One of the major joys of camping life is to gather around an open fire to cook your food. While you might not always have a perfect fire pit for grilling, bringing along an RV outdoor grill would allow you to whip up delicious, piping hot meals without much fuss.
And while there are a few types of RV camping grills, including charcoal, gas and electric grills, plus a vast sea of different models to choose from, you need to know what each type has to offer and what criteria to look for when selecting the best RV grill for your camping style and budget.
Do not feel overwhelmed, as this information jackpot will provide you with all the crucial knowledge on portable grills for camping, in addition to our carefully handpicked list of the very best RV grill models on the market.
You will learn the distinct pros and cons of each type of grill, the most important buying criteria, handy installation, usage and maintenance tips to enjoy a long service life, plus answers to common questions asked by fellow campers. Dive in, and perfect your camping experience with the freedom and fun of cooking outside, instead of cranking up the oven in a steaming hot rig in the summer.
Contents
- Best RV Grills Comparison Chart
- RV Grill Basics
- Top-Rated RV Grills
- 1. Weber Baby-Q (Q1000) – Best Overall
- 2. Coleman RoadTrip LXE – Best Value
- 3. Cuisinart CGG-180T – Editor’s Choice
- 4. Camco Olympian 5500
- 5. Smoke Hollow Masterbuilt 205
- 6. Flame King YSNHT500
- 7. Blackstone Tailgater
- 8. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere
- 9. Solaire Anywhere
- 10. Coleman NXT Lite
- 11. Camp Chef Big Gas Grill
- 12. Weber Q-Premium (Q2200)
- 13. Weber Baby-Q (Q1200)
- 14. Cuisinart CGG-059
- 15. Giantex Tabletop Grill
- Finding The Right RV Grills: Factors to Consider
- How To Hook Your Grill To Your RV’s Propane Tank
- RV Grills Usage & Maintenance Tips
- FAQs about RV Grills
- 1. What is the best small RV BBQ to buy?
- 2. Who makes the best portable grill?
- 3. How do you hook up a portable grill to an RV?
- 4. Can you use a large propane tank on a portable outdoor grill?
- 5. Why is my propane RV grill not heating up?
- 6. Can you boil water on a portable grill?
- 7. Are portable charcoal RV grills good?
- Need More Gear Advice?
Best RV Grills Comparison Chart
Product's name | Price | Key Features | More Info | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill, Titanium | $$$$ | Push-button ignition Removable catch pan Glass-reinforced nylon frame | See Latest Price | |
Coleman Propane Grill | Roadtrip LXE Portable Gas Grill | $$$$ | Dual sliding side tables Interchangeable cooktops Collapsible stand/foldable wheel | See Latest Price | |
Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable, 17.6 x 18.6 x 11.8-Inch, Petit Gourmet... | $139.31 | Briefcase-style carrying handle Aluminum legs and stabilizing feet Integrated lid lock | See Latest Price | |
No products found. | No products found. | $$$$ | Quick-connect hose and valve Built-in safety shut off Electric spark starter | No products found. |
Masterbuilt 205 Stainless Steel Gas Grill, Tabletop (Old Version) | $$$$ | Stainless steel drip tray Temperature gauge Stainless steel legs | See Latest Price | |
Flame King - YSNHT500 RV Or Trailer Mounted BBQ - Motorhome Gas Grill - 214... | $92.94 | Hanging rack Locking retainer pins Dual locking lid | See Latest Price | |
Blackstone Tailgater Stainless Steel 2 Burner Portable Gas Grill and... | $$$$ | Multiple cooking options Independently controlled burners Adjustable legs | See Latest Price | |
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, Black | $$$$ | Porcelain-enameled lid Plated steel cooking grate Plated steel legs | See Latest Price | |
No products found. | No products found. | $$$$ | Infrared burner Welded construction Carry bag included | No products found. |
Coleman NXT 50 Propane Grill Tabletop | $$$$ | Removable grease management tray Porcelain-coated stamped steel grill Secure fastens legs | See Latest Price | |
Camp Chef Big Gas Grill, 3 Burner Stove, Professional BBQ Grill Box... | $$$$ | Cast aluminum burners Removable grill box Matchless ignition | See Latest Price | |
Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill , Gray | $$$$ | Electronic ignition Built-in thermometer Folding work tables | See Latest Price | |
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill, Red | $$$$ | Stainless steel propane burner Cast aluminum lid and body Removable catch pan | See Latest Price | |
Cuisinart CGG-059 Propane, Grillster 8,000 BTU Portable Gas Grill | $$$$ | No assembly required Enameled steel grate Dishwasher safe | See Latest Price | |
Giantex Portable Gas Grill with 2 Burner, Max. 20,000 BTU total, Folding... | $$$$ | Foldable legs and lockable lid Push-and-turn ignition burners All hardware included | See Latest Price |
RV Grill Basics
What is an RV grill?
In terms of operation, RV grills pretty much function the same way as a regular backyard grill you’d use at home. That said, the best RV grills made specifically for camping purposes are more compact and lightweight, so that they would fit in the underneath compartments of your motorhome.
If we’re talking about the popular gas grills, RV propane grills also need liquid propane canisters or cylinders as a fuel source like residential models. But propane grills specifically made for camping use are designed to work with the standard 16-oz propane cylinders, which is much smaller than the propane tanks that your typical backyard grill require.
Many models don’t come with legs, which means you need to set them on a table or some high surfaces to cook food at a comfortable height. If we’re talking about tabletop propane grills without collapsible legs, you just need to add an extra layer of insulation between the table and the grill, even a sheet of aluminum foil would be fine. But you can also find many portable grills with collapsible legs, allowing for more versatile setups while camping.
Types of RV grills
RV Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are the most traditional type of grill. Charcoal imparts that unique smoky flavor to your food that can not be replicated by any way or any other type of grill. The fuel for charcoal grills is either charcoal briquettes or hardwood/lump charcoal or a mix of both.
To use a charcoal grill, first pour your charcoal into the belly of the grill to form a mound, then spray charcoal lighter fluid over it evenly and let the fluid soak for about 20 seconds. Then simply toss in a match while waiting for the coals to get white-hot, season your grate with cooking oil to prevent food sticking to it. Now put your cooking grate back on and place the lid on the top with the vent open, and just grill away!
The most valuable merit of this type of grill is the distinct smoky flavour and char-broiled texture your food will get. In addition, these grills are simple in design and have fewer mechanical components than their propane and electric counterparts. Having less parts and a simple mechanism means they are less likely to break or leak propane. Furthermore, charcoal is widely available and affordable.
However, to enjoy that smokey taste, you will need to sacrifice the ease of cooking as well as the ease of cleaning up the aftermath. Firstly, charcoal emits smoke and imparts harmful carcinogenic compounds into the food and the air. Secondly, charcoal emits a lot of heat, so you will need adequate space if you don’t want to inconvenience nearby campers or if you travel with kids and need to keep them away.
Furthermore, all in all, using charcoal grills requires more time, preparation and after-cleaning than a gas or electric grill. You need time to light the coals, stoke them and wait until they are hot enough, which would take up to 30 minutes. And they are not ideal for cooking in windy conditions.
Charcoal grills also don’t offer a lot of control over the flames, and when you’re done, you just can’t turn the grill off but need to wait for the briquettes to cool down. The coals need to cool for some 24 to 48 hours before you can dispose of them following the campground’s safe practices. It needs some practice and skills, and more time cleaning the aftermath.
Still, although many folks prefer the convenient gas and electric grills, whether a charcoal grill is suitable for you depends on how often you grill, if you camp with company, your camping environment and if you are willing to sacrifice everything for that irreplaceable smoky flavour.
Another consideration is your budget. Charcoal grills are by far the cheapest type of grill, whether residential or RV-specific models. If you’re tight on both budget and space, you can grab a compact charcoal grill at your local supermarket or hardware store or online for less than $30. Meanwhile, the best RV grill that is either gas-powered or electric would cost you at least $100.
RV Gas Grills
Compared to charcoal grills, gas grills for campers are much more expensive, but they are in general healthier than charcoal for your body and the environment, whether you use propane or natural gas as the power source.
If you like the ease of electric grills, but do not want to sacrifice that strong, smoky char-broil flavor, then gas-powered grills really offer the best of both worlds. They produce a strong, hot flame that sears meat in a way that replicates charcoal grilling quite well. This also means that a gas-powered grill would require adequate room like a charcoal grill due to the generated heat.
Although even the best RV gas grill cannot produce exactly the same flavour and effect as grilling with charcoal, gas grills are easier to work with in many ways. Firstly, they don’t require about 20 to 30 minutes to heat up like a charcoal grill. They’re simple to start, unlike charcoal cooking which requires certain knowledge and skills for safe and efficient handling. Secondly, you have greater control over the temperature with gas grills, simply by turning the knobs.
While charcoal grills are messier, with residue accumulating in the bottom of the grill, gas grills are much easier to clean. Just scrape them after they have cooled down and dump out the scraps. Additionally, the best RV grills that are gas-powered might come with handy extra features like side burners, smoker boxes and rotisserie setups, giving you more versatility in sizzling your meals.
As for the downsides, gas grills tend to be bulkier than charcoal or electric grills. Also, the use of gas cylinders or tanks can be dangerous, and requires safe practices in storage and handling. In addition, gas grills have more parts and more complicated working mechanisms than the plain and simple charcoal grills, thus they are more prone to wear and tear.
Most portable gas grills are designed to be used with the standard 1-lb (as well as the 14-oz) propane canisters, which simply screw onto the side or bottom of the grill. They also work with a larger 20-pound propane tank using an adapter hose. This means that you will need to haul along a sufficient number of propane cylinders, which would take up valuable storage space in your RV. You might also need to plan your route ahead to refill or replace these tanks, which can sometimes be challenging in remote areas.
Another option is to hook up your portable gas grill directly to your rig’s on-board propane tank or a natural gas line, which would mean the grill is no longer portable, making them less versatile for camping purposes than a charcoal or electric grill.
RV Electric Grills
Of the three types of RV grills, electric grills are the latest invention, thus the least traditional. While the main drawback is that they do not impart the unique smoky flavour to your food, electric grills still have amassed a large customer base, thanks to their all-around convenience and their reputation as the safest and healthiest way to grill.
Electric grills have been gaining popularity largely thanks to their unbeatable convenience. Electric grills only require an outlet to work and they heat up in minutes, without the need for preparation and safety practices like with charcoal or gas-powered grills. They do not emit as much smoke and heat as the other types, so they do not require a large cooking space and you can totally use them in your home or apartment during the off season when you’re not camping.
All in all, electric grills are the easiest, safest to use and are the healthiest. Compared to their gas-powered counterparts, they also tend to be more portable and reasonably priced. They also seem to offer the widest variety of choices, from a compact serving-for-one countertop grill to a large setup with many features for outdoor gatherings.
However, the very fact that they require access to an outlet for power might limit their versatility. And perhaps the most important downside is that electric grills will not create the same traditional charbroiled taste, which for many campers is the deal breaker when it comes to buying the best RV grill for camping.
Benefits of having an RV camping grill
- Enjoy outdoors cooking, dining and gathering: Gathering around the barbeque to leisurely chat and cook food in good weather while breathing in fresh air and also taking in the scenic view is an immense joy that camping has to offer. If Mother Nature permits, cooking outdoors is always more pleasurable than staying inside the confined space of your rig, even if you own a large luxury Class A motorhome.
- Free up interior living space: Especially if you own a small rig, taking your cooking and dining outside would free up interior living space. A solid camping rule is to take the party outside whenever the weather is forgiving.
- Avoid making the inside of your rig too hot and humid: Cooking outdoors would mean that your air conditioning unit will not have to work extra hard to make up for a burning oven on a hot day. This also minimizes the chance of your living space getting humid as well as lingering odors.
- Lightweight, compact, versatile: Thanks to their portability, you would get a lot of use out of the best RV grills, and you can use them at home when the camping season ends.
Top-Rated RV Grills
Whether you’re looking for the best RV grills that are charcoal-fueled, gas-powered or electric, and whatever your budget is, we have something for every camper in this list.
Each model offers user-friendly, straightforward features and mechanisms, are made with high quality, durable materials and are also easy to clean. Each of the best RV grills below come with an in-depth review so you can easily compare between products to find one that best suit your cooking style.
1. Weber Baby-Q (Q1000) – Best Overall
Push-button ignition
Removable catch pan
Glass-reinforced nylon frame
Why This Is The Best:
Built to the highest standards, Weber Baby-Q (Q1000) is considered to be unmatched in terms of all-around performance. Packing an outstanding stainless steel burner that produces up to 8,500 BTUs in use, the propane grill of Weber is set to deliver well-cooked foods. Moreover, because of the incorporation of premium porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid, Baby-Q (Q1000) could endure significant abuses which makes it possibly the best RV grill regarding ruggedness lately.
As for handling, the Weber model happens to be quite light so it’s a breeze to move it around. In addition to that, you would be able to fold the side tables of Baby-Q (Q1000) into its body to save space if necessary. Being designed to use a wide range of grates, Weber Baby-Q (Q1000) should give you plenty of cooking options. Also, by making use of the innovative infinite control burner valve settings of the grill, maintaining ideal temperatures for particular recipes is going to be a walk in the park.
Boasting a top-notch drip tray, Weber Baby-Q (Q1000) is among the few gas grills for campers that let greases escape effectively and efficiently.
Great little RV camp grill!
Great! has actual heat control. All the other ones I had for my RV use had terrible heat control. Basically they were full power on and off. This one uses the cast grill for the main heat source which is a very good thing. I had no flame ups or burning of meat. You must pre-heat the grill to warm up the cast iron plates (about 5-10 minutes) for best results but from then on its very good .
Easy to clean the plates as they are enameled. Fits very well in storage are in my RV in the depressed well area. Of importance is that the gas valve is not protruding out in danger of being damages. The cheaper units are really sticking out 6 inches or more. I was always afraid of putting anything close to grills in the stage area for fear of damaging the gas hookup.
Shared by Richard Albeck
Pros
- Compact and light
- Undemanding handling
- Powerful gas burner
Cons
- The regulator seize now and then
- Several users complain about the fragile tabs
2. Coleman RoadTrip LXE – Best Value
Dual sliding side tables
Interchangeable cooktops
Collapsible stand/foldable wheel
Why It’s The Best Value For The Money:
Come at a relatively reasonable price, Coleman RoadTrip LXE is held in high regard by RVers that like to have a solid RV BBQ grill. As it features 2 independently adjustable burners with 2 temperature zones, RoadTrip LXE possesses outstanding cooking capacities. Using the PerfectFlow technology, the overall performance of the Coleman products remain consistent regardless of the conditions in its surrounding. Additionally, the Instastart ignitor of the grill ensure reliable ignition in most of the cases.
About the average runtime, on a single 16-ounce gas cylinder, Coleman RoadTrip LXE should last for around 1 hour with both of its burners on high. That is enough for you to put together lots of dishes for a family meal. Due to the removable grease tray, you don’t have to worry too much about spillage while using RoadTrip LXE. All in all, for tailgating, picnicking, camping and so on, the grill of Coleman is undoubtedly the best RV grill on the market.
Finally, like many of its competitors, Coleman RoadTrip LXE is made to be portable, therefore, ordinary RVers could carry the grill comfortably into the outdoors. For ease of handling, it’s possible to fold and collapse the wheel and stand of the Coleman grill respectively.
We bought this Road Trip Grill for a camping adventure with 10 people.
Mobility: The grill folds down to a very compact size that allows for easy travel and also doesn’t take up much garage space when you aren’t using it.
Quality: High quality materials and a very nice looking bbq. I didn’t lay down aluminum foil like many people suggested for easy cleaning and I was still able to get it to look new without much effort. We cooked steaks and burgers on this during our trip, so we definitely got it dirty.
Cooking: My favorite part about this bbq is that is heats up very quickly. There’s very little wait time to get this up to temperature, just be sure to turn it down to medium when you are actually cooking as high will probably burn your food. I never actually had an issue, but that is what Coleman suggests. Also, it Is very nice that the side trays fold out so you don’t have to have a table near by to allow for easy loading and unloading of the bbq.
Overall, we liked this so much that we find reasons to pull it out and use it. We are having a large family party and plan on using this right next to my Weber grill and I have no reservations.
Shared by Brian
Pros
- Spacious cooking area
- Well-built and tough
- Superb portability
Cons
- Quality control requires improvements
- Negative
- Certain parts should be redesigned
3. Cuisinart CGG-180T – Editor’s Choice
Briefcase-style carrying handle
Aluminum legs and stabilizing feet
Integrated lid lock
Why It’s An Editor’s Choice:
The interior of your RV is a bit cramp so you want to pick up a small but robust grill? Then it’s strongly recommended that you spare time to check out Cuisinart CGG-180T. Thanks to the modest profile, the Cuisinart grill is pretty adaptable: it fits nicely in a variety of recreational vehicles. Outside of mealtime, CGG-180T looks like a usual mini suitcase that occupies negligible spaces. But once you need to prepare your favorite dishes, Cuisinart CGG-180T transforms into a splendid grill in mere seconds.
Despite its humble appearance, CGG-180T is a model that would whip up multiple meals for families without much difficulty. The combination of 5,500-BTU stainless steel burner and even-heating porcelain-enameled grate guarantees excellent flavors. Also, the generous heating surface offered by Cuisinart CGG-180T should let you process various ingredients at the same time which cuts down the cooking time.
To keep the foods secured and prevent potential accidents on the road, Cuisinart CGG-180T packs a sturdy lid lock Upon engaged, the lock is going to keep the lid of CGG-180T tightly shut up until it’s released.
I have had over a dozen patio grills in my day, and finally swore off them because of the inconveniences they pose during all of the time it is not being used: storage, bulky, dirty, decay due to the elements. These add up to it being just easier to do the cooking in the kitchen. With this grill all the previous negatives don’t apply. Too small? It cooks eight good size hamburgers at once, and several steaks. How often do you need more than this. After each use it folds up and goes to the bottom of a closet. The easy portability gives it great usefulness.Take it anywhere. Thus use it 20X more than a regular grill.
Good quality. We will never go back to the full size grill again. And if we ever need a bigger one, we will just buy another of this. Two of them is less bother than one full size grill.
Shared by Nino Deprophetis
Pros
- Affordable and dependable
- Ergonomic carrying handle
- Marvelous safety lock
Cons
- Minor inconsistencies between products
- Customer support is sub-par
4. Camco Olympian 5500
No products found.
Why We Love It:
Being engineered from the start as an RV-mounted gas grill, Camco Olympian 5500 prove handy to those that travel extensively. Accompanied by mounting hardware, Olympian 5500 attaches itself to the exterior of your rig so you could fire it up everywhere you wish in the outdoors. Because of its convenient folding feet, the product of Camco would work like a typical tabletop cooking grill if necessary.
Boasting quick-connect hose and valve, Olympian 5500 is known for having a straightforward setup process. The installation takes only a couple of minutes so you rarely have to wait long to get your cooking done. About the fuel, the Camco grill mainly relies on the low-pressure propane supply on RV but with suitable adapters, it accepts gas cylinders too. Made from first-class stainless steel, Camco Olympian 5500 is light but it’s also durable enough to withstand rough uses.
In use, the time-tested smoker plate of Olympian 5500 brings out the fullest flavors of the foods while addressing the flare-ups of vaporizing greases. That is why the model of Camco is often mentioned in reviews that cover the best RV grill in terms of safety on the market.
Pros
- Good values for the price
- User-friendly controls
- Intuitive handling
Cons
- Rusty grate is a common issue
- Key components warp over time
5. Smoke Hollow Masterbuilt 205
Stainless steel drip tray
Temperature gauge
Stainless steel legs
Why We Love It
For owners of recreational vehicles that have tight wallets at the moment, Smoke Hollow Masterbuilt 205 is definitely a worthwhile purchase. Featuring a top-grade 10,000-BTU U-shaped burner, the grill of Smoke Hollow is what everyone needs for casual travels. Since the grill is constructed using quality stainless steel, Masterbuilt 205 also scores fairly well in regard to endurance and mobility. Furthermore, the compact body of the Masterbuilt 205 significantly facilitates handling.
Due to the foldable legs, Smoke Hollow Masterbuilt 205 could be deployed near-instantly on a wide range of surfaces in a blink of an eye. The fantastic stability of the legs ensures that you would have a stable cooking platform. Running on 1-pound gas cylinders, the Smoke Hollow model is capable of keeping the flame going for a long time. Through the temperature gauge, monitoring the temperature is a breeze which makes Masterbuilt 205 the best RV grill for challenging recipes.
One major plus of Smoke Hollow Masterbuilt 205 is that it possesses a resilient locking hood that protects the delicate cooking grate from exposure during storage. Hence, the product of Smoke Hollow could run smoothly even after years of non-use.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Uncomplicated operations
- Reliable and dependable
Cons
- Heat distribution is mediocre
- Some grills arrive with poorly-installed parts
6. Flame King YSNHT500
Hanging rack
Locking retainer pins
Dual locking lid
Why We Love It:
Come as a complete grilling station with adjustable flame controller, upper grilling deck, locking lid, … Flame King YSNHT500 outperforms all competitors in the price range. Thanks to the spacious cooking surface, YSNHT500 should be able to handle plenty of ingredients so it’s possible to prepare many dishes at once. Fueled by the self-contained LP gas system of RV, the grill of Flame King could be put to good use in a variety of settings these kinds of days.
Designed to be RV-compatible, Flame King YSNHT500 is delivered to the customers alongside its bracket system that mount to the sides of recreational vehicles. However, if required, the hanging racks would double as legs to turn YSNHT500 into a rock-solid free-standing grill. As a result, the Flame King model is claimed by numerous RVers to be the best RV grill money can buy with respect to adaptability. Regardless of what takes place on the road, Flame King YSNHT500 always holds its own.
As for the setup, people could get the grill of Flame King into position without much difficulty in most cases. The top-notch locking retainer pins would keep the YSNHT500 secured to the mounting bracket so feel free to cook to your heart’s content.
Pros
- The price is fair
- Versatile and flexible
- No-nonsense installation
Cons
- Razor-sharp edges
- A few users report ignition failures
7. Blackstone Tailgater
Multiple cooking options
Independently controlled burners
Adjustable legs
Why We Love It
As the name suggests, Blackstone Tailgater is specifically built from the ground up to be the ultimate grill for tailgating. Boasting a portable construction that facilitates transportation, Tailgater would be an excellent companion for RVers that enjoy going off-road. Because of the integration of adjustable legs, setting up the Blackstone grill in uneven grounds is a piece of cake. In addition to that, as Blackstone Tailgater is made from rugged cast iron as well as rolled steel, its durability is essentially second to none.
In terms of cooking performance, the model of Blackstone pack two powerful independently controlled burners, one 15,000 BTU and one 20,000-BTU. So by using Tailgater, you should be able to prepare different dishes with different temperature requirements at the same time. Moreover, the sizable cooking surface could accommodate pretty much whatever ingredients you have on hand. Last but not least, Blackstone Tailgater works with an assortment of common RV cookware from small pans to large pots.
To reassure potential users of Tailgater, Blackstone offer a satisfaction guarantee which speaks volumes about the commitment to stand behind the product of the manufacturer. If you seek the best RV grill once it comes to post-purchase support, the Blackstone grill is for you.
Pros
- Nice burners
- Portable and long-lasting
- Top-of-the-line stability
Cons
- Performance drops if the grill is exposed to winds
8. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere
Porcelain-enameled lid
Plated steel cooking grate
Plated steel legs
Why We Love It
You have a hard time finding a mini grill for RV that runs on charcoal? Well, if you yearn for the smoky flavor of charcoal grills but don’t like to pick up full-sized models, you must consider giving Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere a look. Featuring modest dimensions, the Weber model is highly sought after by RVers that wish to cook on the go. Also, cleaning 121020 Go-Anywhere after use is a walk in the park, therefore, it’s relatively well-received by people that plan to keep things simple.
Compared to other grills on the market, the heating area of Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere seems to be barely adequate but that is understandable considering its profile. Nonetheless, if you often have to put together small meals, snacks and so on in a hurry then the Weber grill is the best RV grill available for purchase. For example, using a burgess press of Weber, you could prepare up to six burgers on 121020 Go-Anywhere for a tasty breakfast in the morning.
As for handling, the tuck-n-carry lid lock of Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere permits you to bring it along everywhere. Furthermore, due to the steel legs, you should be able to set up the model of Weber in a matter of seconds, inside and outside.
Pros
- Bargain-priced
- Perfect for light-duty cooking
- Handle extremely well
Cons
- Body is slightly shallow
- Quality control leaves a lot to be desired
9. Solaire Anywhere
No products found.
Why We Love It
Advanced and compact, Solaire Anywhere truly proves itself to be one of the leading propane grills for recreational vehicles. As Anywhere possesses a state-of-the-art infrared ceramic-stainless steel burner, it’s capable of preserving consistent heats that lock juice inside the foods. That is why for RVers that pursuit delicious, natural-tasting foods, the grill of Solaire is among the top choices. Aside from improving the overall flavors of dishes, Solaire Anywhere also reduces cooking time by one third, a beneficial trait.
For ignition, Anywhere employs a rapid-spark electronic igniter that let you start it up just by pushing a button. Since the firebox of the Solaire model is fully welded, you could start cooking after assembling the handle and regulator. About the fuel, Solaire Anywhere runs on standard 1-pound propane bottles but if you have the optional adapter, you should be able to keep the grill running using propane from the tank of your vehicle. In fact, natural gas is also an option of fuel for the Solaire cooking grill.
So as to allow RVers to whip up various dishes smoothly in the outdoors, Solaire Anywhere is manufactured to fit all kinds of accessory mounts. As a proof of confidence, Solaire provides users of Anywhere with a limited 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Undemanding assembly
- Splendid endurance
- Simple cleaning
Cons
- The price is quite high
- The packaging frequently receives criticisms
10. Coleman NXT Lite
Removable grease management tray
Porcelain-coated stamped steel grill
Secure fastens legs
Why We Love It
With a decent 8,500-BTU burner, Coleman NXT Lite would be able to meet a variety of cooking requirements of RVers. Thanks to the use of HeatCore technology, heat is equally distributed which results in well-cooked dishes at all times. Additionally, the convenient InstaStart push-button ignition of the Coleman grill completely removes the need for starting aids at mealtimes. Also, the PerfectFlow system of NXT Lite makes it an ideal model for challenging climates as the average heat output of the grill remains constant.
Regarding operations, while being used on the road, the lightweight build of Coleman NXT Lite would likely present negligible troubles. In times of need, it’s possible to switch out the grill grates for griddles, stove grates and so on. Hence, NXT Lite generally please most RVers that want to prepare lots of recipes but hate to be weighed down by too many cooking appliances. The generous cooking surface further boosts the handiness of the Coleman propane grill in use.
About cleaning, NXT Lite features a removable tray that collects grease drippings from the food. Thus, spilling of slimy greases is considered to be less than an issue during operations. You only need to give the model of Coleman a couple of swipes occasionally to get rid of foreign materials.
Pros
- Sublime reliability
- The setup is configurable
- Work well in demanding settings
Cons
- Get way too hot sometimes
- Stability is barely acceptable
11. Camp Chef Big Gas Grill
Cast aluminum burners
Removable grill box
Matchless ignition
Why We Love It
Once it comes to heavy-duty cooking, Camp Chef Big Gas Grill is a model that everyone could count on in most of the cases. Packing three strong burners and lots of spaces for cooking, the Camp Chef grill is able to take on whatever job you have in mind. Due to the incorporation of removable/adjustable legs, transporting Big Gas Grill is a breeze. In addition to that, Camp Chef Big Gas Grill employs the latest matchless ignition, therefore, the startup sequence is straightforward.
As it’s virtually ready to use out-of-the-box, the product of Camp Chef may start cooking seconds after it leaves the packagings. Through the heat control knob, you could apply precise changes to the strength of the flame to get the preferred flavors for your favorite dishes. The innovative housing of the burners also guarantee magnificent protection against winds and limit odd hot/cold spots in use. Because of that, Big Gas Grill is hailed as the best RV grill for large-party camping in the outdoors.
Beside the grill itself, you would receive a grill box, a hose and a regulator if you decide to purchase Camp Chef Big Gas Grill. That means you don’t have to spend more money on accessories if you purchase the grill of Camp Chef.
Pros
- Marvelous capabilities
- Lighting-quick ignition
- Rugged components
Cons
- Inconsistent performance between grills
- Customer service is a bit unresponsive
12. Weber Q-Premium (Q2200)
Electronic ignition
Built-in thermometer
Folding work tables
Why We Love It
Capable and economical, Weber Q-Premium (Q2200) is a fine barbecue grill for recreational vehicles that run on natural gas. Carrying porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates, Q-Premium (Q2200) is going to make sure that you have a positive cooking experience on the road. In terms of heat, the Weber model boasts a potent 12,000-BTU burner, unexceptional but it’s adequate for usual recipes. Since the cooking space is fairly decent, Weber Q-Premium (Q2200) could handle many ingredients.
Possessing an integrated thermometer, the grill of Weber permits you to supervise the temperature comfortably. In case you think the current temperature is too high/low, all you have to do is to adjust the intensity of the flame using the infinite control burner valve. Made from aluminum, Q-Premium (Q2200 is indeed light but its structural strength also proves to be superb compared to ordinary grills on the market. So if you wish to pick up the best gas grill for RV, add the Weber model into your shortlist.
Liked by the majority of the users, the folding work tables of Weber Q-Premium (Q2200) accelerate food preparations and save storage spaces. All things considered, for tailgating, camping, … Q-Premium (Q2200) is a solid cooking appliance to have around.
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Portable and durable
- Unambiguous controls
Cons
- A few grills arrive used/damaged
- The delivery service is disappointing
13. Weber Baby-Q (Q1200)
Stainless steel propane burner
Cast aluminum lid and body
Removable catch pan
Why We Love It
Like other grills for recreational vehicles from Weber, Baby-Q (Q1200) is a model that could fully satisfy the cooking needs and requirements of RVers. As Baby-Q (Q1200) runs on widely available LP gas cylinders, keeping it sufficiently fueled is a piece of cake. Aside from that, the Weber grill is made from glass-reinforced nylon so it should be tough enough to withstand substantial abuses without falling apart. Furthermore, the use of lightweight nylon in the frame leads to outstanding portability as well.
Featuring a grease management system, Weber Baby-Q (Q1200) facilitates the process of grease collection. As juices drip off the meat during cooking, they would be funneled into a removable catch pan which eases cleaning. The distance between the grease tray and the burner of the grill minimizes the risk of grease catching fire too. After the disposable drip pan underneath is filled to the brim, all you have to toss that into the trash then put in a replacement.
So as to get the heat to circulate throughout the ingredients, Baby-Q (Q1200) is purposely designed to integrate a long-lasting, cast-aluminum cookbox. As a result, the grill of Weber performs admirably using direct and indirect heat sources.
Pros
- Heat up pretty fast
- The price is just right
- Sturdy cooking grates
Cons
- Mediocre post-purchase support
- Clogged regulator is a frequent problem in use
14. Cuisinart CGG-059
No assembly required
Enameled steel grate
Dishwasher safe
Why We Love It
At a weight of 10 pounds, Cuisinart CGG-059 is a lightweight, highly portable grill for RV that could be taken everywhere. As it packs a locking lid, a carrying handle and foldable legs, setting up and putting away the gas grill of Cuisinart take only moments.Though its cooking capacities definitely fall behind certain market models, CGG-059 is nonetheless a pleasant grill to use as it’s able to process burgers, seafood, vegetables and so on. Fueled by 1-pound propane canisters, Cuisinart CGG-059 possesses excellent runtimes.
Boasting porcelain enamel cooking grate, Cuisinart CGG-059 distribute heat equally, therefore, you should never find uncooked portions in your dishes. Additionally, the grate of CGG-059 is dishwasher safe so it saves you the hassle having to scrub it after use. Because the grill hood is engineered to lift out of the way, the Cuisinart grill offers users complete access to the cooking grate in use. Owing to the twist-light ignition knob, starting up Cuisinart CGG-059 is going to be a snap in the outdoors.
Since the product of Cuisinart is delivered in an almost fully assembled state, it’s good to go on arrival. In most of the cases, you could begin cooking meals with CGG-059 right after taking it out of the packaging.
Pros
- Affordable
- Splendid handling characteristics
- Quality stainless steel fitting
Cons
- Shallow dome
- Lose lots of hearts as you open the grill top
15. Giantex Tabletop Grill
Foldable legs and lockable lid
Push-and-turn ignition burners
All hardware included
Why We Love It
Constructed of premium stainless steel, Giantex Tabletop Grill tends to receive favorable reviews regarding portability but its ruggedness remains uncompromised. Boasting two independently adjustable burners that produce a total heat output of 20,000 BTUs, the Giantex model would undoubtedly be a fine grill for outdoor adventures. In addition to that, the setup of Tabletop Grill is comparatively undemanding as the manufacturer includes all the necessary hardware.
Since the legs of the Giantex grill happen to be foldable, it’s quite handy in recreational vehicles that have limited rooms in the interior. From camping to tailgating, Giantex Tabletop Grill is going to let you enjoy tasty meals without getting in the way. Due to the lockable lid, securing Tabletop Grill on the road is by all accounts a walk in the park. In addition, the generous heating surface offered by the grill allows RVers to whip up dishes for multiple people simultaneously.
To inform the users of the cooking temperature, the product of Giantex features a simple built-in thermometer on top. Hence, it’s a breeze for you to make recipes that have precise temperature requirements. Last but not least, the surfaces of the grill could be cleansed in a blink of an eye so messy leftovers should be minor inconveniences.
Pros
- Fast shipping
- Helpful customer service
- Come at a reasonable price
Cons
- Users complain about unbalanced legs
- Slightly unequal heat distribution
Finding The Right RV Grills: Factors to Consider
Type
Due to their vast differences, the very first step before browsing different models is to determine whether you would want a charcoal grill, or a gas-powered or an electric model. This depends on your priority, cooking style and camping environments/situations. Charcoal grills are the standard for outdoor cooking, while electric grills have been gaining popularity in recent years thanks to their unbeatable convenience, and if you’re on the fence, gas-powered grills might offer the right balance between charcoal grills and electric grills.
Material
If you want the best RV grill that will be of good service for many years, material is going to be one of your top concerns. Considering the characteristics of RV travels these kinds of days, virtually every item you put into your rig needs to be both light and rugged. That is why the best RV grills tend to be made of stainless steel, ceramic, aluminum, cast iron and brass.
Each material offers different benefits. If you want a low-maintenance grill, one made from stainless steel would be a good choice, as they are easy to clean, although they are heavier. Another alternative that comes with similar pros and cons is cast iron grills. They can simply be scraped clean after each use, and they are also quite heavy. Do note that cast iron is prone to rust, and requires that you season it with food grade oil regularly in order to prevent rusting.
But if you prioritize portability, an aluminum grill would be the lightest option. They are also resistant to rust and corrosion, but aluminum burners tend to burn out prematurely. As for ceramic grills, this category offers some of the most compact grills out there. They are particularly ideal for slow cooking, since they have good heat retention. On the flipside, they are heavy and prone to crack if not handled carefully. Meanwhile, brass is quite lightweight, durable and is corrosion resistant.
Number Of Burners
After the materials of the burners, you will want to choose either a single-burner design if you travel alone or as a couple and only cook simple meals, or a dual-burner design that gives you more versatility and temperature control. These are your only options, as most portable RV grills will either have one or two burners due to the need to be compact and lightweight.
BTU Rating
A crucial technical specification when it comes to selecting the best RV grill is the BTU rating. BTU stands for ‘British Thermal Units’ and measures how much heat a grill can produce. One aspect that many campers overlook is that this rating will also tell you how much fuel a grill will consume. In general, an RV grill with a higher BTU rating will produce more heat and thus naturally will consume more fuel.
While many make the mistake of simply looking at the overall BTU rating, you need to divide a grill’s BTU rating by its total cooking area when comparing different models. This provides a more practical measurement of a grill’s power output in practice. If you want the best RV grill for your money, look for those that offer somewhere between 80 BTUs and 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking surface.
For example, you’re considering one model with a 10,000 BTU rating and a cooking surface of 150 square inches, and another grill with a 20,000 BTU rating, but with an oversized cooking area of 330 square inches. While the second grill has exactly double the BTU rating of the first one, its cooking area is more than double, so we know that the second grill will have a smaller output per square inch than the first grill. Indeed, the 10,000-BTU grill has an output of 66.67 BTUs per square inch, while that of the second grill is only 57.14 BTUs per square inch. The point of these two calculations is to illustrate that you should look deeper than simply comparing overall BTU ratings when considering two different grills.
Controls
Different foods require different temperatures, so the ability to easily adjust the temperature while cooking different ingredients is absolutely critical. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended that you prioritize models with straightforward, no-nonsense temperature controls. Do note that you’ll have less control over charcoal grilling, so it requires some practice.
In addition, the style of controls is also just as important. The majority of RV grills these days feature single dial-style controls. These controls are very user-friendly and allow you to adjust the heat with a turn of the knob, and they should be sufficient in most cases. However, if you desire extra control over temperatures for more complicated cooking, do check out grills that pack dual controls. With dual controls, you can set different temperatures on different sides of the grill so that you can cook vegetables and meat at the same time but at different temperatures for optimal doneness.
Grates
Before we go on about the material of the grates, it’s important to note that the best RV grills should have removable grates to allow easy cleaning and maintenance.
In terms of grates construction, RVers have lots of options, including cast iron, aluminum,stainless steel, enameled porcelain and others. The material of the grates affect how foods cook on them and also how easy they are to clean. Campers with limited time could definitely use a grill with forgiving grates that enable quick, thorough cleaning after cooking. Last but not least, to avoid buying costly replacements, it’s wise to grab a grill with long-lasting grates.
In comparison, cast iron grates are known for the best heat transfer and retention, which would produce juicy, tender meat that is charred on the outside. Cast iron generally offers superb results, but it’s more prone to rust. You can totally opt for it, just remember to clean the grates often and season them with food grade oil, just like how you’d season a cast iron skillet.
Meanwhile, stainless steel offers decent heat transfer, better than aluminum and less than cast iron but it’s less susceptible to rust. Stainless steel grates are also lighter than cast iron, so they offer a good balance of results, easy maintenance and portability. Aluminum grates are the most lightweight and easy to clean, but offer the poorest heat conduction and don’t last nearly as long as stainless steel or cast iron grates.
Features
Once it comes to comparing grills of recreational vehicles with similar capabilities, individual features would help you decide which one is the best RV grill, including mounting capability, collapsible legs and more. To have a clearer idea of how well-appointed and easy to use a grill is in practice, it’s essential that you take a close look at customer reviews to see clearly what the users say about those features. That said, some features may be more or less important to you than others, since the best RV grill for you largely depends on your cooking style and preferences for handling and storing the grill.
Legs: Collapsible legs are one of those features that any camper would almost always prefer, since this feature allows you to set up the grill at roughly waist height, so that you can cook comfortably without having to bend over when tending to the grill. Portable RV grills with legs are similar to your traditional BBQ you’d use at home.
There are also tabletop models that don’t come with legs. Do note that if you opt for this type, the best RV grills should have insulated feet. Otherwise, you would need a layer of insulation between the table and the grill, so that the heat wouldn’t damage the table, whether it’s plastic or wood or metal. If you don’t stay at traditional campsites but tend to travel off the beaten path, you might not have a table to set up your grill, so then a portable grill with extendable legs would be the more sensible option.
Other features: If you like to have a BBQ on, say, the beach, you’ll need a compact and lightweight grill that’s easy to carry, and one with telescoping legs is ideal, since it will be difficult to drag a grill through sand. Also, it is often windy out there, so the best RV grill for beach BBQ should have a wind guard for better maintaining the temperature.
Dimensions
If we’re talking about anything you’d haul along in your RV, size is always an important factor, since you will need valuable space to store it. A portable RV grill should be compact and lightweight enough to be stored in the underneath compartments of your rig.
Regarding dimensions, another thing to consider is the grilling area. This depends on the kind of food you usually cook and how many people you need to prepare meals for. For instance, if you just want to casually throw a few burgers on for two, you wouldn’t need a very large grilling area as a family who loves to barbecue a full rack of ribs plus an assortment of gilled vegetables.
Price
Overall, RV camping grills come at a variety of prices so it should be a breeze for you to find models that match whatever shopping budget you have in mind. While the most budget-friendly options on the market are available for less than $100, the saying “you get what you pay for” is true in this case. The majority of the best RV grills come with triple-digit price tags. Realistically, you can expect to spend somewhere between $150 and $300 if you want to get a high-quality portable grill for RV camping.
How To Hook Your Grill To Your RV’s Propane Tank
When trying to directly connect your portable grill to your rig’s on-board propane tank, remember that the propane pressure regulator on your rig will decide how you make these connections. The regulator is the heart of the propane system. It controls the flow of gas to ensure safety, since high pressure gas shooting towards a scalding hot grill is a recipe for disaster.
You need to make the connection in the right spot in regard to your on-board propane regulator, so that your propane pressure is not too high, not too low, but just right, or else your grill won’t function. Sometimes, depending on your rig’s hookups and your grill, you might need to modify the setup.
Note that your gas grill may also have its own regulator. And when you run propane through two regulators, the pressure will be so low that your grill will take forever to get warm, or might not ignite at all. We’ll run through two scenarios, that is if your portable RV grill comes with its own regulator, and if it does not.
If your grill comes with its own regulator, it most likely requires high-pressure propane, since the grill can regulate the gas itself. This is more common for larger grills by the major brands. To connect this type of grill with your onboard propane tank, you can either:
- Bypass your RV’s regulator so that gas will be regulated by the regulator on your grill only. Do this if you can’t remove the grill’s regulator. Just install a T-fitting between your propane tank and regulator, and power the grill with high-pressure propane. With this setup, the high-pressure gas won’t run through your RV’s regulator, so it’s only the grill’s regulator left to do the job.
OR - Remove the grill’s regulator and hook to your rig’s Quick-Connect fitting, so that it can use the low-pressure propane that’s already regulated by your RV’s system. Many newer RVs come equipped with the standard Quick-Connect system, which uses special hoses so that you can directly hook up your propane grill. Keep in mind that you can only remove a gas grill’s regulator if it’s separate from the temperature control valve. If your RV comes with a Quick-Disconnect port, which may be on the underside, the connection will be located after the pressure regulator of your on-board propane system.
If your grill doesn’t have a regulator, this means it requires regulated or low-pressure propane. To hook up this type of grill to your rig’s tank, you can either:
- Hook to your rig’s Quick-Disconnect directly, if your rig has one, or install your own Quick-Disconnect fitting off your main propane line if you plan on using your portable gas grill often.
OR - Install a T-fitting downstream between your RV regulator and supply hose and run the grill off this connection. With this setup, the gas will be regulated before it reaches the grill.
RV Grills Usage & Maintenance Tips
Charcoal Grills
- Never use highly combustible fuel sources like gasoline or paraffin/kerosene to light charcoal. You should use charcoal lighter fluids, which are methanol or alcohol based and historically produced from petroleum, particularly a light refined grade of kerosene.
- Instead of charcoal lighter fluids, you can: place balled up newspaper sheets under your charcoal grate, or use any high proof alcohol as fuel or rubbing alcohol (just let the rubbing alcohol burn out completely before cooking). You can even take advantage of the bottom half of discarded cardboard egg crates, put coals inside and light the corners of the crate. This produces a slow, steady burn that will safely light your coals.
- If you use instant light charcoal instead of normal charcoal, you won’t need light fluids or an additional starter. Like their name suggests, these charcoal briquettes already contain the right amount of lighter fluid and will light instantly with just a match, so that you will be ready to start grilling away in about 10 minutes.
- If you use charcoal lighter fluid, wait to let it soak into charcoal before lighting. When you’re done with the lighter fluid, cap it immediately and put it away from the grill.
- If you’ve already lighted your charcoal, do not attempt to make a bigger flame by adding more lighter fluid later on hot coal.
- For optimal effectiveness, form charcoal into a dune at the center of your grill.
- Always keep the grill vent open while cooking.
- Before throwing away the coals, let it cool down completely for at least 24 hours.
Propane Grills
Due to the inherent fire hazard associated with gas grills, there are certain safety measures that you must always perform before, during and after grilling:
- Firstly, before lighting the burners, always test your gas fittings for leaks first.
- When grilling or handling propane cylinders, do not smoke and also remind your companions to avoid smoking near the grill.
- Never operate a gas grill in an enclosed space, always grill outside in a well-ventilated area. If you place a grill with a propane canister on a wooden surface, make sure to place the grill on an extra layer of insulation.
- When you’ve finished grilling, remember to shut off gas controls and close the valve on the propane canister.
- Allow the grill to cool down completely before moving or cleaning it (as with any type of portable grill actually). And educate your children about staying away from hot grills and proper handling.
- Propane canister storage: Make sure you store propane cylinders away from any potential ignition source, and never store them in an enclosed space that’s subject to too much heat. Also never leave propane canisters in a hot vehicle for extended periods. Wherever you store them, put them in an upright position in a secure place.
- Grill storage: When you put away your portable gas grill, cover hose fittings and burner air intakes with the right protective fitting caps. In case you lose the caps, use anything similar or even plastic bags to cover them to keep them away from dust, insects, spider webs and moisture.
Using Your Onboard Propane Tank Instead of Disposable Canisters
While most portable propane grills for camping are designed to be used with the standard 1-pound propane cylinders or canisters, most full-timers or campers who travel often would prefer to use the big 20-pound tanks, or hook up the grill directly to their rig’s on-board propane tank. There are many merits to this approach.
Firstly, using many small propane cylinders is not environmentally friendly. Second, they take up space, which is particularly more important for full-time campers, who would rather reserve storage for gears and food supplies. Even those larger 20 lb portable tanks would take up precious storage space and would eventually run out, too.
Meanwhile, for campers who do a lot of outdoor cooking on their portable grills, connecting directly to an RV’s propane tank makes much more sense. It’s right there, and it holds plenty of propane so you can just grill away. Plus, you won’t have to worry about storing your propane canisters in a safe place away from heat and any potential fire hazard.
Proper Cleaning
Maintaining your portable grill for RV is actually quite simple, regardless of the type of grill you opt for. You just need to clean it thoroughly after each use, after it has completely cooled down.
One helpful tip recommended by seasoned campers is after taking your food off the grill, you should turn up the heat for up to 5 minutes to sufficiently burn off any food scraps or oils that have dripped on the grates. For charcoal grills, the coal will be hot for a while after you’re done cooking, so it has the same effect.
Once your grill has cooled down, use a grill brush to scrape off any residue of burnt oils and food scraps from the grates. With a charcoal grill, remove the grates and allow ample time before you dispose of your charcoal safely, that is at least 24 hours up to 48 hours. Always check with the campground for proper charcoal disposal practices.
When you’re on the go, you might not have the time to deep clean your grill. But whenever you have the time and the means, you should thoroughly clean the grates once in a while to rewash off any additional residue that’s leftover. You can use a scrubbing brush to scrub them by hand with hot water or put them in a self-cleaning oven. The longer you let residues buildup and sit, the harder it will be to clean them later.
FAQs about RV Grills
1. What is the best small RV BBQ to buy?
If compactness is your top priority, take a look at these small RV BBQ grill models, which receives raving reviews across online retailer platforms:
Weber Q 1200 Portable Gas Grill
Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Cube Opentop Charcoal Grill
Traeger Ranger BBQ Bar
Napoleon TravelQ Portable Gas Grill
Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill
Primus Kuchoma Portable Gas Grill
Jamie Oliver Adventurer Mini Kettle BBQ
George Foreman Smokeless Electric Grill
UCO Grilliput Portable Charcoal Camping Grill
Firepod Gas BBQ/Pizza Oven
Kikkerland Portable Charcoal BBQ Suitcase
Barbecook Joya Micro Grill.
2. Who makes the best portable grill?
The market for portable grills is vast and diverse, with many prestigious manufacturers who offer widely different models, but major brands that produce the best portable grill for RV ba
3. How do you hook up a portable grill to an RV?
Generally speaking, you connect your grill to your RV propane setup in one of two ways: you either connect directly to the Quick-Connect on your rig, if yours comes with one, or use a T-fitting hose to connect to your rig’s on-board propane system. The Quick-Connect fittings are the same and are an industry standard.
Quick-Connect: Many newer RVs come equipped with a quick connect propane system. These systems use special hoseslike the Camco 39″ RV Quick-Connect to Quick-Connect LP Gas Hose, so that you can directly hook up your propane grill.
The connections will be located after the pressure regulator of your on-board propane system, so you’ll get low pressure propane. Any portable propane grill would have its own pressure regulator, so you need to remove this pressure regulator, or else your grill will not work properly. With two pressure regulators, the propane pressure will be too low.
Quick-Connect with Gas Control Valve: Normally you only have to remove the pressure regulator on the grill to connect directly to the Quick-Disconnect. However, if the Temperature Control valve on your grill is part of the pressure regulator, you cannot remove it. You’ll need to use a fitting like the Camco LP Gas Control Valve with Quick Connect fitting to modify the grills.
T-fitting: If your motorhome does not come with a built-in Quick-Connect hookup, what you’ll need is an after-market high pressure T-fitting hose like the Camco 59103 RV Propane Brass Tee with 3 Ports and 12′ Hose. This Tee hose is installed between the pressure regulator on your grill and your onboard propane tank, which allows the regulator on your portable grill to stay on. The T-fitting will also allow you to connect an external propane tank in case you run out of propane and you can’t go get propane anytime soon.
4. Can you use a large propane tank on a portable outdoor grill?
Most portable RV camping grills are designed to be used with standard disposable propane canisters of 16 lb (there is also a 14-oz version). A standard 1-lb canister simply screws onto the side or bottom of your RV grill and can last an average of 1.5 hours high-heat cooking.
However, if you tend to use your grill frequently, or if you simply do not want to dispose of too many small canisters into the environment, it might be more convenient as well as more earth-friendly to buy larger 20-pound propane tanks to use with your portable RV grill. You’ll need an adapter hose to connect a standard 20-lb propane tank to the grill. Such a tank will provide more than 20 hours of cooking time on high heat.
RV portable gas grills use either propane or natural gas, both of which can support larger gas tanks with no problem, as long as you make sure that the free-standing gas tank is stable and the hose is securely connected.
5. Why is my propane RV grill not heating up?
There could be many possible sources of problem if you find that your propane grill only produces a very small flame even when you turn the heat up or is not heating up at all, including a faulty regulator, a leaking propane tank, a tripped OPD device and blocked orifices. The most common reason is a propane leak in your system.
Leaking propane tank: Most portable RV propane grills these days come with a safety feature called the overfill protection device (OPD) that in the case that it detects a leak, it will automatically reduce the gas pressure to produce a much smaller flame. This is the most common reason that your propane grill is taking longer than usual to heat up.
To troubleshoot the source of the leak, mix dishwashing liquid with water in a spray bottle and spray this soapy solution to the regulator hose and along all sides of the propane tank while your grill is burning. The leaky spot will create bubbles. Turn off the grill and tank immediately and have the leaky item inspected and replaced as soon as possible.
Tripped overfill protection device: If nothing bubbles up with a soapy water test, the next most likely culprit is that the built-in overfill protection device could have tripped and thus is receiving a false reading. You can try resetting the values on the OPD to see if your grill would heat up as normal again.
Turn off both your propane tank and the grill, then turn on one burner for about 10 seconds and turn it off again. Disconnect and then reconnect the hose to your propane tank. Slowly turn on the tank. This should reset the values on the OPD. Now light your grill to see if you’re getting big flames again. If you’re still having troubles heating up, then the culprit might be a faulty regulator or clogged orifices on your gas grill.
Faulty regulator: To check if a faulty regulator is indeed the culprit, similarly with the OPD, try to reset it. First, turn off the burners on your gas grill, then turn off your propane tank and disconnect the hose from the tank. Open the gas grill lid, turn the burner to high for about two minutes, and then turn them off. Reconnect the hose to your propane tank and slowly turn on the gas. This should reset the regulator. But if you light your grill and still get small flames, then the regulator is definitely faulty and needs to be replaced.
Clogged orifices: Your gas grill’s orifices can get clogged over time with dust, spider webs and other debris, which would block the gas and less would reach the burners, leading to small flames. You should routinely unclog the orifices using an orifice cleaning tool or a small brush, even a piece of wire to make sure your gas grill is working optimally.
6. Can you boil water on a portable grill?
You can boil water on any type of grill, but do not use a kettle or a pot with plastic or wooden parts as they might burn. A small note is you can speed up the process significantly by shutting the grill’s lid over the pot.
7. Are portable charcoal RV grills good?
Charcoal grills have been around for the longest, and it does offer distinct benefits. Even with the availability of more convenient gas and electric portable grills, many campers still opt for charcoal grilling as it imparts that irreplaceable charbroiled, smoky taste into your barbecued meats.
That said, this type of grill does have various drawbacks. Whether it’s suitable for you depends on how often you grill, if you camp with company, your camping environment and if you are willing to sacrifice everything for that distinct smoky flavour. Firstly, charcoal emits a lot of heat and smoke, which means it imparts carcinogenic compounds into the food and the air, and grilling with charcoal requires a lot of space if you do not want to inconvenience your companions or nearby campers.
Furthermore, all in all, using charcoal grills requires more time, preparation and after-cleaning than a gas or electric grill. You need time to light the coals, stoke them and wait until they are hot enough, which would take up to 30 minutes. And they are not ideal for cooking in windy conditions. Charcoal grills also don’t offer a lot of control over the flames, and when you’re done, you just can’t turn the grill off but wait for the briquettes to cool down. It needs some practice and skills, and more time cleaning the aftermath.
Need More Gear Advice?
You can also find other in-depth reviews and buyer’s guides on Outside RV category where we provide you the handpicked list of top-rated products on the market with specific reviews, pros and cons to help you easily choose the best products for your needs and preference.
The Weber propane grill’s single-tube burner has impressed me. Because the burner on this gas grill is made of one piece of stainless steel, it is more resistant to rusting and burn-through. It is also less difficult to clean. Just give it a good scrubbing using a steel-bristled brush.
Despite the minor issue with the heat controls, this Weber propane grill is still worthy of its branding. It cooks evenly, retains heat well, and can last for many years. It is one grill that you should have in your RV.
You should check this “article”. Of the first 6 items, only one is available new or has a link to Amazon that works.
Hi Nick, thanks for letting us know. At my quick check, it’s true that the product 2,4,5 are recently set unavailable by the sellers. The product 1,3,6 are still available for your purchase (as I checked on New York). Let me review and update the review! Hope you enjoyed reading RVTalk.net blog and my reviews. Happy camping!