6 Best Small Grills for RV Cooking That Nomads Swear By
Find the perfect portable grill for your RV. This guide covers 6 nomad-approved models, balancing compact size with powerful cooking performance.
There’s nothing quite like the smell of grilling at a campsite after a long day of driving. But choosing the right grill for your RV isn’t just about what cooks a good burger; it’s about what fits, literally and figuratively, into your life on the road. The perfect grill is an extension of your kitchen, not a bulky burden you regret packing.
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Choosing the Right Grill for Your RV Lifestyle
The "best" grill is a myth; the "right" grill for you is what matters. Before you even look at models, you need to be honest about your space, your cooking style, and your tolerance for setup and cleanup. Where will this thing live? If it’s going into a small, crowded pass-through bay, a bulky grill with a built-in stand is a non-starter, no matter how great its features are.
Think about your fuel source. Small 1lb propane canisters are convenient but create waste and can be costly over time. Tapping into your RV’s onboard propane with an extension hose is more efficient but requires the right grill and adapters. And if you crave that wood-fired flavor, a pellet grill is an option, but now you have to store bags of pellets and have a reliable power source.
Finally, consider how you cook. Are you a classic burgers-and-dogs griller, or do you want to be making pancakes and bacon for breakfast? This single question can steer you toward a traditional grill with grates or a flat-top griddle. Don’t buy a feature you’ll never use—it’s just dead weight you have to haul over the next mountain pass.
Weber Q1200: The All-Around RV Grilling Champ
If there’s one grill you’ll see at almost every campground, it’s a Weber Q. There’s a good reason for that. The Q1200 hits the sweet spot between portability, durability, and performance. Its cast aluminum body and lid hold heat remarkably well, and the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates give you a fantastic sear that cheaper, thinner grates just can’t match.
What makes it a nomad’s favorite is its reliability and simplicity. The push-button ignition works consistently, and the temperature control is surprisingly precise for a portable unit. Many RVers buy an adapter kit to run it directly off their rig’s low-pressure propane quick-connect, eliminating the need to carry those little green bottles. It’s a workhorse that just plain works.
The tradeoffs are size and specialization. While portable, it’s still a bit bulky and awkwardly shaped for tight storage spots. It’s a fantastic grill, but it’s just a grill. If you want to cook anything that would fall through the grates, you’ll need to buy accessory griddle plates, which adds to the cost and the stuff you need to store.
Blackstone 17" Griddle for Maximum Versatility
The Blackstone griddle isn’t just a grill; it’s a complete outdoor kitchen surface that has developed a massive following in the RV community. Forget just grilling burgers. With a griddle, you can cook diner-style breakfast—pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns—all at once. It’s also perfect for things like Philly cheesesteaks, fried rice, or searing fish without it sticking and falling apart.
Cook for a crowd with the Blackstone 28" Griddle, offering 524 sq inches of cooking space and two independently controlled burners. It also features a patented rear grease management system for easy cleanup and an integrated hood for protection.
The key to the Blackstone is its seasoned steel cooktop. Like a good cast iron pan, it gets better with use, developing a non-stick surface that delivers incredible flavor. The 17-inch model is compact enough for RV storage bays but offers a surprisingly large cooking area. It’s the ultimate tool for anyone who wants to cook the majority of their meals outside to keep heat and smells out of the rig.
Living with a Blackstone requires a bit of a system. Grease management is critical. You need a plan for capturing and disposing of the runoff, as the small built-in trap fills up fast. It also needs to be cleaned and oiled after use to prevent rust, which is a non-negotiable step. It’s more versatile than a traditional grill, but it also demands more care.
Coleman RoadTrip 285: Ultimate Portability
Grill up to 20,000 BTUs with three independently adjustable burners for precise temperature control on a 285 sq. in. cooking surface. Features Instastart ignition for easy lighting and quick-fold legs with wheels for effortless setup and portability.
The biggest selling point of the Coleman RoadTrip series is right there in the name. This grill is designed from the ground up for travel. Its defining feature is the integrated, collapsible stand with wheels that folds down instantly. You pull it behind you like a piece of luggage, pop the legs out, and you’re ready to cook. You don’t need to clear off a picnic table or bring a separate stand.
Versatility is another major strength. Coleman offers swappable cooktops, so you can easily switch from a grill grate to a griddle top or even a stove grate for a pot or pan. This modularity makes it a true multi-tool for outdoor cooking. The three adjustable burners also provide better temperature zone control than many single-burner portables.
However, convenience comes with a compromise. The integrated stand, while handy, adds mechanical complexity and makes the whole unit heavier and bulkier when stored. The cooking performance is solid for a portable, but the stamped steel grates don’t retain heat as well as the heavy cast iron on a Weber. It’s the perfect choice for someone who values a quick, self-contained setup above all else.
Pit Boss Portable Grill for Wood-Fired Flavor
Enjoy wood-fired flavor anywhere with the Pit Boss Table Top Grill. It features precise temperature control from 180° to 500°F and a slide-plate for direct or indirect grilling.
For the RVer who refuses to compromise on flavor, a portable wood pellet grill is the answer. The Pit Boss portable models bring real wood-fired smoking and grilling to the campsite in a package that can actually fit in a storage bay. You get the "set it and forget it" convenience of a pellet grill, allowing you to smoke a pork shoulder or brisket while you go for a hike.
This is a completely different class of cooking. The flavor from real hardwood pellets is something propane and charcoal just can’t replicate. It opens up a world of low-and-slow barbecue that is normally reserved for backyard smokers. If you’re serious about your BBQ, this is the only way to get that authentic taste on the road.
Be warned: this is the most logistically demanding option. Pellet grills require electricity to run the auger and fan, so you need to be plugged into shore power or have a capable inverter and battery bank. You also have to carry and store bags of wood pellets, which are bulky and must be kept dry. It’s a significant commitment, but for those who prioritize flavor, the payoff is immense.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: Compact & Efficient
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.
When every square inch of storage is precious, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet shines. This grill is designed for maximum space efficiency. It functions like a briefcase; the lid locks, the legs fold up, and it becomes a compact, easy-to-carry package. It’s the ideal solution for van lifers, truck campers, or RVers with very limited exterior storage.
Despite its small size, it heats up quickly and can comfortably cook for two people. The telescoping legs allow you to use it on the ground or a tabletop, adding a bit of versatility. It’s a simple, no-frills machine that does one job—grilling in a small space—and does it well. Think of it as the perfect tool for a quick weeknight meal at a Harvest Host, not a big cookout at a family reunion.
The limitations are directly tied to its strengths. The small cooking surface isn’t meant for a crowd. The components are lighter-duty than more expensive grills, so it may not withstand the same level of abuse over years of travel. This is the grill you choose when your primary constraint is space, not performance.
Magma Newport II: Built for Marine-Grade Life
This durable 304 stainless steel gas grill features a 9"x18" grilling surface and an infrared searing system for efficient, even cooking. Its balanced, lockable lid with thermometer and fold-away legs make it ideal for marine and outdoor use.
Originally designed for the harsh saltwater environment of boating, Magma grills are a fantastic, if premium, choice for RV life. Constructed from 100% 18-9 mirror-polished stainless steel, they are virtually immune to rust and corrosion. If you travel frequently in coastal or humid areas, a Magma will outlast just about any other portable grill on the market.
The real game-changer is the mounting system. Magma grills are designed to be mounted, not placed on a table. With the right adapter, you can mount one on your RV’s rear ladder or bumper rack. This frees up your entire picnic table and keeps the hot, greasy grill in a dedicated, out-of-the-way spot. It’s an incredibly efficient use of space.
This level of quality and engineering comes at a price. Magma grills are a significant investment compared to their competitors. But if you view your grill as a permanent piece of RV equipment and value extreme durability and space-saving mounting options, the long-term value is undeniable. You’re buying a piece of equipment that is built to last a lifetime, not just a few seasons.
Grill Maintenance and Storage on the Road
A dirty grill is more than just a mess—it’s an open invitation for ants, mice, and other critters. A strict clean-up routine is non-negotiable on the road. After cooking, do a high-heat burn-off to carbonize any food bits, then give the grates a thorough scrape-down with a quality brush. Letting grease build up is a fire hazard and will make your storage bay a disaster.
Your storage solution is just as important as the grill itself. Storing a used grill directly in a carpeted compartment is a recipe for permanent grease stains and smells. A heavy-duty canvas bag or, even better, a shallow plastic tote is essential. This contains any residual grease and makes it easy to slide the grill in and out of storage without making a mess.
Finally, manage your fuel. If you’re using 1lb canisters, have a system for storing the full ones and setting aside the empties for proper disposal or refilling. If you’ve converted to a low-pressure hose, make it a part of your departure checklist to ensure it’s disconnected and stowed properly. A loose propane hose can be damaged easily, leading to a dangerous leak.
Ultimately, the best grill is the one you’ll actually use. Don’t get caught up in having the biggest or most feature-rich model. Be realistic about your space and cooking habits, and choose the tool that makes it easier to enjoy a great meal under the stars.
