Best 3 Portable Propane Grills for RVs 2021

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For many RVers, grilling is not seasonal but an essential part of RVing. Many RVers prefer to prepare meals on a grill outside. Some just feel food tastes better cooked and eaten outdoors.

Propane grills are a great choice for RVing because they combine the best of what charcoal grills offer plus easy cleaning, a constant grilling temperature, faster ignition, and faster heating than charcoal. Besides being on the messy side, charcoal grills can be prohibited in ‘burn ban’ areas while propane grills are generally allowed.

Storage space is at a premium in RVs so the grill needs to be of durable, lightweight materials, and compact. Grills made of aluminum and stainless steel are usually preferred because they do not rust and are lighter weight. Burners made of stainless steel or brass are the best choice as aluminum burners tend to burn out. Cast iron grates are excellent for conducting and holding heat but they are prone to rust. Some manufacturers coat the cast iron with porcelain enamel to make it easier to clean and protect from rust. Stainless steel grates are also satisfactory but nickel or chrome grates are not effective at holding heat and are prone to chip and rust.

Choosing the best propane grill for your needs can be daunting with all the choices on the market. RV propane grills are generally tabletop, mounted, or bumper grills. Mounted and bumper grills usually connect to the RV built-in LP system. Tabletop grills usually operate on 14oz or 16oz propane cylinders or with an optional adaptor hose to the larger 20# tanks. Portable grills generally serve 2-4 people, most retail under $300, and have a 3-year warranty.

The following grills consistently make the best of the best list of RV grills that operate on propane cylinders.

Weber Q1200

 

Weber is known for high-quality, reliable grills. Their Q line of propane grills are designed to be portable though they are a bit bulky. The Q1200 is the enhanced version of the Q1000 which is found on many best grill lists. They share the same features plus the Q1200 has a thermometer built-in the lid, fold-out tables, and a taller lid. Over 90%  positive reviews are a powerful testimony to this grill being a good fit for many looking for a compact grill with big grill features.

 

The Weber Q1200 also features split porcelain enamel coated cast-iron grates allowing for one grate to be swapped with an optional griddle (purchased separately). It features one stainless steel Q shaped burner that produces 8500 BTUs, a cooking surface area of 185 square inches, and an easy start push button. The Q1200 includes a removable catch pan. The lid and body are rust-resistant cast aluminum, the frame glass-reinforced nylon.

After purchase experience appears to be good for most customers including a good warranty. The number of accessories available make the grilling experience adaptable to multiple styles of cooking. There is even an optional stand available.

With the tables folded out, the grill is 40.9 inches wide, 15.5 inches high, and 15 inches deep. The side tables fold into the grill for storage reducing the width to 28 inches.

Cons: The Q1200 reportedly tends to run hot but cooks evenly.

Coleman RoadTrip 285

 

Coleman is known for its outdoor gear and equipment. Their RoadTrip line of propane grills is intended to cater to the on-the-go crowd. The 285 is the updated LXE model which consistently makes the recommended grill list. In addition to having an integrated collapsible stand and wheels for ease of transporting, the 285 has dual sliding side tables.

 

The Coleman RoadTrip 285 boasts 20,000 BTU, three independent burners, and 285 square inches of cooking surface area. It also has an integrated thermometer and push-button ignition. This model features Swaptop porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates that are interchangeable with the purchase of a griddle or stove grate.

Cons: Some customers were not fond of the new water-filled grease pan.

Cuisinart CGG180 Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand

 

Cuisinart is a recognized name in kitchen appliances and has expanded their culinary resources to include grills. The Cuisinart CGG180 Petite Gourmet model has an integrated adjustable telescoping base that can transform the grill from tabletop to floor standing. There is also a tabletop only model (CGG180T). This is a very compact, light grill with a single stainless steel burner that produces 5500 BTUs and a single porcelain-enameled grate with a cooking area of 145 square inches. The CGG180 does not have a thermometer but does have a twist start electric ignition.

 

Both the VersaStand and the tabletop model fold into a compact briefcase-style 19″ x 11.5″ x 10″ weighing about 17# (VersaStand model). The VersaStand model stands 31.5″ tall with legs fully extended.

Cons: The main complaints are greasy foods are prone to causing flare-ups and the flimsy plastic lid latch and other plastic parts are known to get hot enough to melt. Some complained the VersaStand was wobbly in the high position.

Some complaints came from customers who thought they were ordering the grill with VersaStand but mistakenly ordered the CGG180T tabletop model.

Each model brings its own unique advantages leaving you to decide which best fits your space and grilling style.