Best Portable Grills and Stoves for Being Campy or Glampy Under the Stars

While camping may be a great way to “rough it” in the wilderness and experience all the great outdoors offers, most people still want a hot meal while they’re doing it. That’s where portable grills and stoves come in. Portable grills and stoves can range from small, lightweight tabletop versions (perfect for tailgating) to a full-on grill that allows you to cook for large groups of people.

Whether you’re camping, glamping or planning a parking lot party at an NFL game, cook up a storm while enjoying all the outdoors offer with these top-rated grills and stoves we found. Whatever your budget, there’s something for everyone. Happy shopping! 

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Best Portable Grills

— Editors’ Pick —

Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill

Who can resist a hot meal fresh off the grill? If you want to plan the ideal camping trip or recreate camping vibes in your own backyard, this portable woodfire grill from Ninja is the way to do so. Get the classic woodfire flavor without taking up the space of a full-sized woodfire grill! It’s perfect to pack into the car for a trip or to throw a BBQ in a small outdoor space like a balcony. In addition to grilling, you can smoke or air fry food too! Consider this portable multi-cooker your new outdoor bestie! Right now, you can get an amazing price on this grill and up to 50% off other camping and outdoor essentials when you shop the Cabela’s Summer Savings Sale! Shop now through July 20.

Price: $299.98, $369.99 at Cabela’s

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Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

If you have more room and are looking for a standup design instead of a tabletop, this Coleman grill may be the right fit. It features two quick-fold legs and wheels for easy storage, transport and setup. Enjoy matchless lighting with the Instastart button and three independent burners. The two sliding side tables make it extra handy for mealtime.

Price: $239.99, $319.99 at Amazon

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Outdoor Hibachi Charcoal Grill

Hibachi is pretty hard to resist, so when it comes to an outdoor cooking purchase, this design is understandably popular. It’s sturdy, well-built and ready to accompany you on your next adventure! Plus it’s easy to disassemble and clean after each use. The smart airflow design ensures lengthy burn time while maintaining cool tabletops. Don’t miss out on the beauty of hibachi-style goodness wherever you go.

Price: $199.99 at Amazon

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Best Portable Stoves

Grill Boss Dual Fuel Camp Stove

Who doesn’t enjoy having options? No one likes to be forced into deciding against their will. Why choose between either when you can have the option to choose both? The Grill Boss 90057 Portable Dual Fuel Camp Stove includes an adapter suited for both propane and butane, so you never think twice about not having options. This model has n automatic ignition, plus safety shut-off device installed system that shuts off gas flow when it detects irregular flow/pressure and a built in cartridge ejection system that ejects the butane fuel canister if it detects irregular gas flow/pressure. It’s also small and lightweight for all your adventures. 

Price: $67.50 at Amazon 

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Coleman 2-Burner Propane Stove

Sometimes just one burner isn’t enough. If you want more space on your outdoor stove, this double burner model from Coleman may be for you. Each eye can go from simmer to full output giving you maximum control for any type of dish. A high pressure regulator ensures a flame regardless of weather too.

Price: $52, $59.99 at Walmart

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Winnerwell Nomad View

With its rectangular firebox, two viewing windows and nesting four-leg design, the Winnerwell Nomad View Medium Wood Burning Tent Stove is like the Cadillac of portable wood stoves and provides stunning ambiance when in operation. Made with quality 304 stainless steel, the Nomad View is an excellent heating and cooking solution in compatible canvas tents and a range of recreational shelters. The nesting four-leg design gives the Nomad a smaller footprint than the Woodlanders, making it a good option for small spaces where a fireproof hearth area is used to reduce required clearances. 

Price: $419.99 at Winnerwell

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For more info on your outdoor gear purchase, check out these tips and tricks below!

Tips for Using Your Portable Grill or Stove  

Now that you’ve shopped for your portable stove, Reserve America offers these tips for using it: 

• Always cook on a stable surface. 
• Avoid buying the gallon-size canisters of fuel or gas. White gas, the most popular gas for camp stoves, will degrade after about six months and can clog up your stove. You should buy new gas every camping season to keep your cooking fresh and the stove running smoothly.
• Never cook inside in an enclosed space. 

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Camping and Caravanning Club UK explains the different options for portable stoves, and how to know which one is right for you. 

Types of Portable Stoves

Canister Gas Camping Stoves

Butane and propane closed gas canisters are a popular choice because “these give an instant, adjustable heat, with very little maintenance required. Gas canisters are widely available to purchase, are lightweight and easily portable. You’ll need to check with your local authority on how to dispose of/recycle spent canisters and cartridges,” explains Camping and Caravanning Club UK. 

Solid Fuel Camping Stoves

“Solid fuels such as meta fuel, hexamine and wood produce a soft flame which is good for calmer weather. If you’re burning wood, make sure it’s sustainably sourced and ideally kiln dried so it lights easier and burns more cleanly. Solid fuel-burning stoves are often small and compact, but running them can get expensive if you’re using it as your main stove. We think solid fuel is best for quick jobs such as boiling water and warming meals through,” says Camping and Caravanning Club UK. 

Solar-powered Camping Stoves

Solar power is an increasingly popular energy method among campers. “While the initial expenditure on solar equipment can be more than popular alternatives, the cost of repurchasing fuel is completely removed. The biggest consideration if you’re considering solar is whether you’ll be winter camping and if so, you may find you need a backup such as a gas stove,” explains the site. 

Liquid Fuel Camping Stoves

Liquid fuel camping stoves burn substances such as paraffin and petrol. Camping and Caravanning Club UK further says, “While these are ideal for remote camping, where other fuels may be hard to come by, they’re not an obvious choice. Most require priming which can take up valuable time, however, if you take care of them and don’t mind the maintenance, they can last for years.” 

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4 Tips When Shopping for a Portable Stove 

Reserve America offers these tips for finding the perfect portable stove: 

1. Size Matters

Consider a full-fledged basecamp stove, especially if you’ll be cooking for large groups. These stoves essentially mimic a kitchen stove top. Compact tabletop models typically have one to three burners, while large freestanding stoves with their own legs offer two to three burners.

“Tabletop models work best on a table or tailgate (unless you don’t mind kneeling down to the ground). Compared to freestanding models, these stoves have less cooking area — so you may need to use smaller pots and pans. Freestanding models stand on their own legs but can also be put on a tailgate or table. They feature more cooking space and wider burners, so if you plan to make meals in a giant stock pot or wok for every meal, this is the ideal type of stove for you,”

OutdoorGearLab.com

But keep in mind, they are much heavier to move around.

2. Decide Between a Perch or Freestanding Stove

“Freestanding options are best for six or more campers. You’ll get two burners and more space, though the whole apparatus will be heavier. Boil times, sturdiness and burner control are still efficient, but you’ll get more space and they often come with built-in wind control,” attests Reserve America. 

3. Figure Out How You’ll Use It

If you plan to use your stove for both car camping and backpacking, start with something smaller and lighter.

4. Pay Attention To BTUs

“For basic outdoor cooking and groups of only a few people, you’ll need a stove that has an output of at least 10,000 BTU per hour. This is because you’ll be cooking faster or as fast as your at-home kitchen,” explains Camp Chef. 

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