Hi, I’m Anthony.
Boiled hot dogs are fine for lunch, but for dinner, nothing beats a flame-grilled steak or a juicy burger.
For years, I tried to cook meat in a frying pan on my camping stove. It was messy and smoky. The moment I bought a dedicated portable grill, my campsite meals went from “okay” to “restaurant quality.”
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Are you looking for the best portable camping gas grill to become the BBQ hero of your trip? You are in the right place.
Campfires are great, but they are unpredictable (and often banned). Charcoal is messy. Propane gas grills give you instant heat, perfect temperature control, and that classic grilled flavor without the hassle.
We tested the top tabletop and stand-up grills to see which ones heat up fast, cook evenly, and are easy to clean.
🏆 Quick Summary: Top 3 Picks for BBQ
| Model | Type | Weight | BTUs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Q1200 | Tabletop Grill | 30 lbs | 8,500 | Best flavor & durability |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 | Stand-Up Grill | 46 lbs | 20,000 | Family & tailgating |
| Blackstone 17” | Flat-Top Griddle | 32 lbs | 12,500 | All-day cooking |
| Cuisinart Petit Gourmet | Tabletop Grill | 13 lbs | 5,500 | Budget & compact |
| Coleman Fold N Go | Compact Grill | 9 lbs | 6,000 | Ultra-portable |
- Best Overall (The Gold Standard): Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
- Why: Cast iron grates, incredible build quality, and cooks just like your big grill at home.
- Best Stand-Up (Versatile): Coleman RoadTrip 285
- Why: Has its own legs and wheels. folds down like a suitcase. 3 burners for heat control.
- Best Budget (Compact): Cuisinart Petit Gourmet
- Why: Tiny footprint, telescopic legs, and very affordable. Perfect for small families.
Table of Contents
1. Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Award: Best Overall / Best Flavor
If you want the steakhouse experience at a campsite, the Weber Q1200 is undefeated. It features heavy porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates. These hold heat amazingly well and create perfect sear marks.
It has a built-in lid thermometer and folding side tables for your spices. It runs on standard 1lb propane bottles.
Pros:
- ✅ Cast-iron grates provide superior cooking performance.
- ✅ Extremely durable aluminum body (won’t rust).
- ✅ Folding side tables are super handy.
- ✅ Tall lid allows you to roast a whole chicken.
Cons:
- ❌ Heavy (30 lbs) – definitely for car camping.
- ❌ Takes up a lot of trunk space.
Verdict:
The Rolls Royce of portable grills. If flavor is your priority, buy the Weber.
2. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Grill
Award: Best Stand-Up Design
Don’t have a table? No problem. The Coleman RoadTrip has its own scissor legs and wheels. You pull it like a suitcase, pop it open, and start cooking instantly.
It features 3 adjustable burners, allowing you to create different heat zones (keep buns warm on one side, sear meat on the other).
Pros:
- ✅ No table required (integrated stand).
- ✅ 3 burners offer excellent temperature control.
- ✅ Easy to transport with wheels.
- ✅ Swappable cooktops (can add a griddle plate, sold separately).
Cons:
- ❌ Cleaning the interior can be messy (grease trap is small).
- ❌ The latch can be tricky to close properly.
Verdict:
Perfect for tailgating or campsites where picnic tables are scarce.
3. Blackstone 17-Inch Portable Gas Griddle
Award: Best Flat-Top / Griddle
Okay, technically this is a griddle, not a grill with open flames. But it is taking the camping world by storm. Why? Because you can cook everything on it: pancakes, eggs, bacon, burgers, and stir-fry.
The flat steel surface eliminates flare-ups and is incredibly easy to scrape clean. Pairs well with our guide to Best Camping Cookware Sets (cast iron & griddle tools).
Pros:
- ✅ Versatility: Cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- ✅ No flare-ups from dripping grease.
- ✅ Easy to clean (just scrape and wipe).
- ✅ Patented rear grease management system.
Cons:
- ❌ Heavy steel top.
- ❌ No “smoky” flavor or grill marks.
Verdict:
If you want to cook bacon and eggs as well as burgers, get the Blackstone. It replaces both a grill and a stove.
4. Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill
Award: Best Budget / Compact
If the Weber is too big and expensive, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is a cute alternative. It can be carried like a briefcase. It features a unique “VersaStand” – telescoping legs that allow you to use it on a tabletop or set it on the ground.
It uses less gas than bigger grills but still gets hot enough to sear a hot dog.
Pros:
- ✅ Very affordable.
- ✅ Lightweight (13 lbs) and easy to carry.
- ✅ Uses less fuel.
- ✅ Porcelain-enameled grate.
Cons:
- ❌ Small cooking area (fits about 6-8 burgers max).
- ❌ Latch feels a bit plastic/flimsy.
Verdict:
Great for couples or small families with limited car space.
5. Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill
Award: Best Ultra-Compact
This grill is shaped like a clamshell. It folds perfectly flat, making it incredibly easy to slide under a car seat. It puts out 6,000 BTUs, which is lower than others, but the design traps heat efficiently.
The grate is dishwasher safe, which is a rare luxury for camping gear.
Pros:
- ✅ Packs flatter than any other grill.
- ✅ Dishwasher safe cooking surface.
- ✅ Very simple matchless lighting.
- ✅ Inexpensive.
Cons:
- ❌ Low heat output (takes longer to cook thick steaks).
- ❌ Not great in windy conditions.
Verdict:
For casual campers who just want a few burgers and hot dogs without hauling a massive machine.
🥩 Buying Guide: Choosing a Portable Camping Gas Grill
1. Grill vs. Stove vs. Griddle
- Stove (Burners): Best for boiling water, coffee, soups. See our Best Camping Stoves guide.
- Grill (Grates): Best for flavor, steaks, burgers. Fat drips away.
- Griddle (Flat Top): Best for pancakes, bacon, smash burgers.
2. Tabletop vs. Stand-Up
- Tabletop (Weber Q): Requires a sturdy surface. Make sure you have a heat-resistant Camping Kitchen Table so you don’t melt your plastic picnic table.
- Stand-Up (Coleman RoadTrip): Heavy but self-contained.
3. BTUs and Heat
Look for at least 8,000 BTUs for grilling. The Weber Q1200 fits the sweet spot of high heat retention (cast iron) with efficient gas usage.
4. Safety Tips for Using a Portable Camping Gas Grill
• Always place your grill on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
• Keep grills at least 10 feet away from tents and vehicles.
• Never use a gas grill inside tents or enclosed spaces.
• Check propane connections before lighting.
• Allow the grill to cool completely before packing.
❌ Who These Portable Camping Grills Are Not For
If you primarily go backpacking or hike long distances, these grills may be too heavy. In that case, a compact backpacking stove would be a better option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Camping Gas Grills
Are portable camping gas grills allowed at campgrounds?
Most campgrounds allow propane gas grills, even when campfires are banned. However, always check local fire restrictions before your trip.
How much propane does a portable camping grill use?
On average, a 1 lb propane tank lasts 2–4 cooking sessions, depending on heat output and cooking time.
Can you use a portable gas grill for car camping?
Yes. Portable gas grills are ideal for car camping because weight and size are less restrictive compared to backpacking.
What is better for camping: a gas grill or a charcoal grill?
Gas grills are faster, cleaner, and easier to control. Charcoal offers more smoky flavor but is messier and often restricted.
Do portable camping gas grills produce real grill flavor?
Yes. Models with cast-iron grates, like the Weber Q1200, deliver excellent sear marks and authentic BBQ flavor.
Can you use a portable gas grill inside a tent?
No. Portable gas grills must always be used outdoors due to carbon monoxide risk.
How much propane does a camping gas grill use?
Most portable camping grills use 1 lb propane tanks, which last 2–4 hours depending on BTU output.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for the best portable camping gas grill, these models offer the perfect balance of power, portability, and durability for car camping.
- For the best flavor and quality, nothing beats the Weber Q1200.
- For versatility (pancakes & burgers), grab the Blackstone Griddle.
- For convenience on wheels, the Coleman RoadTrip is a winner.
Complete your setup with our full Camp Kitchen Essentials Checklist.