6 Best RV Grills For Cooking Burgers That Nomads Swear By

There’s nothing quite like pulling into a campsite after a long drive, cracking open a cold drink, and firing up the grill for a burger. But the wrong grill can turn that perfect moment into a frustrating mess of uneven heat, greasy cleanup, and wasted storage space. Choosing the right grill for your RV isn’t just about cooking; it’s about finding a tool that fits seamlessly into the rhythm of your nomadic life.

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What Nomads Look For in an RV Burger Grill

The perfect RV grill is a master of compromise. It has to be small enough to fit in an already-cramped storage bay but large enough to cook for you and a guest. It needs to be fuel-efficient and, ideally, use a fuel source you already carry.

Most nomads gravitate toward propane for its sheer convenience. Tapping into your RV’s main propane tank with an adapter hose means you never run out of fuel mid-burger. However, 1lb green canisters are a simple grab-and-go option for shorter trips. Charcoal and wood pellets offer superior flavor but come with the baggage of carrying bulky fuel and dealing with messy ash disposal, which requires careful consideration of "Leave No Trace" principles.

Beyond fuel, think about construction and cleanup. A grill that rattles apart after a few thousand miles on bumpy roads is a waste of money. Look for sturdy legs, a secure lid latch, and materials like cast aluminum or stainless steel. A simple design with a good grease management system will save you countless headaches when it’s time to pack up and hit the road again.

Weber Q1200: The All-Around Classic Grill

When in doubt, get a Weber Q. For years, this has been the default recommendation for RVers, and for good reason. It’s a workhorse that delivers incredibly even heat across its porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, giving you those perfect sear marks every time.

The Q1200 hits the sweet spot of size and performance. Its 189-square-inch cooking area is plenty for four or five good-sized burgers, and the folding side tables are genuinely useful for holding your spatula and seasonings. It’s built like a tank from cast aluminum, so it holds heat well and can handle being knocked around in a storage bay.

The main tradeoff is its slightly awkward shape for storage. It’s not a perfect rectangle, so you have to pack around it. While it’s designed for 1lb propane canisters, investing in an adapter hose to connect it to a 20lb tank or your RV’s onboard propane is a game-changer for anyone on the road full-time.

Blackstone 17" Griddle for Perfect Smash Burgers

If your burger ideal is a crispy, craggy-edged smash burger, then a traditional grill just won’t cut it. The Blackstone tabletop griddle has become a phenomenon in the RV community for this very reason. Its solid steel flat-top surface provides the perfect platform for smashing patties and getting that incredible crust you can only achieve with full contact.

The Blackstone’s real magic is its versatility. This isn’t just a burger machine; it’s your outdoor kitchen. In the morning, it’s cooking bacon, eggs, and pancakes for a crowd. At lunch, it’s whipping up quesadillas or grilled cheese. This multi-functionality is a massive win when every item you carry needs to earn its spot.

Be prepared for a different kind of maintenance. The rolled-steel cooktop needs to be seasoned like a cast-iron skillet to create a non-stick surface and prevent rust. It’s also heavy for its size, a testament to its solid build. But for those who prioritize the perfect smash burger and breakfast feasts, the Blackstone is unbeatable.

Coleman RoadTrip 285: Ultimate Portability

The Coleman RoadTrip is designed for people who value speed and convenience above all else. Its standout feature is the integrated folding stand with wheels. You can pull it from your storage bay and have it set up and ready to cook in under a minute. No searching for a level spot on a picnic table; the grill is its own station.

This grill is all about modularity. It features three independent burners, giving you excellent temperature control across the cooking surface. Coleman also offers swappable cooktops, so you can replace one of the grill grates with a griddle or a stove grate. This allows you to grill burgers on one side while simmering a pot of chili on the other.

The convenience comes at a cost. The build quality, while decent, doesn’t feel as robust as a Weber Q. The open design can also be susceptible to wind, sometimes making it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature on a blustery day. It’s the perfect choice for the weekend warrior or the full-timer who wants the absolute easiest setup and takedown possible.

Magma Newport II: Mountable Marine-Grade Pick

Space is the ultimate luxury in an RV, and the Magma grill saves you the most valuable space of all: floor and storage space. Originally designed for the harsh saltwater environment of boating, these grills are made from marine-grade stainless steel that resists rust and corrosion like nothing else.

The Newport II’s killer feature is its mounting system. Using a separate mount, you can attach it directly to your RV’s rear ladder or bumper. This means the grill lives outside the RV, freeing up an entire storage bay and eliminating any greasy smells inside. It’s always ready to go.

This is a specialized tool, not an all-rounder. The cooking surface is smaller than the other grills on this list, and it carries a premium price tag reflecting its high-quality materials. But if you’re in a smaller rig like a Class B van or a truck camper where every inch of storage is critical, the Magma is a brilliant, space-saving solution.

Pit Boss Tabletop Grill for Authentic Smoke Flavor

For the nomad who believes a burger isn’t a burger without a hint of smoke, a portable pellet grill is the answer. The Pit Boss Tabletop brings the convenience of a pellet grill—set-it-and-forget-it temperature control and real wood-fired flavor—to a size that’s manageable for an RV.

This isn’t just a grill; it’s a versatile outdoor oven. You can smoke a rack of ribs low and slow, bake a pizza, or crank the heat for a perfectly seared burger. The digital controller maintains a steady temperature, taking the guesswork out of cooking and letting you enjoy the view instead of fiddling with vents.

The biggest consideration here is power. Pellet grills require 120V electricity to run the controller and the auger that feeds pellets to the fire pot. This is no problem at a campground with hookups, but for boondocking, you’ll need a capable inverter and battery bank or a portable power station. You also have to haul bags of wood pellets, which can take up considerable space.

NOMAD Grill & Smoker: A Rugged Charcoal Option

If you’re a charcoal purist who appreciates clever engineering, the NOMAD is your grill. This thing is built like a high-end piece of luggage, with a cast aluminum body that makes it both incredibly durable and highly efficient at retaining heat. It packs down into a self-contained briefcase, making it surprisingly easy to transport and store despite its heft.

The NOMAD excels at both direct-heat grilling for a classic charcoal burger and low-and-slow smoking. The thick construction and tight seal give you precise temperature control that’s rare in a portable charcoal grill. It’s an investment, but it’s the kind of buy-it-for-life gear that serious cooks appreciate.

Of course, you still have to deal with the realities of charcoal. It takes longer to get started, temperature management is a hands-on affair, and you have to dispose of hot ash responsibly. The NOMAD is for the RVer who sees grilling as a craft, not just a chore, and is willing to put in the effort for that unmatched charcoal flavor.

Fuel, Size, and Storage: Final Considerations

Your choice ultimately comes down to a few key questions about your travel style. First, fuel. If you value plug-and-play convenience, stick with propane and get an adapter hose for your main tank. If flavor is your absolute priority, you’ll need to make room for charcoal or wood pellets and accept the extra setup and cleanup time.

Next, measure your primary storage bay before you buy anything. A grill that’s half an inch too tall is a useless, frustrating object. Consider the shape. A Blackstone griddle is a flat rectangle that might slide under other gear, while a Weber Q has a domed lid that requires more vertical clearance. Think about how the grill will fit with your other essential outdoor items.

Don’t just buy the grill with the best reviews; buy the grill that removes the most friction from your life on the road. The best RV grill is the one you actually want to pull out and use after a long day of exploring. It’s the one that helps you make a great meal, in a great place, with minimal fuss.

In the end, the right grill becomes more than just an appliance; it’s a central part of the nomadic experience. It’s the tool that lets you turn a simple roadside stop into a memorable meal and a beautiful campsite into a temporary home. Choose wisely, and you’ll be enjoying perfect burgers wherever the road takes you.