When you are on the road in your RV, nothing can beat the pleasure of cooking in the outdoors. While cooking on an open fire is one of the best experiences of cooking outdoors, you may not always have that perfect fire pit when traveling in your RV.
This is where a portable charcoal grill comes into the picture to help you enjoy the pleasure of grilling outdoors when you are on the move. While it may sound simple, finding that perfect portable charcoal grill that fits into an RV is easier said than done.
There are several factors that you need to consider such as the size, heat output rating, power consumption, the quality of their components, and so on that each require a good amount of research. To make your task easier, our review team has done the homework for you.
We have spent hours analyzing, reviewing, and comparing the top RV-compatible charcoal grills on the market to find the best ones for you. We have also included a buying guide to help you narrow down your choice and select the most suitable product for you.
Read on to find a detailed review of each product below. If you are in a hurry to order, then we recommend the Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill (see Amazon). This is one of the most compact and lightweight grills for your road trip, while it also has the capacity to accommodate six burgers at a time.
| Product Names | Item Dimensions | Item Weight | ||
| #1. Cuisinart CGG180 CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Gas Grill with VersaStand | 16 x 16.5 x 31.5 inches | 1 Kilogram | See Price | |
| #2. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill | 12.2 x 21 x 14.5 inches | 6 Kilograms | See Price | |
| #3. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill | 30.25 x 19.19 x 16.13 inches | 21 Kilograms | See Price | |
| #4. Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill | 15.4 x 15.6 x 9.2 inches | 4.4 Kilograms | See Price | |
| #5. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill | 19.75 x 20.5 x 19.75 inches | 8 Kilograms | See Price | |
| #6. Char-Griller E22424 Table Top Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box | 18.5 x 16 x 17 inches | 18 Kilograms | See Price |
- #1. Cuisinart CGG180 CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Gas Grill with VersaStand
- #2. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
- #3. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
- #4. Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill
- #5. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill
- #6. Char-Griller E22424 Table Top Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box
- Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Charcoal Grill for an RV
- Related Questions
#1. Cuisinart CGG180 CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Gas Grill with VersaStand
The first product on our list of RV-suitable gas grills is the Cuisinart CGG180, which features a spacious 160 square inches of porcelain-enameled grates. That means this grill can cook a lot of food in one go, and also distribute the heat evenly throughout the cooking area.
This compact gas grill with a stand is so portable that you can take it anywhere – patios, decks, camping balconies, tailgating, and so on. It features a simple twist-to-start electric ignition and maintains a precise temperature control with a 5,500 BTU capacity burner.
We are impressed with this freestanding grill design that can easily make food for 4-6 people at a time. What’s more, the telescoping stand holds up the grill perfectly and makes the height adjustable for everyone’s use. It can also be set up and stored away within minutes.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 16 x 16.5 x 31.5 inches
- Integrated lid lock
- Briefcase-style carrying handle
- Spill-resistant drip tray
- Easy cleanup
- 3-year limited warranty
- Integrated telescoping base
User/Customer reviews
Most users have said that this is a light, compact, and portable grill to take with you on a road trip or camping when you want to do some quick cooking. Customers love the design and easy setup of this little grill. However, a few customers have warned that this grill takes a lot of time to cook, while others had issues with the starter.
Conclusion
If you strictly want a charcoal grill for your RV that can be used for light cooking while traveling, then we recommend the Cuisinart CGG180 CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Gas Grill (see Amazno). However, please bear in mind that it cannot be used for cooking a lavish dinner on your patio or backyard. Overall, we feel that you get what you pay for with this grill.
#2. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
While you are busy driving to your favorite destination, let the Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill can take care of all of your gourmet needs. As a close replica of a real gas grill in a small format, it gives you a taste of home anywhere you go.
This cute and compact little grill is small enough to fit in your trunk but still big enough to feed you and your travel partner. The lid locks easily and the rectangular shape ensures that it fits well at the back of any RV. It can accommodate up to six burgers when you use a Weber burger press.
We love how the dampers allow users to control the inside temperature of the grill, while the sturdy steel cooking grate retains heat really well. It has a primary cooking space of 160 square inches that can hold plenty of food. There are also 3D interactive assembly instructions available in the free BILT app if you should ever need them.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 12.2 x 21 x 14.5 inches
- Weighs 13.45 pounds
- Tuck-n-carry lid
- Plated steel cooking grate
- Plated steel legs
- Porcelain-enameled steel lid
User/Customer reviews
Several users have mentioned that this charcoal grill is just what you need to enjoy a taste of home while on the road. Some people who have used the product have confirmed that you can easily cook mid-sized steaks or up to 8 pieces of chicken on this grill. That being said, a few customers have also warned that the body of the grill can sometimes be too shallow.
Conclusion
This is an extremely attractive-looking charcoal grill and the compact size makes it possible to carry it with you wherever you go. Setting up the grill is pretty easy, and it should work just fine to cook you a few quick meals on the go, but be careful not to place it on a plastic table. You should also make sure to monitor the grill when cooking food. Overall, we think this is a good investment if you use it carefully.
#3. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
This portable stand-up grill comprises of three independently adjustable burners that help with producing heat up to 20,000 BTU. Spread across an area of 285 square inches of cooking space, the enhanced temperature control helps with grilling different types of food with ease.
There is a removable water pan at the bottom to catch dripping grease and make cleaning easier. The two durable side tables can be used for keeping the utensils and sauces. It also comes with an integrated thermometer to help you with accurate temperature monitoring
We are impressed with the overall design of this grill, particularly with its swappable cooktops that can be interchanged with stove grates or griddles to help give you a greater range of meal options. Its quick folding legs and rugged wheels make the unit easily portable and easy to set up at any campsite or tailgate.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 30.25 x 19.19 x 16.13 inches
- Weighs 46,67 pounds
- Up to 20,000 BTU of power
- Ignition for push-button
- 3 independently adjustable burners
- Two durable side tables
- Removable water pan
User/Customer reviews
Most users have said that this charcoal grill fits the bill just fine for their RV and delivers its promise by grilling a variety of food quickly and efficiently. Several people are also impressed with the customer support team that goes out of its way to help with any issues. However, a few customers have warned that the water pan is shallow and often becomes messy after grilling.
Conclusion
Coleman is one of the most trusted names on the market, and their RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill is just what you would expect from a company of that stature. This stand-up propane grill is not only easy to assemble and take down, but it also delivers to its promise of grilling delicious food anytime and anywhere.
#4. Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill
This is another portable grill from the Weber team that stands out from the competition with its intuitive features and good performance. The Weber 40020 Smokey Joe (learn more) is just what you need to fit into your RV perfectly and make you a tasty grilled lunch anywhere.
Due to its lightweight design and attached carry handle, you can carry the Weber 40020 Smokey Joe Premium with you wherever you go. With a Weber burger press, this unit can accommodate up to five burgers for you and your companion.
The compact design of the grill lets you fit it into any tight space in the RV. Its porcelain-enameled lid is built in a way to retain heat, plus it does not peel or rust. Its lid lock also serves as a lid holder to prevent you from keeping the lid on the ground. Dampers also help you with controlling the temperature inside the grill.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 15.4 x 15.6 x 9.2 inches
- Weighs 9.8 pounds
- 14-Inch Portable Grill
- Holds up to five burgers
- Compact and lightweight
- Porcelain-enameled lid
- 3D interactive assembly instructions
User/Customer reviews
Those who have bought this product are extremely pleased with the high temperatures this unit can achieve to grill meals perfectly. People who travel a lot in RV find this grill useful for cooking homemade meals anytime and anywhere on the go. However, a few users have warned that the vents on the design make cooking ineffective at times.
Conclusion
Weber stands true to its reputation with the Smokey Joe Premium 14-Inch Portable Grill (see Amazon). However, let’s not forget that this is a mini portable grill that should typically only be used to cook a quick lunch on the go, and not to cook a lavish dinner at home.
#5. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill
If you want to travel without missing out on the good taste of homemade grilled food, then you should check out the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill. This little portable grill from Weber has a compact size to fit into your RV and comes with a convenient carry handle, too.
If you are hitting the road with your travel buddies, you will be impressed to know that this grill can accommodate up to eight burgers at a time with the Weber burger press. Due to its light weight, you can easily carry it around on your campsite and just about anywhere else you desire.
This charcoal grill comes with a porcelain-enameled lid that helps in retaining heat, while also preventing peeling or rust. The ‘Tuck-N-Carry’ feature doubles up as a lid lock to prevent you from putting the lid directly on the ground. You can also control the temperature within the grill with dampers.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 15.4 x 15.6 x 9.2 inches
- Weighs 9.8 pounds
- Porcelain-enameled lid
- Tuck-N-Carry lid lock
- 3D interactive assembly instructions
- Compact and lightweight
User/Customer reviews
Several users have confirmed that the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill works just as one would expect from this prestigious company, and their customer support is also pretty good. Some people have noted that the vents at the bottom make it easier to clean out the ashes after cooking. Customers have also said that their meat came out tasting really moist, juicy, and flavorful.
Conclusion
If you like to go on road trips regularly, then we recommend the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill (see Amazon) to enjoy delicious food anytime you desire. The best thing about this portable grill is that the size is perfectly compact to fit inside an RV and cook quick meals perfectly. Overall, we think it offers great value for money.
#6. Char-Griller E22424 Table Top Charcoal Grill and Side Fire Box
If you need a grill that you can carry in your recreational van, this Char-Griller E22424 Table Top Charcoal Grill also serves as a solid option. It is not only very portable, but it also makes grilling fun wherever you take it, with a removable pan for easy ash cleanup.
What we like best about this unit is that it can be easily attached to Char-Griller barrel grills, used as a tabletop grill, or as a Texas-style horizontal smoker. When you are done with grilling, you can go to the side firebox, but you cannot go back the other way.
Made from heavy-duty steel and equipped with cast iron cooking grates, this Char-Griller E22424 comes with a spacious 250-square-inch primary cooking space. It can perfectly fit a Wrangler, Outlaw, Duo, or Chargriller Pro Deluxe as a Side Fire Box.
Product features and specifications
- Measures 18.5 x 16 x 17 inches
- Weighs 41 pounds
- 250 square inches grill space
- Cast iron grill
- Heavy Steel Construction
- Adjustable Dampers
- Easy Dump Ash Pan
- Sliding drawer for easy access
- Stay Cool hood handle
User/Customer reviews
Most users have said that this is a good quality portable grill that comes with adequate assembly grills to set up the unit with ease. People have also said that they were able to grill steaks perfectly from their RV and enjoy good grilled food on the go. A few users have warned that the manufacturer’s customer support is not as friendly or helpful as one would hope, though.
Conclusion
The Char-Griller E22424 Table Top Charcoal Grill (see Amazon) is a nice little grill that can be easily attached as a smoker attachment to an existing grill or used as a portable grill to take traveling in your RV. It is a beautifully designed unit that not only looks great but also performs well, although it might sometimes need a few tweaks to suit your needs. Overall, we feel that it offers a good price-to-performance ratio.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Charcoal Grill for an RV
While all of the charcoal grill models we have mentioned above are selected with care to suit your needs, different people may have different requirements. Therefore, we have listed a few things you need to consider before choosing the best portable charcoal grill for your needs.
Ash catcher: There should be a bowl-shaped container or pot at the bottom of the kettle to catch the ash residue as you grill.
Hinged grate: If you get a model that comes with a hinged grate, this will give you easy access to the ember bed, without you needing to remove the grate.
Electronic gas ignition: A quick electronic ignition can save you a lot of hassle, and you can find this feature in most recent models.
Seamless kettle construction: No matter the shape of the firebox, look for a seamless construction to avoid rusting and corrosion.
Foldable legs: We suggest that you look for units that come with both a sturdy base and foldable legs to make it easier to carry in an RV.
Dampers: This can help with efficient fuel burning, as dampers regulate airflow and also help with controlling the heat.
Cooking space: Depending on your needs and cooking requirements, pay attention to the total cooking space or surface area of your grill.
Tight-fitting lid with lock: You will need a tight-fitting lid with a lock if you want to use the unit as a smoker, not to mention a lid with lock is a prerequisite for transportation purposes.
Grate material: Just like any other standard grill, the grates for portable RV grills should also be made of nickel or chrome-plated wire. Look for models that have cast iron, steel, enameled steel, or cast iron.
Construction materials: Materials used in a grill’s construction range from cold rolled steel and porcelain-coated steel to cast aluminum and cast iron.
Related Questions
Can I use these charcoal grills in my Kitchen or Backyard?
Yes, you may use these at home for some light grilling, but do not expect it to cook food for a large family or group of friends as it may not have the power or capacity for that kind of performance.
Can you take a charcoal grill camping?
If your charcoal grill has collapsible legs, then you can pack it up and take it camping with you. Nothing can be more fun than grilling outdoors under the open sky and enjoying grilled food with your family while camping.
How long can a charcoal grill stay hot?
A typical charcoal grill used outdoors with a properly built fire will stay hot for at least 30-40 minutes to keep your food warm even after it has finished cooking.
