The best portable grills and stoves for camping or glamping under the stars

Camping can be a great way to “harden up” and experience all the outdoors, but most people want to have a warm meal while camping. That’s where portable grills and stoves come in. Portable grills and stoves range from small, lightweight tabletop versions (perfect for tailgating) to full-on grills that can cook for large groups.

Whether you're planning a summer adventure, camping, glamping, or a tailgate party for your favorite sports team, cook up a storm while enjoying the outdoors with our top-rated grills and stoves. No matter what your budget, there's something for everyone. Happy shopping!

best portable grill

— Editor's Picks —

Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill

Who can resist a hot meal straight from the grill? Whether you’re planning the perfect camping trip or just want to recreate the camping atmosphere in your backyard, this portable wood-fired grill from Ninja is the way to go. Get that classic wood-fired flavor without taking up the space of a full-size wood-fired grill! It’s perfect for taking on road trips or for barbecuing in smaller outdoor spaces like your balcony. In addition to grilling, you can also smoke or air-fry your food! Think of this portable multi-cooker as your new outdoor BFF! Get this grill at an incredible price right now in Cabela’s Summer Savings Sale and save up to 50% on other camping and outdoor essentials! Shop now through July 20.

price: $299.98, $369.99 In Cabela's

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

If you are looking for a stand-up design instead of a tabletop and have more space, this Coleman grill may be the right choice for you. It features two quick-fold legs and wheels for easy storage, transport, and setup. Enjoy great lighting with the Instastart button and three independent burners. It also has two sliding side tables for added convenience during mealtimes.

price: $239.99, $319.99 On Amazon

Outdoor Hibachi Charcoal Grill

Hibachi is so irresistible that it’s no wonder this design is so popular when shopping for outdoor cooking. It’s sturdy, well-made, and ready to take on your next adventure! Plus, it’s easy to disassemble and clean after use. The smart airflow design keeps your table cool while also providing a long burn time. Wherever you go, you’ll never miss the beauty of hibachi style.

price: $199.99 on Amazon

best portable stove

Grill Boss Dual Fuel Camp Stove

Who doesn’t like having a choice? No one likes being forced to make a decision against their will. Why choose one when you have the option to choose both? The Grill Boss 90057 Portable Dual Fuel Camp Stove includes an adapter that’s compatible with both propane and butane, so you don’t have to think twice about not having a choice. This model features an auto-ignition, a safety shut-off system that shuts off the gas flow if it senses irregular flow/pressure, and a built-in cartridge ejection system that ejects the butane fuel tank if it senses irregular gas flow/pressure. It’s also compact and lightweight enough for any adventure.

price: $67.50 on Amazon

Coleman 2 Burner Propane Stove

Sometimes one burner isn't enough. If you want more space on your outdoor stove, this double burner model from Coleman might be the one for you. Each eye is adjustable from simmering to full power, giving you maximum control for all types of cooking. A high-pressure regulator ensures a flame regardless of the weather.

price: 52 dollars, $59.99 At Walmart

Winnerwell Nomad View

With a rectangular firebox, two viewing windows, and a four-legged nesting design, the Winnerwell Nomad View Medium Wood Burning Tent Stove is the Cadillac of portable wood stoves and provides incredible ambiance when in operation. Made of high-quality 304 stainless steel, the Nomad View is an excellent heating and cooking solution for compatible canvas tents and a variety of recreational shelters. With a four-legged nesting design, the Nomad has a smaller footprint than the Woodlanders, making it a great option for smaller spaces where you can use the fire pit area to reduce the amount of clearance you need.

price: $419.99 at Winnerwell

For more information on purchasing outdoor gear, check out our tips and tricks below!

Tips for Using a Portable Grill or Stove

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

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

The UK Camping and Caravanning Club explains the different options for portable stoves and how to choose the right one for you.

Types of portable stoves

Canister Gas Camping Stove

Butane and propane sealed gas cylinders are popular choices because they “provide instant, adjustable heat and require little maintenance”. Gas cylinders are widely available, lightweight and easy to carry. You should contact your local authority about how to dispose/recycle used cans and cartridges. The Camping and Caravanning Club UK explains.

solid fuel camping stove

“Solid fuels such as metafuel, hexamine and wood produce a soft flame which is nice in mild weather. If you are burning wood, use sustainable sources and ideally kiln-dried so it burns easier and burns cleaner. Solid fuel burning stoves are often small and compact but can be expensive if used as your main stove. We think solid fuels are best suited to quick tasks such as boiling water or heating up food,” says the Camping and Caravanning Club UK.

solar camping stove

Solar power is an increasingly popular energy source for campers. “The initial cost of solar equipment may be more expensive than popular alternatives, but the cost of refueling is completely eliminated. The most important consideration when considering solar is whether you will be winter camping, and if so, you may need a backup, such as a gas stove,” the site explains.

Liquid Fuel Camping Stove

Liquid fuel camping stoves burn substances such as paraffin and petrol. The Camping and Caravanning Club UK adds: “They are ideal for remote camping trips where other fuels may be difficult to obtain, but they are not the obvious choice. Most require priming, which can take up valuable time, but if well looked after and maintained, they can last for years.”

4 Tips When Buying a Portable Stove

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

1. Size matters

Consider a full-fledged base camp stove, especially if you’re cooking for a large group. These stoves essentially mimic a kitchen stovetop. Compact tabletop models typically have one to three burners, while larger, standalone stoves with legs have two or three burners.

“Tabletop models work best on a table or tailgate (as long as you don't mind kneeling on the floor). Compared to freestanding models, these stoves have less cooking space, so you may need to use smaller pots and pans. Freestanding models have separate legs, but can also be placed on a tailgate or table. They have more cooking space and wider burners, so if you plan on making all your meals in a huge stock pot or wok, these stoves are ideal.”

outdoorgearlab.com

But keep in mind that it is much heavier to move.

2. Decide between a perch stove and a standalone stove

“Freestanding options are best for six or more campers. You get two burners and more space, but the entire rig will be heavier. The boil times, sturdiness, and burner control are still efficient, but you get more space and often come with built-in wind control,” Reserve America attests.

3. Learn how to use it

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

4. Be careful with BTUs

“For basic outdoor cooking and small groups, you’ll want a stove with a minimum output of 10,000 BTUs per hour, as this will allow you to cook just as fast or faster than you would in your home kitchen,” explains Camp Chef.

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