3 Best Portable Grills for Camping Trips
You’re weighing compact, reliable grills that stand up to campfire use. The trio—Coleman RoadTrip 225, Bestfire Tabletop 2-Burner, and Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up—balance size, BTUs, and ignition for portability vs. cooking capacity. Consider 225 vs 285 sq in, two versus three burners, and legged stability. I’ll outline real‑world tests—wind, altitude, grease management—so you know which one keeps you fed and ready for the next trail, minus the guesswork.
Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Propane Grill
- UTILITY COOKING: The Coleman RoadTrip 225 Propane Gas Grill delivers up to 11,000 BTUs with a pair of adjustable gas grills, ensuring superior...
- BBQ ESSENTIAL: With an ample 225 square inch grilling area, this portable gas grill offers enough space to barbecue a variety of foods, making it...
- TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: With quick-fold legs and wheels, this gas grill facilitates easy setup and tear-down, making it the ultimate portable propane...
The Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Propane Grill is a solid pick for camping. It has 11,000 BTU from two burners and lets you adjust the heat. You can sear burgers or cook gently with indirect heat. The grill offers a 225 square inch cooking area, so you can fit burgers and veggies at the same time. InstaStart push-button ignition makes lighting quick and easy. Folding legs and wheels make setup and moving simple wherever you camp. It uses a 16.4 oz propane cylinder (sold separately). It also has a 3-year limited warranty.
Best For: campers and tailgaters who want a portable two-burner grill with reliable ignition and adjustable heat.
Pros:
- Easy to move with foldable legs and wheels.
- 11,000 BTU two burners with adjustable heat.
- InstaStart push-button ignition for quick lighting.
Cons:
- Requires a 16.4 oz propane cylinder (sold separately).
- 225 square inches of grilling space might be small for larger groups.
- 3-year warranty may be shorter than some competing grills.
Bestfire Tabletop Gas Grill with 2 Burners, 20,000 BTU Stainless Steel Portable Propane Grill with Legs
- Dual Powerful Burners: This table top grill propane 2 burner features two burners and a wide cooking area with stainless steel grates, perfect...
- Convenient Ignition: Our high lid provides oven-like cooking for large cuts of meat like thick steaks and ribs. With push-button ignition, you...
- Easy to Install and Portable: This heavy-duty table top propane gas grill measures 22"L x 20"W x 13"H and features leg supports for easy...
The Bestfire Tabletop Gas Grill helps you cook on the go. It has 2 burners and up to 20,000 BTU. This makes cooking fast and even.
Two burners let you heat two areas at once. You can sear steaks on one side and warm buns on the other. It starts with a push-button ignition. The lid fits large cuts, and there is a center thermometer. This helps you watch the heat without lifting the lid.
The grill is made of stainless steel. It is easy to clean. It has a removable grease tray. The legs fold, so you can use it on a table or take it with you.
It is portable and quick to preheat. You’ll be ready to grill in minutes.
Best For: Campers and small outdoor groups who want a portable two-burner grill with adjustable heat and quick heat-up.
Pros:
- Fast preheat and two-zone heating for sear and warm.
- Light and portable. Foldable legs and table-ready.
- Stainless steel makes it durable and easy to clean with a removable grease tray.
Cons:
- Sometimes the knobs or ignition act up.
- 20,000 BTU total can be small for very large groups.
- Tabletop use can be less steady on uneven ground.
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill with 3 Burners & Instastart Ignition
- Grilling Power: Offers up to 20,000 total BTUs
- 3 Adjustable Burners: Improved burner technology for more precise temperature control
- Large Grilling Area: A spacious 285 sq. in. cooks a variety of foods at once
For campers who want real cooking power without losing portability, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 stands out. It has 20,000 BTU total output across three adjustable burners. The burner design helps you control heat more easily. The 285 square inches of cooking space is big enough to feed a crowd. Instastart ignition starts with a push. The legs fold quickly, and it has two wheels for easy setup and takedown. A grease tray, side tables, and folding legs add flexibility for backyard, beach, or campsite cooking. This grill travels well and still performs well wherever you set it up today.
Best For: Campers and outdoor cooks who want portable, high-power grilling with easy heat control and a roomy cooking surface.
Pros:
- 20,000 BTUs across three adjustable burners for versatile cooking.
- Instastart ignition and sturdy foldable legs with wheels for quick setup and easy transport.
- 285 sq in cooking area with an integrated thermometer for monitoring.
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than ultra-portable grills.
- Needs a propane supply and careful heat management to avoid overcooking.
- Grease tray and side tables add to setup time and storage needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Portable Grills for Camping Trips
You’ll want to weigh fuel type and portability, because propane, gas, charcoal, and pellet options change how you carry and fuel up on site. I’ll explain BTU output and burner counts as quick indicators of heat and speed, while the cooking area size shows what fits in your skillet lineup, and I’ll compare setup and transport ease so you can move camp gear without drama. Ignition reliability matters, especially on dewy mornings, and I’ll walk you through simple tests—start-up time, cold-weather performance, wind resistance—so you know what to expect in real camping scenarios.
Fuel Type & Portability
How you power a grill matters on a camping trip. Propane grills use 16.4 oz disposable cylinders. These cylinders are easy to find and swap on the trail or at the campsite. Propane lets you grill outdoors without any power hookups. Many portable grills have quick-fold legs, wheels, or handles to make packing and carrying simple. Some grills spark without a match or use push-button ignition to light fast. Propane also gives you adjustable flame control for different cooking zones. It’s a practical, reliable choice for quick and flexible outdoor grilling.
BTU Output & Burners
BTU output helps you gauge how a grill will perform. It shows the total heat the grill can make, not a promise of even cooking.
A 2-burner grill can have around 11,000 BTUs total. That gives moderate heat for small batches. Another 2-burner setup can reach up to 20,000 BTUs total, which means faster cooking and more heat zones. A 3-burner grill may have about 20,000 BTUs total, helping with better control across zones.
When you choose, look past total BTU. Check how heat is spread and how easy each burner is to adjust. This helps you get good searing, steady simmering, and reliable campsite cooking on every trip.
Cooking Area Size
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Most portable grills give 180 to 300+ square inches of cooking area. This space decides how many portions you can grill at once. Think of it like real estate on the grill lid. A bigger area means you cook fewer batches, which saves time and extra heat cycles. It also adds weight and bulk.
In general, portable grills have 180–300+ sq in of space. To estimate meals, use area: about 180–200 sq in fits 4–6 burgers at once, while 280–300 sq in fits 8–12 burgers or a mix. Balance space needs with how easy the grill is to carry on trips.
Setup & Transport Ease
Ever wonder how much setup drama a camping grill adds to your trip? It starts with quick-fold legs and built-in wheels. These parts cut loading and unloading time at the trailhead and campsite.
Decide if a tabletop design or a stand-up unit fits your vehicle and space. Both options keep the grill small while staying steady. Look for models that need little assembly and have locking lids to protect parts during transport.
Choose lightweight, durable builds with compact sizes. That makes moving between your vehicle, the campsite, and your cooking area easy.
Test real-world ease with simple checks. Do a ramp-load and unload to see if you can push or roll it smoothly. Try a one-handed lid latch test to confirm you can open and close easily. Do a rough-terrain portage to check grip and balance.
With the right grips, setup feels almost effortless. This gives you ongoing confidence for camping cooks and campfire meals.
Ignition Reliability
How reliable is the ignition on your portable grill? InstaStart push-button ignition offers quick startup on compatible models. You don’t need cords or lighters for a fast light. Some units have small issues with the knob or ignition. It’s good to have a backup way to light the grill just in case. Dual-burner designs with reliable ignition help both burners light the same time for even heat from the start. Check the ignition area regularly and keep the gas flow clear. When you test, do it with the grill off. Listen for a strong spark and look for any loose wires or connections if you hear hesitation. Keep spare parts on hand so you can fix problems fast.
Durability & Materials
Durability matters a lot when you plan a rugged camping trip. The right materials help your grill stay reliable longer. Look for a grill made with stainless steel for the body and the cooking grids. Stainless steel resists rust and wears well.
Heavier metals usually handle frequent camping use better. They resist warping and dents more than light aluminum parts. A sturdy design helps, too. A locking lid and strong leg supports stay secure during transport and on rough terrain.
Grease trays should be removable and sealed. This makes cleaning easy and helps prevent inside damage from buildup. Extra protection helps a grill last longer. Heat‑resistant handles and reinforced joints add to overall durability.
If you can, test the grill on trips. See how it holds up in real camping conditions.
FAQs
How Long Does a Propane Tank Last on High Heat Outdoors?
Your propane tank lasts about 1 to 2 hours on high heat outdoors, depending on your tank size and grill efficiency. You’ll get burn times with a larger cylinder or when you cook low-to-medium heat.
Is There a Recommended Cleaning Routine After Use?
Yes. After use, scrub grates with soapy water, wipe exterior, and let it cool. Empty catch tray, inspect for residue, and oil joints lightly. Rinse, dry thoroughly, and don’t forget to cover to prevent rust.
Do These Grills Require Assembly Time or Tools?
Most portable grills arrive mostly assembled, and you’ll only need a few minutes for a quick setup or to hand-tighten a few screws with a basic screwdriver. Some models require light tool use or assembly.
Are They Suitable for Open Fires or Only Propane?
Mostly they’re suitable for propane or charcoal setups, not open fires. You should use designated fuel sources and follow manufacturer guidelines; attempting open-fire use can be unsafe or illegal, affecting performance and warranty in cases.
How Much Do They Weigh for Backpacking Feasibility?
They typically weigh between 2 and 15 pounds, depending on model, making some backpacking-friendly; choose ultralight options under about 3 pounds if you want to truly carry it, and mind fuel and cookware, and setup.
Meet Amelia Raina, the adventurous soul behind TravelersEnthusiasm.com. With a heart set on exploration, she crafts tales that whisk readers from European alleys to Asian landscapes. Raina’s stories are genuine, reflecting her deep connections and reverence for diverse cultures. When not traveling, she’s sketching in cafes or exchanging tales with fellow wanderers.
Last update on 2026-01-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
