Need a Recommendation on Portable Propane Grill For Camper

[bama_ed]

Folks,

I am in need of a portable propane powered grill for the A-liner. Although I have a connection on the camper to hang a propane grill on the side, it was hard to keep clean and was low-powered. I want one that is run from a bulk propane tank and not the 1# cylinders. Some campgrounds I've been to (and plan to go to) like many Florida State Parks and COE campgrounds around me have no charcoal grill (the fire ring with the rusty flip over grate don't count to me).

What should I look for?

I'm guessing high btu and size (bigger is better) but remember it needs to be "portable". So do I splurge a little ....

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Pit-Boss-20-000-BTU-275-sq-in-Portable-Gas-Grill/1000194325

or should I go cheap and simple because "they're all the same?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Char-Broil-11000-BTU-190-sq-in-Portable-Gas-Grill/999981638 and use a bulk tank adaptor?

I'd like to bring it to Gulf so that's my time frame.

I'm afraid nobody here has an opinion on cooking meats and things outside but figured I'd take a chance and ask anyway.

Bama Ed

PS - remember I camp small so don't go big on me.

PPS - a propane griddle interests me but is a grill more versatile? would a griddle be too heavy? hard to keep clean?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Rhino...4-sq-in-Portable-Gas-Griddle-Grill/1000364857

 

[tiggerdad]

The one I bought is very similar to the first pic Ed. I mainly use it when it is just the four of us, but not really big enough if cooking for several folks. It works out pretty good. I bought a longer hose and an adapter so I can plug it into the quick connect gas outlet on the camper so I don't have to take an extra bottle. Not sure if your A-liner has that or not, but if so it saves you packing extra stuff.

It is actually easily cleaned, the locking lid makes it pretty good for storing. In your case, it would easily fit under your table for transport. I would not however recommend keeping it in the camper, as the smell will overtake it over time, keep it out in the shed with the A-liner. I keep mine inside a large industrial garbage bag when storing or transporting, this keeps the grease, or burnt parts from getting on my camper.

I actually bought mine at Academy in Foley, AL on our camping trip to GSP in October 2017. Paid about $100.

 

[PaHunter]

We love our Blackstone 17 inch model. It comes set up to use one pound bottles, but there is a bulk tank adapter available. I put the griddle top in a garbage bag to prevent it from getting grease everywhere. It is treated just like a cast iron pan.

Nice thing with the griddle is I can cook every meal, bacon, eggs, no problem. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, stir fry, cheesesteaks, even popcorn.

 

[Sjm9911]

You have 2 problums. One , if you have high or low pressure at you camper output, and 2 the quality of the grill. I bought a chepo that runs on the cylinders, dont do that! It looks like a Weber , talks like a weber but isnt a weber. I realized that after cooking on it, and comparing it to another's weber. I would go higher end , and if needed pigtail off the front propane tanks for hogh pressure. This will sear you meat and make you happy for an extra 100$ . I cheaped out , dont do it ed. ( i have the chairbroil).

 

[North of Mouse]

We have a small Weber portable that we have had for 15 years and it's still going strong. Dh changed fixture to fit to a regular size propane tank which we carry on our camping trips. And, no, they are not all the same - you get what you pay for!!
It is ideal for two people, but we have also grilled for 4.

ETA: Yes, we carry the 20# tank, also use it for our lantern, or stove that we cook on outside - it lasts a 'long' time!

 

[Sjm9911]

We have a small Weber portable that we have had for 15 years and it's still going strong. Dh changed fixture to fit to a regular size propane tank which we carry on our camping trips. And, no, they are not all the same - you get what you pay for!!
It is ideal for two people, but we have also grilled for 4.

Agreed, the other one looks exactly like a Weber, i thought it was the same , but i was wrong. Money is better spent for the better grill! The steaks will thank you later.

 

[bama_ed]

Thanks so far.

I realize I worded things poorly. I am NOT planning on using the tanks on my camper. It's my belief that the original grill which connected to a hookup near the side door was "low pressure" (as was the hookup) and thus low BTU (that which also served the stove burners inside and the propane option on the fridge).

No, I want a separate 20# tank (which I have) to set out by the picnic table or on a separate table under the EZ up. Isn't coming straight off a bulk tank "high" pressure?

PaHunter, I'm pretty handy in the kitchen so a griddle is more "relate-able" for me. So you say you put the griddle top in the bag when it's not in use? Reading the directions for some (the nerd that I am) it makes it sound after each use you need to scrape, clean, and re-season the top for several minutes (and this is after the initial break-in). Cast Iron I am familiar with keeping it clean, wiped out, and oiled. If it gets wet or dry/oxidizes, oil it up and get it hot.

Normally I travel with an electric skillet which is griddle like so maybe with a griddle I could leave the electric at home?

NoM/Joy, I'm gonna check out the Weber with a bulk attachment and see how that might do.

Keep the opinions and answers coming.

ED

 

[FtW Mike]

Ed we have a Weber Q series one. Perfect size for us as it is only Lucille and I. I have put my Cast Iron Frying pan on it and it worked okay but for stuff like that I prefer one of the hot plates of electric griddle we have

 

[Sjm9911]

Yes off the tank is high pressure. I think any good grill, griddle or not will be a big improvement. You could also get a splitter for the tank on your camper and a longer line. If you have 2 tanks , like i do , even better. So many ways to do this. Lol. I put my grill on a portable aluminum table. Works ok so far. I need a better grill, but im still deciding if its more want a better grill, then need. Some of the better ones come with stands also.

 

[PaHunter]

Thanks so far.

I realize I worded things poorly. I am NOT planning on using the tanks on my camper. It's my belief that the original grill which connected to a hookup near the side door was "low pressure" (as was the hookup) and thus low BTU (that which also served the stove burners inside and the propane option on the fridge).

No, I want a separate 20# tank (which I have) to set out by the picnic table or on a separate table under the EZ up. Isn't coming straight off a bulk tank "high" pressure?

PaHunter, I'm pretty handy in the kitchen so a griddle is more "relate-able" for me. So you say you put the griddle top in the bag when it's not in use? Reading the directions for some (the nerd that I am) it makes it sound after each use you need to scrape, clean, and re-season the top for several minutes (and this is after the initial break-in). Cast Iron I am familiar with keeping it clean, wiped out, and oiled. If it gets wet or dry/oxidizes, oil it up and get it hot.

Normally I travel with an electric skillet which is griddle like so maybe with a griddle I could leave the electric at home?

NoM/Joy, I'm gonna check out the Weber with a bulk attachment and see how that might do.

Keep the opinions and answers coming.

ED

Ed, once I am done cooking on ours, I scrape it down with a spatula, or they make a razor scraper also. I then wipe off all the food particles, then I throw some oil on it while it is still warm and wipe it in. I am then done, put it away in the bag for the trip home or next campground. When I get home I store it in the garage, oiled and ready to go, this way the bag does not trap moisture in there. If it does rust, abrade with some salt, and a potato and re-season. Now the 17 which we have is all one temperature, it heats the whole griddle. The 22 inch had two burner zones, and well they make a 36 inch which would to well in someone's toyhauler.

 

[SteveH]

We've had a Weber Q 100, the first small ones out, for going on 10 years. While it worked, it was a slow cooker at best, never really got hot enough to seer a steak. I've been a big fan of Weber stuff, I have a Weber grill on my deck that I've had for 24 years! But honestly lately much of the Weber stuff is Chinese junk and I won't pay top dollar for that. On our last trip we were in Costco and had a grill for $139, 2 burner 13,000 BTU total. For the price and features and Costco's warranty, I was sold!

Best of all it fit in the compartment where my Weber once resided. Very happy and happier about the price.
https://www.costco.com/Nexgrill-Cast-Aluminum-Table-Top-Gas-BBQ.product.100384628.html

 

[Teamubr]

On a related note.

Has anyone ever found a way to connect these to the auxiliary LP line many of us have on the trailer? I bought an extension, but the aux line on the trailer is post regulator (low pressure) and all the small grills that use a bottle have a built in regulator since the bottles are high pressure. Double regulating doesn't work. The only people I have seen make the trailer line work, hand made an attachment hose for the grill that eliminates the grills' pressure regulator.

J

 

[SteveH]

@Teamubr my Winnebago didn't have a connector so I got the parts with a big help from a guy that knew his gas fittings at ACE Hardware. I didn't use a quick connect style. What I have found though is I prefer to setup my BBQ and outside cooking area a bit further away from our RV. So I still have the setup, I use a tank with hose most of the time. Check out the Mr. Heater brand, they have a bunch of adapters and hoses that you can use to accomplish what you are wanting with the low pressure side of things.

 

[PaHunter]

On a related note.

Has anyone ever found a way to connect these to the auxiliary LP line many of us have on the trailer? I bought an extension, but the aux line on the trailer is post regulator (low pressure) and all the small grills that use a bottle have a built in regulator since the bottles are high pressure. Double regulating doesn't work. The only people I have seen make the trailer line work, hand made an attachment hose for the grill that eliminates the grills' pressure regulator.

J

I believe it was propane.com that we used to by the hose that connects right to our trailer for our blackstone, eliminating the regulator at the griddle. They make a number of adapters for all kinds of grills.

 

[JETS70]

Ed,
We have a Blackstone 22 inch and love it. Like Chris said, we cook everything on it. Walmart sells it as a kit with stand, cover and bulk tank adapter. Once you use it a couple of times it gets easier to clean and take care of.
JMO
Steve

 

[bama_ed]

Ed,
We have a Blackstone 22 inch and love it. Like Chris said, we cook everything on it. Walmart sells it as a kit with stand, cover and bulk tank adapter. Once you use it a couple of times it gets easier to clean and take care of.
JMO
Steve

I like that combo, Steve.

Looking at the WM site, it's not the shiny steel face but I like having a lid and love the folding table.

ED

 

[JETS70]

Ed,
The griddle has rubber feet on it so you could set it on a picnic table if you needed to. I really like the folding table. It just makes it easier to set it where you want it. I've had mine for a couple of months and the more I use it, the more I like it. The size makes it handy to take camping and use it at home.
Steve

 

[Sjm9911]

They make a smaller one also perfect for 1 or 2 people cooking. Y ou prople are making me look at stuff i dont need now! https://www.amazon.com/Blackstone-T...ne+camp+grill&qid=1556488914&s=gateway&sr=8-2

 

[bama_ed]

They make a smaller one also perfect for 1 or 2 people cooking. Y ou prople are making me look at stuff i dont need now! https://www.amazon.com/Blackstone-T...ne+camp+grill&qid=1556488914&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Yep, sjm9911, that's the size/model that PaHunter mentioned he has in post #3.

I've slept on all the advice and will be pulling the trigger on the Blackstone propane griddle. The only issue is what size to get: 17" or 22". The 17 is 21-22# and the 22 is 32# so I will probably err on the extra cooking space since it seems like I usually have more than 2 people along to feed at times. Plus it has two burners so if I want to heat one side hot to cook on and leave the other side low to keep things warm I can play that game.

I read on-line that one can season the new griddle top in a hot oven for the multiple oiling/wiping/burning in cycle too which I might do. The table/22 arrangement Jets70 rec'd is my preferred combo (has the lid too). At 32 pounds, not so portable but having lugged a Honda 2kW generator around for tailgating in the past (over 40#), I know I'm not carrying it far at my campsite.

The only fly in the ointment is timing now. DW has spoken up about some new patio type furniture for our front porch now that spring has sprung. Getting everything to fit in the budget will be the challenge. And the WM in our town doesn't carry the combo table/22 kit in stock but the one in the town 50 miles away that I commute to for work DOES carry it. So I might check it out there and "kick the tires".

Today at the Bama LSU baseball game I got a polk sausage dog with peppers and onions at the stand-alone griddle station and I noted his set up (commercial, maybe 36") but it showed me a lot of potential. It put the whole concession stand thing in a whole new light.

So I think that's the plan going forward.

Bama Ed

PS - plus I want to use it try to duplicate Bert and Kris' grilled asparagus at Gulf ....

 

[Sjm9911]

Allright , i bought the small one. Lol. Peer pressure. Its 17.5 x 18 inches , plenty big enough for 3 people.