Best Camping Grill Stove Combo
Choosing the best camping grill stove combo for your next camping trip can be a difficult decision. With so many models and options you might not know where to start. Here are some of the top-rated camping grill/stove combos compared side by side. Each of these units brings a unique set of features. Because of the large variety of sizes available I selected 3 top picks, Best overall, best compact and best group camping grill stove combo.
| Model | Stansport 2 Burner Stove Grill Combo | Coleman Camp Propane Grill/Stove+ | Stansport Compact Stove & Grill Combo | Camp Chef Pro 90X with Grill Box | Camp Chef Rainier Camper Combo | Stansport 1 Burner Stove Grill Combo | Blackstone Tailgater Grill and Griddle Combo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | Best Overall check pricing and availability | Best Budget check pricing and availability | Best Compact check pricing and availability | Best Large stove check pricing and availability grill box check pricing and availability | 2nd Overall check pricing and availability | check pricing and availability | check pricing and availability |
| Type | Table Top | Table Top | Table Top | Freestanding full size propane tank | Table Top | Table Top | Freestanding full size propane tank |
| Grill Area | 60 sq in | 130 sq in | 60 sq in | 384 sq in | 130 sq in | 130 sq in | 256 sq in |
| Grill BTU | 5,000 | 20,000 | 5,000 | 60,000 | 8,000 | 8,000 | 20,000 |
| No. Burners | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Burner BTU | 25,000 | 20,000 | 12,000 | 30,000 | 10,000 | 12,000 | 1 x 15,000 1 x 20,000 |
| Key Features | 2 High Output Burners. Independent controls for both burners and grill. | 2 independent controls. Porcelain enamel coated grill grate. Compact design | Smallest Grill / Stove Combo. Independent grill and stove controls. | Total cooking area 608 sq in. Grill box with cast iron grate covers 2 of the 3 burners. | Independent burner and grill controls. Includes grill and griddle. Carry Bag is included | Independent grill and stove stove controls. Large grill surface. | Total cooking area 512 sq in. Includes removable grill box and griddle |
| Dimensions | 13.65" x 24" x 5.75" | 12.3" x 24" x 7.7" | 13" x 18" x 5" | stove 16" x 38" x 8" grill 16" x 24" x 7" | 13" x 23.5" x 5.75" | 12" x 23" x 5" | stove 18" x 36" x 8" grill 16" x 16" x 8" |
| Weight (lbs) | 15 | 15 | 12 | 82 | 16 | 12 | 83 |
Features
Size Matters
The first feature to look at is the size and configuration of the cooking area. These cooking combo units range from about 130 square inches of cooking space to over 600 square inches. They are also available in 1, 2 and 3 burner configurations.
How Many people will you be cooking for?
You need to determine if you will be cooking for only yourself or a group of 10. Compact size of some tabletop units make them easy to store and carry, but if you will be cooking for the whole scout troop a better option would be a large freestanding model.
Except for the smallest model, the Stansport compact single burner combo, the table top models can easily handle cooking for 4 people. If you plan to cook for 6 or more on a regular basis I would suggest a freestanding model like the Camp Chef Pro 90X.
Burners or Grill Space?
The table top models are split between 1 and 2 burner options. The top pick Stansport model 212-600 features 2 powerful burners and a smaller grill space in the center. If a larger grill surface is more important to you, look at the Camp Chef Rainier Camper Combo.
Grilling Area Comparison
Stansport 2 burner combo
Coleman Grill/Stove+
Stansport Compact Stove & Grill Combo
Camp Chef Pro 90X with BB90L
Camp Chef Rainier
Stansport 1 Burner Combo
Blackstone Tailgater
Number of Stove Burners
Stansport 2 burner combo
Coleman Grill/Stove+
Stansport Compact Stove & Grill Combo
Camp Chef Pro 90X with BB90L
Camp Chef Rainier
Stansport 1 Burner Combo
Blackstone Tailgater
Storage Space
The drawback of large cooking area on the freestanding models is they require a large storage area and are much heavier than the tabletop models.
Storage Space when folded
Stansport 2 burner combo
Coleman Grill/Stove+
Stansport Compact Stove & Grill Combo
Camp Chef Pro 90X with BB90L
Camp Chef Rainier
Stansport 1 Burner Combo
Blackstone Tailgater
What about BTUs?
A BTU or British Thermal Unit is a measure of heat. It is defined as the amount of heat required to heat raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
Higher BTUs should mean that you can cook faster and hotter, but this isn’t always true. Because of the design of the burners and wind screens some lower BTU burners may transfer the heat more efficiently. The bottom line is, if the BTU ratings are close, don’t make that your deciding factor.
Total BTUs
Stansport 2 burner combo
Coleman Grill/Stove+
Stansport Compact Stove & Grill Combo
Camp Chef Pro 90X with BB90L
Camp Chef Rainier
Stansport 1 Burner Combo
Blackstone Tailgater
What kind of Fuel?
There are 2 main fuel types for camping stoves, propane and white gas. All the grills in this review are fueled by propane. Propane is a much easier fuel to handle and store than white gas, for that reason all the camping grill stove combos reviewed are propane fueled. There are 2 main reasons for not including white gas models in this review. White gas has a limited shelf life. It is typically more difficult to use, the burners need to warm up before use and some white gas models only have 1 adjustment for both burners.
White gas does have one advantage. If you plan to be camping when the temperatures are below freezing, propane does not work well. In that case, you should consider a model like the Coleman Guide Series Powerhouse Dual Fuel Stove.
What size propane tank do I need?
All of the tabletop models use a standard 1lb propane bottle. The 1lb bottles are cheap and easy to store. You can pickup a 2 pack for under $10 at your local Walmart. Although these bottles are cheap and convenient, they are difficult to properly dispose of.
Propane tank adapters are the solution
If you have the room and don’t mind the weight, you can purchase an adapter to connect your tabletop camping grill stove combo to a 5lb or larger propane tank. The larger tanks are already the standard for the freestanding models. If you will be camping for several days or plan to do a lot of cooking this is the way to go.
Refillable 1lb bottles
Kits are available to allow you to refill the “one time use” bottles, but technically it is illegal to transport them once they have been refilled.
To solve this problem Flame King has developed a refillable 1lb propane bottle. The Flame King Refill Kit is available that includes the bottle, a stand for up to a 20lb bottle and the refill adapter. These specially designed bottles are 100% DOT legal to transport and you will save money by buying your propane in bulk.
What else can it do?
While all of these models are equipped with at least 1 burner and a grill there are many options and accessories available. Out of the box, the Rainier and Blackstone freestanding combos come with the most accessories. Both of these models include a griddle plate and a carrying bag. While not included carrying bags and griddles are optional accessories for almost any of the models in this comparison.
If you don’t want to give up space on your picnic table, many of the table top models have optional stands available. The stand by Camp Chef for the Rainier tabletop combo even includes storage bins for your food or cooking equipment.
Do I still need a lighter?
With any of these grill stove combos, you won’t have to worry about having a lighter or matches to get the fire going. All of the models reviewed have built in ignition systems to light the burners.
On to the Reviews
Each grill stove was reviewed for it’s main features and user impressions.
Best Overall
Stansport 2 Burner Stove Grill Combo
The Stansport 2 Burner Stove Grill Combo earned the best overall position. It Features 2 powerful burners and a grill area large enough to cook at least 4 burgers at a time.
Best Stove Burners
The 2 burners are rated at a huge 25,000 BTUs. This is 5,000 higher than the closest tabletop model and only 5,000 BTUs less than the Camp Chef freestanding unit.
Small Grill Surface
The drawback of this model is the small grilling surface. At only about 12” x 6” and 5,000 BTUs, you won’t be cooking 4 large T-Bone steaks. But for some burgers or hotdogs it will work just fine.
User Impressions
Pros:
Burners can quickly boil water or heat food.
Propane regulator works well even at high altitudes
Precise temperature control knobs work great.
Cons:
The small distance between the burner and pan may make it hard to simmer at a very low heat.
Small grilling area.
Best Budget
Coleman Camp Propane Grill/Stove+
The Coleman Camp Propane Grill/Stove+ could easily be 2nd best overall, but at 75% of the price of the Camp Chef Rainier it wins the best budget camping grill stove award.
This model matches the 2nd best overall Camp Chef Rainier in grill size and number of burners, but boasts double the BTUs on the burner and more 2.5x the BTUs on the grill. The disadvantage of this model is that the Rainier includes a griddle and carrying bag.
Check Pricing and AvailabilityInnovative Design
This Coleman model features dual purpose WindBlock panels that car be setup to block the wind so you maintain an even flame. Or they can be folded down to use a side tables while cooking.
The burner is positioned to hold up to a 10” pot. If you need more space look at one of the freestanding models.
If you are looking for accessories Coleman makes a griddle for this grill and the medium Coleman carry bag holds the grill/stove as well as 2, 1lb propane bottles.
User Impressions
Pros:
High power burners
Works well even in windy conditions
Cons:
Grill burner can melt grill grate if used for a long time on high, especially if using a pot on the grill side.
Best Compact
Stansport Compact Stove & Grill Combo
If you will only be cooking for 1 or 2 people, of if space is limited the Stansport Compact Stove & Grill Combo is the one for you. The smallest model in this review, it still packs a grill and burner that will keep up with the other table top models.
Check Pricing and AvailabilityCompared to the big guys
The grill on this little combo is identical to the Best Overall Stansport 2 burner model. The stove burner is slightly less impressive, but at 12,000 BTUs it beats out the 2nd Overall Camp Chef Rainier.
Small Package
Where this model really shines is its small size. At 13” x 18” x 5” this grill/stove could fit in a large backpack for a day hike. If you are tent camping with a small car this model could save you valuable space when packing.
Best Large Grill Stove Combo
Camp Chef Pro 90X with BB90L Grill Box
The Pro 90X is the updated version of the highly rated Pro 90 Deluxe. This 3 burner freestanding stove is a monster with a total of 90,000 BTUs. While technically not a grill stove combo, when used with the BB90L Grill box 2 of the burners become the grill leaving you with one 30,000 BTU burner left for something else. The folding legs and side tables make this large unit fold up nicely for storage when not in use.
While this stove offers a lot of space it isn’t ideal for a short 1 or 2 day trip with a couple of people. If you are heading out for a week, or cooking for a large group this is a perfect choice.
The Pro 90X can also be converted to connect directly to your RV’s low-pressure quick connect. Check out this article to learn how and for more stoves that can connect to your RV.
Accessories
The Pro 90X is part of the Camp Chef 16” Cooking System. As a part of that series over 10 different accessories including grill boxes, griddles and carrying bags are available. There is even a pizza over available.
Grill Box BB90L
The grill box sits on the stove to convert the left 2 burners to a grill. This give you 60,000 BTUs of grilling power. For comparison, the Webber Genesis 2 burner grill for your patio is only rated at 29,000 BTUs.
The grill box features 2 removable cast iron grill grates to make cleanup easy. It also incorporates a heat diffuser so your food cooks evenly over the whole grilling surfaces. Like the stove itself, the grill box as an available carrying bag to keep everything neat, clean and easy to move and store.
User Impressions
Pros:
Powerful burners heat quickly.
Legs fold for storage.
Lots of accessories.
Grill sears meat easily.
Cons:
Grill box bottom will rust after paint flakes off from heat.
When grilling grease can cause flame ups.
2nd Overall
Camp Chef Rainier Camper Combo
The Camp Chef Rainier Camper Combo comes in a close second place. While the single burner is less than half the power of the winning Stansport 2 burner model the grill space on the Rainier has 2x the size and power. The Rainer Camper Combo is also the most feature packed tabletop model in this review.
The accessories just keep on coming
The Rainier can do it all. Stove top, Griddle or Grilling this unit comes with everything you need and a bag to carry it in. The single burner configuration leaves room for a large grilling surface so cooking steaks for 4 should be no problem.
When it’s time for breakfast, the griddle attaches in place of the grill. This gives you a large flat top for pancakes while you cook up some sausage in a pan on the 10,000 BTU stove burner.
When it’s time to pack up the Rainier comes with a carry bag that holds the grill and accessories. The bags large handles make it easy to carry and protects you grill/stove while not in use.
User Impressions
Pros:
Large Grill
Lots of accessories
Cons:
Controls valves can be hard to adjust
Lower powered burner takes longer to heat a large pot
Stansport 1 Burner Stove Grill Combo
The Stansport 1 burner stove grill combo is very similar in construction to the Stansport compact version. It utilizes a larger grill area, but essentially the same lower power burner compared to the best overall pick Stansport 2 burner model.
While there are no major design flaws to this unit it doesn’t stand out in any category either. If you can find one of these for the right price I would go for it.
Check Pricing and AvailabilityUser Impressions
Pros:
Nice stove burner flame pattern.
Cons:
Control knobs are difficult to turn and adjust precisely.
Blackstone Tailgater
Like the Camp Chef Pro 90X the Blackstone Tailgater is best suited for larger groups and long trips. The Blackstone Tailgater is a 2 burner stove that includes a removable grill box and griddle. The folding legs make it easy to pack up.
The body of the stove has 2 large grease catching pans on either side to catch grease from both the grill and griddle. The burners are large, but with different ratings 1 burner is rated at 15,000 BTUs while the other is 20,000 BTUs.
Check Pricing and AvailabilityAccessories included
Where the tailgater really shines is that the accessories are included. Out of the box you can setup this model to grill with the grill box. Cook breakfast on the flat top griddle. Or boil a large pot of water for a dozen ears of corn. There is no need to order the accessories separately because they are all in the box.
User Impressions
Pros:
Large grease trays.
Multiple configurations
Large griddle
Cons:
Legs don’t lock in place when folded.
No built in side table
Grill does not get very hot when using both burners.
Wrap Up
There are many options when it comes to camp stoves and grills. When it comes to combo models there are fewer options, but it really comes down to user preference. Any of the models reviewed here will get the job done. For most occasions I would recommend the Stansport 2 Burner combo, or if you need the larger cooking space get the Camp Chef Pro 90X.
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This is perfect timing for me as I’ve recently decided to get a portable gas grill.
Thanks, Hopefully I was able to help you on your search.
I am looking for a small camp stove/grill combo for use with my rv. I want to use the rv propane which is regulated. So the stove/grill I buy cannot have a regulator. Can you suggest something for me.
Jan, There aren’t may options to connect to your RV’s quick connect. The Camco Olympian 5500 grill is made for a low pressure RV system Here is a link to check it out on Amazon. If you are looking for a stove the only options I know of are the Camp Chef 14″ and 16″ stoves. Unfortunately the Mountain series of smaller stoves have built in regulators. The smallest option there is the Camp Chef Explorer 2 Burner Range, this is a great stove, I know several people who use them. You can get a grill box for it too if you would like both the stove and grill options. Here is a link to check out the Camp Chef. You will also need the adapter hose, here is a link to it too.
Thanks for the question.
Jason