5 Best RV-Friendly Grills For Outdoor Cooking Nomads Swear By
Top-rated portable grills for your next adventure.
There’s a moment at every great campsite, just as the sun starts to dip, when the air fills with the unmistakable smell of food cooking over a flame. It’s the sizzle of burgers, the char on fresh vegetables, the scent that turns a simple parking spot into a temporary home. For those of us living on the road, an outdoor grill isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical extension of our compact kitchens and the centerpiece of our outdoor living rooms.
Choosing the right grill is about more than just cooking. It’s about finding a tool that integrates seamlessly into a life of constant motion. The wrong grill becomes dead weight—a bulky, greasy hassle that takes up precious space in a storage bay. But the right one becomes a trusted companion on your journey, enabling delicious meals and lasting memories under an open sky.
This isn’t about finding the biggest or most powerful grill on the market. It’s about finding the smartest one for your specific needs as a nomad. We’re looking at the grills that have earned their place in RVs across the country—the ones valued for their smart design, reliable performance, and ability to withstand the rigors of the road.
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Find the Perfect Grill for Your RV Adventures
The perfect RV grill does more than just cook your food; it solves problems. It keeps the heat, smoke, and cooking smells out of your small living space, which is critical on a hot day. It also gives you a second "burner" when your two-burner stovetop inside is already occupied, expanding your culinary possibilities far beyond what your galley allows.
Think of your grill as a functional piece of gear, just like your leveling blocks or your water hose. It needs to have a dedicated storage spot, be easy to deploy and pack up, and perform its job reliably every single time. A grill that’s a pain to set up is a grill that won’t get used, forcing you back inside your cramped kitchen or convincing you to spend money eating out.
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This guide is built on that practical foundation. We’ll explore the top contenders that veteran RVers rely on, not for their flashy features, but for their real-world usability. We’ll weigh the critical factors of storage footprint, fuel efficiency, and cooking versatility to help you find the model that truly fits your rig and your travel style.
How to Choose the Best Grill for Your Rig
Before you get lost in product reviews, take a hard look at your own setup. The most important factors are dictated by your RV and your habits, not by a marketing brochure. Ask yourself three questions: Where will it live? How will I fuel it? And who am I cooking for?
Answering those questions gives you a clear framework for making a smart decision. Pay close attention to these non-negotiable details:
- Storage Footprint: Get out a tape measure. Know the exact dimensions of the passthrough bay or compartment where the grill will be stored, and don’t forget to account for a cover and maybe a hose.
- Fuel Source: Tapping into your RV’s onboard propane via a quick-connect port is incredibly convenient and eliminates the need to carry extra 1lb green canisters. If your rig doesn’t have one, decide if you’re willing to carry and manage those small tanks.
- Weight and Setup: Be realistic about how much you’re willing to lift and assemble. A heavy, complicated grill will quickly lose its appeal after a long day of driving.
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Don’t fall into the trap of chasing the highest BTUs or the biggest cooking surface. For RV life, convenience often trumps raw power. The best grill is the one that makes you want to cook outside, and that almost always comes down to how easy it is to store, set up, and clean.
Weber Q1200: Your All-Around Best RV Grill
The Weber Q series is a legend in the RV world for one simple reason: it’s a master of the fundamentals. It delivers exceptionally even heat in a durable, portable package that feels like a real grill, not a flimsy camping toy. This is the go-to choice for RVers who prioritize pure grilling performance.
What sets it apart are the details that matter on the road. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates provide incredible heat retention for a perfect sear, while the cast aluminum lid and body are rust-proof and rugged. The Q1200 model adds folding side tables and a built-in thermometer, small conveniences that make a huge difference when your only other counter space is a picnic table.
The primary tradeoff is its clamshell shape, which can be slightly awkward to pack compared to a perfect rectangle. However, its unmatched reliability and the ability to easily adapt it to your RV’s low-pressure propane system make it a workhorse. It’s the kind of gear you buy once and trust for a decade of adventures.
The Blackstone 22” Griddle: Your Outdoor Kitchen
There are grills, and then there is the Blackstone. This isn’t just a device for cooking burgers; it’s a flat-top griddle that transforms your campsite into a full-service kitchen. If you dream of cooking bacon, eggs, and pancakes for breakfast, Philly cheesesteaks for lunch, and stir-fry for dinner, a griddle is what you need.
The 22-inch model is the ideal size for RV travel, offering a massive 362-square-inch cooking surface that folds into a surprisingly manageable package. Its two independent H-shaped burners give you precise heat control over different zones, allowing you to keep pancakes warm on one side while you fry eggs on the other. The rear grease management system is also brilliantly simple and effective, making cleanup much less of a chore.
The commitment here is to the seasoned steel cooktop, which requires proper care to prevent rust, and the unit is heavier than a typical grill. But the culinary payoff is immense. For food-focused travelers, the Blackstone isn’t just an accessory—it’s a lifestyle upgrade that fundamentally changes what’s possible for meals on the road.
Coleman RoadTrip 285: Your Go-Anywhere Grill
Enjoy portable grilling with the Coleman RoadTrip 285. This propane grill features 20,000 BTUs across 285 sq. in. with three adjustable burners for precise temperature control, plus quick-fold legs for easy setup.
For the RVer who values ultimate portability and lightning-fast setup, the Coleman RoadTrip line is a champion of convenience. The entire grill is built into a rolling stand that collapses in seconds. You can pull it out of your storage bay and have it ready to cook in under a minute, with no need for a separate table.
The RoadTrip 285 stands out with its three independently controlled burners, giving you more granular heat management than many other portables. It also features Coleman’s "Swaptop" system, which allows you to exchange the grill grates for a griddle or stove grate (sold separately), adding a welcome dose of versatility to an already convenient package.
Its open design can make it more susceptible to wind, and the stamped-steel grates don’t offer the same heat retention as the heavy cast iron on a Weber. But that’s the tradeoff for its incredible ease of use. For weekend warriors or full-timers who are constantly changing locations, the RoadTrip’s all-in-one design minimizes friction and maximizes time spent enjoying the destination.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: Big Power, Small Size
Grill delicious meals anywhere with the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill. Its VersaStand base easily converts from tabletop to freestanding, while the 5,500 BTU burner and porcelain-enameled grate provide even cooking for up to 8 burgers.
Storage space is the ultimate currency in an RV, and sometimes every inch counts. The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is designed for exactly those situations. It’s the perfect solution for van lifers, solo travelers, or anyone with a smaller rig who refuses to sacrifice the joy of grilling.
Don’t let the small size fool you; its 145-square-inch cooking surface is thoughtfully designed and can handle up to eight burgers at once. It comes with a telescoping stand, but many savvy RVers leave the stand at home and simply use the grill in its tabletop form to save even more space. It’s incredibly lightweight and easy to position on any stable surface.
The compromise is in raw power and heat retention, as its smaller body and lighter grate can be affected by cold or windy conditions. It won’t deliver the steakhouse sear of a larger, heavier grill. But for its intended purpose—providing a solid, reliable grilling experience in the most compact form factor possible—it’s an outstandingly efficient tool for the space-conscious nomad.
Nomad Grill: Premium Charcoal Flavor on the Go
Experience superior grilling with Nomad Fire's 100% all-natural Thai-style binchotan charcoal. This super dense hardwood burns exceptionally hot and long (4-6 hours) with minimal ash and smoke for a clean, efficient cook.
While propane dominates the RV landscape for its convenience, some people simply refuse to compromise on the authentic, smoky flavor of charcoal. The Nomad Grill is an engineering marvel designed for them. It’s a high-performance charcoal grill and smoker packed into a rugged, portable briefcase.
The Nomad’s genius lies in its multi-layer construction and advanced thermal architecture. It’s incredibly well-insulated, making it remarkably efficient with charcoal and safe to place on many surfaces without causing damage. When closed, it’s a self-contained, soot-free package, solving one of the biggest headaches of traveling with a charcoal grill.
This is a premium product with a price to match, and it comes with the inherent logistics of charcoal: storing briquettes, managing temperature, and safely disposing of hot ash. This requires more planning and care, especially in areas with fire restrictions. But for the discerning griller who values flavor above all, the Nomad delivers a truly uncompromising charcoal experience anywhere the road takes you.
Final Tips for Grilling on Your Next Road Trip
Having the right grill is just the start; having the right system is what makes outdoor cooking effortless. Create a dedicated "grill kit" in a small tote or box. Include your tongs, spatula, instant-read thermometer, grill brush, and a lighter so you aren’t raiding your kitchen galley every time.
Master your fuel situation before you hit the road. If you plan to use your rig’s onboard propane, buy a high-quality quick-connect hose that’s long enough to give you flexibility in where you set up your grill. For those using 1lb canisters, investing in a refill adapter kit allows you to safely refill them from a larger 20lb tank, which drastically cuts down on waste and cost over time.
Finally, always practice good campsite etiquette. Be mindful of wind direction so your smoke isn’t blowing into your neighbor’s windows. Use a grill mat to protect picnic tables and the ground from grease splatters. Adhering to all local fire restrictions isn’t just a rule—it’s a responsibility we all share to protect the beautiful places we’re privileged to visit.
Ultimately, the best RV grill is the one that seamlessly integrates into your unique travel rhythm. It’s not about what works for someone else; it’s about what works for your rig, your storage space, and your cooking style. Whether it’s the all-around performance of a Weber, the culinary freedom of a Blackstone, or the compact efficiency of a Petit Gourmet, the right choice is out there.
A grill is more than an appliance; it’s a catalyst for the best parts of RV life. It’s the tool that brings you outside, encourages you to slow down, and helps you share a meal with new friends or old family. Choose the one that doesn’t feel like a chore, but rather an invitation—an invitation to get outside and make your next campsite feel a little more like home.
