6 Best Coleman Portable Grill for Camping
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill is the best coleman portable grill for most buyers. Its 285 square inches of cooking space give families room for several burgers, while three adjustable burners make it easier to manage different foods at once.
This guide is for campers, tailgaters, apartment dwellers, and anyone who wants a propane cooker without a full-size backyard setup. The main factors are cooking area, burner output, portability, and storage size. A sturdy stand, removable side tables, and an easy-clean grate can also help during trips. The six picks below are ranked by their strengths, with clear reasons and honest drawbacks for each. That makes it easier to match a compact grill to your meals, travel plans, and available storage.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill | Campers wanting full-size grilling space | ~$290 | View → |
| 2 | Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill | Tailgaters needing portable cooking power | ~$290 | View → |
| 3 | Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill | Families cooking outdoors together | ~$290 | View → |
| 4 | Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Tabletop Gas Grill | Small patios with limited room | ~$200 | View → |
| 5 | Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill | Road trippers feeding larger groups | ~$290 | View → |
| 6 | Coleman Fold ’N Go Portable Propane Grill | Quick meals at compact campsites | ~$100 | View → |
6 Coleman Portable Grills Worth Considering
These picks are ranked by portability, cooking space, fuel setup, and value, counting down to the top grill.
6. Coleman Fold ’N Go Portable Propane Grill
Best for: Campers needing compact propane cooking
The Coleman Fold ‘N Go is a small propane grill for camping, tailgates, beach trips, and backyard meals. Its 105-square-inch cooking area suits a few burgers, hot dogs, or skewers, but it will not replace a full-size barbecue. The adjustable horseshoe burner produces 6,000 BTUs and lets you lower the heat for slower cooking.
A built-in handle makes this cooker easier to carry and store. The InstaStart button lights the burner without matches or a lighter, which helps at crowded campsites or windy outdoor spots. One 16.4-ounce propane cylinder lasts up to 3.5 hours on high, though the cylinder is sold separately. Cleanup is simpler because both the cooking surface and grease tray come out and can go in the dishwasher. At around $100, it offers useful portability without a large price jump, but extras cost more.
Pros
- Folding design and built-in handle make transport and storage easier.
- Adjustable burner provides more control than a single fixed heat setting.
- Removable, dishwasher-safe parts reduce cleanup after meals.
Cons
- The 105-square-inch grate limits how much food you can cook at once.
- The propane cylinder, carry bag, and griddle are separate purchases.
5. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill
Best for: Campers needing portable, high-control grilling
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is a stand-up propane grill for camping, tailgating, and backyard cooking. Its 285-square-inch cooking surface provides room for several burgers, sausages, or vegetables, while three adjustable burners produce up to 20,000 BTUs. Separate burner controls allow more precise heat changes than a single-burner portable grill. It uses one 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, sold separately.
Several practical details make this cooker easier to manage outdoors. Quick-fold legs and built-in wheels simplify setup and transport, though its total weight is not listed here. A built-in thermometer helps monitor the cooking temperature without opening the lid. Push-button ignition lights the burners without matches. Beneath the grates, a removable water pan catches grease and makes cleanup less involved. Around $290, it costs more than many compact tabletop grills, but the stand-up design adds convenience. Coleman includes a three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Three independently adjustable burners provide better heat control across the 285-square-inch cooking area.
- Folding legs and wheels make setup and movement easier at campsites or tailgates.
- The removable grease-catching water pan simplifies cleanup after cooking.
Cons
- The 16.4-ounce propane cylinder is sold separately, and small cylinders may need replacement during longer cooking sessions.
- Its 285-square-inch surface is smaller than many full-size backyard grills, limiting food quantity for larger groups.
4. Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
Best for: Campers needing compact two-burner cooking
The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is a portable tabletop gas grill for campsites, tailgates, beach trips, and small backyard cookouts. Its 225-square-inch cooking surface gives you room for several burgers or a modest meal, while two independently adjustable burners provide up to 11,000 BTUs. That setup lets you use lower heat for vegetables and higher heat for searing, though the compact surface limits how much food fits at once.
A push-button Instastart ignition lights the grill without matches. A removable water pan catches grease and simplifies cleanup after cooking. The grill runs on a 16.4-ounce, 1-pound propane cylinder, which you must buy separately. Coleman also offers interchangeable griddle and stove-grate tops, sold separately, so one base can handle pancakes or pan cooking. At around $200, it costs more than basic single-burner camp stoves, but the two-zone control and 3-year limited warranty add useful value.
Pros
- Two adjustable burners create separate heat zones for different foods.
- The removable water pan makes grease cleanup easier.
- Push-button ignition lights the grill without matches.
Cons
- The 225-square-inch surface may feel cramped for larger groups.
- Propane cylinders and alternate cooktops cost extra.
3. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill
Best for: car campers and tailgaters
Coleman’s RoadTrip 285 is a portable propane grill built for outdoor meals where a full backyard setup will not fit. Its stand-up frame has quick-fold legs and wheels, so one person can move it from a vehicle to a cooking spot and pack it away afterward. The 285-square-inch cooking surface offers room for several burgers, chicken pieces, or vegetables, though the exact capacity depends on food size.
Three independently adjustable burners provide up to 20,000 BTUs, giving you more control than a single-burner tabletop grill. An integrated thermometer helps track the lid temperature, while push-button ignition lights the grill without matches. It uses one 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, sold separately, and that fuel size may limit long cooking sessions or large gatherings. Around $290, this grill costs more than many compact tabletop models. A three-year limited warranty adds some purchase protection.
Pros
- Three adjustable burners let you create different heat zones.
- Folding legs and wheels simplify transport and storage.
- The 285-square-inch cooking surface supports family-size outdoor meals.
Cons
- The 16.4-ounce cylinder is sold separately and may need replacement during extended cooking.
- Its roughly $290 price is high for a portable grill, especially without included fuel.
2. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill
Best for: Tailgaters needing portable cooking space
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is a stand-up propane grill built for camping, beach trips, backyard meals, and sports events. Its three adjustable burners produce up to 20,000 BTUs, giving you more control than many compact two-burner models. The 285-square-inch cooking surface has room for burgers, vegetables, and side dishes at the same time. An integrated thermometer helps you track the cooking temperature without opening the lid.
Setup stays fairly simple with quick-fold legs and two wheels. The folding side tables add workspace for plates, tools, or prepared food, while the removable grease tray should make cleanup less messy. Instastart ignition provides push-button startup, but propane is not included. This grill uses one 16.4-ounce, 1-pound cylinder, sold separately. At around $290, it costs more than small tabletop grills, though its stand-up design and larger cooking area add useful flexibility. Coleman includes a three-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Three adjustable burners provide separate heat control across the cooking surface.
- The 285-square-inch grate handles multiple foods during group meals.
- Folding legs, side tables, and two wheels support easier transport and storage.
Cons
- The required 1-pound propane cylinders are sold separately and may need frequent replacement during longer cookouts.
- At around $290, it costs more than basic portable tabletop grills.
1. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill
Best for: Campers and tailgaters needing portability
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is a stand-up propane grill for campsites, tailgates, patios, and outdoor gatherings. Its 285-square-inch cooking surface gives you room for several burgers, sausages, or vegetable skewers, while three adjustable burners produce up to 20,000 BTUs. Separate burner controls let you create hotter and cooler zones instead of cooking everything at one temperature. The grill uses one 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, sold separately.
Quick-fold legs and two wheels make transport easier than with a full-size backyard grill. A built-in thermometer helps you monitor heat without lifting the lid, and push-button ignition lights the burners without matches. The setup also avoids a separate stand, which helps at campsites with limited space. Around $290, it costs more than many tabletop propane grills, but the stand-up design adds useful convenience. A three-year limited warranty provides some coverage for long-term ownership.
Pros
- Three adjustable burners support separate cooking zones and better heat control.
- The 285-square-inch grate offers useful space for group meals.
- Folding legs, two wheels, and push-button ignition simplify outdoor setup.
Cons
- The required 16.4-ounce propane cylinder is sold separately and may need frequent replacement during long cooking sessions.
- Around $290, it costs more than basic tabletop grills and takes more storage space.
Buying Guide
The most important factor is cooking area, because it determines how much food you can prepare in one batch. For two to four people, aim for at least 200 square inches of grate space.
- Cooking area: Choose 200–300 square inches for family meals. A surface near 150 square inches suits one or two diners and smaller portions.
- Fuel and heat: Confirm whether the model uses a 1-pound propane cylinder or accepts a 20-pound tank with an adapter. For faster cooking, look for at least 8,000 BTUs per burner.
- Portability: Check the packed size and weight before buying. A grill under 25 pounds with a locking lid and carry handles is easier for campsites and tailgates.
- Cleanup: Look for removable grates, a grease tray, and dishwasher-safe parts when listed. A coated grate usually needs less scrubbing than exposed cast iron.
- Price and included parts: Set aside about $80–$250 for the grill, then budget for a regulator, propane cylinders, cover, or griddle insert if the package excludes them. Review the warranty length before purchase.
If you cannot have everything, prioritize cooking area first, then choose the lightest model that fits your usual meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a Coleman portable grill for camping?
Choose a Coleman portable grill by matching its cooking area, fuel type, and weight to your trips. For car camping, a propane model with about 200 to 300 square inches of space suits two to four people. Check ignition, burner controls, lid design, and whether replacement parts remain available.
What fuel do Coleman camp grills use?
Most Coleman portable grills use small propane cylinders, but the exact fuel setup depends on the model. A 16.4-ounce disposable cylinder is common for short outings, while an adapter may connect some units to a larger refillable tank. Confirm the manual before buying fuel or fittings.
Can a Coleman camping grill cook more than burgers?
Yes, a Coleman camp grill can cook more than burgers, provided the grate and heat controls support the food you plan to make. Use it for sausages, vegetables, fish, or foil packets, and keep delicate foods over lower heat. A two-burner design gives better control than one shared burner.
Are Coleman portable grills safe for camping?
Coleman portable grills are suitable for camping when you have a stable outdoor setup, adequate ventilation, and a safe place to store propane. They are not designed for indoor use, tents, vehicles, or enclosed patios. Place the unit on one stable, nonflammable surface and follow the model’s clearance instructions.
Conclusion
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill is the top pick for campers, tailgaters, and families wanting a roomy cooking surface with easy transport. If compact storage matters more than cooking area, choose a smaller tabletop Coleman model because it takes less trunk space and suits two or three people. Before buying, double-check the folded size, fuel compatibility, included accessories, food quantity, and current price. Confirm that your campsite allows propane appliances, too. A larger unit can cook several items at once, but it may need more room, extra fuel, and a stand. Match the grill to your trips, storage space, and typical group size.






