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I can’t imagine camping without a portable grill. Anybody that grills regularly will tell you there is nothing better than the aroma of grilled food floating through the air. Do you want to grill for your family and friends on your next camping trip? Here are some suggestions about grills, and griddles suited for camping.
Portable grills have been around for decades and they’ve evolved greatly since their inception. Portable grills are generally made of lightweight metals and can often fold up quite compactly for easy transport.
What Is The Difference Between a Grill And a Griddle?
Grill tops have raised ridges with gaps in between, while griddle tops are flat with slightly raised edges. This helps in producing a nice sear on meat as well as sealing in juices. The large surface area of a portable griddle makes it great for cooking anything from flapjacks and scrambled eggs to shish kabobs!
What Type of Grilling Will You Be Doing While Camping?
Will grilling be the main event of your camping trip or do you just want to grill a quick burger or hotdog while camping? Maybe you don’t plan on grilling, but you could use a griddle for those pancakes and eggs. Knowing what type of grilling and griddling will take place during your camping trip will help you choose the right grill or griddle for your needs.
The Debate Between Gas And Charcoal
Charcoal grills have diehard fans and users. On the other hand, gas grills are more widely used. According to Statistica.com, 61% of grills in America are gas-fueled.
Why Do Some People Prefer Charcoal Grills?
Two common reasons why people prefer grilling with charcoal.
The first reason has to do with fuel efficiency. Charcoal grills do not require electricity or gas to work so they can be used during outdoor activities when these other sources of energy may no longer be available.
The second reason for preferring charcoal grills is that they don’t have mechanics like gas grills. These parts collect dirt and grime after each use and then become difficult to clean effectively, therefore requiring more effort on the part of the user to keep them in good working condition.
Benefits of Gas Grills and Griddles
Many people decide to use a portable gas grill or griddle because they’re convenient and easy to use while camping. Charcoal grills can get messy and smoky and can give off toxic fumes if you use lighter fluid. If that’s something you would like to avoid, then a gas grill or griddle might suit your needs better!
Gas grills also generally heat food faster than charcoal grills. Whether it’s grilling burgers or cooking hot dogs, gas grills and griddles will get the job done in less time with more convenience. You’ll also find the temperature is more easily controlled in a gas grill.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Portable Grill?
- Consider the size of the grill. If you’ll only be grilling for one or two people then something small, portable, and easy to store would fit your needs perfectly. If it’s just you, think about getting an even smaller grill so you can pack up everything with less hassle. On the other hand, if grilling for a large group is why you need a grill consider grills that have more cooking space.
- Not all grills are created equally when it comes to heat retention. Getting a grill that will retain its temperature while in use is essential because grills with poor heat retention won’t cook your food evenly.
- It’s important to have a good grilling surface. Stainless steel, cast iron, and enamel coated are all good options. Whatever surface you choose, make sure it’s durable. Enamel coated is my favorite because it is fairly non-stick.
These are two of my favorite portable gas grills. Weber is one of the most purchased by RVers and there are several models available. This is their entry level model.
What Makes a Griddle Good For Camping?
Many people prefer cooking on a griddle instead of on a traditional barbecue grill. There are no messy charcoal grills to deal with, no lighter fluid needed and the griddle is much easier, more versatile, and convenient. A griddle can be a great upgrade from cooking over an open fire for many camping and outdoor activities, but not all griddles are made equal.
Features to look for when buying a portable propane griddle for camping are;
- large cooking area
- built-in heat control system
- convenient folding compact storage
- handles
- durable griddle plates
- stand to support the griddle (optional)
The Blackstone is very popular, comes in many shapes and sizes, and has accessories. The Royal Gourmet is also highly rated and has multiple options. Either would make a great griddle for your cooking arsenal.
Tips On Caring For Your Portable Grill Or Griddle
While grills are made out of high-quality materials, they can still succumb to wear and tear after regular use. Keeping grills clean is the best way to extend their life span. To keep grills in good working condition you should:
1) Clean grates before each use with a wire brush or grate cleaner so food does not stick.
2) Periodically deep clean your grill. Burned and stuck-on food particles attract insects and rodents which carry disease.
2) Never store grills wet as this can damage parts over time. Allow them to completely dry before storing.
3) Cover grills when they are not in use to protect them from the elements.
Bonus Grilling Recipes
For some incredible camp meals check out this post by SheKnows; 16 Near-Gourmet Grilling Recipes for Your Next Camping Trip
When it comes to grills, you want something convenient and easy to use. I hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave a comment below!
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