Struggling with flimsy camp stoves that fail to sear a steak or sacrificing half your RV basement storage for a bulky backyard grill is a compromise you no longer have to make. Modern RV-specific portable grills pack up to 20,000 BTUs of searing power into compact footprints that slide easily into standard exterior compartments.
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Top Pick
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Versatile
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Budget
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Best Value
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Best for Reliability
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| Product | Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Portable Gas Grill | Blackstone 17-Inch On The Go Tabletop Griddle | Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill | Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Propane Gas Grill | Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Grill |
| Fuel type | Propane | Propane | Propane | Propane | Propane |
| Power btu | 8,500 BTU | 12,500 BTU | 20,000 BTU | 12,000 BTU | 5,500 BTU |
| Weight lbs | 30.0 lbs | 35.0 lbs | 46.7 lbs | 28.0 lbs | 13.5 lbs |
| Cooking area | 189 sq in | 267 sq in | 285 sq in | 285 sq in | 145 sq in |
| Buy Now | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → | Check Price → |
Quick Tips
Install a low-pressure quick-connect hose to run your portable grill directly off your RV's massive onboard propane tank.
Line the bottom grease catch tray with heavy-duty aluminum foil to make campsite cleanup infinitely faster and cleaner.
Store your portable grill inside a heavy-duty canvas carrying bag to prevent grease from rubbing onto your other RV gear.
Always wait completely for the cast iron grates to cool down before sliding the grill back into your tight storage bay.
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Portable Gas Grill
The absolute gold standard for RVs
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Portable Gas Grill
The absolute gold standard for RVs
What we like
- Heavy cast-iron grates hold extreme heat for perfect searing
- Electronic ignition system fires up flawlessly in high winds
- Porcelain-enameled finish completely resists rust and corrosion
- Tall lid accommodates whole chickens and large roasts easily
What we don't
- Requires significant vertical clearance in your storage bay
- Heavier build makes it slightly cumbersome to carry around
- Does not include an adapter hose for large propane tanks
The Weber Q1200 sets the absolute standard for RV cooking with heavy porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates that hold serious heat. It easily reaches searing temperatures even on windy campground afternoons while the electronic ignition fires up flawlessly every single time.
You will love this grill if you demand authentic backyard searing performance while traveling on the road. Skip this bulky model if your RV storage compartments lack the vertical clearance to accommodate its tall lid.
Blackstone 17-Inch On The Go Tabletop Griddle
The ultimate breakfast workhorse
Blackstone 17-Inch On The Go Tabletop Griddle
The ultimate breakfast workhorse
What we like
- Massive flat surface cooks entire breakfasts simultaneously
- Rolled steel construction gets incredibly hot very quickly
- Rear grease management system makes cleanup completely painless
- Replaces multiple dirty frying pans inside your RV kitchen
What we don't
- Incredibly heavy and awkward to lift from lower compartments
- Requires constant oil seasoning to prevent surface rust
- Consumes fuel very rapidly when running on maximum heat
This tabletop griddle fundamentally changes outdoor RV meals by completely replacing multiple dirty pans and flimsy camp stoves. The flat rolled-steel surface cooks entire packs of bacon, eggs, and smashburgers simultaneously without dropping any grease into your burner assembly.
Grab this workhorse if you routinely cook giant breakfasts for your entire family outside the motorhome. Pass on this system if you specifically want traditional grill marks and open-flame flavor for your evening steaks.
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
A freestanding powerhouse for tailgates
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
A freestanding powerhouse for tailgates
What we like
- Integrated folding stand eliminates the need for a picnic table
- Three independent burners provide dedicated heat zones
- Massive 20,000 BTU output handles heavy winds effortlessly
- Built-in wheels make moving it around the campsite simple
What we don't
- Massive footprint consumes a huge amount of RV storage space
- Water pan grease system is highly prone to messy spills
- Folding legs can feel slightly wobbly on uneven ground
The RoadTrip 285 features an incredibly convenient folding leg structure that completely eliminates the need to crowd your RV picnic table. Pushing out an aggressive 20,000 BTUs across three independently controlled burners, it provides precise temperature zones for cooking distinct foods at once.
You need this freestanding powerhouse if you want a full-height grilling station outside your coach without wrestling a heavy table. Avoid this heavy unit if you drive a cramped Class B van where every square inch of cargo space matters.
Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Propane Gas Grill
Premium dual-burner versatility
Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Propane Gas Grill
Premium dual-burner versatility
What we like
- Dual burner design allows for genuine indirect cooking
- Iconic wave grids create professional restaurant sear marks
- Wind-proof design maintains consistent heat during storms
- Lid locks securely for easy transport by the ergonomic handle
What we don't
- Wide footprint takes up significant horizontal storage room
- Cast iron grates require tedious maintenance to avoid rust
- Premium price tag requires a significant initial investment
With two independently controlled burners, this sleek portable unit allows you to properly grill food using indirect heat right at your campsite. The iconic wave-shaped cast iron grates provide exceptional heat retention and create professional sear marks on thick cuts of meat.
This hits the sweet spot for RVers who want dual-burner versatility without the extreme bulk of a folding stand model. Skip it if you just need a cheap, basic heat source to occasionally boil water and warm up hot dogs.
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Grill
Micro-sized cooking for tight spaces
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Grill
Micro-sized cooking for tight spaces
What we like
- Microscopic footprint slides into the smallest storage bays
- Briefcase handle makes carrying it absolutely effortless
- Aluminum legs deploy quickly for instant tabletop cooking
- Incredibly affordable compared to premium RV grill models
What we don't
- Small surface area forces you to cook in endless batches
- Low BTU output struggles to sear thick cuts of meat
- Thin metal construction feels slightly cheap and flimsy
Weighing a microscopic 13.5 pounds, this briefcase-style grill stows effortlessly into the absolute tightest exterior RV storage compartments. Despite its tiny footprint, the single burner generates enough focused heat to quickly cook burgers and chicken breasts for two people.
This is perfect for solo travelers and couples who want a dedicated grill but have virtually zero extra storage space. Look elsewhere if you regularly host large campground cookouts, as the small surface will force you to cook in endless batches.
What to Look For
Look at the BTU rating and cooking area first to understand the raw heating power of your chosen unit. A higher BTU means faster searing, but it also rapidly drains your small disposable propane canisters.
Always measure your RV's exterior storage compartments before committing to a heavy, dome-shaped portable grill. Many premium models require significant vertical clearance that simply does not exist in smaller camper vans.
Examine the grease management system carefully to ensure you avoid a massive mess inside your storage bay. Grills with integrated, deep catch pans are essential for keeping your RV clean and completely odor-free.
Who Should Skip This
You should skip portable propane grills if you already have an exterior kitchen fully integrated into your motorhome. A high-quality electric induction cooktop is often cleaner and uses your existing shore power.
Those camping exclusively in remote areas with strict open-flame fire bans should obviously avoid gas equipment altogether.
What the Community Actually Uses
On r/GoRVing, veterans constantly debate the merits of flat top griddles versus traditional open-flame grates for campground meals. The consensus usually favors heavy-duty griddles if you cook massive breakfasts, while traditional cast-iron grills win for evening steaks.
Quick Picks — In Case You've Already Decided
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect a portable grill to my RV's propane tank?
Yes, most portable grills can connect directly to your RV's low-pressure quick-connect port. You will need to purchase a specific adapter hose and actively remove the grill's factory pressure regulator. Attempting to run two regulators inline will result in an incredibly weak flame.
Are flat top griddles better than traditional grills?
Griddles are significantly more versatile for cooking breakfast foods, fajitas, and smashburgers without dropping food through the grates. Traditional grills are better if you prefer open-flame searing, distinct grill marks, and natural smoky flavors on thick steaks.
How do I stop my portable grill from rusting?
You must thoroughly clean the cast iron grates after every use and coat them with a thin layer of cooking oil. Never leave your portable grill exposed to the rain on your picnic table overnight. Storing it inside your dry RV basement prevents atmospheric moisture damage.
Do I need a grill with a folding stand?
A folding stand is incredibly helpful if your campsite lacks a clean picnic table or flat surface. However, integrated stands add massive weight and consume significantly more storage space in your RV. Tabletop models are generally preferred by campers with limited cargo capacity.
How long does a 1lb propane canister last?
A standard 1lb disposable propane canister will typically power a portable grill for roughly one to two hours on high heat. If you cook large meals daily, you will burn through multiple green bottles very quickly. Upgrading to a refillable 5lb tank is significantly cheaper for full-time RVers.
Buying Guide
To maximize your RV cooking experience, you must strictly match your grill to your available basement storage space. High-output propane models deliver perfect sears but consume valuable fuel reserves rapidly.
Prioritize lightweight cast aluminum construction and reliable electronic ignition systems to avoid rust and endless frustration during windy campground dinners.