Portable Gas Grills For Camping
When it comes as to what to look for when shopping for a portable gas grill for camping, several different factors enter into play in allowing you to decide which is the proper fit for you and your budget. A grill's features, add-ons, limitations, appearance, and price are just a few of the points of emphasis that one needs to weigh before pulling the trigger on a purchase.
The advantages of portable camping grills, as the name suggests, is that you can take them anywhere, usually at the drop of a hat. While spur of the moment camping is rare, an intelligent and logical way to move a heating and cooking device from point A to point B is very applicable to real life situations. Camping is, of course, the focal point for gas grill use, but it is not the be all end all. Backyard usage is also encouraged and taken advantage upon regularly. Another advantage to these types of grills is that they take up less space and are almost always less bulky than the big versions in this field.
One of the disadvantages associated with portable gas grills includes the fact that it is not necessarily conducive to frequent use, and thus not always utilized or needed. Operating them to make your breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the wilderness is incredibly invaluable. However, most people don't camp daily or even weekly. The expense of a portable gas grill almost always pays off in the long run, but if it is not put to use somewhat regularly, it can seem like a frivolous purchase.
Contents
Best Portable Gas Grills for Camping - Our Top 4 Picks
While there are countless choices available both in retail and the world wide web in finding a gas grill of this nature, a select few narrow things down for most consumers because of their name brand, recognition, and most importantly, results. The Coleman Roadtrip, Weber 51060001, Bond Campfire Pit, and Camp Chef Explorer each provide different nuances that enhance the camping experience in a visceral, enjoyable way.
| Camping Gas Grill | Price | BTU | Grilling area | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE | $ | 20,000 | 285-square-inch | 4.4/5 |
| Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill | $$ | 8500 | 189-square-inch | 4.8/5 |
| Bond Portable Bronze Propane Campfire Fire Pit | $ | 50,000 | 4.9/5 | |
| Camp Chef Explorer 2 Burner Range | $ | 30,000 | 448-square-inch | 4.6/5 |
Coleman Road Trip Propane Portable Grill LXE
Coleman is a universal name in both camping and grilling, and their brand is synonymous with quality. The look of the grill is your standard jet black in color. However, the exterior has a sheik, glossy finish that feels luxurious in an outdoor setting. While the dark paint is the standard, other color choices are available as well. The panels on either side of the grill make this a smart buy for those interested in maximizing the amount of space used when searing their well-done steak or flipping their favorite burger. The Road Trip LXE, like all of the listed grills, is portable, making for easy transportation and simple setup. With two wheels and the fold-out kickstand that simultaneously serves as the handle, movement of the device is simple and error-free. The price point of the Road Trip falls in about the middle of the bunch in comparison to its rivals, but the upside is that Coleman usually packs a mean punch of ingenuity behind the models they create.
Pros:
With steady heat via the Perfect Control Pressure Control System, regardless of what the temperature is outside, the Coleman will deliver the heat needed to produce a well-cooked meal. With an open-flame concept, the Road Trip's tastes are immaculate because their flavors are delicious and authentic. With the surface area covered in porcelain and a greased tray that is removable, the Road Trip makes for a swift clean up so you can pack up and move on at a moment's notice. The 285 square inches provide a commendable amount of space to keep your meats, buns, and condiments nearby with little in the way. With each burner emitting 10,000 BTUs, the power of this model is compelling and ensures nothing made will be raw or unfinished. Perhaps one of the most important selling points of the unit is that it is not bulky or heavy in any way, and is perfect for wheeling around anywhere with minimal strain.
Cons:
While Coleman is a true namesake, they are not full-proof either. The Road Trip can develop rust in the future, especially with excessive exposure to the elements. Besides, the instructions are not particularly user-friendly, which may be a roadblock to buyers if they have issues with things like the regulator going out. After prolonged use, the outside of the grill itself can develop a small thin 'film-like' presence of grease that could require some light cleaning.
If ultra portability and versatility are important you, this Coleman portable grill is the one you are looking for. No more dull colors; this grill comes with black, blue, red, green, silver, orange color editions, so you can now pick up one matching to your color taste!
Weber 5106001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
The Weber immediately distances itself from its main competitor in Coleman by its small size and a different aesthetic. The Q1200 prides itself on practicality, even though it probably will not win a beauty contest anytime soon in regards to how it looks. The plus side of its exterior, however, is that it offers a broad range of color choices that most alternatives dare not dream of. The outside of the Weber is a bit misleading in that its lid and body are cast aluminum, making it more durable and long-lasting than you might suspect at first glance. This Weber camping grill also comes with a fold-out panel like the Coleman Road Trip. However, the difference is that the Weber places much more emphasis on making the grill tight and compact for easy storage and quick transportation. Price wise the Weber is on the higher end of the spectrum, but this is because it offers so much more than an excellent way to cook your meals. The fact that it is fully assembled out of the box and utilizes stainless steel burners is just the tip of the iceberg as to what the Q1200 brings to the portable gas grill field.
Pros:
With no building or maintenance required to grill your first steak, this model is up and going in a matter of minutes. The control burner valve settings and electronic ignition eliminate most problems for the accident prone camper and are fluid in their design. The construction of the Weber from the ground up is also brilliant and is obvious that it was made with a purpose. With Flavorizer bars and improved temperature controls, the unit is truly innovative, with the future of grilling kept in mind at all times.
Cons:
The 189 square inch surface area is noticeably less than the Coleman, and just surveying the grill, you will find there is not much room to place your items. The 14.1 or 16oz LP cylinder does not come with the grill and may force you to make an extra trip to the store for an additional cost. Being on the more expensive side of things for outdoor accessories, it will definitely not be for everyone. Also, even though the Weber is very good at what it does, it is not something you will see at most campsites. In some ways, the model is almost too luxurious for its own good and can stick out like a sore thumb in some campgrounds.
If you want a small Weber gas grill which you can use for camping , grilling on the patio or even on the balcony , this is the model you should be looking at. In fact, this grill is a perfect match for anyone looking for a high-quality portable gas grill for a decent price.
Bond 18.5 Inch Portable Bronze Propane 50K BTU Campfire Fire Pit
The thing that is instantly noticeable about the Bond Campfire Fire Pit is how unconventional it is when placed side by side with both the Coleman and Weber models. The pit itself is a different kind of experience altogether and acts as both a food cooker and a centerpiece to campsites and backyards. Delectable delights like corn on the cob and shish kabobs can easily be placed on skewers above the hot rocks for heating, but make no mistake, first and foremost this unit is for entertaining. Things like tailgating, backyard lounging and being an on the go source of warmth are really what the Bond is all about. The price tag for this model floats around the $100 mark, making it a very feasible solution to your campsite's illumination and heating needs. The fact that it is safe for composite decks as well as wood, in addition to any tailgate parking lot or forest in the world makes this fire pit desirable and adaptable to any outdoor situation.
Pros:
Between the regulator, stones, tank holder, lid, and gas hose, everything is there to put to use and indulge in. 50,000 BTUs of output is what it generates to make campers sweat even in the most brisk of conditions. The bronze look and steel frame make this fire pit rustic, slick, and an asset to any backdrop it is paired with. Moreover, the Bond is light, but stable, making it not nearly as fragile as you may think. Not only is it more than adequate at keeping your toes warm, but it is also a great topic of conversation and is essential to well-maintained yards for treating guests.
Cons:
If one is seeking a solution for both camping and cooking that places an equal amount of attention to both, this pit is not it. The Bond is a wonderful source of fire and pleasant small talk, but its heating properties for food take a backseat.
The price tag for this model floats around the $100 mark, making it a very feasible solution to your campsite's illumination and heating needs.
Camp Chef Explorer 2 Burner Range
When looking at the Camp Chef Explorer 2 Burner Range, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that it is not a powerful grill even though its outside structure looks very 'bare bones.' The Explorer is for individuals that are looking for efficiency and little else. Sometimes the most effective items are those that do not have the unnecessary add-ons or extensions. The Camp Chef is a bit of a 'jack-of-all-trades' type of burner in that it can handle so many different styles of food preparation through the likes of barbecue, griddles, roasters, and Dutch ovens. .
Pros:
Of all the portable gas grills for camping, the Chef is in all likelihood the most equipped to handle the mixing and matching of accessories to engage in different styles of cooking at the same time. 30,000 BTUs emitted from two blue flames are strong and reliable. The 448 square inches of space to cook is ideal for entertaining plenty of guests, as plenty can be accomplished in a short amount of time. A 3-sided windscreen also acts as a perfect buffer between your meats and the outside world.
Cons:
Even though the Chef is durable, if one of the legs of the model gets bent, it will make for a cumbersome grilling experience for quite some time. Furthermore, to keep the extension legs in place a plastic screw is used, hardly a trustworthy piece for such an important purpose. The Camp Chef is very utilitarian in its design, meaning there are no hidden talents or positives in its construction. Though a well put-together gas grill, you get exactly what you pay for and nothing more with this model. Also, even though it can obviously be used in your yard at home, this is not something that will serve as the center of a party, as it is not particularly pleasing to look at. Like all items one can purchase for the outdoors, you get what you pay for, and this is particularly the case for the Chef.
The Explorer embraces being a grill from the past, as it looks and feels like the traditional devices you may have grown up with. The amount of cash it takes to make this model yours is relatively cheap considering unnecessary luxuries are passed over in its design
It is a fun and relaxing experience to shop for portable gas grills for camping because a mind races thinking about the abilities each type of burner can offer. That said, over time it can become stressful when you are unsure of which grill better serves your personality. All the units mentioned above are worthwhile for a variety of reasons, but the grill that stands to reason as separating itself a bit in the race is the Weber Q1200. The reason for this is because it blends a space-saving design with a robust heating element to make it a marriage fit for most camping excursions.
How to pick the right portable gas grills for camping
If you do a lot of camping, and you're always on the road, you need to pick the right gas grill for camping. A lot of people think that just be there are a lot of portable gas grills for camping, that they're pretty much one and the same. It's easier to think that they're generic, it's easier to think that if you've seen one, you've seen them all.
Well, if that's your attitude, then chances are you would be making the wrong decision as far as these types of grills are concerned because there are certain key considerations that you have to keep in mind. If you ignore these considerations, then you might end up regretting your decision. Remember, you worked hard for your money; you have to maximize the amount of value you get for every dollar you invest in portable gas grills for camping. Be on the lookout for the following qualities.
First, they have to be light. The whole point of portable cooking equipment is that they're able to be moved quickly from point A to point B. This means that they have to be light enough.
Second, they have to have a compact footprint. When you're moving a gas grill, chances are you 're also moving other stuff. Chances are, if you're the typical camper, you'd rather move clothing, camping equipment and gadgets instead of a gas grill. So Accordingly, the footprint of high-quality portable gas grills for camping is very compact indeed.
Furthermore, they must be able to accommodate moderately heavy meals. Now, this doesn't mean that you should expect massive feasts prepared one time and with one grill. If that's your expectation, then you shouldn't look for a portable grill. You should look for a heavy-duty grill. Instead, you should expect for something moderately heavy, otherwise, the portable grill might be so limited as far as the amount of food you can prepare with it that is not worth buying.
Finally, whatever model you go with, it has to be easy to store and easy to clean. The reasons for these should be self-explanatory.
http://bbqtrend.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for websites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.