6 Best RV Grills For Rainy Days That Challenge Convention
Don’t let rain stop your RV cookout. We review 6 innovative grills, from smokeless indoor models to all-weather units, that defy the elements.
The forecast calls for rain all weekend, and that familiar sense of disappointment sinks in as you stare at the charcoal grill you can’t use. For many RVers, a downpour means the planned cookout is off, replaced by a cramped stovetop meal. But it doesn’t have to be that way; the problem isn’t the weather, it’s the tool.
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Rethinking Rainy Day Grilling for RV Life
The biggest hurdle is obvious: you can’t safely operate a traditional charcoal or large propane grill inside your RV. The carbon monoxide risk is non-negotiable. Even using one under an awning can be a recipe for disaster, with wind-driven rain causing flare-ups or smoke getting trapped and staining your rig.
This is where we need to challenge the convention of what a "grill" is. Instead of trying to make a classic backyard grill work in a compromised space, we should look for tools designed for these exact conditions. The solution lies in models that are electric, smokeless, or so compact and controllable they can be used safely at the edge of a covered area without turning your campsite into a smoke-filled hazard.
Your decision comes down to a few key tradeoffs. Do you prioritize authentic smoky flavor, or is smokeless indoor convenience more important? Are you cooking for two or for a crowd? And critically, what is your power situation—are you always on shore power, or do you need a propane option that sips fuel? Answering these questions is the first step to finding a grill that makes you immune to the weather report.
Ninja Woodfire Grill: Smokeless Electric Power
The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill is a true game-changer for RV life because it directly solves the flavor-versus-safety dilemma. It’s a high-heat electric grill and smoker in one, using a small basket of wood pellets to generate real smoke flavor without the open flame and billowing clouds of a traditional smoker. This is the key to its rainy-day brilliance.
Because it’s electric and the smoke output is controlled, you can place it on a stable table under your awning with confidence. There are no propane flare-ups to worry about and no charcoal embers to get scattered by a gust of wind. You get the convenience and relative safety of electric power while achieving a surprisingly authentic wood-fired taste on everything from steaks to salmon.
Of course, there are considerations. The Woodfire requires a significant amount of power, making it best for RVers who are typically on 30-amp or 50-amp shore power. Running it off a standard inverter and battery bank is possible but will drain your reserves quickly. It’s also on the bulkier side, so you’ll need dedicated storage space. This is the premium choice for the RVer who refuses to compromise on flavor, rain or shine.
George Foreman GGR50B: Classic Indoor/Outdoor
Let’s be clear: the George Foreman grill is the undisputed veteran of indoor grilling. The GGR50B model takes that legacy and makes it perfect for RVers by adding a pedestal stand. This simple feature transforms it from a countertop appliance into a freestanding grill you can use anywhere.
On a rainy day, this versatility is its superpower. You can set it up on its stand under the awning for a classic cookout feel, or you can bring the grill surface itself inside and place it right on your counter. The signature sloped design drains grease away from the electric element, drastically reducing smoke and making it one of the few truly indoor-safe options.
You aren’t going to get a deep, smoky char from a Foreman. That’s the primary tradeoff. But what you do get is unmatched simplicity, safety, and reliability. It heats up fast, cleans up easily, and delivers perfectly cooked burgers, chicken, and veggies without any drama. For a simple, affordable, and foolproof all-weather solution, it’s tough to beat.
Weber Q1200: Compact Propane Awning Grilling
Sometimes, you just want the familiar power and searing capability of propane. For that, the Weber Q1200 is the gold standard for small-space living. It’s not an indoor grill, but it is arguably the best conventional grill for use in less-than-ideal weather.
Its compact size is its greatest asset. You can easily position it on a small table at the far edge of your awning, providing plenty of ventilation while keeping you and the grill dry. Unlike cheaper models, the Weber Q’s cast iron grates retain heat exceptionally well, and its powerful burner resists being extinguished by wind. This reliability is exactly what you need when conditions are tough.
Remember, this is still an open-flame appliance and must be used outdoors with proper clearance from your RV’s sidewalls. It runs on small 1-lb propane canisters, which are easy to store and swap out. If your priority is true grilling performance and you’re willing to manage the logistics of cooking with propane under cover, the Weber Q1200 is the most robust and road-tested choice available.
Char-Broil TRU-Infrared: Even Electric Heat
The Char-Broil Patio Bistro Electric Grill brings a unique technology to the table: TRU-Infrared. Instead of using hot air to cook food, it uses infrared radiation to heat the food directly. This might sound technical, but the practical benefit for a rainy day is huge: it produces virtually no flare-ups and significantly less smoke than a traditional grill.
This cooking system makes it another excellent candidate for use under an awning. With no flames to worry about, you can cook with greater peace of mind closer to your living space. The infrared heat also results in incredibly juicy and evenly cooked food, preventing the hot spots and dry-outs that can plague other grills, especially in windy or cool weather.
The main tradeoff is a slightly longer preheat time compared to a gas grill. The cooking grate and emitter plate also require a specific cleaning method to keep them performing at their best. But for the RVer who values precision and even cooking over the brute force of an open flame, the Patio Bistro offers a sophisticated and safe way to grill in any weather.
Cuisinart Griddler: A Versatile Countertop Star
Grill, press, and griddle with Cuisinart's versatile 5-in-1 Griddler. Its removable, reversible, and dishwasher-safe plates offer healthy cooking with a built-in grease drain, while adjustable temperature controls ensure perfect results.
Who says your rainy-day "grill" even needs to look like one? The Cuisinart Griddler is a countertop multi-tool that redefines indoor cooking. It functions as a contact grill, a panini press, a full griddle, and a half-griddle, giving you immense flexibility from a single, compact appliance.
When the rain is coming down sideways and even the awning isn’t an option, the Griddler is your hero. You can put perfect grill marks on a pair of steaks, press gourmet sandwiches, or flip pancakes for the whole family, all from the comfort of your RV kitchen. It’s completely electric and produces minimal smoke, making it 100% indoor-safe.
The limitation is size; you won’t be hosting a campground cookout with it. But for a couple or a small family, its value is off the charts. In the world of RVing, an appliance that performs five functions while taking up the space of one is a massive win. The Griddler isn’t just a grill; it’s a space-saving, all-weather cooking strategy.
Blackstone 17" Griddle: The Ultimate Flat-Top
The Blackstone Griddle challenges the very idea of a grill by ditching the grates entirely. This flat-top cooking surface is a different beast, and its design offers unique advantages for rainy-day cooking. The solid steel top means zero chance of flare-ups from dripping grease—a major safety concern when cooking near your rig is eliminated.
This control makes it a fantastic tool for using under an awning. You can manage the heat with precision, and the griddle surface excels in windy conditions that would wreak havoc on an open-flame grill. From smash burgers and Philly cheesesteaks to a massive breakfast of bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns, the Blackstone’s versatility is legendary. It allows you to cook entire meals outside that would normally require multiple pans on your indoor stovetop.
Like the Weber Q, the Blackstone is a propane appliance that demands outdoor use and proper ventilation. It’s an awning-only solution. But if you value versatility and want a cooking surface that can handle almost any ingredient you throw at it with predictable, even heat, the 17" tabletop model is a powerful and RV-friendly choice.
Choosing Your All-Weather Grilling Solution
Ultimately, the "best" grill is the one that aligns with your specific RV lifestyle, power capabilities, and cooking preferences. There is no single right answer, only the right answer for you. The choice boils down to how you answer a few fundamental questions about where and what you want to cook when the weather turns.
To simplify your decision, think in terms of scenarios. Your perfect all-weather grill is likely on this list:
- For True Indoor Safety: If you want to cook inside, no questions asked, your options are electric contact grills. The Cuisinart Griddler is the versatile choice, while the George Foreman is the simple, classic solution.
- For Awning Grilling with Flavor: If you want real smoke flavor without the risk of a traditional smoker, the Ninja Woodfire Grill is in a class of its own. It’s the best of both worlds, provided you have the power for it.
- For Awning Grilling with Power: If you prefer the raw heat and performance of propane, your best bets are compact and controllable models. The Weber Q1200 is the classic choice for searing, while the Blackstone 17" Griddle offers unmatched versatility and flare-up control.
- For Smokeless Electric Convenience: If you want a simple, effective electric grill for covered outdoor use, the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared provides exceptionally even heat and minimizes smoke.
Don’t let a little rain wash out your plans. By expanding your definition of a grill and choosing a tool designed for versatility instead of just perfect, sunny days, you can ensure a great meal is always on the menu. A good all-weather grill doesn’t just cook food; it gives you freedom from the forecast.
The right equipment empowers you to adapt to the realities of the road, turning a rainy day from a problem into just another Tuesday. Choose a grill that challenges convention, and you’ll be ready for anything.
