“Cooking at the camp” is boring, time-consuming, and tasteless; we are sure you might have a similar notion in mind. However, have you ever thought of making it interesting? Do you want to explore your cooking and chef skills even when you are camping outdoors? Yes, we are here with a solution for best cooking ways at the camp.
Campsite cooking requires various supplies; one major inclusion for this purpose has the best camping grill. Reasons for having it and benefits associated with this product are many; therefore, you may consider it as important as having the best camp shower with you. Let’s understand the complete concept behind camping grills and cooking technique associated with this product.
What are the Different Types of Camping Grills available in the US Market?
Cooking at the campsite is all about enjoying what you are cooking and eating what you have cooked with the job. Grills used for camping are manufactured using three different techniques; let’s go through each of them in brief:
1. Charcoal Camping Grill
This grill follows the most traditional technology; therefore, it is easy to start or light. The overall cooking can take some time, which sums up to the burning of coals used. It is small in size and ideal for camping and travel. Although the product is cost-efficient compared to gas grills, it can lead to a mess. You surely would need some time to clean the product.
2. Smoker Camping Grill
This type of grill is ideal for slow cooking methods. Smoker grills use either charcoal or gas for fueling. Yes, just as the name suggest, this product is sure to offer a burnt, smoky taste to your food. An additional grilled box smoker may also be used for creating an enhanced flavor.
3. Camping Propane Gas Grill
It works on a close technology to that of gas stoves; you need to turn this grill on and light, hot flames emerge, which will assist you in campsite cooking. This is extremely portable and can be carried along with ease. You will not have the smoky flavor unless you add pieces of wood chips to cooking.
4. Electric Camping Grills
These are the latest in the market and the fastest when the cooking process is concerned. However, it is essential that you have an electrical facility at your campsites such as a camping or portable generator to ensure you can operate this product when conducting outdoor grilling.
What are the Major Benefits of Grilling Food when Camping?
Following are the major advantages of eating grilled food when camping outdoors.
Via: Amazon.com
1. Grilled food means less fat
When you grill food whether it is meat or vegetables, the excessive fats drips off; therefore, you are eating less fat.
2. Grilled vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals
When you grill veggies, you will retain all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are essential for healthy eating when camping outdoors. Keeping in mind that vegetables have less water content, grilling is the best way of cooking them.
3. Meat grilled retains maximum nutrients
Meat contains two major nutrients thiamine and riboflavin, which is paramount for a healthy day’s diet. When you cook meat on the fire, especially grill, you preserve these nutrients and benefit the most out of meat eating.
4. Hot food on-the-go
Campsite grilling lets you eat nutritious, healthy, freshly cooked food, which is better than having packed, ready meals.
5. Grilled food contains minimal or no butter
If you are an expert griller, then you are sure to get some juicy cuts of freshly, grilled meat and vegetable bites. This would contain very less butter to cook.
How to Choose the Best Camping Grill for Yourself?
Via: Amazon.com
Many aspects matter when it comes to choosing camping grills for your outdoor trip. Let’s go through the factors one-by-one, to ensure you have a complete idea of getting the best one out of the many available in the American marketplace today:
1. Portability
You have to move around while camping with your grill; therefore, it needs to be extremely portable, and user-friendly.
2. Ease of Operation
As discussed above, camping grills come with different types of technologies. You have to choose as per your convenience whether you want it to be electric or manual. Electrical grills will require sufficient power; whereas, manual grills will require charcoal or wood chips; therefore, you must have the facility to operate it.
3. Weight
Yes, weight does matter. Grills that require traveling along must be light in weight so that you can carry it with total comfort. If you pick a bulky product for yourself, you may want to get rid of it from the next time.
4. Food Requirements
If you are a small group camping outdoors, then the food requirement would be less; therefore, a small sized grill would be good enough to serve the purpose. If you are camping in big groups, then you may require heavy meals; in such cases, a bigger grill with large space for grilling would be apt for cooking.
5. Resistance to Windy Weather
Your camping grill should be able to resist the wind. You can never control the windy climate, and the fending wind is vital; therefore, it is important that your grill has this imperative feature. Only then your grill will be able to keep the cooking fire going.
Top 5 Best Camping Grill 2017 Market
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1. Coleman Propane Grill LXE (Portable) for Road Trip
https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-9949-750-Road-Trip-Grill/dp/B0009V1BDA/
As the name of the product suggests, yes, this one is for the road trips. The Coleman propane grill (LXE) is easy to carry and set-up. Use the lock system and lift to get your grill ready for cooking in just a few seconds. You can also buy a support pot and griddles additional with this Coleman grill.
Not only is the product compact, but also the propane cylinder can last for an hour. A few important features listed below:
Important Features
- Durable grilling surface (cast iron and porcelain)
- InstaStart lighting system (matchless facility with ignite button)
- Propane cylinder power (20,000 BTUs)
- Cooking surface (285 sq. in.)
- Propane cylinder (16.4 oz.)
- Swaptop cooktops, which is interchangeable
- Wind-resistant due to PerfectFlow technology for Pressure Control
- Removable tray (greased)
Pros:
- This grill offers various cooking options such as slow grilling, full space grilling and more, using its Swaptop cooktops that are interchangeable
- The stand, grill, and wheels easily collapses; so, it can easily fold into a small size; it can easily fit into trunks of car
- It takes only around 15 minutes to assemble, which is quick and easy
- The grill is compact, portable and user-friendly; therefore, it is perfect for parties, picnics, gatherings, and outdoor camping
Cons:
- You may have to push the connector harder than normal and check the screw connections before lighting the burners
2. Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill (CGG-180)
https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CGG-180-Gourmet-Portable-VersaStand/dp/B004H4WW9W/
Cuisinart introduces this compact gas grill for family camping; it can prepare a meal that is good enough for a family including hamburgers, steaks, chicken breasts or fish (8 pieces each). It comes with a VersaStand adjustable telescoping base, which is integrated into the product.
The lid lock is integrated for enhanced security; this item heats quickly using very less gas. It also has a carry handle and spill-proof drip tray, which makes it highly portable. It comes with Cuisinart culinary tools.
Important Features
- Porcelain coating grilling surface (145 sq. in.)
- Stainless steel burner (5,500 BTU)
- Can be used as tabletop or freestanding grill
- Sufficient cooking space for 4 to 6 people
Pros:
- This grill is extremely portable and light in weight and can be folded away for compact storage
- It is an ideal device for those who wish to cook non-greasy, non-fatty foods such as fresh vegetables
- It is ideal for those interesting in slow cooking outdoors
Cons:
- It is poorly engineered with various plastic components that can burn away when used for a longer time
3. Weber Liquid Propane Grill (50060001 Q1000)
https://www.amazon.com/Weber-50060001-Q1000-Liquid-Propane/dp/B00FDOONEC/
The Weber Grill is restyled for the previous model Q100 with additional fun and functions. Simplified operation and push-button ignition system are what makes it uniquely reliable. This grill offers cooking temperature options from low to high.
The split grates facility is integrated, which provides the facility of combination cooking including grate and griddle cooking. It operates on disposable LP cylinders, which isn’t included in the package.
Important Features
- Stainless steel burner (8,500 BTU)
- Cooking surface (189 sq. in.)
- Ergonomic handles on the sides
- Cradles that are on the front and rear
- Lightweight and durable
- Constructed of casted aluminum
- Infinite control burner valve
Pros:
- Grilled cooking comes out perfectly, especially fresh veggies and burgers
- Cooking surface panels are handy and can be adjusted as per your cooking requirements
Cons:
- The performance shows no improvement when compared to the previous version
4. Char-Broil Portable Gas Grill – TRU-Infrared Grill2Go
https://www.amazon.com/Char-Broil-TRU-Infrared-Portable-Grill2Go-Grill/dp/B00BFPMLI8/
Ease your travel experience and road trips with this handy Char-Broil gas grill. The grill offers rugged construction and latching lids. It is a light-in-weight tabletop grill, which is ideal for adventure travel and tailgating excursions.
Important Features
- Cooking surface up to 200 sq. in.
- Stainless steel construction
- Rust free, black porcelain coating
- Push-button ignition system (built-in facility)
- Disposable LP cylinder (16.4 oz.)
- TRU-Infrared cooking system
- Firebox die-casted, built-in lid (aluminum)
Pros:
- The double latches on the sides make it easy for users to hold it conveniently
- Cleaning and storage is easy, and the special cleaning tools is included
- It doesn’t have any plastic components, so it is great to use it for long hours cooking
Cons:
- The temperature is not easy to control and requires extra care
5. Blackstone Gas Grill and Griddle (Portable Combo)
https://www.amazon.com/Blackstone-Tailgater-Portable-Griddle-Barbecue/dp/B00JGOO6YW/
Developed by Blackstone, this gas grill, and a griddle combo is a perfect option for picnics, parties, camping, hunting, and tailgating. It comes with a heavy-duty griddle and grill box; it can do anything from cooking vegetables, meat, and steaks, to boiling water.
Important Features
- Durable, heavy-duty grill box with vent
- 2 Burner with tailgater grill and griddle
- Electronic ignition system (60,000 BTU)
- Three cooking combination options
Pros:
- The big-size grease trays are an excellent option for those camping in big groups; it makes cooking easy and faster
- Cooking in the coldest condition is also possible with this Blackstone grill because of the technology that it follows
Cons:
- The griddle portion gets rusted easily; therefore, it is advised to remove it if it is covered
After a careful analysis, there’s a clear winner! Coleman propane grill (LXE) wins the race among the best camping grills in the US tailgating marketplace. It is easy to operate; portable; light-in-weight, and perfect for cooking at the camp!