Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet when searching for the perfect RV grill. But there are many options, and camping grills check most of the boxes. From our research, we’ve uncovered three choices that fit the bill for any RVers needs.
Our picks are portable, quality cookers great for everything from back woods brunch to campfire chow that same night. Above all, these grills are convenient to use for RVers—wherever you are.
Beware…if you keep reading, you will smell the bbq. (And get really hungry!)
If you’re worried about giving up a true ‘camping experience’ by grilling, don’t worry. Consider a Pop-Up Fire Pit with a grilling upgrade.
If you’re in the mood for roasting marshmellows, why not check out our article on grilling grates for the classic stone-ring campfire?
Our Favorites
If you’re looking for the size and functionality of a large grill like the Coleman Roadtrip (Best Overall), go for it.
For everyone else, the Coleman Classic is superb (Best Price).
If you want to sustain large parties, and camp, and RV, the Blackstone Tailgater is perfect.
Best RV Grill
Coleman RoadTrip LXE
Pros
- 20,000 BTU
- 285 square inches
- Collapsible with wheels
- Automatic ignition
- Easy to store
Cons
- Almost 50 pounds
- No wind guards
- Can be difficult to clean
Though this grill has interchangeable cooktops (aka swaptops), griddle and stove grates are not included. It comes with two grill grates.
Otherwise, this is a great grill. It’s versatile and reliable, big enough to handle everything you want to cook. Despite the size, it’s easy to store in a RV and most cars.
Fuel
Takes 1-pound disposable propane cylinders. Use a Coleman 5 Ft. High-Pressure Propane Hose and Adapter to connect it to a 20-pound refillable propane tank.
Best Grill for the Price
Coleman Classic 2-Burner
Pros
- 20,000 BTU
- 11.6 pounds (light)
- Wind deflectors
- Easy to clean
- Portable
Cons
- Manual ignition (light)
- Only grill grates
Though the Coleman Classic 2-Burner won Best Deal, it also happens to be the best for the money.
For many, this Coleman is all you could ask for. Portable, lightweight, powerful, and all for a great price. The dimensions are 4.1 x 21.9 x 13.7 inches.
The Coleman Classic an awesome gift!
The only reasons this Coleman didn’t win top choice is that the stovetop is open to the elements and you need a table to set it up on.
Fuel
All you need are 16.4 oz. propane cylinders—the connector is included. (You can get them extremely cheap at any local Walmart).
It has a running time of 1 hour on high from one 16.4 oz. propane cylinder.
Most Versatile & Powerful RV Grill
Blackstone Tailgater Combo
Pros
- 35,000 BTU (20k/15k)
- 512 square inches
- Grills anywhere
- Legs fold for table-top set up
- Most grilling options (grates, burners, pots, and pans)
- Cast iron burner (and stainless)
Cons
- 75 pounds
- Struggles in extreme weather
This Blackstone is designed for everything from tailgating to hunting to camping. The patented adjustable legs mean it can set up solidly anywhere. For an added option, they fold up under the grill if you want to set it up on a table.
Built-in temperature gauge and 512 inches of cooking space.
The grill is incredibly versatile because everything is modular. You can cook with grill grates or griddle (all included, of course), or easily lift off both for open burners for pots and pans.
Though the grill is heavy altogether (75 pounds), when moving it around detach the grill and griddle sections. Each part is about 25 pounds individually.
It has a cast iron burner on one side (20,000 BTU) for directed heat and a stainless steel H burner on the other side for distributed heat.
Blackstone has a satisfaction guarantee. If you have any problems, reach out to them directly.
Though sometimes it doesn’t cook well in extremely cold temperatures or high winds, that doesn’t sound like the best conditions for barbecuing anyway.
Fuel
It’s a gas grill—it takes propane.
Get the Carry Bag To Extend the Life of Your Grill
Guide to Buying RV or Camping Grills
Here, we focused on portability when selecting the best grills. RVers are constantly on the move, from campsite to campsite. You want a grill that is easy to transport.
That said, don’t compromise on other key aspects of your grill, outlined below.
- Grill Top/Burners/Modules
- Cooking Surface
- Temperature Gauge
- Cleaning
- Ignition
Grill Top/Burners/Modules
What kinds of burners and grates you have determine what you can cook. Make sure to double check what’s included before you make your purchase. Otherwise you’ll have to order extra modules—a sneaky hidden cost.
Open burners are for pots and pans, griddles are for flat items like pancakes, and grill grates are for those delicious grill marks.
Cooking Surface
The size of the parties you plan on hosting determines how large of a cooking surface you need. For RVers and campers, often this number isn’t too large. That’s why our top choice (Coleman RoadTrip) has 285 square inches—a respectable amount for most people.
But for super large gatherings, well…the Blackstone Tailgater made the list for a reason. It has a whopping 512 square inches of cooking space.
Temperature Gauge
A temperature gauge is standard for most large grills. Our rule: If it closes, it should have a gauge.
Cleaning
Every grill needs to be cleaned. Make sure your grill makes it easy on you. Don’t buy a grill that is even remotely difficult to clean, period.
Ignition
Here’s the rule: If a grill has legs or a lid, it should be self-igniting. Don’t buy a grill that is overtly proud of being match-started.
Guide to Using RV or Camping Grills
Check out this awesome infographic for grill safety from High Plains Energy.
FAQ
Absolutely. Many grills such as the Coleman Classic, have built in wind flaps to protect the burners (an epic grill—read our full review above).
Some grills aren’t designed with the wind in mind. Try angling the grill so that the wind isn’t pushing air into the burner tubes. Do not use charcoal grills in high wind.
Never. You can probably guess why it’s a bad idea to have a fire indoors without a chimney. Even if you’re burning propane instead of wood or charcoal, it is a bad idea.
The Coleman Roadtrip LXE is the perfect balance between size (285 square inch surface), portability (folds down, with wheels), and power (20,000 BTU). We cover it in great detail, as well as a small camping option and larger tailgate-size choice. 
The best utilitarian, small, compact, trustworthy grill is absolutely the Coleman Classic 2-Burner.
If you’re looking for a larger, more versatile grill, go with the Coleman Roadtrip LXE. If you want something that works equally well at the campground, in an RV, or tailgating, go for the Blackstone Tailgater.
It’s that simple. We have the full reviews for each, as well as our rationale for choosing them.
Without a doubt in my mind the Coleman Classic is the best choice. It’s small, easy to store, easy to carry, light (12 pounds) and designed for rugged conditions (it’s got wind flaps, for pete’s sake!). Read our full review above.
The best choice is the Blackstone Tailgater. It’s a big grill (512 square inch surface), but it folds down and is modular, so it’s easy to transport and store. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to swap between open burner, griddle, and grill grate modules. Read our full review above.
The End
Thanks for reading! We hope you find this helpful. If you have suggestions, content ideas, feedback or want to contribute send us a quick email at info@rvsupplyco.com.
