The Best Car Camping Grill For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Car Camping Grill
Best Car Camping Grill

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

This powerful grill features one stainless steel burner and porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates for fast, even heat distribution. With an easy-start electronic ignition and infinite control burner valve settings, you'll be able to create your favorite meals with ease. Plus, the cast aluminum lid and body make it durable enough to last season after season. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable Gas Grill

The grill has a 145-square-inch grilling area and the durable aluminum legs and stabilizing feet set up in seconds so you can take it anywhere. And with the integrated lid lock, the lid stays secure and safe on your stovetop. Read Review

3. Best Design: Royal Gourmet PD1202R Portable Table Grill Griddle

Take your outdoor cooking to the next level with the new Royal Gourmet PD1202R Portable Table and Grill. This convenient grill features the latest in grilling technology with an all-metal design that is durable and built to last. It also includes a removable, slide-out stainless-steel grease tray for easy cleaning. Read Review

4. Best Flexible: Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill

Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill is the perfect portable grill for any outdoor experience. This grill has a foldable handle for easy transport and storage, 6,000 BTUs of heat that delivers even cooking across 105 sq. in. of cooking surface and a removable dishwasher-safe cooking surface for quick cleaning. Read Review

5. Best Quality: Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ

With a spacious 196-square-inch chrome plated cooking rack, you can cook large amounts of food at once while still maintaining an even and efficient heat distribution. Its dual venting system ensures ultimate charcoal management and temperature control, so you can create delicious meals for all to enjoy. Read Review

Camping is a fun experience for everyone, but it’s also pretty inconvenient. The lack of access to electricity and other kitchen appliances makes cooking at camp much more challenging. That’s why a car camping grill is so important.

It’s the easiest way to cook outdoors without having access to anything else than your car. Fortunately, there are a lot of great options available in the market today. Depending on your budget, there are various types of car camping grills as well as various brands to choose from as well. When choosing a grill for your next camping trip, here are some factors you should consider before buying one.

Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing customer feedback. Then we found the best car camping grill is Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill. It features an easy-start electronic ignition and infinite control burner valve settings for maximum control over your cooking. If you're looking for another one, consider Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable Gas Grill.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Our Score:
9.9
Weber

Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body

Uses disposable 14.1 or 16.4 oz LP cylinder (sold separately).Glass-reinforced nylon frame

3D interactive assembly instructions for this product are available through the free BILT app.

Easy-start electronic ignition and infinite control burner valve settings

One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area. Dimensions - Lid Open and Tables Out (inches)-24.6 H x 40.9 W x 20.5 D. Lid Closed and Tables Out (inches)-15.5 H x 40.9 W x 16.5 D

Fully assembled out of box. Battery type: AAA

TOP Choice #2 Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable Gas Grill
Our Score:
9.7
Cuisinart

Pronounced briefcase-style carrying handle; weighs 13.5 pounds

Portable gas grill with 145-square-inch grilling area and foldaway legs

Cooks 8 burgers, 8 steaks, 6 to 10 chicken breasts, or 4 pounds of fish

Aluminum legs and stabilizing feet set up in seconds; integrated lid lock keeps lid secure

Powerful 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner and even-heating porcelain-enameled grate

TOP Choice #3 Royal Gourmet PD1202R Portable Table  Grill Griddle
Our Score:
9.6
Royal Gourmet

NO FUSSY CLEANUP: Removable, slide-out stainless-steel grease tray collects oil residue while cooking and is easy to clean up after use. Also griddle top is detachable for washing.

QUICK ASSEMBLY: No more worries for complex assembly procedure before grilling, so you'll be cooking in no time.

221 SQ. IN. COOKING SURFACE AND PORCELAIN ENAMELED TOP: Tabletop grill comes with 18-inch glossy porcelain-enameled cooking surface (221 sq. in.) and can cook 8 patties at once.

12,000-BTU FAST AND EVEN HEATING: Start cooking instantly with just the simple push of button and integrated piezo igniter. Temperature can be adjusted as you wish from low to high. With 12,000-BTU rectangle-shaped burner, heat is transferred to the griddle surface fast and evenly.

PORTABLE AND CONVENIENT: Portable and easy to store. With sturdy feet for enhanced stability, this table top grill is perfect for any outdoor cooking events, like camping and tailgating, by using 1 lb. propane bottles as fuel (not included).

4 Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill
Our Score:
9.5
Coleman

Portable folding grill with built-in handle for easy transport and storage

Adjustable horseshoe burner for precise temperature control and even heating

InstaStart button ignites grill without the need for a match or lighter

Removable dishwasher-safe cooking surface and grease tray for easy cleaning

Delivers 6,000 BTUs of heat across 105 sq. in. of grilling surface

5 Cuisinart CCG190RB Inch BBQ
Our Score:
9.4
Cuisinart

196-SQUARE-INCH CHROME PLATED GRATE: The 196-square-inch chrome plated cooking rack gives a spacious cooking surface is able accommodate lots of food at one time while still distributing heat evenly and efficiently.

COMPACT ENOUGH TO TAKE ANYWHERE: Measures 14 x 14 x 15 inches and weighs only 2 lbs. , making it easy for transport and ideal for decks, patios and balconies, camping, tailgating and more.

DUAL VENTING SYSTEM: Features a Dual venting system, giving you the ultimate charcoal management and temperature control.

ENAMEL COATED FIREBOX AND ASH CATCHER: Features a durable enamel coated firebox and convenient mess-free ash catcher for safety and ease.

THREE SECURE LID LOCKS: The grill features three secure lid locks for easy and safe transport.

6 Blackstone Tabletop  Griddle Grill Station
Our Score:
9.2
Blackstone

Portable convenience: Whether you are cooking in your backyard or out in nature, make sure to take this lightweight, versatile flat top griddle with you. Thanks to the compact size, you can carry it for barbecue get-together, tailgating, fishing, pool parties, and more.

Cook for one, cook for all: 339 Sq. Inch cooking surface and 24,000 BTUs of heat mean all your cooking challenges will be met quickly. The large space of our outdoor griddle is perfect for cooking eggs, hash browns, bacon, French toast and other things yum!

Make your outdoor adventures a delicious affair with Blackstone 22" tabletop griddle. This portable griddle has everything you need to whip up a smorgasbord of eggs, crunchy hash browns, crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes all at the same time.

Powerful "H" burners for even heat: This heavy duty griddle is powered by two "H" style burners that ensure optimal heat distribution and even cooking. Both the burners feature built-in igniters and can be controlled independently, allowing you to cook food at different temperatures. 

Innovative grease management system: If you plan on cooking bacon or any other juicy meats, clean up can be tedious. Luckily, our heavy-duty flat griddle features a rear grease trap that collects all the mess and makes after-cooking clean up a breeze.

Purposely designed to optimize gas usage.

Compact fold takes up minimal space in the garage and fits perfectly in the trunk of your car.

Large grilling area (15 burger capacity) so that the entire meal is grilled and ready to eat at the same time.

One handed setup and collapse. Grill is attached to the cart for quick & easy setup.

Attach a 16 oz. gas canister or use an adapter hose to connect to a larger tank (sold separately).

PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION: For matchless lighting

COOKING POWER: Up to 11,000 total BTUs

EASY SETUP: Arrives fully assembled

3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

2 ADJUSTABLE BURNERS: For better temperature control

LARGE GRILLING AREA: 225 sq. in.

FUEL: One 16.4 oz. propane cylinder (sold separately)

No Mess Cleanup: The oil leak hole channels excess oil, drips and residues to the removable grease cup at the right side, facilitate hassle-free cleanup.

Piezo Ignitor: Easy to start 3 burners with the integrated piezo ignitor on the control panel, without the need for a battery in the on-the-go travel.

Porcelain-enameled Cooking Surface: 319 sq. in. cooking surface of 3.5mm pre-seasoned porcelain-enameled steel griddle top accommodates everything from hash browns and eggs to burger patties and T-steaks at once, which is enough for breakfast, lunch or dinner for a whole family.

Portability and Versatility: The compact and lightweight design of the tabletop griddle is a perfect cooking station for everything yummy and everywhere available from backyard to wilderness. Easy to set up for grilling right away in your next cookout.

High-powered Burners: 3 stainless steel burners emit up to 24,000 BTU of heat in total (8,000 BTU each), provide rapid and even heat to 3 independent temperature zones.

Just as many memories are made after a rain hike as on a clear afternoon. That’s why for more than 120 years Eureka! has been building tents and camping gear that keeps you covered, so you can focus on the things that matter most…and just go for the fun of it.

Ideal for car camping, tailgating, backyard grilling, picnics. and emergency use.

Auto-ignition for fast, easy starts. Spacious, non-stick ceramic grate and adjustable flame makes the perfect sear while the removable dishwasher safe drip tray makes cleanup easy.

Designed for compatibility with the Eureka! Griddle accessory (*sold separtely).

Adjustable feet to stay level on any surface.

7,250 BTU burner offers a 90-minute burn time.

The SPRK Portable Butane Camping Grill in Potter's Clay is a compact, all-in-one design that includes an integrated fuel compartment for an 8 oz butane canister.

The grill measures 16.6" L x 11.5" W x 4.6" H (42cm x 29cm x 12cm) and weighs 8.5 pounds (3.9kg).

What to Look For in a best car camping grill?

When selecting a suitable best car camping grill, a variety of factors have been found. Information sources are available in a wide range of forms.  As a basis, we are doing it to support, inform, and solve your demands.

Please keep these things in mind before selecting the best car camping grill:

Performance In Wind

Consider how frequently and in what circumstances (such as cold weather) your stove will be used. You will have more chances to experience wind and harsh weather if you travel further.
It's not something that you should learn while on a 10 day camping trip along the New England coast. You can check the specifications, find out if your stove offers windscreens, and review customer experiences.
You can make your stove more efficient in colder areas by purchasing extra BTUs if you live in windy regions.

Weight And Packed Size

The biggest difference between stoves in this category is their weight. These stoves can be carried around in your car, but they are designed for camping. Weight might not be as important if you are looking for a strong and reliable two-burner.
Packing size is what matters more. You have a limited amount of space at your campsite or in your vehicle. You should check to make sure the stove can fit into a bag, is covered, and where the grill and fuel lines are stored. Are all the pieces stored in one place? Are accessories taking up more space than the main item? All these factors should be considered for your individual preferences and needs.

Ignition: Strikers Vs. Matches

Sometimes called piezo incendiers, or auto-igniters, strikers are buttons that use electricity to excite a spark and ignite a stove. It's similar to the button that lights up the pilot light in your home stove.
Metal and flint are other options for sparking. A camp stove with an integrated igniter is my preference. As long as it works well, I will always use this option.
A match is your last choice for lighting your camp stove. Matches can prove to be wasteful and fragile. They also don't all hold up well in harsh weather. As an alternative, you can always take flint and some matches.

BTUs

BTU is the British Thermal Unit. It's basically a measure of heat and energy. On average, a gas stove that you would find in your home uses 6,000 to 8,000 BTUs.
Lower BTUs are good for light and simmering cooking. Higher BTUs, which are above 10,000, indicate high heat cooking. This is great for longer cook times as well as for quick boiling of large quantities of water.

Time To Boil

Camping is a great way to get out and enjoy nature. Yes, camping also involves enjoying the outdoors and good food. A camp stove must be able to boil water.
While some stoves boil in three minutes, others can take up to 10 minutes. A stove with the highest boiling time is considered a good stove. However, it doesn't always mean that the stove will be the most efficient. You may need to give up some boiling time if you want certain features like a lighter stove or an igniter.
The stoves that we tested were all able to light/start and heat the water in less than 8 minutes.

Number Of Burners

A two-burner camp stove is a good choice if you plan to spend at least 2-3 months camping each year, even if your household is small. You can cook with two burners, so you have both the option to use a pan and a pot, or make one main dish while cooking for a family of four.
Two-burner stoves remain the norm. There are many options for single-burner stoves, as well as a handful of three-burner models.

Fuel Types And Capacities

As you can see, the majority of stoves in this article use propane canisters up to one-pound. Some stoves use butane as an alternative fuel. It all depends on the time it takes to cook meals, and on what temperature your burner is set. A one-pound canister usually lasts three to four meals.

Simmer Control

Because boiling water doesn't always work, we did extensive testing on the simmer control. You need to not only be able boil water, but you also have to cook, bake, stir fry, stew, or grill in order to make a camp meal that is chef-worthy. To see the stacking of the burners/stoves, we measured their simmering temperatures.

FAQs

Are Multi-Fuel Stoves Difficult To Use?

No. They do require more preparation and care than canister stoves. They are easy to learn once you have the necessary procedures.

What Stove Is Best For Cooking Actual Food?

A stove with enough BTU output and can heat is the best. It can be used to cook food in a pot. These stoves are generally used for car camping/basecamp cooking.

What Size Do I Need?

There are many sizes of stoves, from small ultra-light ones to large multi-hob models with grills. These can be used to prepare almost any meal you make at home. A simple, small camping stove is sufficient for camping solo or with your partner.
A lightweight backpacking stove that can work in all weather conditions is worth it if you are going on an extended expedition or wild camping trip. We recommend buying the largest camping stove possible if you plan to take your family on a camping trip. Having multiple burners allows you to cook in every field.

Which Is Better — A Butane Or Propane Camping Stove?

Butane as well as propane both have pros and cons. Both gases are compressed gases, which is gas stored in liquid form. Butane performs less in colder temperatures. There are many sizes of propane canisters. This makes it easier to find the right size for your needs.
You should consider the climate in which you will be using your camp stove most often. You can also find propane in large cities, rural areas, and general stores close to national parks or state lines.

I’m Going To Travel. Which Type Of Stove Would Be Best?

It depends. A backpacking stove is the best option if you are traveling on foot with a backpack. Car? Get a camping stove for your car. Check with the airline to find out what they allow you to bring aboard, and what fuels will be available. Most airlines won't allow you to fly without fuel.

What Burn Time Should I Look Out For?

Stoves are often advertised with their boil and burn times. This is especially important if your campsite is far from civilization. You should also consider your weight, especially if backpacking. It is also useful to transport and store your stove in its own containers or bag.

Can You Use A Camping Stove Inside A Tent?

No. No. Your tent may catch on fire, and your body could be engulfed in a molten nylon coating, leading to a terrible, unimaginable death.

Backpacking Stove Vs. Camping Stove: What's The Difference?

The backpacking stoves can be small, single-burner units. They fit into a backpack or even your palm. They weigh in at a mere ounce. However, camping stoves are only used for "base camp", whether you're camping in a car, truck, National Parks or somewhere else.
The camp stove is larger and more heavy (8-14 lbs) and can be placed on top of a truck bed, tabletop, picnic table or camp table to convert your campsite into a kitchen.
You now have all of the information you need to camp, cook, and just enjoy the outdoors.

With new information arriving, our editor will usually update the best car camping grill frequently. Please constantly check our site for the most up-to-date material.

We will try our best to help you with more best car camping grill. You are supposed to be free to ask for assistance with your problems.


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

Read Katie's full bio