What to Look for When Buying an RV Grill

Of course, you don’t just buy the first grill that you see in the store. You have to check its features if it’s the right fit for you and your RV. These are the particular factors that you should consider when buying an RV grill.

Type of RV Grill

As discussed earlier, there are 2 different types of RV grills: charcoal and propane grills. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Charcoal RV grills are able to give you that distinct smoky flavor that you can expect from grilled recipes. They are also more affordable and portable. However, the cooking process takes a longer time and it can get messy.

Propane or gas RV grills are more convenient to use. You just switch them on and they are ready for cooking. It’s also cleaner to use but it doesn’t give your food a smoky flavor. It is also more expensive and you have to bring with you a gas tank to be able to use these grills.

Electric RV grills are easy to set up, use, and store. But it’ll add up to your electric consumption so it’s best if you use this where there are power hookups.

In the end, you have to choose which type suits your needs and travel style.

Construction Material

The material used to make the grill affects its durability, portability, and price.

Of course, you want your RV grill to be durable so that you can use it for a long time. It has to be made of strong material. There are different options available in the market. You can choose from aluminum stainless steel, ceramic, or iron.

Choose a grill that’s made of durable material that can withstand the demands of RV travel and various cooking conditions. Many buyers prefer stainless steel because it is resistant to rust and easy to clean and maintain.

Since you’re always on the go, you also have to choose a grill that’s very portable. It has to be lightweight. This is where aluminum grills shine as they are usually thin and light and therefore much easier to carry around when you need to move your portable RV grill to a different location. That’s why an aluminum-made grill is the best portable grill you can find in the market.

You should also consider the size of your camper when choosing an RV grill. If you have a large Class A motorhome, then you can buy a heavy RV grill and have no problem regarding the weight and you probably have enough space to store it inside. But when you have a small camper, you have to choose a lighter grill so that it doesn’t add up too much to the overall weight of your trailer.

Burner

Charcoal grills don’t come with a burner but if you choose to buy a propane or gas grill, you have to be very particular about the material of your burner.

At best, it should be made from brass or stainless steel. Why? Because these materials resist corrosion so you can be sure that you can use them for a long time.

Beware of burners made from aluminum or cast iron. These materials are not able to withstand the wear and tear of grilling in camp. Cast iron is prone to rusting while aluminum will burn out thus shortening the lifespan of your burner and affecting the quality of your cooking.

Another important thing that you should look out for is the metal deflector between the burner and the grate. This will help ensure the even distribution of heat while you’re cooking eliminating the need to move your food from one spot to another.

You should also look for a grill that has multiple burners. It is a practical choice. The more burners there is, the more control you have over the heat of your grill, making your cooking process easier.

Grates

Another feature that you should be particular about is the grill grate. This is made from different materials so you’ve got to choose one that is durable and convenient to use.

RV grill grates are usually made of cast aluminum, sheet metal, stainless steel, cast iron, or enameled porcelain. Choose which material suits your cooking style.

A good grate must be durable so that you don’t have to keep on replacing it. It should allow you to grill your dishes without much difficulty. Lastly, it should also be easy to clean so that it won’t take so much of your time to remove the grease and leftover food. Otherwise, you might end up dreading grilling time.

Price

Let’s be direct to the point here. You can’t expect a cheap RV grill to perform at the highest level. But this is not to say that you should choose the most expensive grill in the market.

Allot a reasonable budget when buying an RV grill so that you can get one that offers durability, portability, and convenience. In other words, you’ve got to invest in your RV grill if you want to enjoy delicious grilled meals while camping and enjoy various features that would enhance your cooking and dining experience.

Control

Being able to control the heat will help you a lot while grilling. Choose an RV grill that gives you enough control over the temperature that you need while cooking so that you can bring out the best flavors in your food.

There are grills that come with dual controls that allow you to set the temperature to your desired condition. You might want to consider these or go for a grill with practical temperature controls for ease of usage.

Additional Features

Not all grills are created equal, I’m telling you. Some come as basic as they can get while some offer various features that make cooking and maintaining your grill so much better.

For example, an added feature that you should consider is the grill’s mounting capability. Do you want to hang your grill by the side of your RV? If so, what accessories do you need to make that possible? Does the RV grill you’re eyeing have that capability as well as the accessories you need to mount it?

Knowing the features you like will help enhance your selection. You can narrow your searches to those units with those features if they really matter that much to you.

Wrap Up

It is nice to have a reliable RV grill when you go camping. This will give you the opportunity to cook delicious gourmet meals with that distinct smoky flavor you can only get from grilling.

There are different types of RV grills to choose from. You can opt to get a charcoal grill, propane grill, or an electric grill. Each one has its own features as well as advantages and disadvantages and you just have to weigh which one is the best RV grill for you that suits your camping needs, cooking preferences, and travel style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What advantages do grills designed for recreational vehicles have over typical grills in RV settings?

Grills that have been specifically designed for RVs basically work the same way as traditional grills. However, they have 2 important features.

They should be portable so that you can bring them with you when you travel and put it in a place conducive for cooking when you want to use it.

They should also be durable so that they can withstand the different conditions of RV life and adapt to various settings.

A grill that is portable and durable is definitely the best RV grill.

How do I hook up my propane grill to my RV?

When your RV comes with a built-in propane tank, all you have to do is connect your propane grill to your RV so that you can enjoy grilled foods while camping. This is also more practical as bringing a disposable propane canister is unreliable at times. Chances are you’ll run out of gas even before you’re done cooking.

This is a convenient way for you to power up your propane grill. First, check if your RV has an LP quick-connect. You will also need an LP hose for this as well as a few other materials and make sure that your gas grill can accommodate the LP quick connector.

From your RV propane tank, you can put an Extend-A-Stay with 12′ Extension Hose so that you have a different connection for your RV grill apart from your other appliances being powered by your gas tank. You would also want to add a 15psi propane regulator to prevent oil buildup later on.

Connect the LP hose from the RV propane tank to your RV grill. You would also need a throwaway cylinder thread and pipe thread adapters to achieve this. You might also need to drill a hole in your trailer so that the hose can pass through.

Then, just take off the protective cap on your LP Quick Connect to your RV gas grill and you’re done. It’s also very easy to disconnect. This way your grill is connected to your propane tank and there’s no more need to worry about bringing those little disposable propane canisters for your grilling.

Could I use instant light charcoal in my charcoal grill?

When lighting the charcoal for your grill, you arrange the coals to form a pyramid. Then you add a lighter fluid and light it quickly after applying fluid. After a few minutes, the lighter fluid will burn cleanly and the coals will be fully ignited. You’re ready to cook when the charcoal is already covered with gray ash.

But you can also use an instant light charcoal or briquettes in your charcoal grill. When you’re using instant light charcoal, there’s no more need to use a lighter fluid or any fire starter. Once the fire has been lit, do not add more instant light briquettes but you can add regular charcoal should you need more for your cooking.

What needs to be done if my gas grill fails to gets hot during startups?

There could be many reasons why your gas grill doesn’t get hot enough when you’re using it. But the usual suspect is leakage of propane.

Your gas grill comes with a built-in safety feature that causes the gas pressure to drop when it detects or suspects a leak. This low pressure propane supply reduces the strength of the flame.

If you’ve already checked your RV propane grill and confirmed that there is no leak, just reset the values to increase the gas pressure so that you can have a sufficiently hot grill again that you can use for cooking your food.

What are the tips when using propane grills?

It is important to know the proper way of using RV propane grills to avoid accidents. Gas can be hazardous if not used with care so better follow these do’s and don’ts for a safe and happy grilling.

Propane Grilling Do’s

• Always check for leaks before using your propane grill.
• Make sure you completely shut off the propane cylinder valve and turn off all the grill controls properly when you’re not using your RV propane grill.
• Your propane cylinders should always be in an upright position.
• Look for a well-ventilated place for grilling.
• Always put the protective cap on your LP Quick Connect and cover your hose when you’re not using your grill as a preventive measure. This will also keep away any dirt or unwanted particles from getting inside your hose.

Propane Grilling Don’ts

• Don’t ever grill indoors. You need to go outdoors or in a well-ventilated area of your trailer when you’re grilling.
• Don’t store your propane cylinders in a hot place or near any ignition source to prevent combustion.
• Don’t ever smoke near a propane cylinder.
• Don’t leave the propane cylinder inside your RV for a long time.
• Don’t let children play with the propane cylinder and the grill.

It doesn’t matter if you purchased the best RV grill in the market if you’re not careful about its usage. It can put you, your loved ones, and your trailer at risk so always exercise caution when using your RV grill.

What are the tips when using charcoal grills?

Charcoal grills can also pose a danger to you when used improperly so here are some do’s and don’ts to guide you in the proper use and care of your charcoal RV grill.

Charcoal Grilling Do’s

• When lighting the charcoal, form them into a pyramid before you apply a lighter fluid. Make sure the charcoal is soaked with the fluid before you light them up.
• When you’re done using your lighter fluid, put the cap on and store it in a safe place away from any heat source.
• Always keep the vent open when you’re grilling.
• When you’re done cooking, let the coals burn out and allow the ashes to cool down before throwing them away.
• Make sure your charcoal grill is clean before you store it in a cool and safe place.

Charcoal Grilling Don’ts

• Don’t you ever use kerosene, gasoline, and other highly combustible fluids for your fire starter. These are extremely dangerous and can cause explosion.
• Don’t add more lighter fluid when the charcoal is already hot.
• Don’t use an electric starter for your grill when the ground you’re standing on is wet.
• Don’t ever touch burning coals.
• Don’t use any fire starter or lighter fluid when you’re using instant light charcoal.
• Don’t add any instant light charcoal when the fire has already been lit. You can just add more regular charcoal if needed.

Always practice these safety tips for a hassle-free grilling and enjoyable camping experience.

How do you clean your RV grill?

Usually, the cleaning instructions are provided by the manufacturers of RV grills at the box or manual. Read them carefully for proper care of your grill especially after using it and before putting it back in storage.

In case your RV grill doesn’t come with cleaning instructions, what you can do to clean it is to start by firing up the grills again to char the leftover ingredients. You don’t want to leave your leftover food on the grill. Once charred, it is easier to remove them from the grill. Then you can clean your grill using warm water with dish soap and wipe everything dry before storing them.

You can also use grill brushes to remove the accumulated dirt in your grill. Make sure to wipe the grill with a soft damp cloth to help you get rid of any residues.