14 Grills and Camp Cooking Picks, Sorted by Where You Cook

Choose a grill by where you will cook and how much smoke you can have, not by size alone. Charcoal suits camping and backyards, smokeless models suit balconies and tables, and a stove or a few accessories may be all a camper needs. Below are 14 products from our store, sorted by those situations.

How do you pick a grill for the way you cook?

Ask three questions first. Where will it sit: a campsite, a yard, a balcony or a dining table? How many people will you feed? How much carrying, setup and cleaning will you tolerate? The answers narrow 14 products down to two or three.

Fuel matters too. Charcoal gives a smoky flavor but needs open air. Electric and smokeless designs are easier to live with in small spaces. Gas stoves heat quickly and suit simple camp meals.

Which charcoal grills suit camping and the backyard?

Portable Stainless Steel Charcoal Camping Grill with Korean Inspiration: A compact stainless steel charcoal grill that is easy to carry and quick to assemble, for people who want real charcoal flavor outdoors.

Portable Korean Oriental Barbecue Grill Stove: Another take on Korean-style table grilling for a backyard or campsite, described as sturdy and easy to carry.

Round Stackable BBQ Grill with Smoking Lid: A round grill whose lid lets you grill, roast and smoke. It stacks, which helps when storage space is tight.

Stainless Steel Titanium Foldable Rocket Grill: A collapsible stainless steel, titanium-plated grill for hikers who want to pack light and use little fuel.

Charcoal produces carbon monoxide, a gas you cannot see or smell. The CDC explains that carbon monoxide can build up in enclosed spaces, so never burn charcoal inside a home, garage or tent.

Can you grill without smoke on a balcony or at the table?

If building rules or neighbors rule out open flames, look at the smokeless designs. Check your building rules before using any heat source on a balcony.

Portable All-in-One Camping Grill with Smokeless Feature: A portable grill built to cook without the usual smoke, meant for campgrounds and city balconies.

Portable BBQ Grill with Japanese Non-Stick Feature for Smokeless Grilling: A non-stick cooking surface that is easy to wipe clean, sized for small gatherings.

Mini Japanese Smokeless Barbecue Desk Grill: A small tabletop grill described for indoor use, good for family meals when you have little outdoor space.

Portable Electric Grill Kebab Maker: A compact electric grill for skewers, easy to clean and store, for home use or small get-togethers.

What if you only need a stove or a few accessories?

A full grill is not always the answer. These items cover simple camp cooking or improve a grill you already own.

Portable Camping Travel Mini Gas Stove: A small gas stove for backpacking and camping that gives steady heat for boiling, frying and simple meals.

Portable 2 Burner Stove Grill: Two cooking surfaces, so you can grill and cook on a stovetop at once. Useful for family camping and tailgating.

Stainless Steel Rack for Grilling Chicken Wings: Holds wings, drumsticks or thighs in place so they cook evenly and flip easily.

Poultry needs to be cooked all the way through. The USDA lists 165°F (74°C) as the safe internal temperature for poultry, so use a food thermometer instead of judging by color.

Non-stick BBQ Grill Mesh Mat: A mesh mat that stops small foods falling through the grates and makes cleanup simpler, useful on public or camp grills.

What do you need around the grill?

A good camp kitchen is more than the fire. These two pieces give you somewhere to prepare and set things down.

Outdoor Foldable Portable Camping Kitchen: A foldable setup with workspace for prep and storage, to make camp cooking feel more like home.

Portable Foldable Camping Cooking Table: A foldable table for camping, tailgating or picnics that gives you a stable place to work.

Quick comparison: which one for which place?

How do you get more from any of them?

Preheat before you cook, keep food and tools clean, and keep children and pets away from hot surfaces. Practice on simple foods before cooking for a crowd.

Packing for a wet weekend? Our compact umbrella guide is worth a look. Cooking in your own yard? See our fall lawn care guide.