The best caravan barbecue 2026: our top picks

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?

The best caravan barbecue:

Cadac Safari Chef 30 LP Deluxe

Dimensions: 40 x 31 x 31cm
Cooking area: 28cm diameter
Fuel: Butane or Propane gas
Weight: 4.1kg

Reason to buy:

Lightweight, compatible with butane and propane, offers plenty of cooking options

Reason to avoid:

Fairy expensive

The Safari Chef 30 LP Deluxe combines a lightweight of 4.5kg with plenty of cooking versatility, which should come in handy for those who have a more basic caravan kitchen. It should be easy to light, as it comes with Piezo ignition, and we’re also fans of the compact and straightforward storage it offers, including foldable legs, as the gas bbq can be stored in the supplied bag.

The caravan barbecue, which is both propane and butane compatible (although it doesn’t come with a hose or regulator), includes an enamelled lid, which can be used as a pot and a removable pot stand, should you decide you want to use a kettle or your own pot. It also features a ceramic GreenGrill BBQ Grid and a Flat Grill Plate, but should you decide you want to enhance your cooking options, there are a range of extras you can get, including a paella pan and a pizza stone.

Campingaz Party Grill 400 CV

Dimensions: 36 x 42cm (when in use)
Max pan size: 28cm
Fuel: Campingaz gas cartridges
Weight: 5kg

Reason to buy:

Easy to store and transport, offers a good range of cooking versatility

Reason to avoid:

Will only work on Campingaz cartridges

Another fairly lightweight barbecue, the Campingaz Party Grill 400 CV is a gas barbecue for a caravan which should be nicely payload friendly, with a weight of only 4.9kg.

It provides a variety of cooking surfaces, including the lid, which could double up as a wok, a fluted griddle and a flat griddle, a grill grate, and a pan support, providing plenty of flexibility when you’re pitched up. It runs on Campingaz gas cartridges, while it has a handy storage bag for transporting it around when it’s not in use.

We always like caravan accessories that are easy to store (after all, space is finite in our tourers), and as the legs are detachable, everything should fit neatly inside the lid when it’s being packed away.

Check the latest price on Amazon now.

George Foreman Portable Grill — Image: Amazon – the George Foreman Portable Gas Barbecue

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.

Folding gas barbecue combo — Image: Amazon – Crusader Products Portable Gas BBQ

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 Go Anywhere Toolbox Charcoal BBQ — Image: Amazon – the George Foreman Toolbox Charcoal barbecue

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.

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 system prevents fat spillage.

Weber Go Anywhere Barbeque Grill — Image: Amazon – the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Barbeque Grill

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.

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 34 x 23 cm Foldable Portable Charcoal Grill — Image: 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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PCritcher

Paul is Deputy Editor of Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome and has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working on magazine titles as diverse as DIVE, Time & Leisure and Geographical Expeditions. Paul specialises in adventure and travel and has covered assignments such as sailing in the Seychelles and shark diving in the Bahamas. A lover of the great outdoors, he enjoys the opportunity to get out in a van and explore and says a camper van trip he took to southern Italy is one of his favourite adventures... ‘Alps, lakes and pizza – fantastico!’ Paul regularly posts on the Practical Caravan Facebook and Twitter feed.