Ah, the glory and excitement of a new camping season. The smell of pine in the air, the gentle rustle of leaves overhead, and the laid-back energy of being off the grid. Every camper’s gotta eat though, and the age-old question of how to approach your outdoor cooking sparks a timeless debate among camping enthusiasts every year: What’s better for life on the road—charcoal vs propane camping grills?
Charcoal vs Propane
BBQ grilling is certainly nothing new. In fact, it’s been a staple camping tradition for generations. However, the portable grills of today are pushing the envelope in ways that would astonish the BBQ enthusiasts of yesteryear. With sleek designs, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched convenience, modern campers are now overwrought with choices when it comes to their outdoor culinary adventures.
No longer just a simple metal grate over some hot coals, these marvels of engineering boast features that sound more at home in a high-end kitchen than at a campsite. Think stainless steel construction that can withstand the elements, or digital controls for precisely managing cooking temps. Some models even offer integrated thermometers, fold-out prep areas, and easy-clean surfaces.
Despite these advancements—or perhaps even as a result of them—the debate remains: do you go with charcoal or propane? Let’s unpack some of the pros and cons to help you decide.
Charcoal Grills
Classic and affordable, charcoal camping grills are a favorite among many campers who will swear there's no substitute for the unique flavor profile and hands-on experience of cooking with live fire. However, they do have some drawbacks where convenience is concerned, particularly during setup and takedown.
Pros
- Authentic Flavor: Charcoal grills are renowned for the smoky flavor they impart to food, providing an authentic BBQ experience.
- High Heat: They can reach higher temperatures, which is ideal for searing meats.
- Hands-On Cooking: For those who enjoy a more traditional, hands-on approach, cooking with charcoal is a fun and engaging process.
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Low Cost: Charcoal grills are generally less expensive than propane options and they require little to no maintenance.
Cons
- Longer Setup and Cleanup: Lighting charcoal and waiting for it to reach the right temperature takes time, and cleaning out the ashes can be messy.
- Inconsistent Heat: Managing consistent heat levels can be challenging, requiring more attention and skill.
- Transport and Storage: Charcoal bags are bulky and can be messy to transport and store.
Propane Grills
Offering a modern alternative, propane camping grills bring a level of convenience and consistency to outdoor cooking experiences that make grilling almost foolproof. However, they don’t naturally provide that classic smoky flavor and the unit itself requires more maintenance, as there are multiple parts that can fail.
Pros
- Convenience: Propane grills offer quick and easy setup, with instant ignition and fast preheating.
- Consistent Heat: They provide steady and controllable heat, making grilling almost foolproof.
- Portability: Propane tanks are easier to transport and store compared to bags of charcoal.
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Operating Costs: Propane tanks can be refilled rather than continually purchased new and they offer more cookouts-per-use than a bag of charcoal.
Cons
- Less Flavor: Propane grills don’t provide the same smoky flavor as charcoal.
- Safety Concerns: You need to be a little more conscientious when storing and hooking up propane tanks, as the liquid is highly flammable.
- Upfront Cost: Convenience comes at a cost, and propane grills tend to wear higher price tags.
- Maintenance: Propane grills have more components that might need maintenance, such as burners and gas lines.
As you prepare for your next outdoor escapade, you'll find that choosing the right grill is about more than just functionality—it's about enhancing your entire camping experience. Whether you're a charcoal traditionalist or a propane pragmatist, the modern camping grill offers a way to elevate your outdoor cooking game. So, grab your favorite beverage and get comfy while you explore some of our top picks for great camping grills.
Lippert Components Odyssey Barbeque Grill
Starting small, the Odyssey charcoal grill by Lippert is the ideal solution when you want delicious meals on-the-go without having to lug around a full-size setup. It’s compact and versatile, featuring a portable tabletop design that accommodates any size campsite. The double-walled outer bowl is made of powder-coated steel and comes in several bright colors, while the innovative design provides superior ventilation for even cooking and deflects grease drippings.
The Odyssey is capable of holding up to 5-6 charcoal briquettes so you can be sure to achieve that smoky taste you so strive for. And, unlike regular charcoal grills, this unit features a battery or USB-powered control knob that allows you to regulate your cooking temperature. As an added bonus, this little grill comes with an innovative carrying case that can double as a cooler bag for added efficiency.
Camco Olympian 5500 Grill
If flavor is the name of your game, but you don’t want to deal with messy charcoal, then Camco’s Olympian 5500 Grill is the answer to your outdoor cooking prayers. This little grill offers 180 sq. inches of cooking surface, but comes with a surprise feature that takes it into the stratosphere: a built-in cast iron smoker. This little addition imparts big flavor to any dinner you can imagine.
Other benefits of the Olympian include its fast heating and easy cleaning. Additionally, this grill can comfortably sit on most table tops, but the included mounting bracket is smartly designed to allow you to hang the grill on your RV mounting rail. It also features an included quick-connect hose and valve that easily attaches to almost any size propane supply.
Coleman Roadtrip X-CURSION Grill
For those who crave truly portable outdoor cooking experiences, regardless of how rugged the terrain is, check out the Coleman Roadtrip X-Cursion Grill. Great for camping, overlanding, tailgating and more, this grill boasts collapsible steel scissor legs with rugged off-road wheels that can handle everything from rough gravel to parking lot potholes. The whole unit folds down neatly into a sleek, low-profile design that can be wheeled around like a travel suitcase and easily tucked away when not in use.
Once you're at your grill site, 285 sq. in. of porcelain-coated, cast iron grills are waiting for anything you can throw at them. Just hit the push-button ignition and dial in your heat with the two independently adjustable burners. Looking to flip pancakes instead of burgers? Swap out the grill grates with a griddle, then pop in the stove grate so you can percolate some delicious hot coffee.
Blackstone On the Go Tailgater
If the phrase “versatile cooking surfaces” really appeals to you, the check out Blackstone’s On The Go Tailgater—a griddle and grill combo that is separated into two independently-controlled cooking zones. Whip up some juicy burgers right alongside those Philly cheesesteaks, without under- or over-cooking the meat on either one. If a hearty stew is on the menu instead, simply lift up the grill or griddle box to access the range top burners underneath.
This all-in-one system is also designed for on-the-go life, featuring a fully collapsible design that goes anywhere you can roll it. It looks as good as it performs too, with classically styled, black-painted hoods with orange OTG handles/pull grips.