6 Best Compact Barbecues

There’s nothing quite like the smell of grilling at a campsite after a long day of driving. It’s the signal that you’ve arrived, you’re settled, and it’s time to relax. But in an RV, every single item you carry has to earn its keep, and a bulky barbecue is often the first thing to get cut from the packing list.

The challenge isn’t just finding a small grill; it’s finding one that cooks well without monopolizing your precious storage space. In a world where every inch counts, your outdoor cooking setup can either be a seamless extension of your kitchen or a constant, clunky headache. The right compact grill makes all the difference.

This isn’t about finding the grill with the highest BTUs or the most features. It’s about matching the right tool to your rig, your cooking style, and your travel habits. We’re going to break down the best options that deliver big flavor while respecting the golden rule of RVing: maximize every inch.

08/15/2026 11:33 pm GMT

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Find Your Perfect RV Grill for Big Flavor

Choosing an RV grill is a classic exercise in managing trade-offs. You’re balancing cooking surface area against the physical footprint it occupies in your storage bay. A grill that can feed a crowd is useless if it doesn’t fit through the basement door.

The first question to ask isn’t "which grill is best?" but "how do I cook and where can I store it?" Are you a steak-and-burgers purist, or do you dream of campsite pancakes and bacon? Will the grill live in a deep pass-through bay, a shallow compartment, or hang off the side of your rig? Your answers immediately narrow the field.

Don’t forget the user experience. A grill that takes 15 minutes of frustrating assembly will quickly become dead weight. Consider fuel sources, too. Tapping into your RV’s onboard propane is incredibly convenient, but carrying separate 1lb canisters gives you more flexibility on where you set up. The best grill is the one you’ll actually use.

Weber Q1200: Your Go-To for Reliable Grilling

The Weber Q series is the unofficial standard for RV grilling for a very good reason: it just works. It delivers incredibly even heat across its porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, giving you consistent results you can count on. This reliability is a luxury when you’re cooking in an unfamiliar environment.

Its durable cast-aluminum body and lid retain heat exceptionally well, making it efficient on propane and capable of handling windy conditions. The fold-out side tables are a huge bonus, providing much-needed prep space that is often missing at a campsite. When folded, the unit becomes a self-contained, albeit slightly bulky, package.

The Q1200 isn’t the smallest or lightest option, and its clam-shell shape can be awkward to pack around. But if your priority is true, no-compromise grilling performance, this is the benchmark. It’s the grill for people who want to cook a perfect steak, not just heat up some hot dogs.

Blackstone Tabletop: Master Your RV Breakfasts

The Blackstone griddle fundamentally changes the outdoor cooking game. It’s less of a traditional grill and more of a versatile, flat-top outdoor kitchen. This opens up a whole new menu of possibilities, from sizzling bacon and eggs in the morning to Philly cheesesteaks for dinner.

From a space-saving perspective, the tabletop models are brilliant. Their low-profile, rectangular shape is a dream to store, sliding easily into shallow bays or even under a dinette. Cleanup is another major win; a quick scrape and wipe-down is all it takes, eliminating the chore of scrubbing greasy grates.

You have to be honest about what it is, though. A Blackstone is a griddle, not a grill. You won’t get those classic sear marks or the smoky flavor that comes from an open flame. It’s a specialized tool that excels at what it does, making it a perfect complement to a traditional grill or a fantastic standalone for those who prefer griddle-style cooking.

Coleman RoadTrip 285: Ultimate Portability

The Coleman RoadTrip series is designed for people who value convenience and mobility above all else. Its signature feature is the integrated, collapsible scissor-leg stand with wheels. This means you don’t need to pack a separate table or clear off the picnic table to start cooking.

This model is a true multi-tasker. The interchangeable cooktops allow you to swap out the grill grates for a griddle or stove grate (sold separately). This kind of dual-use design is exactly what you should look for in RV gear, as one item can now do the job of two or three.

That all-in-one convenience comes at the cost of storage size. When collapsed, it’s a long and somewhat bulky unit that requires a dedicated spot. You’re trading the absolute smallest footprint for the incredible ease of rolling your entire cooking station from your RV to the perfect spot with minimal effort.

Camco Olympian: The Best Mountable RV Grill

For RVers with limited or non-existent bay storage, a mountable grill is a brilliant solution. The Camco Olympian series is designed to attach directly to your rig’s mounting rail, meaning it uses zero of your precious interior or basement storage. This is a complete game-changer for smaller travel trailers, vans, and truck campers.

These grills are engineered for the RV ecosystem. They are typically designed as low-pressure appliances, allowing you to connect them directly to your RV’s regulated propane supply with the right hose. This eliminates the need to carry and dispose of those small green 1lb canisters, simplifying your entire setup.

The trade-off is a loss of flexibility and power. You can only grill right next to your RV, which isn’t always ideal, and their heat output is generally more modest than a high-performance portable. They excel at grilling basics like burgers, chicken, and veggies, but might struggle with a thick, hard-seared steak.

Weber Go-Anywhere: Classic Charcoal Flavor

For some campers, the smoky flavor of charcoal is non-negotiable. The Weber Go-Anywhere is the time-tested, iconic answer for bringing that authentic barbecue experience on the road. It’s a simple, no-frills grill that puts flavor first.

Its design is a masterclass in space efficiency. The steel legs pivot up to lock the lid in place, creating a compact, briefcase-sized box that is easy to carry and contains any leftover soot. This clever design has made it a favorite of campers for decades.

Opting for charcoal on the road is a conscious choice that requires more effort. You have to haul the briquettes, manage the fire, and most importantly, have a plan for safely disposing of hot ash. Many campgrounds have specific rules about ash disposal, so you have to be prepared. For those who believe it’s not a real barbecue without charcoal, the extra steps are well worth it.

Napoleon TravelQ: Premium Power in a Small Size

If you refuse to compromise on cooking power, the Napoleon TravelQ series brings the performance of a high-end home grill to a portable package. This is the grill for the serious RVer who sees cooking as a central part of the travel experience. It delivers intense, even heat that can sear a steak beautifully.

What sets it apart are features like dual stainless-steel burners, which allow for precise temperature control and true indirect cooking—something most compact grills can’t do. The high-top cast aluminum lid also provides enough clearance to roast a whole chicken. This is as close as you can get to a full-size grill in a portable format.

That premium performance comes with a premium size, weight, and price tag. Even when collapsed on its optional scissor cart, it occupies a significant amount of storage space. You need to measure your bay carefully and be prepared to dedicate a specific, large spot to it. It’s a serious piece of equipment for a serious outdoor chef.

Choosing the Right Compact Grill for Your Rig

Ultimately, the perfect grill is the one that fits your life. Don’t get sold on features you won’t use or a size you can’t store. The absolute first step is to get out a tape measure and identify the exact space you plan to store your grill. That single measurement will do more to narrow your choices than anything else.

Once you know your spatial constraints, you can choose based on your cooking style. A simple framework can help:

• Best All-Around Grilling: For reliable, high-performance grilling, the Weber Q1200 is the top contender.
• Maximum Versatility: For breakfasts and beyond, the Blackstone Tabletop griddle is unmatched.
• Ultimate Portability: If you value an all-in-one, roll-away setup, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 is for you.
• Zero-Footprint Storage: For saving every inch of bay space, the Camco Olympian mountable grill is the only real choice.

Think of your grill as an investment in your RV lifestyle. The right choice doesn’t just cook your food; it expands your living area to the outdoors. It turns a simple parking spot into a proper campsite with a functional, enjoyable outdoor kitchen, making your small space feel infinitely larger.

Finding the right compact barbecue is a balancing act. It’s a negotiation between the cooking power you want and the storage space you actually have. There is no single "best" grill, only the one that is best for your rig and the way you travel.

Before you buy, think about the entire process. Consider where you’ll store it, how you’ll fuel it, where you’ll set it up, and how you’ll clean it. Answering those questions honestly will guide you to a grill that becomes a beloved part of your camping kit, not a heavy piece of forgotten gear.

A great meal, cooked outside under an open sky, is one of the simple joys of RVing. The right grill makes that moment happen, turning any beautiful spot you find into a place that truly feels like home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What features define a portable compact barbecue grill?

A compact barbecue grill is an outdoor cooker designed with a cooking surface under 300 square inches and a folding or tabletop frame for easy transport. Most compact barbecues weigh between 15 and 35 pounds to fit into car trunks or camper storage bins. These grills typically use portable 1-pound propane canisters or small charcoal batches. They provide direct high-heat cooking for small groups of two to four people without occupying permanent patio space.

What does the BTU rating mean on a compact barbecue?

BTU ratings measure the total fuel consumed per hour by a compact gas barbecue burner, rather than the raw heat delivered to the food. For compact barbecues, an output between 8,000 and 12,000 BTUs is standard and sufficient for cooking grates under 250 square inches. Higher BTU numbers mean the grill burns through disposable 16-ounce propane cylinders faster. Comparing BTUs per square inch gives a clearer picture of cooking efficiency than looking at total BTUs alone.

How do you light a compact charcoal barbecue quickly?

Starting a compact charcoal barbecue quickly requires a compact chimney starter filled with roughly 20 to 30 charcoal briquettes. Place two crumpled sheets of newspaper or a paraffin wax starter cube beneath the chimney and ignite them with a long match. Allow the coals to burn undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes until glowing red with a thin coating of white ash. Carefully dump the lit coals across the lower grate using heat-resistant barbecue gloves before adding your food.

How do I clean a compact barbecue grill after camping?

Clean a compact barbecue grill after camping by scraping food residue from warm grates with a brass-bristle brush or wooden scraper. Once the unit cools completely, empty all loose ash or wipe out grease from the drip tray into a sealable trash bag. Wash the cooking grates with warm water, mild dish soap, and a non-abrasive sponge. Dry the metal parts thoroughly with a microfiber towel before packing the grill into a vehicle to prevent rust formation during storage.

Are gas or charcoal compact barbecues better for small patios?

Gas compact barbecues are generally better for small patios because they produce almost no smoke and offer instant temperature control. Compact propane grills ignite with the push of a button and cool down within 15 minutes after shutoff, reducing safety hazards near exterior walls. Charcoal models deliver authentic smoky flavor but produce dense smoke and flying embers that can bother neighbors in close quarters. Gas models also eliminate the chore of disposing of hot charcoal embers safely.

How much does a reliable compact barbecue cost?

Prices for reliable compact barbecues generally range from $50 for basic portable charcoal models up to $300 for premium cast-aluminum portable gas grills. Budget-friendly stamped steel charcoal grills from reputable brands often cost between $45 and $80. Premium tabletop gas models featuring porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and electronic igniters, such as models from Weber or Napoleon, typically retail between $180 and $280. Investing over $150 usually secures sturdier lid latches, thicker metal, and more even heat distribution.

Why is my compact barbecue not getting hot enough?

Low heat in a compact barbecue is usually caused by an empty fuel source, a tripped propane safety regulator, or blocked air vents. For gas models, reset the regulator by turning off the tank, disconnecting the hose, waiting 30 seconds, and reconnecting it slowly. For charcoal grills, open both the top and bottom intake dampers completely to feed oxygen to the fire. Also verify that cooking grates are clean, as thick layers of burnt grease absorb heat before it reaches food.

Can you legally use a compact barbecue on an apartment balcony?

Balcony barbecue rules depend on local fire codes and lease agreements, which frequently ban open-flame grills within 10 feet of combustible structures. Many municipal fire departments enforce the NFPA 1 fire code, prohibiting charcoal grills and gas cylinders larger than one pound on combustible balconies. Check your local city ordinances and apartment bylaws before operating any grill outdoors. If open flame is strictly barred, electric compact barbecues provide a compliant alternative that most landlords allow.