A barbecue grill is essential when you want to enjoy authentic camping cuisine.
Using a barbecue grill, you can enjoy delicious meals while camping by grilling meat, vegetables, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and more.
This article features a selection of recommended barbecue grills for camping.
We've also compiled some key points on how to choose a barbecue grill, so find your favorite and enjoy camping cooking to the fullest!
- You'll understand how convenient a barbecue grill is.
・Find out which barbecue grills are recommended
Contents of this article
What is a barbecue grill?
Difference from a campfire stand
Fire pits are primarily used for purposes such as providing warmth and light.
While it is possible to cook using a grill or griddle on a campfire pit, it is not as specialized for cooking as a barbecue grill.
The biggest difference between a barbecue grill and a campfire pit is whether or not it's designed specifically for cooking.
Key points to consider when choosing a barbecue grill
Barbecue grills are sold by various manufacturers, each featuring their own original designs and functions.
Here, we'll introduce some key points to consider when choosing a barbecue grill so you can find your perfect match.
Types of barbecue grills
There are several types of barbecue grills, including the following:
- Standard type
- Lidded type
- Tabletop type
- Campfire stand/fire pit type
- Disposable type
The standard type is a barbecue grill that can be used with standard grills or griddles.
The type with a lid has the advantage of allowing you to steam-cook the food by covering it with the lid.
Tabletop models are characterized by their small size, making them suitable for use on a table, and many are designed for small groups.
The fire pit/barbecue grill is a two-in-one barbecue grill that can also function as a fire pit by removing the grill grate or griddle.
Disposable types can be thrown away after use, so they require no cleaning and are easy to use.
Grilling surface area/size
When choosing a barbecue grill, it's important to select one with a cooking surface large enough to accommodate the number of people participating.
Please refer to the following sizes as a guideline.
| Number of people | size |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people | 30cm x 20cm |
| 4-5 people | 40cm x 30cm |
| 6-8 people | 60cm x 40cm |
Having a large barbecue grill is convenient because it can be used in various situations, but if it's too big, storage space and portability can become an issue.
The difference between coal, gas, and electricity
When having a barbecue while camping, charcoal grilling is the classic choice.
However, charcoal produces a lot of smoke, and you will also need to prepare firewood for starting the fire.
If you want to enjoy a barbecue easily, gas or electric barbecue grills are also an option.
Gas-powered barbecue grills require gas canisters, but their major advantages are that the heat can be easily adjusted and they are easy to light.
Electric barbecue grills can be easily used at any barbecue area that has an electrical outlet.
However, a disadvantage of gas and electric grills compared to charcoal grills is that they don't offer the same outdoor feel.
Installation method
Barbecue grills come in three types: "free-to-use, no-assembly type," "assembly type," and "foldable type."3There are different types.
The advantage of the freestanding type is that it requires no setup effort, but the disadvantage is that it takes up space when stored.
While assembly kits can be time-consuming if they have many parts, they are easy to clean because each part can be disassembled and washed.
Foldable designs offer great storage convenience because they can be stored compactly, but they can be difficult to wash.
Ease of fire management
To grill food deliciously on a barbecue grill, controlling the heat is a crucial factor.
Ideally, it should be easy to ignite and allow for easy adjustment of the heat level while cooking.
When using charcoal, it's important to have good ventilation and create good airflow when igniting.
The heat can also be controlled by adjusting the distance between the griddle or grill and the charcoal.
If you choose a type where you can pull out and remove the charcoal, it's convenient because you can easily remove or add more charcoal.
Ease of cleanup
When choosing a barbecue grill, ease of cleanup is an important factor.
If the grill or griddle can be removed, you can thoroughly wash away the dirt.
If the ash tray is removable, it makes cleaning up the ashes much easier and more convenient.
Furthermore, the presence of a handle allows for easy removal of the firebox and iron plate without the risk of burns, providing added safety.
Top 5 Recommended BBQ Grills for Camping
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill47cm / With thermometer
source:Amazon
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill47cm / With a thermometer,6People8This is a large grill suitable for barbecues involving a few people.
A key feature of this grill is its highly heat-retaining enamel-coated bowl shape, which allows for even heating of the entire grill.
The cleaning system (ash tray) can be attached and detached with a single touch, and the mesh and lid can also be attached with hooks.
The damper allows for precise heat control, making it ideal for those who want to fine-tune their cooking.
The mesh is coarse, making it difficult to grill small ingredients, but this can be easily solved by using a disposable grill in combination.
Iwatani Flat Twin Grill
source:Amazon
The Iwatani Flat Twin Grill is an easy-to-use tabletop barbecue grill with a shape similar to a home gas stove.
2Two burners and2It's a system that combines two grills,6People8It can easily accommodate a barbecue party of around 10 people.
The wide variety of grill plates available, including extra-thick ones, allows you to achieve your desired level of grilling results, which is a major appeal.
A separate griddle with slits is also available, which allows you to cook while draining off excess oil.
The only drawback is that it's a little difficult to light, but it's a recommended item for those who want to be particular about the finished product.
Snow Peak Grill Burner Yukimine-en
source:Amazon
The Snow Peak Grill Burner Yukimine-en is a barbecue grill that uses a cast iron griddle.
The iron plate has a moderate slope and a hole in the center, designed so that the oil from the cooked meat drains into the water tray below.
The biggest appeal is that you can prepare everything from steaks to fatty, marbled beef yakiniku in a healthy and delicious way.
This gas burner grill is useful when it's difficult to grill with charcoal, such as during bad weather.
With the optional takoyaki plate, you can also enjoy takoyaki parties.
However, since the parts cannot be disassembled, it's important to note that maintenance and cleaning can be difficult.
summary
Bringing a barbecue grill to your campsite allows you to fully enjoy camping meals.
Choose a barbecue grill that allows you to fully enjoy barbecuing in an open, outdoor environment.
Whether you're camping alone or with family, a barbecue grill expands the possibilities for enjoyment.
Prepare a barbecue grill that suits your camping scene and enjoy memorable outdoor cooking.
