A portable grill turns a campsite, tailgate or picnic table into a cooking spot. The main choices are fuel, cooking area, folded size and how much carrying you plan to do.
The six grills below include three charcoal models and three propane models, from a grill about the size of a letter sheet when folded to a three burner unit with wheels. Sizes, fuel types and cooking areas come from each listing page. We have not used these grills ourselves, and performance statements are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Charcoal is simple and compact; propane needs a cylinder but lights quickly |
| Cooking area | Square inches decide how many burgers fit at once |
| Folded size | Smaller grills pack easily in a trunk or backpack |
| Lid and latches | A latching lid is easier to carry |
| Cleanup | Ash catchers and removable parts simplify cleanup |
Specs at a Glance
| Grill | Fuel | Cooking area | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charmline | Charcoal | 110 sq in | 14 x 9 x 3 in folded; 5 lb; no assembly |
| Cuisinart CCG-190RB | Charcoal | 196 sq in | 14 in body; 3 lid locks; dual vents; ash catcher |
| Odoland | Charcoal or wood | Not given in the part we read | Heavy-duty iron; carry bag; grate hook |
| Charbroil Grill2Go X200 | Gas | 200 sq in | Cast-aluminum firebox and lid; latches; push ignition |
| Megamaster | Propane | 360 sq in | 11,000 BTU; foldable legs; warming rack; 14.4 lb |
| Coleman RoadTrip 285 | Propane | 285 sq in | 3 burners; 20,000 BTU; 2 wheels; 46.7 lb |
The 6 Best Portable Camping Grills
1. Charmline Small Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill
A foldable charcoal grill that measures about 14 by 9 by 3 inches when folded, with 110 square inches of cooking surface, a powder-coated finish and a weight of 5 pounds. The maker says it suits one to three people and needs no assembly.
Suits: solo trips and tabletop use. Strengths: very small when folded. Weaknesses: a small grilling area. Skip it if you cook for a group.
View Small Portable Foldable Charcoal Grill 14 x 9 Inch on Amazon
2. Cuisinart 14 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill
A 14 by 14 by 15 inch round charcoal grill with 196 square inches of chrome-plated grate, three lid locks, a dual venting system and a mess-free ash catcher, finished in red.
Suits: car camping and parks. Strengths: a locking lid and vents. Weaknesses: charcoal needs lighting time. Skip it if you prefer gas.
View Cuisinart CCG-190RB 14 Inch Portable Charcoal Grill on Amazon
3. Odoland Portable Folding Charcoal Grill
A heavy-duty powder-coated iron grill that works with charcoal or wood and comes with a carry bag and grate hook. The listing gives 15.75 by 11.81 inches in one place and 13 by 10.5 inches in another, so check the size before packing.
Suits: campfire and backyard use. Strengths: charcoal or wood. Weaknesses: inconsistent size numbers. Skip it if you need exact dimensions.
View Odoland Portable Folding Charcoal Grills for Outdoor Cooking Bonfire BBQ on Amazon
4. Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill
A single burner gas grill in dark grey with 200 square inches of cooking space, a cast-aluminum firebox and lid, stainless steel latches, carry handles and push-button ignition. The maker says it cooks up to eight burgers.
Suits: tailgates. Strengths: latches and handles. Weaknesses: a mid-size grill area. Skip it if you want charcoal.
View Charbroil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill on Amazon
5. Megamaster Tabletop 1 Burner Gas Grill
A red and black tabletop propane grill with an 11,000 BTU stainless burner, 360 square inches of cooking space, foldable legs and a warming rack, weighing 14.4 pounds.
Suits: the most cooking area here. Strengths: a warming rack. Weaknesses: bulkier when set up. Skip it if you want the smallest pack.
View Megamaster Tabletop 1 Burner Gas Grill on Amazon
6. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill
A three burner grill with up to 20,000 BTU, 285 square inches of grilling area, quick-fold legs, two wheels and an integrated thermometer, running on a 16.4 ounce propane cylinder sold separately. It weighs 46.7 pounds, and its listed dimensions vary between 30.25 by 19.19 by 16.13 and 32.1 by 18.5 by 15.45 inches.
Suits: group camping. Strengths: three burners and wheels. Weaknesses: heavy and bulky. Skip it if you carry gear by hand.
View Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill, 3 Burners, Blue on Amazon
Packing and Setup Tips
- Read the maker’s manual before first use.
- Set the grill on a flat, stable surface.
- Bring fuel, a lighter and a cleaning brush.
- Let the grill cool fully before folding or storing it.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Packing a grill without checking its folded size.
- Forgetting fuel; propane cylinders are sold separately on some models.
- Skipping cleanup before storage.
- Choosing a large grill for a solo trip.
Camping Grill FAQ
Charcoal or propane?
Charcoal models here are lighter and smaller; propane models light quickly and add burners. Choose by trip style.
How much cooking area do I need?
The listings use square inches. Compare 110 for solo trips with 285 to 360 for groups.
The Short Version
For the smallest pack, the Charmline. For a latching charcoal grill, the Cuisinart. For charcoal or wood, the Odoland. For a gas tailgate grill, the Charbroil. For the biggest area, the Megamaster. For group camping with wheels, the Coleman.
