Portable grills are indispensable tools for caravan campers to continue having delicious food far from home. They can enhance your camping experience, but you need a reliable, durable and high-performing portable grill to achieve that. I went all out on your behalf to bring you the 5 best portable grills for caravan use.
There are many features you have to consider when buying these grills, and I have highlighted them in the reviews as well as the buyer’s guide at the end. These 5 best portable grills are further categorized into my top pick, budget pick and runner-up.
Contents
Best Portable Grill for Caravan Use Reviews
Coleman Propane Portable Grill
Weight: 51.2 pounds
Dimensions: 33.8 x 13.5 x 19.1 inches
BTU: 20000 BTUs
Cooking Surface: 285 square inches
Type: Freestanding
Pros:
A high-performing portable grill – great for picnics, tailgating parties, caravan use and any other camping adventure.
Cons:
Does not come with the propane cylinder
Bottom Line:
This portable grill has a super performance with a higher heat output. It has wheels and pulling handles to move it with ease. Moreover, it has two burners with independent temperature adjustments.
If you’re planning a road trip, you might find this portable grill a must-have for your adventures. For your convenience, it comes with wheels and pulling handles which make it easy when displacing it on your campsite. It’s a freestanding grill, so it can be steady and stable on a variety of surfaces including the uneven ones and installing it is an absolute breeze. It also folds easily when you’re ready to go.
Camping has never been this enticing with a multifunctional and high-performing grill rated at 20000 BTUs. No wonder I chose it as the top pick. Its 285 square inches grilling surface that can grill many food items at once on each burner while adjusting temperatures independently for each burner. That’s a feature lacking in most of the grills for caravan use.
Furthermore, you can switch the grill grate with stove grates, but sold separately. The surface is made of the durable cast-iron and coated with porcelain. This surface is easy to clean, and there is also a removable grease tray. Also worth mentioning is the ignition button which eliminates matches or separate lighters.
Features & Specs
The Coleman Propane Portable Grill has all the specs and features that give it a crown of being the best portable grill in my list. These include the following:
- 20000 BTUs
- 285 square inches of grilling surface
- Two independent temperature adjustments and two burners
- Durable cast iron and porcelain coated surface
- Folds easily for storage
- Interchangeable grill grates with stove grates
- Built-in ignition button
User Impressions
An overwhelming amount of customers are impressed with this portable grill. They praise the powerful burners with heat output of 20000 BTUs. The independent temperature adjustments are features worth-considering when you want to cook different food items. Also, the grill is easy to displace with the wheels and pulling handles. Note that you have to get the propane cylinder separately.
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Gas Grill
Weight: 13.5 pounds
Dimensions: 16 x 16.5 x 13 inches
BTUs: 5500 BTUs
Cooking Surface: 145 square inches
Type: Tabletop
Pros:
Budget-friendly tabletop and portable grill with lightweight and durable aluminum legs for great caravan use
Cons:
It can be inadequate for large families
Bottom Line:
This is an affordable grill best suited for solo or couple campers. It performs well, even better than other larger grills despite its little surface of 145 square inches.
If you do not want to break your bank, then this could be your option to grill steaks, chicken breasts, vegetables, or other types of food. Do not be fooled by its compact surface with a small surface of 145 square inches, it performs relatively well compared to other large grills. With a heat output of 5500 BTUs, you will manage to cook small meals quickly.
The model is a tabletop type, and so it will sit comfortably on your table with its durable and lightweight aluminum legs. It only takes a few seconds to set it up; that’s a plus for those in a hurry. The grill cooks evenly without heat spots.
You need propane as fuel. That’s actually a plus advantage because propane fuel is available in almost every vendor you camp next to. And to light the grill you only have to twist the start ignition then you are all set. The grate is detachable and it’s dishwasher safe when it’s time to clean it up.
Although it has little 5500 BTUs, the gas grill heats up quickly and recovers heat quickly as well after opening it. When it’s time to pack, the legs fold up easily and the grill looks like a briefcase with a handle to transport easily into your caravan.
Features & Specs
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Gas Grill has abundant features despite being a cheaper portable grill for caravan use.
- 145 square inches grilling surface
- 5500 BTUs
- Durable and lightweight aluminum legs
- Folds up easily when packing
- Built-in lid lock
- Porcelain coated enamel grate
User Impressions
Many users are impressed with a compact size and say it is best suited for 4 people camping. Of course it is reasonable with its low price tag. Moreover, it is high-performing, in spite of the compact size. If you want to save more money, this grill might be your option.
Cuisinart CGG-200 Gas Grill
Weight: 38 pounds
Dimensions: 15 x 18.5 x 42 inches
BTUs: 12000 BTUs
Cooking Surface: 240 square inches
Type: Tabletop
Pros:
A great tabletop portable grill rated at 12000 BTUs to take your grilling to the next level without the need of bulky grills
Cons:
Propane tank not included
Bottom Line:
The grill offers a superior performance for caravan use. It is a tabletop grill type and it is made with high-quality rust and corrosion-resistant stainless steel
If you envy a superior performance of large grills but having a limited space, this portable grill could be the best. While it is not the hottest in my list, it still remains a relatively hot grill in its price range.
Its panels are attached securely but are easy to detach to clean for hygienic purposes. The tray is also removable. Overall, the grill is easy to use and performs very well thanks to its porcelain enamel coated cast iron cooking grate.
With the stainless steel design, you’re safe from corrosion when cooking while exposed to precipitation. It lasts pretty long and gives a good shine in your caravan. And when it’s that time go back home, the grill folds up well. Included are the foldable shelves where you can put plates or utensils when grilling.
The grill cooks evenly and lets you adjust the temperature with the integrated temperature gauge. You only need to twist the start button to get going, so it eliminates the need for lighters or matches.
The other feature I personally find interesting is the built-in thermometer which lets you know how the grill is heating. This negates the hassles of having to open the lid to feel the temperature. Thanks to the 3-year warranty the manufacturer offers.
Features & Specs
Cuisinart CGG-200 Gas Grill is one of the greatest portable grills for caravan so I made it the runner-up. Its features include the following:
- 12000 BTUs
- 3 years warranty
- 240 square inches grilling surface
- Twist start the ignition
- Folding side shelves
- Adjustable temperature with the temperature gauge
User Impressions
This grill is an impressive model performing relatively well compared to larger grills. Its features are worth-dying for with an integrated thermometer and temperature gauge. But the propane tank is not included. Others users are, however, not impressed with the all-steel design because it seems a bit heavy. Steel is heavy of course when compared to aluminum, but I personally rate this grill as one of the portable ones even though it comes at 38 pounds.
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Gas Grill
Weight: 20 pounds
Dimensions: 23.7 x 15 x 13.6 inches
BTUs: 9500 BTUs
Cooking Surface: 200 square inches
Type: Tabletop liquid propane grill
Pros:
Great portable grill with infrared heat technology to evenly cook your foods.
Cons:
BTUs (the measure of heat output) could be better for this price
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best portable grills for caravan use with infrared heat technology. It is perfect for parties, picnics and camping adventures.
Anyone preparing for tailgating or picnic parties – here’s a portable 20-pound portable grill. While it may not be the best grill with the highest BTUs, it still performs well to make your camping experience worthwhile. The grilling surface is 200 square inches, which I find adequate to cook several meals for a small family.
This is a tabletop grill with a quality frame and carry handles. It features an aluminum lid and a die-cast grate which are not only durable but lightweight as well for ultralight-campers. It lights well with the push-button ignition and runs on liquid propane in a 16.4 oz. disposable LP cylinder which you have to purchase separately.
Features & Specs
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Gas Grill has all the features to make it a number-go choice for caravan campers.
- 9500 BTUs
- Die-cast firebox and aluminum lid
- Temperature gauge and stainless steel latches
- 200 square inches grilling surface
- Infrared heat technology
User Impressions
The grill is impressive with performance, and it is lightweight. I recommend it for caravan campers looking for an ideal grill for their food preparations. But its 9500 BTUs and 200 square inches grilling surface seem to be a downside to large families.
Cuisinart CGG-608 Portable Grill
Weight: 16.85 pounds
Dimensions: 14.5 x 17.8 x 15 inches
BTUs: 10000 BTUs
Cooking Surface: 184 square inches
Type: Tabletop
Pros:
Popular Portable grill 2018 from a reputable brand. It comes with great features to make your grilling effortless
Cons:
It is too small and might not be suitable for large families or multi-day camping
Bottom Line:
A compact grill for caravan use made of quality materials. It is easy to adjust the temperature setting on the 176 square-inch surface.
For any small family planning a caravan camping, this could be the best tabletop portable grill to choose. It has a heat output of 10000 BTUs which is great in its price range. It shouldn’t be difficult at all to cook many food items for a small family on the 176 square inches grilling surface. And to switch on the grill you need to twist the start ignition.
The grill is powered by a 1 lb. propane canister which you must buy separately. Its overall design is all-steel, so gone is the corrosion or rust fear even if it gets exposed to rain.
With the built-in thermometer, you will be able to check the temperature reading of the grill. It gives you an assurance that you are not over-heating your food. That’s a convenient feature worth appreciating.
Features & Specs
Cuisinart CGG-608 Portable Grill has a broad range of features which include the following:
- 10000 BTUs
- Integrated thermometer
- Twist start ignition
- 175 square inches of cooking surface
- Stainless steel design
User Impressions
Users are enticed by the compact size of the grill together with its stunning performance. It has adjustable temperature and a built-in temperature, the features worth having to control your heat for perfect and evenly cooked food.
Portable Grills for Caravan Use – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- BTUs
- Build Materials
- Weight
- Type
- Shelves
BTUs
BTU stands for British thermal Units which have become the standard measure of heat output of these portable grills. The higher the number the better! Amongst my products, the Coleman Propane Portable Grill is the highest with 20000 BTUs which indicate the highest heat output. Combined with the best build materials, the grill provides more heat.
The budget freestanding grill Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Gas Grill comes with 5500 BTUs which is the lowest on my list. However, this does not necessarily mean it has a mediocre performance.
The BTU alone does not guarantee the best heat. The surface area and the build materials also add value. For instance, comparing cast iron and steel surface, cast iron will have a better heat conduct than steel and perform well even if the steel has a higher BTU. The second highest BTU is the Cuisinart CGG-200 Gas Grill.
What is a Portable Grill Made of?
Because you’re looking for portable grills, it helps to consider light materials such as those made of aluminum, but the overall design also matters when choosing these materials. I have selected other grills made of stainless steel and cast iron with portable weights.
An example goes to the Cuisinart CGG-608 Portable Grill weighing just 16.6 pounds made of stainless steel.
But, choosing light materials might trade in durability and safety of the grill since you’re dealing with flammable liquids such as propane and butane. Make sure the entire design is stable enough. Generally, a grill made of cast-iron, as in Coleman Propane Portable Grill will last long although it the heaviest of them all over 50 pounds.
How Much does a Tabletop Grill Weight?
Lightweight campers should look for portable weights, but if you’re going by a caravan or RV, there are some sturdier alternatives out there. But since you are camping with a caravan, weight might not be a big deal because it will be easy to transport the grill. But the problem may start when you want to move it out of the caravan. Ideally, I would look for a foldable grill.
Most of my products are foldable and lightweight. The lightest you might like is the Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Gas Grill weighing 13.5 pounds and it is also foldable.
Types of Portable Grills for Caravan Use
There are freestanding and tabletop grills. Most of my products are tabletops because they’re the ones deemed to be portable. But there are freestanding grills that are also compact with foldable legs.
The top pick Coleman Propane Portable Grill is the only freestanding grill I have included. This type is convenient to even stage on uneven surfaces.
As for tabletop grills, you will need a table or a special grill stand that can hold a variety of grills. Also, the stand must have pulling handles and wheels.
Shelves
Shelves are increasingly becoming standard on many grills for camping. These additional features help you put plates or any other utensil. They should be foldable for ease of storage. Also, avoid putting overweight items on the plates as they may get damaged. You can also buy a foldable table to use in conjunction with the grill.
Wrapping up This Freestanding Grill For Caravanning Reviews
Should you bring a tabletop grill during caravanning? This marks the end of my review and the buyer’s guide for the portable grills. If you’re planning an outdoor excursion in a caravan, these grills are worth considering. I handpicked the best models with great features. The buyer’s guide will help you make an informed purchase.
