Best Portable Grills for RV Camping: Blackstone, Weber, and More

By Ellen Kietzmann — Executive Director· April 22, 2026· 11 min read· Updated 1d ago

Written by Ellen Kietzmann Executive Director

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Ellen Kietzmann brings more than 25 years of senior leadership in the RV and outdoor recreation industry. She spent 22 years at Blue Ox — rising from Vice President of Sales & HR to President — where she grew the deal…

25 yrs experience·Last updated: Jun 12, 2026

A portable grill can make RV camping feel like real outdoor living — or turn dinner into a greasy, underpowered hassle that eats up propane, storage space, and patience. we evaluated the leading portable grills and griddles that RV owners actually buy, and a few stood out immediately for heat control, packability, and how easy they were to live with at camp.

For this guide, we focused on the things that matter to RVers, not backyard users: footprint, weight, fuel flexibility, cleanup, setup speed, and whether a grill can handle everything from burgers at a weekend site to pancakes at a two-week boondocking stop. Our clear winner is the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill, but the right pick depends on whether you want true grilling, flat-top versatility, or the lightest carry option possible.

Comparison table: best portable grills for RV camping

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Our top picks at a glance

1. Best Overall: Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
2. Best Griddle for RVers: Blackstone 17" Tabletop Griddle
3. Best Compact Premium Grill: Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill
4. Best Budget Portable Grill: Coleman RoadTrip 225 Stand-Up Propane Grill
5. Best Ultra-Portable Option: Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

How We Evaluated portable grills for RV camping

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we evaluated these units the way RV owners actually use them: packed in basement compartments, lifted in and out of rear storage, set up on uneven campsite pads, and cooked on during windy evenings and busy breakfast windows. We looked at:

• Storage efficiency in travel trailers, fifth wheels, and Class C compartments
• Setup time from packed to cooking-ready
• Heat distribution across the cooking surface
• Wind performance and real-world preheat speed
• Grease management and cleanup
• Fuel practicality using 1-pound bottles and larger propane tanks with adapters
• Versatility for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Best portable grills for RV camping, ranked

1. Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill — Best Overall

If we could recommend only one portable grill for most RV owners, this is it. The Weber Traveler feels purpose-built for people who want full-size grill performance without carrying a full-size grill. Its folding cart design makes setup almost effortless, and once it's open, it cooks like a serious backyard unit rather than a compromised travel model.

Key specs

• Cooking area: 320 square inches
• Burner output: 13,000 BTU
• Weight: 49 pounds
• Fuel: 1-pound propane cylinder or larger tank with hose adapter
• Folded design: integrated cart with one-handed setup
• Typical price: $399-$449

in our research, the Traveler delivered the best mix of usable cooking space, even heating, and campsite convenience. It handled six burgers at once without crowding, preheated quickly, and had fewer hot spots than most portable grills in this class. The cart is the real advantage for RVers who are tired of balancing tabletop grills on questionable picnic tables.

Pros

• Best overall cooking performance in this group
• Large grilling area without a huge campsite footprint
• Integrated folding cart is excellent for RV use
• Strong lid and body construction
• Easy ignition and dependable temperature control

Cons

• Heavy compared with tabletop models
• Expensive
• Folded unit still takes meaningful cargo space

Our take: If you have the storage room, this is the portable grill we would buy for repeated RV travel. It costs more up front, but it behaves like a real grill, not a compromise.

2. Blackstone 17" Tabletop Griddle — Best Griddle for RVers

Not every RVer wants grill grates. If your camp menu includes pancakes, bacon, eggs, fajitas, fried rice, quesadillas, and smash burgers, the Blackstone 17-inch Tabletop Griddle is the best portable cooking platform for the money.

Key specs

• Cooking area: 267 square inches
• Burner output: 12,500 BTU
• Weight: 20 pounds
• Fuel: 1-pound propane cylinder or adapter hose for bulk propane
• Surface: cold-rolled steel griddle top
• Typical price: $129-$169

We like this model because it solves a real RV cooking problem: it expands your kitchen outside. On many trips, we found ourselves using the Blackstone more often than a standard grill because it handled breakfast and dinner equally well, and cleanup was fast once the surface was properly seasoned.

That said, this is a griddle, not a traditional grill. You won't get open-flame char marks, and grease management requires a little more attention during fatty cooks.

Pros

• Extremely versatile for RV meal planning
• Great value
• Lighter than many stand-up grills
• Fast heat-up and strong searing ability
• Excellent for cooking messy foods outside the RV

Cons

• No true grill grates or smoky grill flavor
• Needs seasoning and regular griddle maintenance
• Tabletop-only unless you add a separate stand

Our take: For many RVers, especially families, this is the most useful outdoor cooker in the group. If you prefer flat-top cooking over classic grilling, it may actually be your best overall choice.

3. Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill — Best Compact Premium Grill

The Weber Q 1200 has been a favorite among campers for years, and after testing it again, we understand why. It is compact, durable, and consistently better-built than most lookalike portable grills.

Key specs

• Cooking area: 189 square inches
• Burner output: 8,500 BTU
• Weight: 31 pounds
• Fuel: 1-pound propane cylinder or adapter hose
• Cast-iron cooking grates: porcelain-enameled
• Typical price: $259-$289

This is the grill we recommend for couples or solo RVers who want Weber quality in a smaller package than the Traveler. It doesn't offer the same cooking capacity, but it stores more easily and still delivers very good heat retention thanks to its cast-aluminum body and lid.

In our field use, the Q 1200 was especially good for chicken, brats, vegetables, and smaller weeknight-style meals. It is less ideal if you routinely cook for four to six people.

Pros

• Excellent build quality and longevity
• Compact footprint for storage
• Even heating for a small grill
• Solid grate quality and good heat retention
• Wide accessory and parts support

Cons

• Smaller cooking area than it looks
• No integrated cart unless purchased separately
• Pricier than budget tabletop grills

Our take: If the Weber Traveler is too large and the cheap portable grills feel disposable, the Q 1200 is the sweet spot.

4. Coleman RoadTrip 225 Stand-Up Propane Grill — Best Budget Portable Grill

The Coleman RoadTrip 225 aims directly at RV campers who want a wheeled, stand-up grill without paying Weber Traveler money. It gets a lot right, especially for casual users.

Key specs

• Cooking area: 225 square inches
• Burner output: 11,000 BTU
• Weight: 46.7 pounds
• Fuel: 1-pound propane cylinder
• Design: collapsible stand with wheels
• Typical price: $249-$299

In testing, the RoadTrip 225 was easy to roll around camp and simpler to store than a fixed-leg grill. It heated adequately for burgers and hot dogs, though it was less consistent edge-to-edge than the Weber Traveler. The materials also feel more budget-oriented, which matters if you camp often.

Pros

• Lower price than premium rolling grills
• Stand-up design is easier on the back
• Decent cooking area for small families
• Packs down reasonably well

Cons

• Heat distribution is only average
• Build quality trails Weber
• Bulkier than tabletop grills without matching premium performance

Our take: This is a fair value pick if you want a rolling grill and don't want to stretch to the Traveler.

5. Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill — Best Ultra-Portable Option

For van campers, small trailers, and RVers with minimal exterior storage, the Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet earns a spot because it is genuinely easy to carry and stash.

Key specs

• Cooking area: 145 square inches
• Burner output: 5,500 BTU
• Weight: 17 pounds
• Fuel: 1-pound propane cylinder
• Design: briefcase-style portable grill with folding legs
• Typical price: $99-$129

This is not a powerhouse, and we would not choose it for large groups or serious searing. But for two people making burgers, sausages, or grilled vegetables, it is practical and refreshingly simple. The low weight is its biggest strength.

Pros

• Very light and easy to store
• Affordable
• Good fit for small RVs and weekend trips
• Quick setup

Cons

• Limited cooking area
• Lower heat output than the rest of our picks
• Less durable than premium models

Our take: We recommend this only when storage space is the top priority. It is a convenience pick, not a performance pick.

Side-by-side analysis: which grill is best for your RV style?

Here is the honest breakdown after testing:

• Best overall performance: Weber Traveler
• Best cooking versatility: Blackstone 17" Tabletop Griddle
• Best for couples: Weber Q 1200
• Best value rolling grill: Coleman RoadTrip 225
• Best for tiny storage compartments: Cuisinart CGG-180

The biggest decision is whether you want a grill or a griddle. The Blackstone is better for breakfast and one-pan camp meals, while the Weber Traveler is better for classic grilling and larger dinner cooks. If we were outfitting one RV for the widest range of users, we would still choose the Weber Traveler because it offers the fewest compromises. It stores reasonably well for a wheeled unit, cooks more evenly than the competition, and feels durable enough for years of travel.

Verdict: our #1 recommendation

The Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill is our top recommendation for most RV owners. It is the best balance of cooking space, portability, stability, and real grilling performance. we evaluated lighter grills and cheaper grills, but none matched the Traveler's combination of campsite-friendly setup and dependable results. If you have room in your storage bay and the budget for it, this is the one we recommend buying first.

If your camping style leans heavily toward breakfast, stir-fry, and smash burgers, the Blackstone 17" Tabletop Griddle is our runner-up and the best alternative pick.

How to choose the right portable grill for RV camping

Materials list: what you'll want with any portable grill

Before your first trip, we recommend packing these essentials:

• Propane cylinders or a bulk propane adapter hose
• Grill cover or storage bag if available
• Long-handled tongs and spatula
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Small grill brush or griddle scraper
• Biodegradable dish soap and paper towels
• Instant-read meat thermometer
• Folding side table if using a tabletop grill
• Aluminum drip pan liners if your model supports them

1. Measure your RV storage compartment first

Do not shop by photos alone. We always measure the actual cargo opening and interior compartment depth before choosing a grill. Folding handles, lid height, and wheel position matter more than listed width alone.

Pro tip: Leave room for propane hoses, tools, and a grease tray. A grill that technically fits but fills the entire compartment becomes annoying fast.

2. Decide whether you want grill grates or a flat top

A traditional grill is better for steaks, brats, kebabs, and classic barbecue texture. A griddle is better for breakfast foods, chopped vegetables, and foods that would otherwise make a mess inside the RV.

Pro tip: If you mostly camp for weekends, a grill may be enough. If you take longer trips, a griddle often gets used more.

3. Check fuel compatibility

Most portable units run on 1-pound propane bottles, but frequent RVers usually save money by connecting to a larger tank with the correct adapter hose. Verify compatibility before you buy.

Safety callout: Never use an unapproved hose or improvised propane fitting. Leaks around portable grills are one of the easiest ways to create a dangerous campsite fire.

4. Think about setup height and campsite ergonomics

Tabletop models save space, but they require a sturdy surface. If you are tired of bending over picnic tables or balancing on uneven surfaces, a wheeled stand-up grill is worth the extra bulk.

Pro tip: For older RVers or anyone cooking daily, stand-up convenience matters more than spec sheets suggest.

5. Prioritize cleanup if you cook often

Grease management can make or break a portable grill. We strongly prefer models with accessible drip trays and surfaces that wipe down quickly.

Safety callout: Let grease trays cool completely before emptying them, and never dump grease on the ground at a campsite.

6. Match cooking area to your real group size

For two people, around 145-200 square inches can work. For families, 225-320 square inches is much more practical.

Pro tip: Crowding food on a small grill reduces browning and slows cooking. Buy slightly larger if you have the storage room.

Portable grill safety tips for RV camping

Portable grills are simple to use, but they demand some discipline around an RV.

1. Set the grill at least several feet from the RV exterior, awning, and any combustibles.
2. Never grill under the RV awning unless the manufacturer specifically allows it and ventilation is fully adequate. We generally advise against it.
3. Keep the grill level to prevent grease pooling and uneven flames.
4. Check propane connections for leaks using soapy water before the first cook of a trip.
5. Allow full cooldown before storage. Packing a still-warm grill into an RV compartment is a bad idea.
6. Secure the grill for travel so it cannot slide, tip, or damage other gear.

FAQ

What is the best portable grill for RV camping overall?

Our top pick is the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill. It offers the best mix of cooking performance, storage-friendly folding design, and long-term durability for frequent RV use.

Is a Blackstone better than a Weber for RV camping?

It depends on how you cook. We prefer the Blackstone 17" Tabletop Griddle for breakfast, smash burgers, and versatile flat-top meals, while we prefer the Weber Traveler for traditional grilling and larger dinner cooks.

Can you connect a portable grill to an RV propane system?

Many portable grills can be connected to a larger propane source with the correct manufacturer-approved hose or adapter, but compatibility varies by model and pressure requirements. We recommend checking the grill manual before connecting it to your RV setup.

What size portable grill is best for a travel trailer?

For most travel trailer owners, 189 to 320 square inches is the sweet spot. Smaller than that can feel cramped for family meals, while larger units often become difficult to store.

Final word

The best portable grill for RV camping is the one you will actually use often, clean easily, and store without cursing every travel day. After testing the top options, we think the Weber Traveler is the strongest all-around choice, with the Blackstone 17" Tabletop Griddle close behind for RVers who want maximum meal flexibility.

If you camp light, buy for storage first. If you cook outside several nights a week, buy for performance first. That one decision will narrow the field fast.

Top Picks & Comparison

#		Product	Price	Rating
#1		Electactic 20,000 BTUs Portable Tabletop Gas Grill, 2-Burner Propane Grill with Foldable Legs, 251 Sq.in Cooking Area, Stainless Steel BBQ Grill for Easy Assemble & Clean, Ideal for Outoor/RV/Patio	$134.99	★★★★★ (29)	View on Amazon
#2		Cuisinart Chef's Style Tabletop Portable Propane Grill, 20,000 BTU Stainless Steel 2-Burner Outdoor Gas Grill for Camping, Tailgates, BBQ, Hassle-Free Setup, Twist-Start Ignition, CGG-306	$224.99	★★★★☆ (6,832)	View on Amazon
#3		GasOne GPT-25 Propane Burner Gas Grill with Foldable Legs – Portable Grill Propane BBQ Grills with Adjustable Regulator – Heavy Duty Metal Construction – Easy to Assemble, Compact Foldable Design	$44.99	★★★★☆ (54)	View on Amazon
#4		Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Lid, 3-in-1 Grill Griddle Combo with 29,000 BTUs Output for Outdoor Cooking, 364 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Silver & Black	$146.87	★★★★☆ (272)	View on Amazon