A summer camping trip is not complete unless you have a proper barbeque with all of your favourite meats and vegetables grilled to perfection. At home, you may have a giant grill that you use to entertain all your friends and families throughout the year, however, will it fit into your vehicle?
Most likely it is not plausible to bring your backyard grill with you on your camping trip. That is why we recommend investing in a portable barbecue. The best portable bbq to buy will depend on your budget and preferences. There are portable grills in all price ranges, sizes, and fuel types. Let us take a closer look at some options for your next camping trip.
Tip: check out our top 10 best travel backpacks in Australia here!
In This Post:
Our Top Picks Portable BBQs
BBQ Fuel
The first major decision you will have to make is whether you want a charcoal or gas portable grill. There is a long and spirited debate about whether gas or charcoal-grilled food tastes better. Some people prefer the sultry taste of charcoal while others prefer the cleaner taste of propane. Gas grills may cost more, but they are easy to start, less messy, and easy to clean. Charcoal takes longer to get going, but they are much cheaper overall. There are pros and cons for each type of barbeque grill. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of each.
Charcoal BBQ
People who like charcoal grills will rave about the superior taste of charcoal cooking meats and vegetables. You can also easily add hickory, or other types of wood chips to smoke your meats over indirect heat for a long time. Here are the pros and cons.
- Pros: Great taste. Can double as a smoker. Less expensive. Light and easy to transport. No gas hose or gas tank needed.
- Cons: Takes a long time to get started. Can go out after time. Creates a bigger mess and more difficult to clean.
Gas BBQ
Gas grills are a great addition to any camping trip because they are easy to light in all weather conditions, easy to clean, and cooks your food quickly. Here are some additional pros and cons.
- Pros: Fast and efficient cooking. Quick to heat up to cooking temperatures. Fire will not go out like charcoal. Easy to clean.
- Cons: Need to bring a gas tank, gas hose, and other gas grill accessories with you. More expensive than charcoal grills. Takes up more room.
Portable BBQ Features
Whether you choose a charcoal or gas portable bbq for camping, you will be blown away by some of the features available for your new portable grill. You can find everything from the most basic portable barbeque, to a portable gas bbq grill with all the latest bells and whistles.We have looked through hundreds of the best barbecue reviews to find out what kind of features are on the latest camping barbecues.
Charcoal BBQ Features
Venting System: The venting system in a charcoal bbq is important to regulate airflow in and out of the grill. You need air coming in and feeding oxygen to your charcoal to maintain heat and flame and you need air going out to vent smoke and excess heat.
Ash Catcher: An ash catcher connects under your charcoal grill to catch ash as you cook, or for after you are done cooking and want to clean your grill. Simply scrape the excess ash to the bottom vents and the ash will fall through and collect in the ash catcher. Now you can detach the ash catcher and properly dispose of the ash.
Grate: The grating material is important to consider if you want non-stick properties, or to make sure you are not burning toxins into the food you are about to eat. Chrome-plated or stainless steel is best.
Material: Most portable grills come in either stainless steel, porcelain enamel coated steel, powder-coated steel, or cast iron.All materials are extremely tough and designed for intense heat and direct flame. They are pretty interchangeable aside from cast iron is probably the easiest to clean.
Foldable, Portability and Easy to Set Up: All small bbq grills should be easy to set up, fold up to a compact size, and come pre-assembled. There should be no reason you are spending hours setting up a portable camping grill.
Gas BBQ Features
BTU: BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is just a fancy way to express how much fuel you are burning over time. The higher the BTU rate, the more intense the heat is.
Temperature Control: Temperature is especially important to allow you to cook different types of food at different temperatures.You may not want to cook your fish at the same temperature as your chicken, or your asparagus at the same temperature as your steaks. Multi-burner grills with temperature control are ideal for cooking a multi-course meal at your campsite.
Grate: Again,the grating material is important to consider if you want non-stick properties, or to make sure you are not burning toxins into the food you are about to eat. Chrome-plated or stainless steel is best. Gas grills also have the option of ceramic plated grates.
Material: Most gas grills are stainless steel. You also have the option of porcelain-coated steel or powder-coated steel. All are exceptionally durable and long-lasting.
Best Portable BBQ Reviews
Here’s our selection of the best portable BBQs in Australia, let’s start with the portable charcoal BBQ’s to get you warmed up!
Portable Charcoal BBQ Reviews
Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill
The Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill is the best portable grill because of its compact size. It also is one of many cheap barbecues on the market that offers high-quality at an affordable price. Ideal for one or two people enjoy barbecues & outdoor cooking on your deck, patio, balcony, or onshore after an afternoon of fishing. You can take this small bbq anywhere. Cooks up to four to six burgers at a time which is ideal for couples or small families.
- RRP: $39.99
- Fuel: Charcoal
- Material: Metal
- Weight: 0.90 Kg
- External Dimensions: 36.83L x 36.83W x 38.10H cm
Pros: Lightweight. Compact. Can be set up and used anywhere. Chrome-plated grate distributes heat evenly. Dual venting system. Three secure lid locks for safe transport. Inexpensive.
Cons: Too small for larger families or group camping.
LETION UTTORA Charcoal Grill Barbecue
The LETION UTTORA Charcoal Grill Barbecue is an excellent charcoal bbq grill that is also a great tabletop charcoal grill. Incredibly easy to use, just pull down the folding legs and you are ready to grill. Perfect for a family, or a group of 5-6 friends having a picnic or backyard barbeque. Grill hamburgers, steaks, and hotdogs while at the same time roasting some corn, mushrooms, and/or asparagus. This portable charcoal bbq is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- RRP: $24.99
- Fuel: Charcoal
- Material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 2.37 Kg
- External Dimensions: 59.99L x 21.99W x 31.49H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 59.99L x 21.99W x 8.12H cm
Pros: Made from stainless steel. Durable. Rust-proof. Non-toxic. Easy to setup. Easy to take down. Inexpensive.
Cons: May take up more room in your vehicle compared to other round-style portable grills.
Samdray Portable Charcoal Grill Tabletop BBQ Grill
The Samdray Portable Charcoal Grill Tabletop BBQ Grill is the best portable bbq for camping, backpacking, caravanning, picnics, tailgating, and grilling in small places like your balcony or patio. Easy to set up and easy to fold down. Ideal for 4-6 persons, you can cook a variety of food items at the same time. Enjoy this outdoor barbecue with your family and friends at your next event.
- RRP: $23.99
- Fuel: Charcoal
- Material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 1.88 Kg
- External Dimensions: 42L x 28W x 20H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 42L x 28W x 14.5H cm
Pros: Stainless steel construct. Easy to set up, easy to fold down. Dual vent system. Chrome-plated cooking rack. Compact and can be used anywhere at any event. Inexpensive.
Cons: Too small for large groups.
Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
The Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is brought to you by one of the most trusted brands in the outdoor cooking world, Weber. This weber portable bbq is constructed from heavy-duty porcelain-coated cast iron and comes with a steel-plated cooking grate. Weber constructs the perfect compact, easy to store, and easy to transport camping grill.
- RRP: $59.99
- Fuel: Charcoal
- Material: Porcelain-Coated Cast Iron
- Weight: 6.59 Kg
- External Dimensions: 53.34L x 30.98W x 36.83H cm
Pros: Lid locks for easy transport and portability. Heavy-duty durable construction. Porcelain lid and base retain heat and do not rust. 406.4 square centimetres of cooking area.
Cons: Some assembly required.
BNCHI Charcoal Grill Perfect Foldable Premium BBQ Grill
The BNCHU bbq grill can go anywhere and be set up in minutes. Take this portable bbq on your next picnic, camping trip, hike, or fishing trip. This small coal bbq is ideal for 1-3 people. Use it on a table, or any flat surface.
- RRP: $27.99
- Fuel: Charcoal
- Material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 1.33 Kg
- External Dimensions: 35.05L x 26.92W x 15.24H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 35.05L x 26.92W x 6.09H cm
Pros: Compact and sturdy. Heat-resistant, scratch-resistant. 12 airway vent system. Easy to clean. Easy to set up, easy to fold down. Store it anywhere. Inexpensive.
Cons: Ridiculously small.
Portable Gas BBQ Reviews
Gast BBQs are more convenient compared to coal and can be easier to set up and take down as well, here’s our selection of the best portable gas BBQ for your next camping trip!
Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Propane Tabletop Grill
The Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Propane Tabletop Grill is heavy-duty portable gas bbq designed for the chef at heart. Grill up your favourite kabobs, salmon steaks, chops, and every type of grill-able vegetable you can think of. With ideal heat control, two stainless steel burners, cooking a wonderful meal for your family friends will be easy. Easy to set up, easy to tear down, and can easily fit in the back of your trunk. This Cuisinart gas bbq comes with a 3-year warranty.
- RRP: $219.99
- Fuel: Propane/LPG
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 9.99 Kg
- External Dimensions: 54.61L x 48.26W x 38.1H cm
Pros: Two stainless steel 10,000 BTU burners. Electronic ignition. Dedicated control knobs. Stainless steel construction. Easy to set up in under 10 minutes. Includes a drip tray and a one metre long LP hose. Covered with a 3-year warranty.
Cons: Much more expensive than portable charcoal grills.
Cuisinart CGG-180TS Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
The Cuisinart CGG-180TS portable gas grill is a more compact and cheaper version of the Cuisinart CGG-306. Constructed with the same durable stainless steel, this single 5,500 BTU burner gas barbecue can still handle large meals. Grill up to eight steaks, eight hamburgers, or 6 – 10 chicken breasts at one time. Use this portable gas bbq for camping, backyard barbeques, or picnics.
- RRP: $139.99
- Fuel: Propane/LPG
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 7.71 Kg
- External Dimensions: 46.99L x 40.64W x 29.21H cm
Pros: 368.3 square centimetres of cooking area. Stainless steel 5,500 BTU burner. Compact. Easy to setup. Ultra-durable. Lid locks and easy to carry handle.
Cons: Expensive.
NOMADIQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
The NOMADIQ portable bbq grill unlocks, opens up, and folds down in less than 20 seconds. Simply connect your propane tank and you are ready to grill. This portable gas barbecue has over 574.04 square centimetres of ceramic coated non-stick cooking grates. Solid and ultra-durable construction will keep you cooking for a long time.
- RRP: $399.99
- Fuel: Propane
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 10.29 Kg
- External Dimensions: 66.04L x 46.99W x 20.82H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 48.76L x 46.99W x 20.82H cm
Pros: Easy to transport, easy to setup. Two separate sides each with their own 5,000 BTU burner for temperature control and the ability to cook different food items at different temperatures. Heavy-duty. Durable. Comes with a 5-year warranty.
Cons: Expensive.
Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Tabletop Propane Grill
This coleman portable bbq is the ideal table top grill for your next picnic, camping trip, or barbeque. Comes with a cooking area of 571.5 square centimetres and two adjustable burners. This propane-powered camping bbq is ultra-durable, heavy-duty, and comes with a 3-year warranty.
- RRP: Not found
- Fuel: Propane
- Material: Metal
- Weight: 6.80 Kg
- External Dimensions: 55.88L x 30.48H cm. The cooking area is 571.5 square centimetres.
Pros: Two adjustable burners with up to 11,000 BTU of cooking power. Large grilling area. Easy to set up and comes fully assembled. Push-button ignition. Comes with a 3-year warranty.
Cons: No temperature gauge.
Gasmate Voyager Portable BBQ
This gasmate portable bbq is the best portable bbq in Australia. The gasmate voyager bbq is versatile. Whether you throw a skillet on in the morning to cook some eggs and bacon, or you decide to grill some fresh fish from your afternoon of fishing,this is the best portable gas bbq for every outdoor event. Small enough to be a balcony bbq, large enough to feed a hungry gang of campers.
- RRP: $199.95
- Fuel: Propane/LPG
- Material: Powder Coated Steel Body | Enamel coated Cast Iron Cooking Plate
- Weight: 9.0 Kg
- External Dimensions: 58L x 50D x 66H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 58L x 42D x 28H cm
Pros: Constructed with powder-coated steel and enamel coated cast iron.Easy to light rotary ignition. Only weighs 9 kilograms. Compact. Easy to set up, easy to fold down, and easy to store. Covered with a 1-year warranty
Cons: Expensive
Editors Note: make sure to read our 2021 guide on the best camping cookware in Australia!
