Grilling season isn’t over yet! Not to mention grilling is almost always preferred during a summer RV trip. It’s a better plan than cooking inside, making your RV even warmer. Plus, you can’t beat the taste of food cooked outdoors. If you’re looking to replace or upgrade your current RV grill, the number of choices can be daunting. There are different factors to consider that can help narrow down your decision.

One thing to consider is the main type of grill you want to have. The main types include charcoal, electric, and propane gas grills. Each type has their own pros and cons. Charcoal grills are usually the least expensive and will give your food the most flavor. They also don’t need a power source to run and the lack of extra parts makes them less prone to breaking down or malfunctioning. Electric grills don’t need charcoal or fuel to run and won’t produce any harmful fumes. Propane gas grills are the most commonly used type, with most being adaptable to disposable or refillable propane tanks. Electric and propane grills will also require less clean-up and will give you more control over the temperature. They also don’t take as long to cool off afterward, so you can clean or store them without having to wait as long.

Another thing you’ll want to keep in mind is what the grill itself is made of. Aluminum is less expensive but conducts heat faster. Stainless steel holds in heat longer but costs more and is heavier. However stainless steel also avoids rust more easily. Ceramic is another common material that holds in heat well, but is the easiest to break. Cast iron is the heaviest and requires routine oiling, as it is susceptible to rust. However, cast iron can be easily cleaned and contributes to the taste of the food.

Size can also be a determining factor. While large motorhomes can get away with mounting a grill on the side, using a portable RV grill is the wiser choice when you have a smaller RV or trailer. This includes not just the size of the grilling surface, but how much space it will take up in your RV when stored. You’ll have to determine how much space you need to store it versus how big a grilling surface you’ll need to accommodate the group you typically travel with. The more burners you have, the bigger variety of food you’ll be able to grill at once, as each burner can be set at a different temperature. A single burner may be all that’s necessary if you travel with a small group or don’t need to grill a lot at once.

These are some of the main factors to keep in mind when determining which RV grill may be right for you. Other things can include how much heat it gives off, the range of temperature settings, or what kind of protection it has from the wind. You’ll also want cleaning and maintenance to be as easy as possible, depending on the type. Finding the right RV grill can make your next camping trip that much better.

How to Choose Between the Types of RV Grills