5 Best Compact Outdoor Grills For RV Cooking That Nomads Swear By
These are the compact grills RV nomads actually use.
There’s a moment every RVer knows. The sun is setting over a new landscape, the camp chairs are out, and the only thing missing is the sizzle of food on a grill. An outdoor grill isn’t just an accessory for a nomad; it’s a second kitchen, a social hub, and your ticket to keeping cooking smells and heat out of your small living space. It’s an essential piece of gear that extends your home into the great outdoors.
Relax outdoors in this large folding camp chair featuring a breathable mesh back. Stay refreshed with the built-in cooler pouch and enjoy convenient storage with the side pocket, all supported by a durable steel frame and easy transport with included carry bag.
Choosing the right one, however, is a puzzle of space, weight, and cooking style. The perfect grill for a family in a Class A is the wrong grill for a solo van lifer. It’s about finding the tool that seamlessly integrates into your specific travel rhythm, not just the one with the most features. This decision impacts everything from your storage bay Tetris to the quality of your road-side feasts.
We’re going to break down the grills that seasoned nomads actually use, day in and day out. These aren’t just the most popular models; they’re the ones that have proven their worth against the realities of constant travel, limited storage, and the desire for a genuinely good meal under the stars. Forget the marketing hype—this is about what truly works on the road.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Find Your Perfect RV Grill for Epic Road Feasts
The right grill is an extension of your RV’s kitchen, not a burden on its storage. Many new RVers overbuy, getting a grill that’s too large, too heavy, or too complicated for their needs. The goal is to find the sweet spot between cooking capacity and a manageable footprint, because every square inch in your storage bay is prime real estate.
Think about how you actually cook. Are you a weekend burger-and-hot-dog griller, or do you aspire to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner outside? Your answer dictates whether you need a simple grate, a versatile griddle, or a unit with interchangeable cooktops. Be honest about your habits, not the idealized version of your road life.
Ultimately, the best grill is the one you’ll actually pull out and use. If it’s a hassle to set up or a nightmare to store, it will stay buried in your pass-through storage. Prioritize ease of use, quick cleanup, and a storage shape that fits logically into your existing setup. The less friction, the more you’ll enjoy cooking outdoors.
Weber Q1200: The Gold Standard in Portable Grilling
When you see a Weber Q at a campsite, you know the owner values quality and performance. This grill is the benchmark for a reason: its cast aluminum body holds heat incredibly well, and the porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates provide an even sear that’s tough to beat in a portable package. It feels like a scaled-down version of a high-end backyard grill, not a flimsy camping gadget.
The Q1200’s design is thoughtful for RV life. The side tables fold in for compact storage, the built-in thermometer is genuinely useful, and the electronic ignition is reliable. It’s heavy for its size, which is a testament to its build quality, but also a key consideration for your payload capacity and your back when lifting it in and out of storage.
The main tradeoff here is price and a slightly bulkier, rounded shape that can be awkward to pack. Yet, for those who refuse to compromise on grilling performance, the Weber Q series is the undisputed champion. It’s an investment in countless well-cooked meals, and its durability means it will likely outlast many other pieces of your gear.
Coleman RoadTrip 285: Ultimate Versatility on Wheels
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.
The Coleman RoadTrip is the Swiss Army knife of portable grills. Its standout feature is the integrated, collapsible stand with wheels, which saves you from packing a separate table and makes moving it around the campsite effortless. For RVers who set up a full outdoor living area, this all-in-one design is a massive convenience.
Where the RoadTrip truly shines is its versatility. The swappable cooktops (sold separately) let you switch from grill grates to a griddle or a stove grate in seconds. This turns one appliance into a complete outdoor kitchen, capable of making pancakes for breakfast, grilling burgers for lunch, and simmering a pot of chili for dinner.
The compromise for this convenience is its size and complexity. Even when folded, it’s one of the larger models, and more moving parts mean more potential points of failure over a long life on the road. But for families or anyone who wants maximum cooking flexibility without packing three different appliances, the RoadTrip 285 offers an unbeatable all-in-one solution.
Blackstone 17" Griddle: Your Go-To Outdoor Kitchen
The rise of the portable griddle has changed RV cooking, and the Blackstone is leading the charge. A flat-top surface opens up a world of culinary possibilities that traditional grill grates can’t handle. Think diner-style smash burgers, perfectly cooked bacon and eggs, hibachi-style stir-fry, and fluffy pancakes—all made outside.
The 17" tabletop model is perfectly sized for RV storage bays, offering a generous cooking surface without a massive footprint. It heats up fast and provides consistent, edge-to-edge heat, which is key for cooking for a small group. The rear grease management system also makes cleanup surprisingly simple, a huge plus when you’re conserving water.
The learning curve involves mastering temperature control and properly seasoning and maintaining the rolled-steel cooktop to keep it non-stick and rust-free. It’s not a "set it and forget it" appliance. For those willing to embrace the griddle lifestyle, however, the Blackstone effectively replaces multiple pans and appliances, becoming the single most-used piece of outdoor cooking equipment.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: Big Power in a Tiny Footprint
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.
For the minimalist RVer, every ounce and inch counts. The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is designed for exactly this mindset. It’s often called the "briefcase grill" because of its shape and locking lid, making it incredibly easy to carry and slide into the tightest of storage compartments where other grills simply won’t fit.
Despite its small size, it packs a surprising punch with a 5,500 BTU burner that heats the 145-square-inch cooking surface quickly and evenly. The telescoping legs stabilize it on a picnic table, eliminating the need for a perfectly flat surface. This is the ideal grill for a solo traveler, a couple in a small van, or as a secondary grill for quick meals.
The obvious tradeoff is cooking capacity; you won’t be hosting a large campsite cookout with this grill. But that’s not its purpose. Its mission is to provide powerful, reliable grilling in the smallest possible form factor. It’s the perfect example of a purpose-built tool that excels at its specific job: making a great meal for one or two without hogging your precious storage space.
Weber Go-Anywhere: Classic Charcoal Flavor on the Move
Grill anywhere with the compact Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill. Its efficient rectangular design and spacious grate are perfect for cooking for 2-4 people, while the two-piece grate and Char-rail insert offer versatile charcoal arrangement for optimal cooking.
Sometimes, only the taste of charcoal will do. For the purists, the Weber Go-Anywhere is a legendary piece of gear. Its clever, compact rectangular design and pivoting legs that lock the lid in place for transport make it a masterclass in portable engineering. It’s simple, durable, and delivers that authentic, smoky flavor that propane just can’t replicate.
Living with a charcoal grill on the road requires a different workflow. You have to carry charcoal briquettes, manage hot ash disposal responsibly (a huge concern in dry, fire-prone areas), and wait for the unit to cool completely before storing it. This isn’t a "fire it up for 10 minutes" solution; it’s a more deliberate way of cooking.
The Go-Anywhere is not for everyone, but for those who prioritize flavor over convenience, it’s an unmatched companion. It’s a testament to the idea that simple, well-made tools often perform the best. If you’re willing to embrace the ritual of charcoal, this little grill will reward you with some of the best-tasting food you can make on the road.
What to Look for in Your Next Compact RV Grill
Choosing your grill comes down to balancing four key factors. Don’t just look at the grill itself; picture it within the ecosystem of your RV and your travel style. Making the right choice upfront saves you from frustration and wasted storage space down the road.
First is the Fuel Source and Connection. Most RVers use 1lb propane canisters for convenience, but they’re wasteful and can be costly. Consider a grill that can be adapted to your RV’s onboard propane system with a quick-connect hose. This eliminates the need to carry small tanks and is far more sustainable. For charcoal, consider how and where you’ll store the messy briquettes and dispose of the ash.
Next, analyze the Storage Footprint. Measure your storage bay before you buy. A grill’s "portable" dimensions on the box don’t account for awkward shapes. Rectangular grills like the Weber Go-Anywhere often pack more efficiently than round ones like the Weber Q. Consider a hard-sided case to contain messes and protect the grill during travel.
Finally, evaluate Build Quality and Materials. Life on the road is hard on gear. Look for cast aluminum or heavy-gauge steel bodies that can handle being bounced around. Cast iron grates offer the best searing but require maintenance, while porcelain-coated or stainless steel grates are easier to clean. Pay for durability now, or you’ll be buying a replacement grill in two seasons.
Essential Grill Accessories for Your Mobile Kitchen
The right accessories make outdoor cooking smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Think dual-purpose and compact. You don’t have room for a drawer full of single-use gadgets, so every item you pack needs to earn its spot in your mobile kitchen.
Start with the basics: a long-handled spatula and tongs are non-negotiable for keeping your hands away from the heat. A good grill brush is essential for cleanup. Choose one with a scraper to tackle tough, burnt-on food, which helps you conserve water when cleaning up at the campsite.
Beyond the tools, consider your cooking environment. A silicone or other heat-resistant mat is a must-have to protect campground picnic tables from grease stains and heat damage. A small, collapsible side table can be a lifesaver for prep space if your grill doesn’t have built-in trays. Finally, a quality carrying case or bag keeps the grease and grime contained in your storage bay, which is a small detail that makes a huge difference in overall cleanliness.
Your outdoor grill is more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a central part of the RV experience. It’s where you gather after a long day of driving, share stories with new friends, and create the meals that become the memories of your journey. The models we’ve covered aren’t just products; they are proven tools trusted by the nomadic community.
The final decision isn’t about finding the "best" grill, but the right grill for your unique adventure. Whether it’s the all-around performance of a Weber Q, the versatility of a Coleman RoadTrip, or the minimalist efficiency of a Cuisinart Petit Gourmet, the perfect choice is waiting. It’s the one that fits your space, matches your cooking style, and empowers you to make amazing food, wherever the road takes you next.
So, take a hard look at your storage bay, be honest about your cooking habits, and invest in the tool that will bring you the most joy. Because a good meal, cooked under an open sky, is one of the simple, profound pleasures that this lifestyle is all about.
