The 10 Best Camping Grills of 2023: Charcoal and Propane

Photo: Char-Broil

Camping grills make the camping experience more enjoyable because you get to eat hot food from your catch or from what you carried without the hassle of setting up a campfire. They are convenient tools and are available in different varieties.

The main ones use either charcoal or propane as fuel and to help you narrow it down to the most suitable one for your needs, this article covers 10 of the best camping grills to buy in the market.

10 Best Camping Grills – Review 

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Masterbuilt MB20030619 (Best Overall)	Two burners plus a smoker Large 345 sq. in. cooking surface Two folding side tables Built-in temperature gauge
	2. Cuisinart CCG190RB (Best Budget)	Affordable Durable enamel-coated firebox Built-in ash catcher Dual venting system
	3. Coleman Fold N Go (Best Compact)	Compact with a carrying handle Horseshoe burner with PerfectFlow technology Dishwasher-safe grate and grease tray InstaStart push-button ignition
	4. Coleman 2000033052 (Best Stand-Up Grill)	Cart-mounted grill Large 285 sq. in. cooking surface 3 independently adjustable burners Two folding side table
	5. Weber 10020 (Best Charcoal Grill)	Sleek design with a unique tripod stand Durable porcelain-enameled lid and bowl Rustproof aluminum dampers Plated steel cooking grates
	6. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 (Best Infrared Grill)	TRU infrared cooking system High impact aluminum frame Strong stainless-steel latches Heat-resistant side handles
	7. Blackstone 1650 (Best Grill & Griddle)	260 sq. in. heavy-duty griddle Even heating H stainless steel burner Built-in grease catcher Electric ignition
	8. Coleman Sportster Grill (Lockable Grill)	Large rugged lid locking latch Stand mounted with two large wheels Removable grease tray Push-button ignition
	9. Cuisinart CGG-180T (Briefcase-Style Design)	Easy-to-carry briefcase-style design Twist-to-start electric ignition Spill-resistant drip tray Built-in lid lock
	10. Weber 50060001 (Easy-to-Clean)	Easy to clean Sturdy cast aluminum lid and firebox Infinite control burner valve settings Ergonomic side handles

1. Masterbuilt MB20030619 – Best Overall Camping Grill

Photo: Masterbuilt

• Fuel Type: Propane
• Cooking Surface: 345 sq. in.
• Burners: 3
• Weight: 40.8 lbs.

Starting off the list is Masterbuilt’s MB20030619 and it takes the overall best spot because it allows you to grill steaks and other meats that are full of flavor.

To achieve this, the unit has two independently controlled main burners that produce up to 6,500 BTUs each. Between these two is a wood chip tray with a 3,500 BTU burner and this is responsible for smoke control.

This enables you to impact your favorite smoke flavor while still enjoying the convenience of a propane grill.

Other than that, the grill has a very large 345 sq. in. cooking surface, which includes a chrome-plated wire warming rack and a porcelain-coated wire cooking grid. This setup allows you to keep your bread and veggies warm while cooking your burgers and sausages at the bottom.

The wire grids are also very easy to clean because the chrome and porcelain coating creates a non-stick surface.

More features include two folding side tables, push-button ignition, a locking hood with a handle and a built-in temperature gauge, a grease tray, and 3 folding legs for stability and compact storage. 

The only issue is that the grill is quite heavy because it weighs 40.8 lbs. However, the lid handle doubles up as the carrying handle for easier transportation.

Pros:

• Two main burners plus a smoke burner for flavor addition
• Large cooking surface
• Easy-to-clean non-stick grill
• Two folding side tables
• Built-in temperature gauge

Cons:

• Quite heavy

2. Cuisinart CCG190RB – Best Budget Camping Grill

Photo: Cuisinart

• Fuel Type: Charcoal
• Cooking Surface: 150 sq. in.
• Weight: 2 lbs.

If you are a bit short on cash, Cuisinart’s CCG190RB is the best camping grill to buy because it is very affordable. The unit is powered by charcoal and therefore, if you prefer charcoal flavor on your grilled food, this can also work.

That said, this grill offers a 150 sq. in. cooking surface, which is enough to serve a small family. The surface consists of a chrome-plated grate that is easy to clean.

Right below the grill is an enamel-coated firebox that is durable and easy to clean, while a mess-free ash catcher is mounted on the legs to keep your grilling table clean.

You get a lid for trapping in the heat and smoke, and it is held securely by three lid locks to the firebox. The lid has an insulated handle for easy handling and transportation while a dual venting system with 3 adjustable holes on the lid enables you to regulate the temperature inside.

The entire setup is very lightweight because it weighs only 2 lbs. However, the grill lacks a temperature gauge for easy monitoring of the temperature level inside.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy-to-clean chrome-plated grate
• Durable enamel-coated firebox
• Lightweight
• Dual venting system for temperature control

Cons:

• Lacks a temperature gauge

3. Coleman Fold N Go – Best Compact Camping Grill

Photo: Coleman

• Fuel Type: Propane
• Cooking Surface: 105 sq. in.
• Burners: 1

For single-person use, Coleman’s Fold N Go is recommended because it is very compact. The grill measures only 6.50 x 13.60 x 15.20 inches and has a small 105 sq.in cooking surface that is enough to serve one or two people at most.

Underneath this cooking surface is a single adjustable horseshoe burner, which delivers up to 6000 BTU and distributes the heat evenly across the cooking surface.

This burner’s performance is enhanced using PerfectFlow technology, which keeps the heat steady even in extreme conditions.

Below this burner is a grease tray that collects drippings to keep the interior clean. Both the grease tray and cooking grate are dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance. Other features include instaStart push-button ignition and a built-in handle for easy carrying.

The only problem is that you don’t get a temperature gauge on the lid for monitoring the heat level inside.

Pros:

• Compact with a handle for easy carrying
• Horseshoe burner for even heat distribution
• PerfectFlow technology for steady heating performance
• Dishwasher-safe grate and grease tray
• InstaStart push-button ignition

Cons:

• Lacks a temperature gauge

4. Coleman 2000033052 – Best Stand-Up Camping Grill

Photo: Coleman

• Fuel Type: Propane
• Cooking Surface: 285 sq. in.
• Burners: 3
• Weight: 46.7 lbs.

If you are looking for a complete stand-up camping grill, you need to get Coleman’s 2000033052. The unit is mounted on a cart that raises the cooking surface to a comfortable working height and the stands collapse for easy transportation.

The cart has two large wheels and a handle at the front for easy pulling, and this handle doubles up as a stand when you set up the grill. This is a very convenient design, especially considering that the unit is very heavy (46.7 lbs.).

That said, with this weight, you get a large 285 sq. in. cooking surface, which is heated up by three independently adjustable burners.

These give you three different temperature zones on the grate and they are designed using an improved burner technology that gives 20% better temperature control over the total 20,000 BTU heat output.

More features include convenient push-button ignition for matchless lighting, two folding side tables, an insulated lid handle, and a built-in lid thermometer for monitoring the temperature level.

However, the grill is very expensive, but it is worth the price.

Pros:

• Cart-mounted design with two large wheels
• Large 285 sq. in. cooking surface
• Three independently adjustable burners
• Push-button ignition
• Two folding side table

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy

5. Weber 10020 – Best Charcoal Camping Grill

Photo: Weber

• Fuel Type: Charcoal
• Cooking Surface: 147 sq. in.
• Weight: 9.5 lbs.

Weber’s 10020 takes the top spot when it comes to charcoal camping grills due to several reasons. For starters, it has a sleek design with a unique tripod stand that has the ashtray in the middle for mess-free use.

The grill is almost the same size as Cuisinart’s CCG190RB because it has a 147 sq-in cooking surface. This can hold up to 5 burgers that are made using Weber’s burger press and therefore, you can serve a few people using a compact 17 x 14.2 x 14.5-inch grill.

That said, the unit has a durable porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that won’t rust or chip, and this coat helps to retain heat for faster cooking.

A set of dampers are also built-in for temperature control. These can be easily adjusted for precision control and are made using rust-resistant aluminum.

Other features include a plated steel cooking grate that is easy to clean and an insulated lid handle for easy handling. However, the lid is not lockable to the firebox and this makes it a bit difficult to carry as a single piece.

Pros:

• Sleek design with a unique tripod stand
• Durable porcelain-enameled lid and bowl
• Built-in aluminum dampers for temperature control
• Easy-to-clean plated steel cooking grates

Cons:

• Non-locking lid

6. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 – Best Infrared Camping Grill

Photo: Char-Broil

• Fuel Type: Propane
• Cooking Surface: 200 sq. in.
• Burners: 1
• Weight: 20 lbs.

Even though it is powered using propane, Char-Broil’s X200 has a special stainless-steel cooking grate design that creates a TRU infrared cooking system.

This grate distributes heat evenly across the surface for uniform cooking and efficient gas use. As a result, you get to grill your food with better temperature control. Additionally, the system avoids direct contact with the flame, which eliminates flare-ups and charred food.

The grill’s firebox and lid are made using cast aluminum, and these give it a high-impact frame. Additionally, it has strong stainless-steel latches that hold the lid firmly to the firebox during transportation while heat-resistant side handles allow you to carry it when hot.

You get push-button ignition, a lid-mounted thermometer, an insulated lid handle, and a 200 sq-in cooking surface that can fit about 8 burgers at a time. However, with only a single burner, you cannot create different heat zones on the cooking surface.

Pros:

• Efficient TRU infrared cooking system
• High impact aluminum frame
• Strong stainless-steel latches
• Lid-mounted thermometer
• Heat-resistant side handles

Cons:

• Cannot produce different heat zones

7. Blackstone 1650 – Best Camping Griddle/Grill

Photo: Blackstone

• Fuel Type: Propane
• Cooking Surface: 260 sq. in.
• Burners: 1
• Weight: 21 lbs.

If you prefer preparing your food over a griddle, then Blackstone’s 1650 should be your go-to option. It has a large 260 sq. in. heavy-duty cooking surface that is heated by a stainless-steel H burner, which distributes heat evenly across the cooking area and delivers up to 12,000 BTU.

This griddle is removable for easy cleaning and easy storage. It can even be stored by placing it upside down on top of the firebox.

That said, cleaning the griddle is as simple as wiping it using a paper towel, and a grease catcher is built-in to hold all the drippings as you cook. Other features include electric ignition and compatibility with 1-lb propane bottles for fuel, which are small and very convenient.

On the downside, the griddle does not have a lid to hold in the heat and flavors.

Pros:

• Large 260 sq. in. heavy-duty griddle
• H stainless steel burner for even heating
• Built-in grease catcher
• Electric ignition

Cons:

• No lid

8. Coleman Sportster Grill – Lockable Camping Grill

Photo: Coleman

• Fuel Type: Propane
• Cooking Surface: 225 sq. in.
• Burners: 1
• Weight: 25.7 lbs.

Coleman’s Sportster grill is equipped with a large rugged latch that keeps the lid firmly locked to the firebox to prevent accidental popping during transportation.

That said, the unit is mounted on a stand, which raises it to a comfortable working height. This stand is collapsible and has two large wheels that make it easy to move after use.

A single burner is used to heat the 225 sq. in. cooking surface and this produces up to 11,000 BTU. This can run continuously for 2 hours when hooked up to a 16.4-oz propane cylinder.

The cooking surface is made of porcelain-coated steel grates, which are removable for cleaning and the porcelain offers an easy-to-clean surface that is almost non-stick.

Other features include a removable grease tray for mess-free disposal, a stay-cool lid handle, and convenient push-button ignition. The only problem is that the grill lacks a built-in temperature gauge.

Pros:

• Large rugged latch for lid locking
• Stand mounted with two large wheels
• Easy-to-clean porcelain-coated steel grates
• Removable grease tray
• Push-button ignition

Cons:

• Lacks a temperature gauge

9. Cuisinart CGG-180T – Briefcase-Style Camping Grill

Photo: Cuisinart

• Fuel Type: Propane
• Cooking Surface: 145 sq. in.
• Burners: 1
• Weight: 13.5 lbs.

Not only does this grill have a briefcase shape, but it also has a pronounced briefcase-style carrying handle and foldaway legs that leave it compact with a rectangular shape for easy carrying.

Once set up, the grill gives you a 145 sq. in. cooking surface, which is large enough to accommodate 8 burgers, 8 steaks, or 10 chicken breasts. This surface is powered by a 5,500 BTU stainless steel burner, which is ignited by a piezo twist-to-start electric ignition.

You get a spill-resistant drip tray and a lid latch but no lid-mounted thermometer for monitoring the heat level.

Pros:

• Easy-to-carry briefcase-style design
• Twist-to-start electric ignition
• Spill-resistant drip tray
• Built-in lid lock

Cons:

• No thermometer

10. Weber 50060001 – Easy-to-Clean Camping Grill

Photo: Weber

• Fuel Type: Propane
• Cooking Surface: 189 sq. in.
• Burners: 1
• Weight: 26.6 lbs.

Weber’s 50060001 is equipped with a porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate that is easy to wipe after use and a removable catch pan that keeps the interior mess-free. Combined, these features make this unit very easy to maintain.

Other than that, the grill has a sturdy cast aluminum lid and firebox, which are held in place by a tough glass-reinforced nylon frame.

A push-button ignition is used to power up the 8,500 BTU burner, which is controlled by infinite control burner valve settings to raise or lower the heat to any level up to 8,500 BTUs.

You also get ergonomic side handles and a large lid handle, but there’s no latch to keep the lid shut during transportation.

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• Sturdy cast aluminum lid and firebox
• Infinite control burner valve settings
• Ergonomic side handles

Cons:

• No lid latch

How to Buy the Best Camping Grill

Photo: Cuisinart

1. Transportation

When considering mobility, you need to check the weight of the grill. Ultimately, the lighter it is, the easier it is to transport. You look for carrying handles because these also contribute greatly to the ease-of-transportation factor.

That said, some large grills are mounted on stands with wheels. Though heavy, this design makes them easy to transport because you don’t have to carry them. You have to pull them instead. For this, be sure to check out Coleman’s 2000033052.

2. Fuel Type

Propane grills are generally more recommended because they are clean. They are also easier to use because you only have to turn a knob to regulate the heat output. However, some prefer ​charcoal grill because of the smoky flavor that it imparts.

Therefore, selection should be done on personal preferences. That said, Masterbuilt’s MB20030619 stands out because it has two propane burners and a wood pellet burner, which is also recommended for smoky flavors. This gives you the benefits of both fuel types in one.

3. Cooking Surface

Even though large cooking surfaces are recommended because they give you enough space to cook lots of food at once, this is not always best. Size should be selected based on your needs.

For instance, if you go camping alone, a grill with a small cooking surface such as Coleman’s Fold N Go is ideal. On the other hand, if you are going as a large group, Masterbuilt’s MB20030619 is the best option.

4. Temperature Control

For propane grills, temperature control is done using knobs and this is quite an easy process. However, for charcoal units, they must have dampers as part of the vent system that controls the air flowing into and out of the system.

Another important feature to have is a temperature gauge because this shows you the heat level inside for precision adjustment.

5. Ease of Cleaning

Lastly, you need to check how easy it is to clean the grill and there are a couple of features that determine this. For starters, the cooking grate should be porcelain coated for easy wiping and if it has a warming rack, it should be chrome-plated for non-stick performance.

A drip tray is a must-have for grease collection to keep the interior mess-free. Some trays and grates are even dishwasher-safe for easier maintenance. Lastly, the lid and body should be coated in a non-stick material such as porcelain for hassle-free wiping after use.

Conclusion 

As you can see, there are several types of camping grills to buy and the primary factors to consider are the cooking surface size and fuel type. That said, Masterbuilt’s MB20030619 takes the top spot because it has a large cooking surface and has 2 propane plus a wood chip burner.

However, if you want a compact grill for single-person use, Coleman’s Fold N Go is the best option because it has a small cooking surface. If you are on a tight budget though, be sure to check out Cuisinart’s CCG190RB.