When envisaging a caravan tour, many of us will conjure up images of warm sunny days, with a spot of al fresco dining and many happy memories being made. If you’re after a bbq and grill for your tourer, the good news is that there are a range of options on the market, ideal for all requirements. In this guide, we’re sharing our choices for the best barbecue for a caravan, with options that offer portability, compact designs and high-performance cooking.
Even if you have the best caravan microwave, there’s nothing quite like a barbecue on a hot day – even if it’s slightly more work. We’re focusing on either gas caravan BBQs or charcoal fuelled units – these are easier to power when you’re pitched up at one of the best caravan sites, as well as ensuring you get that authentic barbecue taste.
Be sure to factor in the weight of the barbecue when you’re picking one – after all, you’ll need to keep the caravan weights at the forefront of your mind so you don’t surpass the payload. Make sure you’ll have the space to store it too, something which can be a particular issue in smaller tourers. Lastly, consider who you will be barbecuing for as well – are you touring as a family? If so, a bigger grill will be required. In contrast, a smaller one will do the job if you’re only touring as a two.
Combine your grill with the best caravan crockery and you’ll be all set for an enjoyable eating experience.
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What are the best caravan BBQs?
Campingaz PartyGrill 200
George Foreman Portable Gas BBQ
Crusader Products Portable Gas BBQ
George Foreman Toolbox Charcoal barbecue
Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Barbeque Grill
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Barbeque Grill
Ved Portable Barbecue Grill
Valiant Portable Folding Picnic and Camping BBQ
George Foreman Kettle BBQ
Charmline Foldable Portable BBQ
The best caravan barbecue:
Campingaz PartyGrill 200
- Dimensions: L32 x W32 x H33cm
- Cooking area: 32cm diameter
- Weight: 2.84kg
- Fuel type: Campingaz gas cartridge
Reason to buy:
- Good build quality and easy ignition
Reason to avoid:
- Relatively simple with only small surface area
The PartyGrill offers a simple yet robust set up that will suit couples looking to cook a simple meal. It comes supplied with an aluminium plate for consistent heat distribution, and has an easy to use Piezo ignition system for lighting.
Fuel is supplied by easy-to-source gas cartridges and a fat collecting systems prevents fat spillage.
George Foreman Portable Gas Barbecue
- Dimensions: 34 x 70 x 50 (H x W x D in cm)
- Cooking area: 22 x 50 x 37.5 (H x W x D in cm)
- Fuel: propane gas
- Weight: 7.5kg
Reason to buy:
- A fairly lightweight option, comes with an integrated thermostat
Reason to avoid:
- Price could be a consideration
Relying on propane gas, this caravan barbecue comes with fixed legs, ensuring a stable cooking base is provided. We like its relatively light weight of only 7.5kg too – this means the payload shouldn’t be a concern for all but owners of the tiniest tourers. If this is you, the Campingaz could be worth considering instead, which comes in at 2.84kg.
It relies on Piezo ignition for convenience and has an integrated thermostat to aid with achieving an optimum temperature for cooking. An adjustable side vent ensures it has a controlled air flow too.
Crusader Products Portable Gas BBQ
- Dimensions: L95 x W115 x H43cm
- Cooking area: 43cm x 35cm
- Weight: TBC
- Fuel type: Propane or butane
Reason to buy:
- Good price when compared with premium alternatives
Reason to avoid:
- Build quality could be better
This portable unit can be easily moved around on its own wheels and has plenty of features to make it attractive to caravanners. It can be set to a decent cooking height via its trolley legs or placed on a table (no need for crouching) and it has a decent cooking area, so good for families and larger groups.
The large single stainless steel burner has variable heat control and offers an impressive 3.9kw of heat. Two fold-out side shelves provide a useful prep area. While there are premium alternatives to this barbecue (see the Weber) at this price there’s much to commend this model.
George Foreman Toolbox Charcoal barbecue
- Dimensions: L29 x W43 x H29cm
- Cooking area: 41.3cm x 26.5cm
- Weight: 4.2kg
- Fuel type: Charcoal
Reason to buy:
- Good value and provides authentic charcoal taste
Reason to avoid:
- Basic design with few features
George Foreman has built a strong reputation for his domestic kitchen grills, but does this charcoal barbecue provide a knockout punch? Well, when it comes to features it’s a little basic, but it looks smart and robust and we like its easy-to-carry (via its heat-resistant handle) toolbox style.
The foldable legs allow you to place it in on a table or picnic bench for easy cooking. It would suit a couple who want a small no-fuss barbecue that provides an authentic charcoal taste.
Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Barbeque Grill
- Dimensions: H36.9 x W53.4 x D31cm
- Cooking area: 42 x 26cm cooking area
- Weight: 7.22kg
- Fuel type: Propane/butane canisters
Reason to buy:
- Portable, easy to use and looks good
Reason to avoid:
- Relatively expensive
Oozing quality, this travel-size gas barbecue looks great in black and silver and has some neat functions including push-button ignition, an instant heat up gas stove, a heat-resistant bowl and lid, and a triple plated cooking grate. It also comes with a smart-looking handle with heat shield.
Great for the campsite or the beach, the cooking surface isn’t huge but it’s practical and portable – we like the folding legs which can also lock the lid in place for easy carrying.
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Barbeque Grill
- Dimensions: H36.9 x W53.4 x D31cm
- Cooking area: 42 x 26cm
- Weight: TBC
- Fuel type: Charcoal
Reason to buy:
- Portable, easy to use and looks good
Reason to avoid:
- Relatively expensive
Much like its gas-powered brother (the Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Barbeque Grill) this charcoal-fuelled grill has that classic black/silver design with heat-resistant bowl and lid, triple plated cooking grate and handle with heat shield.
For those who prefer the authentic barbecue taste of charcoal, this Weber can use lump wood or briquette. As with the other Webers seen here, barbecue components come with a ten year warranty.
Ved Portable Barbecue Grill
- Dimensions: L35 x W24 x H39cm
- Cooking area: TBC
- Weight: 1.5kg
- Fuel type: Charcoal
Reason to buy:
- Extremely portable and wallet friendly
Reason to avoid:
- Build quality suggests it won’t last long term
This neat lightweight grill in stainless steel folds down to the size of a laptop for easy portability. This is very much a secondary barbecue – more for the beach or a day out rather than serious cooking. That said, for those looking for the ultimate in convenience and portability, this fits the bill and is good enough for a couple of burgers and a few sausages.
The build quality is reflected in the price – we suspect not built to last long-term. Cheap and cheerful.
Valiant Portable Folding Picnic and Camping BBQ – Black
- Dimensions: L15.7 x W3.9 x H11.2cm
- Cooking area: 32 x 23cm
- Weight: 3.3kg
- Fuel type: Charcoal
Reason to buy:
- Compact and keenly priced
Reason to avoid:
- Build quality is reflected in price
Something of a cross between the Ved and the Weber Go-Anywhere, this has a foldaway briefcase design for easy transport. The cooking area is relatively small, so again perhaps more for a day out rather than day-to-day use.
It comes in black with stainless steel grills and is super easy to put together. The folding legs raise it off the ground and streamline with the case when not in use. Another budget option.
George Foreman Kettle BBQ
- Dimensions: H90cm x W60cm x D51cm
- Cooking area: 47.5cm x 47.5cm
- Weight: 7kg
- Fuel type: Charcoal
Reason to buy:
- Spacious grilling area
Reason to avoid:
- A bulkier option
This George Foreman BBQ is powered by charcoal and offers plenty of cooking space, making it a great choice for family feasts on your pitch. With a generous 47.5cm grill diameter, the chrome-plated steel grill is supported by a handy grease collection tray and a lower wire rack.
An integrated thermostat helps maintain optimum cooking temperatures, while an adjustable vent in the lid ensures controlled airflow throughout. It also features integrated wheels for easy manoeuvrability and cool-touch handles on the enamelled bowl and lid.
Check the latest price of the George Foreman Kettle BBQ on Amazon.
Charmline Foldable Portable BBQ
- Dimensions: 23 cm x L35 cm x H7.6 cm
- Cooking area: 34 cm x 23 cm
- Weight: 2.3kg
- Fuel type: Charcoal
Reason to buy:
- Portable and low profile
Reason to avoid:
- Suitable for couples rather than larger families
Enjoy effortless outdoor cooking with this compact and durable portable grill. Made from thickened alloy steel for long-lasting use, it offers a sturdy, no-assembly-needed design that stays stable on any surface. When folded, it measures just 34 x 23 x 7 cm, perfect for picnics or small gatherings.
Thoughtful features include polished edges, side space for sauces and tools, and an easy-lift grill grate for quick charcoal changes. The smooth surfaces make cleanup simple, while excellent ventilation ensures even heat for a perfect barbecue every time.
Check the latest price of the Charmline Foldable Portable BBQ on Amazon.
How to choose the best caravan barbecue
There are a few factors to think about that will set you up to pick the right caravan barbecue for your tours.
Begin by thinking about how many of you you’re going to cook for. A family will be better served with a bigger grill whereas two of you could get away with a smaller and more compact option. Make sure you have the payload for the barbecue you’re thinking of as well – you don’t want to allocate too much of your allowance to one that is bigger than you needs.
You’ll have to make sure you have the room in your caravan for the barbecue you settle on as well. After all, you’re going to have to transport it to your campsite, so will you have somewhere to store it? Look at the dimensions and make sure it will fit along with the other accessories you like to take on tour with you.
Choosing a caravan barbecue fuel type
The best fuel type for a caravan barbecue depends on your travel style, setup and cooking preferences. Gas, or LPG, is the most popular choice due to its convenience, fast heating, and compatibility with many caravan systems, which makes it ideal for regular use. Charcoal offers that classic smoky flavour but requires more time, space, and cleanup, which may not suit every trip.
Electric barbecues are clean and easy to use but usually require a hook-up. Portable butane canisters are lightweight and great for short trips, though less cost-effective for frequent cooking. Overall, gas is typically the most practical and versatile option for most caravanners.
Can you have a caravan barbecue on site?
Although it depends on the site, most caravan parks allow barbecues for personal use on your pitch, especially if they are gas or electric, as these are generally considered safer and more controlled. However, some sites may restrict or ban open flames or charcoal barbecues, while some offer fire pits or barbecues that you can rent.
Always check the site’s rules in advance, use designated BBQ areas if available, and ensure your setup is safe, stable, and well-ventilated. It’s also essential to responsibly dispose of your waste, like ash or gas canisters.
Written with contributions from Peter Byrne and Joanna Davies.
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