Top Features to Look for in the Best Portable Grills for Boats
Boating isn’t just about the thrill of being on the water; it’s about enjoying delicious meals with family and friends. For those who love to grill while on the go, having the Best Portable Grills for Boats is essential. Whether you’re preparing fresh fish, juicy burgers, or perfectly seared steaks, the right grill can enhance your entire boating experience. In this article, we review five highly-rated portable grills available on Amazon, helping you choose the perfect grill for your boating adventures.
Table of Contents
1. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Product Link: Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Dimensions: 12.2 x 21 x 14.5 inches
Weight: 14.5 pounds
The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill is the perfect companion for boaters seeking the rich, smoky flavor that only charcoal grilling can offer. This grill is compact and portable, designed specifically for those with limited storage space, making it ideal for small boats. Weighing just 14.5 pounds, it’s easy to transport and store, yet its sturdy construction ensures stability during grilling, even on a rocking boat.
Its porcelain-enameled lid and base provide excellent heat retention and durability, ensuring that this grill can withstand the harsh marine environment without rusting or peeling. The clever foldable legs not only offer stability but also lock the lid securely during transport, making it even more portable.
Key Features:
- Portability: At just 14.5 pounds, this grill is extremely easy to carry, stow, and deploy, making it a perfect fit for smaller boats or tight spaces.
- Cooking Area: With 160 square inches of cooking surface, you can grill up to six burgers at a time, making it great for small groups or family outings.
- Durability: The porcelain-enameled lid and base resist rust and peeling, ensuring the grill lasts through many seasons of boating adventures.
- Easy Maintenance: Cleaning up is a breeze, as the grill’s design minimizes ash buildup and the grates are easy to wipe down.
Pros:
- Excellent heat retention and distribution for consistent grilling results.
- Compact and lightweight design that’s easy to transport and store.
- Foldable legs provide stability on uneven surfaces and secure the lid for transport.
- Quick and simple assembly, ideal for spontaneous grilling on the water.
- Classic charcoal flavor adds rich smokiness to your food.
Cons:
- Smaller cooking area than larger models, limiting the number of items you can grill at once.
- Charcoal grilling requires more time and effort to control temperature compared to propane grills.
2. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
Product Link: Coleman RoadTrip 285
Dimensions: 30 x 19.5 x 16 inches
Weight: 46.7 pounds
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill is designed for boaters who crave both performance and convenience. This propane-powered grill offers a seamless grilling experience with its push-button ignition, eliminating the need for matches or lighters and allowing you to get cooking quickly, even in windy conditions on the water. With a well-thought-out design and impressive cooking capabilities, the RoadTrip 285 is ideal for boaters who enjoy grilling multiple types of food and need a robust, portable option for their adventures.
Key Features:
- Cooking Power: Delivering a powerful 20,000 BTUs, this grill heats up fast and provides the perfect sear on meats and vegetables. Whether you’re grilling burgers, steaks, or seafood, the RoadTrip 285 has more than enough power to get the job done.
- Three Adjustable Burners: This grill features three independently adjustable burners, which allow for precise temperature control across different cooking zones. This is especially useful for grilling multiple types of food at once or cooking at various heat levels—perfect for mixed meals like burgers and vegetables.
- Swappable Cooktops: One of the standout features is the ability to switch between different cooking surfaces. The swappable cooktops (grates, griddles, or stove grates) give you the flexibility to grill, sear, or even cook breakfast on the water, enhancing your culinary options. Note: Additional cooktops are sold separately.
- Ease of Transport: Though it’s slightly heavier than other portable grills at 46.7 pounds, the collapsible stand with wheels makes this grill incredibly easy to transport and set up. Simply fold it down, and roll it like luggage to and from your boat. Its size may be larger, but it’s designed to be stowed away easily in most boat storage compartments when collapsed.
- Large Cooking Surface: With 285 square inches of cooking area, you have plenty of room to grill for larger groups, making it perfect for boat parties or family gatherings on the water. The extra space also means you can grill several types of food at once without overcrowding the grill.
Pros:
- Large grilling surface (285 square inches) accommodates food for several people.
- Three adjustable burners allow for precise heat control and create different cooking zones.
- Collapsible stand with wheels makes it portable despite its larger size, with easy transportation.
- Versatile cooking options with swappable cooktops, giving you the flexibility to grill or sear.
- Push-button ignition offers quick, hassle-free startup without the need for lighters or matches.
Cons:
- Heavier than many other portable grills, weighing 46.7 pounds, which might be cumbersome for smaller boats.
- Takes up more storage space compared to more compact models, especially when considering its size and stand.
3. Magma Products, A10-215-CE
Product Link: Magma Products A10-215-CE
Dimensions: 22.5 x 11.6 x 11.6 inches
Weight: 17 pounds
The Magma Products A10-215-CE is a high-performance stainless steel propane grill that’s expertly crafted for the marine environment, making it an ideal choice for boaters. Designed specifically to endure the harsh conditions at sea, this grill offers durability, portability, and reliable performance even in tough weather. Its marine-grade stainless steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to rust, while the windproof design keeps the flame steady, allowing you to grill effortlessly, regardless of strong winds or choppy waters.
This grill is not only efficient but also versatile, offering both mounting and tabletop use, making it adaptable to any boating situation. Whether you’re looking to grill while anchored in a calm bay or need something stable enough to withstand a rocking boat, the A10-215-CE delivers.
Key Features:
- Marine-Grade Stainless Steel: Crafted from 316 marine-grade stainless steel, this grill is designed to withstand saltwater exposure and the overall rigors of boating life. The grill is highly resistant to corrosion and rust, ensuring it stays in great condition for years to come, even with regular exposure to harsh elements.
- Windproof Design: The A10-215-CE is equipped with a windproof system, ensuring that the flame remains steady and that your grilling experience is uninterrupted, no matter how windy the conditions on the water get. This feature is essential for boating, where wind can often make cooking difficult on standard grills.
- Fuel Efficiency: This grill runs on standard 1-pound propane canisters, making it a convenient option for boaters. These canisters are easy to store, replace, and provide a fuel-efficient cooking experience that won’t leave you scrambling for more gas mid-cookout.
- Locking Lid for Safety: The locking lid ensures that the grill remains secure during rough seas or high winds, providing extra safety while cooking onboard. The lid also helps with heat retention, making the grill more efficient in cooking your food evenly.
- Versatile Mounting Options: One of the standout features of the Magma A10-215-CE is its versatility in mounting. You can either mount the grill on your boat’s railing for a secure and elevated grilling experience or use it as a tabletop grill, offering flexibility in setup depending on your boat’s layout and available space.
Pros:
- High-quality marine-grade construction ensures resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Consistent heat distribution, even in windy and challenging weather conditions.
- Multiple mounting options, making it suitable for various setups on a boat.
- Fuel-efficient, using standard 1-pound propane canisters that are easy to replace.
- Locking lid adds an extra layer of safety during grilling, even in rough seas.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to non-marine-specific grills, though justified by its superior durability.
- Smaller cooking area of 162 square inches, which may limit the amount of food you can cook at once, particularly for larger groups.
4. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
Product Link: Cuisinart CGG-180T
Dimensions: 18.5 x 16 x 11.5 inches
Weight: 13.5 pounds
The Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill is a perfect companion for boaters who need a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use grill for their adventures on the water. Despite its small footprint, this grill packs a punch, offering enough cooking space to prepare delicious meals for up to four people. Designed with portability and convenience in mind, its foldable legs and lightweight frame make it an ideal choice for boaters with limited storage space, yet who still want to enjoy a quality grilling experience.
Whether you’re anchoring for lunch or grilling up a quick dinner at sunset, the CGG-180T’s fuel-efficient design ensures that you can enjoy longer cookouts without worrying about running out of gas. The combination of functionality and portability makes it one of the best budget-friendly grills for boaters.
Key Features:
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing just 13.5 pounds, this grill is incredibly easy to transport, making it ideal for boaters who need to stow it away in tight compartments. Its foldable legs allow for quick setup and breakdown, ensuring you can start grilling in minutes.
- Cooking Area: With 145 square inches of cooking space, the CGG-180T is perfect for grilling up to eight burgers or several chicken breasts at a time. While compact, the grilling area is well-designed to maximize space and efficiently cook for small groups, making it great for boaters who typically cook for 2-4 people.
- Fuel Efficiency: This grill uses less gas than larger models, making it an economical choice for extended outings. It operates on small, portable 1-pound propane canisters, which are easy to store and replace, ensuring you have enough fuel for a full day of grilling without needing to carry large tanks.
- Durability and Convenience: The porcelain-enameled grates offer excellent heat retention and are easy to clean. The grill’s sturdy construction means it can handle the bumps and movement that come with boating. Plus, its compact size allows you to clean it quickly, so you spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying your meal.
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly portable design, ideal for boaters with limited space.
- Easy to set up with foldable legs, making it convenient for quick deployment.
- Fuel-efficient, using less gas than larger models, perfect for extended trips on the water.
- Budget-friendly, offering great value for its size and performance.
- Simple to clean, reducing hassle after grilling.
Cons:
- Smaller cooking area (145 square inches) limits the amount of food that can be grilled at once, which may not suit larger groups.
- No built-in temperature gauge, so you’ll need to monitor cooking manually.
5. Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill, Blue
Product Link: Smoke Hollow 205
Dimensions: 26.5 x 12.2 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 20.4 pounds
The Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Propane Grill is a powerful and compact grill designed for both home use and boating adventures. Engineered with durability and portability in mind, this grill is perfect for boaters who want a robust grilling experience on the water. Its marine-grade stainless steel construction ensures that the grill can withstand harsh weather conditions, including exposure to saltwater, while still delivering consistent and reliable performance.
With a 205 square inch cooking surface, the Smoke Hollow 205 allows you to grill for larger groups, making it ideal for family outings or entertaining friends on the boat. The grill’s foldable legs and locking lid make it easy to transport and store, while the push-button ignition offers a hassle-free grilling experience. Powered by portable propane canisters, this grill is both convenient and efficient, ensuring you can enjoy a day of grilling without the bulk of larger tanks.
Key Features:
- Durable Stainless Steel Build: Constructed from high-quality stainless steel, this grill is designed to last in harsh marine conditions. Its rust-resistant body ensures longevity, making it a reliable option for boaters who need a grill that can handle the elements.
- Large Cooking Area: The 205 square inch cooking surface provides ample space for grilling a variety of foods for groups of up to 6 people. Whether you’re cooking burgers, steaks, or seafood, this grill offers enough room for an efficient and enjoyable grilling experience.
- Portable Design: Despite its large cooking area, the Smoke Hollow 205 remains portable with foldable legs and a locking lid, allowing for easy transportation and secure storage. This makes it perfect for boaters who need to save space but still want a grill capable of handling larger meals.
- Push-Button Ignition: The push-button ignition ensures that starting the grill is quick and easy, eliminating the need for matches or lighters. This feature is especially useful when grilling on windy or wet days.
- Efficient Propane Usage: The Smoke Hollow 205 uses standard 1-pound propane canisters, making it a convenient option for boaters who need a compact fuel source. The grill can also accommodate larger propane tanks with the use of an adapter, offering versatility for longer grilling sessions.
Pros:
- Large 205 square inch cooking area accommodates meals for larger groups.
- Stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to rust, ideal for marine environments.
- Foldable legs and locking lid provide portability and secure storage, perfect for use on boats or during travel.
- Push-button ignition simplifies starting the grill, especially in challenging conditions.
- Versatile for use on boats, at the beach, or in the backyard.
Cons:
- Heavier than other portable grills, weighing 20.4 pounds, which might be cumbersome for smaller boats or frequent transport.
- Propane canisters are not included, so you’ll need to purchase them separately, adding to the upfront cost.
Conclusion
Choosing the best portable grill for boats depends on your specific needs, such as cooking capacity, fuel type, and portability. For charcoal lovers, the Weber Go-Anywhere is a solid choice due to its compact design and durability. If you prefer propane, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 offers versatility and cooking power, while the Magma Products A10-215-CE is perfect for boaters looking for a marine-specific option. The Cuisinart CGG-180T is an affordable, lightweight choice for small boats, and the Smoke Hollow 205 provides a larger cooking area for those with bigger appetites.
Whichever grill you choose, make sure it fits your boat’s space, and enjoy the experience of grilling on the water!