Going camping is fun and it gets you outside enjoying all the things that nature has to offer.
But what about the food?
Travelling needs a portable cooker as space is a minimum.
So I want to show you some of the best small grill choices to help you on your way…
Best Small Grill Choices for Your Next Getaway
Grilling is such a fun part of RV camping but finding the best portable gas grill to fit your needs can be overwhelming.
I want to share with you seven things that you need to know so you avoid buying the wrong one and your best small grill choices.
Understanding things like BTUs the differences between different grill grates and other important considerations will impact your grilling experience.
So I am going to break this down for you…
Portable grills come in a variety of fuel types including:
- pellet charcoal electric
- gas
A portable gas grill and more specifically a propane gas grill are ideal because they are extremely convenient and portable.
They are easy to start they heat up quickly and hold a steady temperature.
Now, most portable gas grills also allow you to use a 1-pound propane gas cylinder.
So you are not confined to a specific grilling location.
The first consideration for a portable gas grill is BTU or British thermal unit measurement of the total heat output and fuel consumption per hour for all grill burners.
Think of BTU as a fuel efficiency rating a higher BTU doesn’t mean a hotter grill.
But the more BTUs a model has the faster it is going to burn through your fuel.
So it is wise to only go for a grill with the amount of BTUs you need to get the job done.
It is just as important as the BTUs are the weight of the grate and the materials used to construct the grill and how tight the lid fits.
if you stay in the 80 to 100 BTU per square inch range for a gas grill.
You will likely be satisfied where you are surprised at higher BTUs do not need more heat.
When it comes to the best small grill, the cooking surface of your grill is one of the most important parts of it most cooking grates found on portable gas grills are made of either:
- cast iron
- stainless steel
But cast-iron and stainless steel are different materials so they cook differently.
So let us have a look at the pros and cons of each starting with:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel grates tend to be preferred by grillers who use high heat or temperature for cooking.
They heat up quickly are more lightweight are easier to clean and tend to be more affordable.
Cons
They do not leave that authentic grill mark and they do not retain heat as long either.
Most dedicated grillers prefer bare cast iron and the heavier it is the better cast iron retains heat better than probably any other material.
They are also good for cooking at lower temperatures they heat longer and get that grill mark.
Now… Some prefer:
Cast-Iron Grill Grates
These take longer to heat up than stainless steel they do require more maintenance.
They are also heavier and they are more expensive.
Probably one of the worst things you can do is buy a low-quality grate it cheap grate will warp and crowd more easily than a high-quality one.
The Battle of Stainless Steel Grill Grids Versus Cast-Iron
So which is the winner?
Well, there isn’t a clear one as it is a personal preference.
But knowing the differences will help you pick the right one for your cooking needs.
Now let us talk about how important the quality of the construction of a portable gas grill is.
Portable Gass Grill
I already mentioned heavier construction in a good snug fit of the lid means the grill captures and retains the heat better.
A good grill also will have small vents to allow a controlled amount of airflow through the cooking chamber allowing it to heat up quickly and maintain a high temperature.
While lightweight materials and parts are important for transporting portable grills.
However…
Sometimes lightweight can also mean flimsy in terms of construction.
Because we are dealing with flammable liquids safety is a top concern so the more stable the barbecue and the stand the better in terms of construction.
Let’s face it…
You often get what you pay for look for a grill that looks durable enough to last a few years or it may not last as long.
And you may end up spending more in the long run.
Now, let’s talk about the cooking surface size:
Cooking Surface Size
In order to best fit your needs and this depends on how many people you will be cooking for.
And it is wise not to get a grill any larger than what you’ll need because you also want to consider storage and transporting your portable gas grill.
A good rule to follow is about 100 square inches per person this will help you determine how much space you might need.
And a 225 square inch cooking surface grill area has more than ample space to grill 2 steaks plus 2 potatoes or ten chicken thighs and two potatoes with room to spare.
Also, rounded areas help grease drip down into the tray.
While some grills will be easier to clean than others so take time to determine where the grease and food particles will be going.
Is it easy to remove the grate or other parts to access this area for cleaning RV storage space is it always a concern for any piece of RV equipment?
So transporting and how storable a portable gas grill is is an important consideration especially if you have a small RV.
If you get a grill with a separate stand this will also take up additional space so this might be an important storage consideration as well.
Being able to securely close and lock the lid for travelling and a storage travel bag always make transporting your grill easier.
Things like retractable legs will help keep the collapsed dimensions so they fit in your storage compartment.
The more collapsible the better I say…
I discovered a product called fat trapper Bag made by Ranger clean it is a resealable and a closable bag.
You can use responsibly dispose of grease you simply pour or scrape the grease into the bag and seal it it holds up to 2 and 3/4 cups of grease and food particles.
The best small grill… There are many choices so deciding which is the best small grill for you does come down to your situation as everybody is different.
However, I hope this article gives some good sound advice and a few good ideas for your next choice when going camping or RV’ ing of course.
What is the best grill for a single person?
When it comes to finding the best grill for a single person, there are a few factors to consider, such as size, portability, and functionality.
Here are a few options that might be suitable:
- Portable Gas Grill: A small, portable gas grill can be a great option for a single person. Look for a compact size that is easy to transport and store. Consider features like foldable legs, lightweight design, and a small cooking surface.
- Electric Grill: Electric grills are convenient and easy to use, making them a good choice for someone cooking for themselves. They are typically smaller in size and can be used indoors or outdoors, depending on the model and local regulations.
- Tabletop Charcoal Grill: If you enjoy the flavor of charcoal grilling, a tabletop charcoal grill can be a good option. They are usually compact and perfect for grilling small amounts of food. Look for a model with good ventilation and easy-to-clean features.
- Pellet Grill: If you’re looking for versatility and convenience, a pellet grill might be worth considering. While they tend to be larger, there are smaller options available. Pellet grills offer the ability to smoke, grill, and bake, giving you more cooking options.
- Infrared Grill: Infrared grills heat up quickly and cook food faster than traditional grills. They are also usually compact and easy to use. Look for a smaller model with good temperature control options.
Ultimately, the best grill for a single person will depend on personal preferences, space limitations, and desired cooking methods. Consider factors such as size, portability, and ease of use when making your decision.