The Best Portable BBQs for Camping, Caravans, Motorhomes & Off-Grid Adventures
There’s just something about cooking outdoors. Whether you’re sizzling sausages in a field, toasting burgers by the beach, or firing up steaks outside your motorhome, food just tastes better in the fresh air, doesn’t it?
But the right portable BBQ makes all the difference—no one wants to faff about with flimsy grills or wait an hour for the coals to get going. So, I’ve rounded up some cracking options, from simple charcoal buckets to swish gas BBQs that plug straight into your caravan’s gas supply.
Let’s dive into the smoky goodness.
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What Types of Portable BBQs Are There?
Before you splash out, here’s a quick guide to the main types you’ll come across:
Charcoal BBQs: That classic smoky flavour, usually more affordable and simple. Great if you don’t mind lighting coals and waiting.
Portable Gas BBQs: Faster to heat, easy to control. Many work with small disposable gas canisters.
Electric Grills: Ideal for campsites with hookup power. No gas or charcoal needed—just plug in.
Caravan/Motorhome Gas BBQs: Hook up to your onboard LPG supply—super convenient once you know your fittings.
Compact Camping Stoves: Technically not BBQs, but perfect if you want to boil, fry, and grill all in one.
What to Look For in a Portable BBQ
From my own adventures (and a few BBQ mishaps), here are the key things I’d always check:
✔️ Size & Portability – Can you actually lift it in and out of your boot?
✔️ Fuel Type – Charcoal, gas, or electric?
✔️ Heat Control – Gas is easiest, but some charcoal grills have adjustable vents.
✔️ Cooking Area – Enough for everyone you’re feeding?
✔️ Ease of Cleaning – Removable trays and drip pans save loads of time.
✔️ Build Quality – You’ll thank yourself later if you avoid the cheapest flimsy models.
Using a Gas BBQ with a Caravan or Motorhome
If you’ve got a caravan or motorhome with an external gas point, you’re in luck—you can plug certain BBQs straight in.
How to know if you’re compatible:
✅ Look for an external BBQ gas outlet (usually a little hatch or socket on the side).
✅ Check your manual for gas pressure (often 30 or 37 mbar) and connection type (most UK vans use a Quick Release bayonet fitting).
✅ Buy a compatible hose and regulator—many BBQs don’t include this.
How easy is it to use?
Honestly, it’s brilliant. You just connect the hose, turn on the gas at the tap, and fire it up. No gas bottles to lug about. Just remember to switch the tap off when you’re done!
What We’ve Reviewed in This Guide
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick look at what you’ll find below. We’ve focused on portable BBQs and stoves that are easy to take along on your travels. Whether you’re camping, touring in a motorhome, staying in a caravan, or just having a picnic, there’s something here for you.
In this guide, you’ll find:
✅ Charcoal BBQs – Classic kettle-style grills for that authentic smoky flavour
✅ Gas BBQs – Quick, clean cooking with easy temperature control
✅ Electric Grills – Great for campsites with power and minimal smoke
✅ Caravan/Motorhome Gas BBQs – Models that connect directly to your onboard gas supply
✅ Compact Stoves and Grill Combos – Versatile options for boiling, frying, and grilling in tight spaces
If you’re looking for massive gas barbecues for garden parties or huge built-in outdoor kitchens, this isn’t the guide for you. But if you want something portable, practical, and perfect for adventures—read on!
1. Portable Charcoal BBQs
There’s something timeless about cooking over real charcoal, isn’t there? Whether you’re at a campsite, on a beach, or just parked up with a cracking view, a little kettle BBQ can turn a simple evening into a proper event. Charcoal BBQs give you that authentic smoky flavour that gas and electric can’t quite match. They do take a bit longer to light and get going, but if you don’t mind the ritual, they’re brilliant for relaxed outdoor meals and perfect for smaller groups.
Ultimate Pick: Weber Smokey Joe Premium Portable Charcoal BBQ
If you’re serious about charcoal grilling on the go, this is the model that keeps popping up in recommendations—and for good reason. The Smokey Joe is robust, compact, and built to last years of weekend trips and day adventures. The lid locks for easy carrying, and you actually get decent heat control thanks to the clever vents. It’s the closest thing to a proper backyard BBQ, just scaled down for travel.
Expected Price: £80–£95
Value for Money: Very good—feels premium and lasts
Rating: ★★★★★
Sample Customer Reviews:
⭐ “Perfect size for the boot of the car. I’ve cooked everything from sausages to ribs.”
⭐ “Sturdy, easy to clean, and reliable.”
Budget Pick:
B&Co Small Charcoal Bucket BBQ
This is a simple, lightweight option that’s great if you just want something to chuck in the car boot without worrying about damage. It’s ideal for a couple of burgers or skewers and doesn’t take up much space. You’ll need to be realistic—it’s not designed for big cookouts—but for the price, it’s surprisingly practical.
Expected Price: £20–£25
Value for Money: Excellent for occasional use
Rating: ★★★★☆
Sample Customer Reviews:
⭐ “Brilliant little BBQ for camping weekends.”
⭐ “Surprisingly sturdy for the price.”
2. Portable Gas BBQs
If you like your cooking quick, clean, and fuss-free, a portable gas BBQ could be your best mate. They fire up in seconds, the heat’s easy to control, and you don’t have to deal with bags of charcoal or leftover ash. Gas BBQs are ideal for campsites, day trips, or anytime you want to get dinner going without much prep. Some models even connect to your caravan’s gas supply, making them extra convenient if you’re touring regularly.
Ultimate Pick:
Cadac Safari Chef 30
This is one of the most popular portable gas BBQs among campers and caravanners, and it’s easy to see why. The Safari Chef is genuinely versatile—you can grill, fry, boil, and roast all in one compact system. It packs into a carry bag and runs on gas cartridges or can connect to a bottle or caravan gas outlet with an adapter. For trips where you want reliable cooking without the hassle of charcoal, it’s hard to beat.
Expected Price: £130–£150
Value for Money: Superb versatility for the price
Rating: ★★★★★
Sample Customer Reviews:
⭐ “We use this every trip. Cooks breakfast, burgers, and even pizza.”
⭐ “Quick to set up and very easy to clean.”
Budget Pick:
Campingaz Party Grill 200
The Party Grill 200 is a popular choice for campers who want a portable gas BBQ that’s affordable and easy to use. It heats up quickly, doesn’t weigh much, and comes with a grill plate and pan. You won’t get the same build quality as pricier models, but it’s reliable for casual trips.
Expected Price: £60–£70
Value for Money: Very good at this price point
Rating: ★★★★☆
Sample Customer Reviews:
⭐ “Compact and perfect for weekends away.”
⭐ “Takes up hardly any space in the camper.”
3. Electric Portable BBQs
Electric BBQs are a bit of an unsung hero for campers and caravanners who have an electric hookup. They’re smoke-free (or very nearly), super simple to use, and brilliant when you want a BBQ vibe without worrying about gas bottles or charcoal. They’re especially handy if you’re in places with strict rules about open flames. Just plug them in, heat them up, and off you go.
Ultimate Pick:
George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill
If you’re staying somewhere with an electric hookup, an electric grill makes life incredibly easy. This George Foreman model is a popular choice because it offers a decent cooking area and minimal smoke, so you can use it on patios or inside an awning. It’s quick to heat and simple to clean—ideal if you don’t want to mess about with gas bottles.
Expected Price: £100–£120
Value for Money: Excellent if you’re on electric pitches
Rating: ★★★★☆
Sample Customer Reviews:
⭐ “No mess and cooks brilliantly.”
⭐ “Perfect for caravans with electric hookup.”
Budget Pick:
Quest Compact Electric Grill
This is a straightforward, no-frills option for those who just want a compact grill for breakfasts or a quick burger. It’s small enough to stash away in a cupboard and heats up fast. If you’re not planning to cook for big groups, it’s a good budget-friendly choice.
Expected Price: £35–£45
Value for Money: Great for occasional use
Rating: ★★★★☆
Sample Customer Reviews:
⭐ “Ideal for two people.”
⭐ “Heats quickly and easy to store.”
4. Caravan & Motorhome Gas BBQs (Direct Hookup)
This is where things get clever. If your caravan or motorhome has an external gas point, you can plug in a compatible BBQ and skip the gas canisters altogether. It’s an absolute game changer for long trips—you’ve always got fuel ready to go. These BBQs often have bigger cooking surfaces too, so you can feed the whole family without juggling batches. Just make sure you check your gas outlet type and get the right hose and regulator to match.
Ultimate Pick:
Cadac Carri Chef 2
If you want a BBQ that connects directly to your caravan or motorhome gas outlet, this is one of the best investments you can make. The Carri Chef 2 is known for its generous cooking area and range of accessories, letting you grill, fry, or even bake. It’s built for regular use and perfect if you take extended trips.
Expected Price: £250–£280
Value for Money: Excellent for serious outdoor cooks
Rating: ★★★★★
Sample Customer Reviews:
⭐ “The best investment for our motorhome trips.”
⭐ “Does everything—grill, fry, roast.”
Budget Pick:
Kampa Bruce Gas BBQ
The Kampa Bruce is a good option if you’d like a gas BBQ that doesn’t cost a fortune but still offers decent performance. It can run off small cartridges or connect to a gas outlet with the right hose and regulator. Light, compact, and simple to operate.
Expected Price: £80–£100
Value for Money: Very good
Rating: ★★★★☆
Sample Customer Reviews:
⭐ “Lightweight and easy to carry.”
⭐ “Perfect for weekends away.”
5. Compact Camping Stove/Grill Combos
Sometimes you don’t need a big BBQ—you just want something small and reliable to boil water, fry bacon, or cook a quick meal. That’s where compact stoves and grill combos shine. They’re light, pack down small, and are perfect for hikers, campers, or anyone with limited space. Some even have optional grill plates, so you can do a bit of everything without hauling extra kit.
Ultimate Pick:
Jetboil Genesis Basecamp
This is a premium stove system designed for serious campers who want maximum performance in the smallest footprint. The Genesis folds down into a tidy case and gives you two burners for pots and pans. Add the optional grill plate and you can cook just about anything. Yes, it’s pricey—but if you camp often, it’s worth every penny.
Expected Price: £300–£350
Value for Money: High-end but outstanding
Rating: ★★★★★
Sample Customer Reviews:
⭐ “Changed how we camp—fast, efficient, and easy to pack.”
⭐ “Expensive but absolutely worth it.”
Budget Pick:
Campingaz Camp Bistro 2 Stove
This stove is a staple for campers, offering a single burner that’s reliable and incredibly easy to use. Perfect if you mainly want to boil water or fry up simple meals. It runs on small canisters that are easy to find in shops.
Expected Price: £25–£30
Value for Money: Excellent
Rating: ★★★★☆
Sample Customer Reviews:
⭐ “A staple of our camping kit.”
⭐ “So easy to use.”
Integrating with Solar Panel Kits
Harness the sun to keep your adventures powered all day long. Most 500–600 Wh stations pair beautifully with a 100–200 W solar panel kit. Simply connect the solar input cable from your station to the panel’s output, angle the panels towards the sun, and watch them top up your battery while you hike, relax or sleep.
For detailed solar setup, mounting tips and UK-specific kit recommendations, check out our full solar guide:
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right portable BBQ really comes down to how (and where) you like to cook. If you love that traditional charcoal flavour, there are plenty of compact grills to keep things simple. If you’d rather have something quick and clean, a gas BBQ or electric grill can save a lot of time and hassle—especially when the weather isn’t playing ball.
Whatever you pick, make sure it suits the way you travel. A good portable BBQ should feel like an easy part of your kit, not a chore to set up or pack away. And remember, if you’ve got a caravan or motorhome with a gas outlet, it’s worth investing in a compatible model that hooks straight up.
At the end of the day, it’s all about good food, fresh air, and making the most of your time outdoors. Happy cooking—and enjoy every meal under the sky!
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