What Are The Best Pellet Grills?

Sure, you could always cook in your RV kitchen, but where’s the fun in that? This may not even be an option if you have a smaller RV. Or you may want an outdoor cooking surface to keep your RV cooler and split the meal prep with your partner. That is where outdoor camping pellet grills come into play.

If you’re anything like me, you still appreciate a good campfire hot dog or roasted marshmallow. These are staple campsite foods that I hope never disappear. However, cooking every meal on the campfire is not an easy task. Let’s explore how pellet grills can help you expand your meal selection and excite your taste buds.

Key Takeaways

• Pellet grills offer a versatile, portable solution for RV campers who want to expand outdoor cooking options beyond the RV kitchen or campfire—available in freestanding and compact tabletop styles suited for different RV sizes and storage capacities.
• Top pellet grill picks include: the lightweight and portable Pit Boss Mahogany 150PPS and Cuisinart tabletop grill for auto-temp control, plus the Broil King Crown Pellet 400 for large-scale campsite cooking with advanced features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• Choosing the right camp grill involves balancing size, portability, cooking capacity, power source, and features like digital controls and hopper size; proper cleaning and seasonal maintenance are essential for longevity and performance.

Types of Pellet Grills

The two main styles of pellet grills are freestanding and tabletop. They each have pros and cons; let’s see which suits you. 

Freestanding Pellet Grills

Freestanding grills have built-in frames with legs and, usually, wheels for easy transport. They are heavy and best for at-home use, although they can be transported to the campsite if you have room. Freestanding grills usually have extra space underneath and to the side for storage and food prep. Most are over 100 pounds. 

Tabletop Pellet Grills

Tabletop grills are very compact and designed to be portable, so they can be taken with you. They are the ideal type of grill for camping. However, you will need a flat surface to place the grill on, such as an outdoor table or a tailgate. They are typically under 50 pounds.

Best Pellet Grills for RV Camping

A good camping pellet grill is lightweight and compact, offering a large enough cooking surface for the family. Whether you use it for summer tailgating or add it to your fall camping gear for a holiday cookout, enjoy our picks for the best camping pellet grills: 

Best Small Pellet Smoker for Camping: Pit Boss Mahogany Series Grill

Specs

• Weight (lbs.): 43 pounds
• Cooking Surface (sq. in.): 256
• Hopper Capacity (lbs.): 5
• Temperature Range (℉): 180-500
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 24.7″ x 19.1″ x 14.9″

The Pit Boss Mahogany Series 150PPS tabletop wood pellet grill is small but packs a punch with 8-in-1 cooking versatility. It allows you to smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear, grill, char-grill, or barbecue. This lightweight grill is easy to store and transport on your next camping adventure.

It has a respectable cooking surface with a durable porcelain-coated steel cooking grate. The digital temperature gauge with LED display ensures you’re never in the dark and know exactly what temperature you’re cooking at. Thanks to the locking lid, you don’t have to worry about messes in transport, either.

Compare it to the compact tabletop Pit Boss 150PPG pellet grill.

Best Auto Temp Regulation: Cuisinart Tabletop Grill

Specs

• Weight (lbs.): 44 pounds
• Cooking Surface (sq. in.): 256
• Hopper Capacity (lbs.): 4
• Temperature Range (℉): 180-500
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 24.7″ x 18.9″ x 14.9″

The Cuisinart portable tabletop wood pellet grill and smoker offers a compact design with a locking lid for easy transport. The highlight is its precision pellet delivery system, which automatically adds pellets to regulate the grilling temperature. This delivers more consistent heat and smoke to optimize your RV grilling experience. The digital temperature display makes double-checking easy, and an auto-ignition system makes starting it a breeze.

At under 50 pounds, this pellet grill is lightweight. It’s easy to set up on a picnic or folding camp table. With eight cooking modes, you can easily switch from smoking to grilling to roasting (and more!). Plus, the integrated searing zone allows you to dial in the perfect cook for your different meats and veggies. The real trick will be just how creative you decide to get!

Compare this battery-powered Pit Boss portable pellet grill.

Best Large Pellet Grill: Broil King Crown Pellet 400

Specs

• Weight (lbs.): 159 pounds
• Cooking Surface (sq. in.): 640
• Hopper Capacity (lbs.): 18
• Temperature Range (℉): 200-600
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 52.38″ x 25.5″ x 43.5″

The Broil King Crown Pellet 400 smoker and grill isn’t your typical camping pellet grill. It’s large and takes some effort to move. However, there are times when capacity trumps all, which is what the Crown Pellet is for. It offers a staggeringly large cooking surface for your family and the neighbors, if needed. It’s also Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-compatible for added convenience.

The integrated wheels make rolling the grill into position easy. However, you’ll still need to be sure you have room to transport it to and from the campsite. Therefore, this grill is better suited for larger RVs such as toy haulers. Don’t forget a grill cover for when inclement weather strikes, so you aren’t rushed to get the grill inside.

Compare the Blackstone 900 XL pellet grill.

Selecting a Pellet Grill

With so many pellet grills on the market, choosing one that aligns with your RV lifestyle is essential. Here are the key factors to consider before you make your purchase:

• Size and Portability. For RV camping, portability is crucial. Consider how much space you have for transport and storage. Tabletop models are ideal for small campers or quick weekend getaways, while freestanding models suit the largest RVs with more cargo space, like fifth wheels or toy haulers.

• Power Source. Some pellet grills require a standard electrical outlet, which may not always be available at rustic campsites. Battery-powered models are a wise choice for boondocking or off-grid adventures, providing greater flexibility in where and when you can cook.

• Cooking Surface and Capacity. Think about how many people you typically cook for. A grill with 250-300 square inches of cooking space is plenty for couples or small families. If you’re feeding a larger group or love hosting campsite cookouts, opt for a grill with a larger cooking surface.

• Hopper Capacity. A bigger hopper allows for longer cook times without needing to refill pellets. This is especially important for enjoying low-and-slow recipes like smoked ribs or brisket.

• Temperature Range and Controls. Look for a grill with precise digital temperature control and a wide temperature range to handle everything from searing steaks to smoking salmon. Bonus points for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you monitor temperatures remotely.

• Build Quality and Extras. Durability matters when your gear travels as much as you do. Stainless steel grates, locking lids, and weather-resistant finishes help your grill withstand the elements. Extra prep shelves, meat probes, and grease management systems are all features worth considering.

Choosing the right pellet grill is about more than specs—it’s about matching the grill to your camping style. Whether grilling by the lake or smoking brisket in the mountains, the proper setup makes outdoor cooking a breeze.

Pairing the Right Grilling Pellets

There are many types of grilling pellets, each giving a distinct flavor. You’re welcome to experiment, but here are a few pairing tips to use on your next grill day.

Easy Pellet Grill Recipes

It’s now time to let all the hard work pay off. Let’s start with a few quick, simple favorites that will wow your friends at the next campsite gathering.

Applewood Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

• Prep Time: 20 Minutes
• Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients: 

• 1 Pack Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 Pack Softened Cream Cheese
• 1 Bag Jalapeno Peppers, Cut in Half Lengthwise
• 8 Strips Smoked Applewood Bacon, Cut in Half
• 2 Tsp Seasoning of Choice

Directions:

• Combine cream cheese, seasoning, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.
• Using a spoon, fill the peppers with the cream cheese mixture. Wrap each pepper with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Repeat until all jalapeno poppers are finished.
• Preheat your grill to 400°F. Place your jalapeno poppers in the grill basket and grill for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is cooked and crispy.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wings

• Prep Time: 10 Minutes
• Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients: 

• 1-1/2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 2 Tsp Chives, Minced
• 2/3 Cup Hot Pepper Sauce
• 1/4 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 Cup Butter
• 3 Lbs Chicken Wings
• 1/8 Tsp Garlic
• 1 Tbsp Ranch Seasoning

Directions:

• Start the grill and set it to smoke mode. Let run with lid open for 10 minutes, then preheat to 425°F.
• Place chicken wings in a large mixing bowl.
• Set a small cast iron skillet or saucepan on the grill. Add the hot pepper sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, and garlic to the skillet and whisk to combine. Remove the skillet from the grill and whisk in butter when the sauce bubbles. Transfer the sauce to a mason jar.
• Combine 1 cup of the buffalo sauce with ranch seasoning. Set aside.
• Place wings on the grill and cook for 20 minutes, flipping and rotating every 3 to 5 minutes.
• When the wings’ internal temperature reaches 165°F, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss to coat them evenly. Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm.

Tips for Cleaning a Pellet Grill and Care

Pellet grills are often neglected when it comes to cleaning and care. If you’re paying for a fancy grill, you might as well take care of it. We’re after a smoky taste, not ashy, after all. At the very least, you should: 

• Empty the ash cleanout after each use. Emptying the cleanout prevents ash from recirculating through the grill and into your food.
• Clean your camping tongs and wipe down the exterior.

After each season, you should also deep clean the entire grill, inside and out. This prevents excess grease buildup and rust. A protective coating should also be applied to any spots on the exterior where the paint has worn off. 

It’s best to store your grill inside a garage or shed in the offseason, but we realize this isn’t always possible. In this case, you should invest in a quality grill cover.

It doesn’t get much better than firing up the grill on a beautiful afternoon at the campsite. Pellet grills have made this tradition more convenient than ever. We hope this guide was helpful, and we hope you’ll try one for yourself on your next camping trip. Enjoy these additional grilling resources:

• Quick Guide to RV Grilling
• RV Cooking Accessories
• What’s the Best Blackstone Griddle?

In the comments below, let us know what you like about pellet grills and your favorite meals to whip up!