Welcome to the sizzling world of campsite cooking and travel barbecues because, let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like the scent of barbecue cooking filling the air to give you an enormous sense of well-being and the expectation of delicious food to come.
After a long day walking, hiking or driving, there’s no better way to end the day on a high than to cook some great-tasting barbecued food, be it juicy burgers or perfectly charred veggies, while enjoying the outdoors and creating some lasting memories.
So, here’s a selection of the best travel barbecues that are ideal for your next road trip. There’s a mix of traditional charcoal and gas, and we even have an electric one for you to consider. Of course, they are all portable, lightweight and easy to store when not in use.
Best travel barbecues for camping at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best gas barbecue: Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Barbeque Grill – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best novelty barbecue: Volkswagen Camper Van Portable Suitcase BBQ Grill – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best travel barbecues for camping
Editor’s choice
It has seven, yes, seven outdoor cooking functions (including air-frying and smoking), allowing your culinary versatility to veer off the well-trodden path and investigate some more exciting food experiences. But don’t worry if you don’t want to do that; the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill will look after and deliver traditional fare with no fuss. The Woodfire technology burns real wood pellets to give a natural woodfire flavour either slowly for tender results or to add that smoky flavour to any food quickly.
Pros
- Woodfire flavour
- Versatile cooking
Cons
- Needs mains power source
Best gas travel barbecue
The porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl provide even, consistent cooking temperatures and protect against wear and rust. It uses mini propane canisters or gas bottles, giving you complete freedom, and the push-button ignition means no messing about with matches. Weber has a good selection of accessories you can purchase separately to make your BBQing experience even better.
Pros
- Good shape for storage while travelling
- Easy to assemble and set up
Cons
- No accessories included
Best travel barbecue on a budget
It’s designed to be easy to dissemble for transport, everything fits inside the bowl, and the lid keeps everything in place.
Pros
- Flexible use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Slight curve on the grill plate makes cooking sausages tricky
Best travel barbecue for durability
Pros
- Lid temperature gauge
- Easy to transport
Cons
- Heat control can be tricky
Best novelty travel barbecue
Pros
- Handy size
- Great for VW fans
Cons
- Small grilling area
Best charcoal travel barbecue on a budget
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Compact and easily stored
Cons
- Smaller cooking area
Best simple travel barbecue
Pros
- No frills, no fuss
- Portable
Cons
- Not suitable for confined spaces
What to consider when choosing a camping BBQ
When choosing a barbecue for camping, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to decide whether you want a gas or charcoal barbecue. Gas barbecues are more convenient, but they can be more expensive. Charcoal barbecues are more traditional, but they can be more difficult to use.
Once you’ve decided on the type of barbecue, you’ll need to consider the size. If you’re cooking for a large group, you’ll need a larger barbecue. If you’re only cooking for yourself or a few friends, you can get away with a smaller barbecue.
Finally, you’ll need to think about portability. If you’re planning on hiking or backpacking, you’ll need a lightweight barbecue that’s easy to transport. If you’re just driving to your campsite, you can get away with a heavier barbecue.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers, specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, travel, gardening and music.
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