6 Best Tabletop Grills For Limited RV Storage That Maximize Every Inch

You’ve just pulled into the perfect campsite, the sun is setting, and all you want is the sizzle of burgers on a grill. But the only storage bay left is a narrow slot next to the camp chairs and leveling blocks. This is the reality of RV life, where every cubic inch is precious real estate you can’t afford to waste on bulky, inefficient gear.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Choosing a Grill for Your RV Galley Space

Finding the right grill isn’t just about cooking power; it’s a game of spatial Tetris. Before you even look at BTUs or cooking surfaces, measure your intended storage spot. Is it a wide, shallow compartment under the dinette, or a tall, skinny bay in the passthrough? The shape of your available space dictates the shape of your grill.

A common mistake is buying a powerful grill that’s a nightmare to store. You end up leaving it at home or constantly shuffling it around, turning a convenience into a chore. Think about the entire workflow: where will it live, how will you get it out, and where will you set it up? A grill that fits perfectly but requires you to unload half your storage bay to access it isn’t a good fit.

Consider the grill’s "packed" shape. A square or rectangular grill, like a briefcase-style model, is often far easier to pack than a round or clamshell design. Those odd curves create dead space around them, which is a cardinal sin in a small rig. The goal is a grill that slides into place with minimal fuss and maximizes the volume of its storage footprint.

Weber Q1200: The Classic Compact Powerhouse

The Weber Q series is legendary for a reason: it just works. The Q1200 offers incredible heat control and distribution in a small package, thanks to its cast aluminum body and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. It feels and cooks like a much larger grill, easily handling steaks, chicken, and vegetables without frustrating hot spots.

Its clamshell design is both a strength and a weakness. When open, the tall lid provides ample room for larger items like a whole chicken. However, this rounded shape makes it awkward to store. You can’t easily stack things on top of it, and it doesn’t slide neatly into a rectangular opening. You have to dedicate a specific, oddly-shaped spot for it.

Despite the storage challenge, its reliability is unmatched. It lights every time, the built-in thermometer is accurate, and the side tables are genuinely useful for holding your tools and a plate. If you have the right-sized bay and prioritize raw cooking performance over ultimate packability, the Weber Q1200 is arguably the best-cooking portable grill on the market.

Blackstone 17” Griddle for Ultimate Versatility

A griddle isn’t a grill, and that’s exactly its strength. The Blackstone 17” tabletop model opens up a whole new world of outdoor cooking beyond burgers and hot dogs. Think bacon and pancakes for breakfast, smash burgers for lunch, and stir-fry for dinner. This versatility can free up your indoor stove, keeping heat and cooking smells out of your small living space.

The flat-top design makes it incredibly efficient for storage. The griddle top can be removed and stored separately from the base, allowing you to slide both pieces into shallower compartments. The main body is a simple, low-profile rectangle. This modularity is a huge win for RVers with limited or awkwardly shaped storage.

The main tradeoff is the lack of open-flame grilling. You won’t get those classic sear marks or the specific flavor that comes from drippings vaporizing on a flame. It also requires a different cleaning process and regular seasoning to maintain the non-stick surface. But if you value cooking a wider variety of meals outdoors, the Blackstone’s versatility is a game-changer for RV kitchens.

Cuisinart Petit Gourmet: Briefcase Portability

The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet is designed from the ground up for portability. Its defining feature is its "briefcase" style, with folding legs that lock the lid in place for transport. This creates a compact, rectangular package that is incredibly easy to carry and, more importantly, easy to store. It slides perfectly into narrow vertical spaces or lays flat under a dinette bench.

This grill is all about convenience. It heats up quickly and is big enough to cook for two to four people, making it a great choice for couples or small families. While its 5,500 BTU burner isn’t going to win any power awards, it’s more than sufficient for typical grilling tasks like sausages, burgers, and vegetable skewers.

Don’t expect the robust build or even heating of a Weber Q. The grates are thinner, and you might find some cooler spots around the edges. But that’s the compromise. You’re trading peak performance for an unbeatable form factor. For the RVer who prioritizes easy storage and setup above all else, the Petit Gourmet is a brilliant solution.

Nomadiq Grill: Innovative, Ultra-Slim Design

The Nomadiq is a masterclass in clever engineering. When packed, it’s an astonishingly slim, smooth-sided unit with an integrated handle. It looks more like a piece of high-end luggage than a grill. To use it, you simply unlock two clips and it unfolds, revealing two independent grilling surfaces.

This design is a dream for anyone with truly challenging storage constraints. It can slide behind a seat, fit in a shallow drawer, or stand on its end in a sliver of space most other grills couldn’t use. Each side has its own burner and control, so you can cook at two different temperatures simultaneously—a feature almost unheard of in this size class.

The innovation comes with a price, both literally and figuratively. It’s one of the more expensive options, and the complex folding mechanism has more potential points of failure than a simple clamshell grill. But if your storage situation demands the absolute slimmest profile possible, the Nomadiq’s unique design solves a problem no other grill can.

Coleman Fold N Go: The Most Packable Propane Grill

When you need a grill that practically disappears when stored, look no further than the Coleman Fold N Go. This is the minimalist’s choice. It’s incredibly lightweight and folds down into a tiny, flat package that can be tucked into almost any nook or cranny. If you’re in a van conversion or a small travel trailer, this grill’s tiny footprint is its killer feature.

Let’s be clear: this is not a high-performance machine. The single burner can be susceptible to wind, and the thin, stamped-steel grate doesn’t retain heat like cast iron. You’ll need to manage your expectations. It’s perfect for grilling hot dogs, pre-cooked sausages, or simple burger patties, but it will struggle with a thick, bone-in steak.

Think of the Fold N Go as a functional tool for getting a simple job done. It’s affordable, it’s unbelievably compact, and it’s reliable enough for basic campsite cooking. For the RVer who only grills occasionally and values storage space above all else, it’s an incredibly practical and budget-friendly choice.

Pit Boss Tabletop Pellet Grill for Smoky Flavor

For those who refuse to compromise on flavor, a tabletop pellet grill brings the magic of a full-sized smoker to your campsite. The Pit Boss Tabletop model offers genuine wood-fired taste that a propane grill simply cannot replicate. You can smoke ribs, brisket, and pork shoulder right on your picnic table, a feat that will make you the envy of the campground.

This capability comes with significant tradeoffs for RV life. First, it requires electricity to run the auger and the fan, meaning you need to be plugged into shore power or have a robust battery and inverter setup. Second, you have to store not only the grill but also a bag of wood pellets, which are bulky and susceptible to moisture.

This is not a grill for the casual camper; it’s a commitment. The unit itself is heavy and boxy, demanding a significant amount of storage space. But if slow-smoked barbecue is a non-negotiable part of your travel experience, the Pit Boss Tabletop makes it possible to bring that authentic smoky flavor on the road.

Key Features: BTU, Grate Material, and Footprint

When comparing grills, it’s easy to get lost in the specs. Let’s simplify the three most important factors for RVers: BTU, grate material, and footprint. Each one represents a critical tradeoff between performance, maintenance, and storage.

BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a measure of heat output. Higher BTU isn’t always better; it’s about heat density for the cooking area. A high-BTU grill heats up faster and recovers its temperature more quickly after you add cold food, which is crucial for getting a good sear. However, it will also consume more propane.

The material of your cooking grate matters immensely for both cooking and cleaning.

• Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron: The best for heat retention and sear marks. Heavy and requires care to prevent chipping the enamel.
• Stainless Steel: Lighter than cast iron and very durable. Good heat distribution but can be prone to food sticking.
• Stamped Steel: The lightest and cheapest option. Doesn’t hold heat well, leading to less even cooking.

Finally, always consider both the storage footprint and the in-use footprint. A grill might pack down small, but if it has two large side tables, you need to ensure you have enough picnic table space to use it safely. Measure your bay, then measure your table, and make sure your choice works for both.

Choosing the right grill is about honestly assessing your priorities. Are you a gourmet cook who needs the power of a Weber, or a weekend warrior who just needs the simple convenience of a Coleman? The best grill isn’t the one with the highest specs; it’s the one that fits your space, your cooking style, and your life on the road.