Complete Guide to Portable BBQs for Caravans & Camping

Complete Guide to Portable BBQs for Caravans & Camping

Portable BBQ set up beside a caravan at camp

Cooking outside is part of the fun when you travel Australia. A portable bbq keeps heat and smells out of the van, saves space inside, and makes quick meals easy after long driving days. This guide explains how to choose the right small bbq for caravanning, why a portable gas bbq is the most practical option for most travellers, and how to use it safely on the road. If you want a ready-to-go unit built for travel, see the Smiths Portable BBQ, and browse more options in our caravan cooking appliances collection.

Table of Contents

Why travellers choose a portable bbq

Space is tight in most vans, and cooking outside keeps the living area cooler and cleaner. A small bbq is easy to carry, fits into common storage hatches, and lets you cook where you camp. You can grill seafood by the beach, make bacon and eggs on a quick roadside stop, or slow-cook with a lid when you have time.

Tip, when you set up a portable bbq, choose a stable, level surface with good airflow, and keep a water spray bottle or fire blanket within reach.

Types of portable bbqs

Portable gas bbq, the most common choice for caravans. Reliable heat, simple ignition, and easy refills or swaps for LPG bottles across Australia.

Charcoal bbq, great flavour, slower to heat, more cleanup, and often limited by fire restrictions in hot, windy conditions.

Electric bbq, fine on powered sites, not ideal off-grid unless you have a large inverter and battery capacity.

Multi-fuel, flexible on paper, usually heavier or more complex than necessary for travel.

What to look for

Start with weight and pack-down size. Units under about 15 kg are easier to lift in and out of the tunnel boot. Folding legs and carry handles help. A lid allows roasting and baking, not just open grilling. Stainless or quality coated finishes hold up better to travel, salt air, and heat cycles. Removable drip trays and easy-clean plates save time on the road. If you cook for a family, choose a wider hotplate, couples can usually go smaller.

Compact caravan-friendly portable BBQ with sturdy legs

Fuel choices, which one suits caravanning

For most travellers, gas is the most practical fuel. Bottles are easy to source, heat is consistent, and setup is quick at camp. Charcoal suits relaxed trips with time to manage coals, and electric suits powered sites. The table below summarises the trade-offs.

Comparison, portable gas vs charcoal vs electric

Fuel type Pros Cons Best for
Portable gas bbq Fast heat-up, easy refills, clean use Needs bottle storage and basic hose checks Most caravanners who want simple, quick meals
Charcoal bbq Distinct smoky flavour Slower cooking, ash to manage, fire-ban limits Campers with time who prioritise flavour
Electric bbq Simple on powered sites Heavy draw off-grid, needs big inverter and batteries Holiday parks and short powered stays

Gas setup and storage basics

Most travel bbqs connect to standard LPG bottles with a regulator and hose. Some caravans have a bayonet quick-connect near the tunnel boot, which simplifies setup. Check the appliance rating, match the correct regulator, and keep spare O-rings and a small bottle of soapy water for leak checks. Store bottles upright, valve closed, and secured so they cannot roll.

  • Inspect hoses for cracks, replace if they feel stiff or show wear
  • Apply soapy water to joints after connecting, bubbles indicate a leak
  • Keep the bbq at least one metre from the van wall, awning fabric, or annex

Buying checklist

  • Weight you can lift comfortably, and a size that fits your storage hatch
  • Cooking surface that suits two people or a family, with a lid for roasting
  • Durable build with simple cleaning, drip tray, and stable feet
  • Compatible gas fittings, consider a bayonet quick-connect if your van has one
  • Carry case or bag to protect adjacent gear in the tunnel boot

Spotlight, Smiths Portable BBQ

The Smiths Portable BBQ is designed for caravan travel. It packs down neatly, sets up quickly, and provides a generous hotplate for most meals on the road. Materials are chosen for heat and weather, and the layout suits quick weekender trips and longer touring. You can find it, along with other travel-friendly cooking gear, in our caravan cooking appliances collection.


Safe use and maintenance

Use the bbq outdoors in a clear, ventilated area. Keep it on a stable surface away from dry grass. Do not cook inside the van or annex. Wipe plates and empty drip trays after each cook to avoid flare-ups. Check your local fire danger rating, and follow park rules during total fire ban days. Carry a compact fire blanket and ensure your smoke alarm and extinguisher are in date.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a portable bbq at every caravan park?+
Most parks allow bbqs in open outdoor areas. Some limit solid fuel during high fire risk days. Check park rules and local conditions before cooking.
Is a small bbq enough for family meals?+
Yes. Choose a wider plate and cook in batches. A compact unit can still cover four serves with a sensible order of cooking.
Do I need special fittings to connect to my van?+
Many caravans have a bayonet quick-connect. Otherwise, use a standard bottle and regulator. Confirm regulator type and hose length before purchase.
How do I store the bbq without making a mess?+
Let the bbq cool, scrape plates, empty the drip tray, and pack it in a carry bag. This protects other gear and reduces smells in storage.
Gas or charcoal for off-grid travel?+
Gas suits most off-grid travel because it heats quickly and is widely available. Charcoal is slower and often limited by fire restrictions.