on where the grill will live when not in use.

Do you have a storage compartment dedicated to it, and if so, how much room is there? 

This is probably the most limiting factor in your choice of grill because you need to look at how much space you have for it. Weight is another critical factor since you will be moving the grill and setting it up regularly.

4. Grilling Area

Think about how much grilling space you actually need. Most people are traveling as couples or in small groups, so smaller grills suit their needs nicely. 

For the rare instances when you do have a bigger group to entertain, using campground grills or setting up a second grill makes sense. Remember, friends you make along the way will have their own setups, so combining resources is an option for get-togethers.

5. Heat Output

Finally, you need to make sure that you have a grill that gets hot enough. This will not be an issue with a charcoal grill, while gas grills need enough BTUs to get hot for searing those steaks and burgers.

The grills on our list put out at least 8,500 BTUs or more, which doesn’t seem like much compared to home grills. But these grills are more compact, and all of that heat bottled up in such a small area is plenty of power. 

Because comparisons with bigger grills aren’t very accurate, several manufacturers of RV grills don’t even publish the BTU ratings of their grills.

Important Safety Tips for RV Grilling

Here are some important tips to stay safe while grilling:

  • Only use your grill outdoors, never inside the RV.
  • Make sure the grill is properly cooled down and cleaned before bringing it inside the RV or putting on a protective cover.

Gas Grills:

  • Don’t smoke cigarettes near the propane tank/cylinder.
  • Frequently check the grill’s gas fitting and hose for leaks.
  • Don’t leave the propane cylinder inside your RV for long periods of time.

Charcoal Grills:

  • Always dispose of the used charcoal and ashes properly to avoid causing a fire. Let the ashes cool down for at least 48 hours in a metal container or use water to speed up the process.
  • Don’t use gasoline or kerosene to start your grill. They are highly combustible and can also leave harmful chemicals on your food.

RV Grill FAQ

Should I get a gas or charcoal grill for my RV?

Choosing between a gas and charcoal grill is a matter of personal preference.

Gas grills are more convenient and easier to use. Hook the grill on your RVs propane tank or use a small and portable one-pound LPG cylinder. Next, push the button for ignition and you’re ready to go!

You don’t have to worry about lighting up the charcoal or disposing of the hot ashes after cooking.

Charcoal grills have a few advantages as well. Some consider charcoal grilling the only real way to get a barbecue flavor. Also, charcoal grills are usually more affordable than gas grills.

How can I make my RV grill last longer?

To make your RV grill last longer, the most important thing is to clean it after each use.

You should also perform a more thorough maintenance every few months. Remove the grill grates and clean them properly from top to bottom. And don’t forget to clean the inner surfaces and burners (if you have a gas unit) of the grill.

Another important thing is to store the grill indoors where it’s protected from the weather.

What is an RV grill with quick connect?

Some grills like the Weber Q1200 can be used with a propane quick connect adapter to connect it directly to your RVs propane tank because their gas control valve is separate from the regulator.

This is very convenient as you don’t need a separate propane cylinder to use your grill.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Joonas, a barbecue expert with over 20 years of experience in grilling and smoking all kinds of foods.

My goal is to cook tasty barbecue food, enjoy it with family & friends, and help others do the same!

Related Posts

4 thoughts on “6 Best RV Grills Reviewed – Gas, Charcoal, Mounted, and Portable”

  1. I have owned one of the original Q’s as shown in the pictures it has never let me down. This one will also be easier to clean than the original cast iron grate. Weber makes the best for the price!

    Reply
    • Hi Samantha,

      I completely agree with you!

      As a long-time Weber user, I can say that the Q series definitely provides a great user experience for an affordable price.

      -Joonas

      Reply
  2. The RV grill from Liquid is the best ever! It cooks evenly, heats up quickly and is super portable. I love it! We use it on our patio for daily grilling, and it’s perfect for picnics and camping.

    Reply
    • Hi Bruno,

      Thanks for your comment!

      What is that grill? Sounds interesting, but I have never heard about it. Is Liquid the brand?

      Best Regards,
      Joonas

      Reply

Leave a Comment