life-of-sailing-logo

The 5 Best Sailboat Grills

Best Sailboat Grills | Life of Sailing

How can you make your sailing adventure much better? Well, get the best sailboat grill and your boating adventures will be more pleasant.

Enjoying a BBQ party with friends and loved ones while on a sailboat is, without a doubt, a brilliant way to make your boating adventures more pleasant and thrilling. As one of the most popular and favorite pastimes for most people, grilling on the boat is a sure way of enjoying a freshly-cooked meal on the boat and in the middle of nowhere. In addition to the sumptuous smell of a juicy steak or even the thrill of tossing a fresh catch right onto the grill, grilling while boating is unquestionably an intimate way of catching up with friends and loved ones. With that in mind, it's of great importance to invest in the best sailboat grill to make your sailing experience even more enchanting.

You'll only enjoy a barbecue if you have one of the best grills for sailboats. Once you get the best sailboat grill, your boating life will never be the same again given the level of comfort it gives you. Besides enjoying a delicious and freshly-cooked meal every time you're sailing, having a grill on your boat is a sure way of creating great memories with your friends and loved ones. All you have to do is know the factors to consider when looking for the best sailboat grill and you'll be good to go!

The fact that there are many boat grills on the market today makes it quite challenging to find the best sailboat grill for your boat. That's why we've decided to make it a lot easier for you by sorting through them and offering you the best sailboat grill options that can give you the best boating barbecue that you certainly deserve. That being said; read through this review and choose the best sailboat grill that will ensure that you enjoy some sumptuous dishes out there while taking your comfort during your sailing escapades to a whole new level.

Table of contents

Benefits of Having a Grill on a Sailboat

There are a variety of benefits that come with having a grill on your sailboat.

  • ‍ First and foremost, having a grill on your sailboat enables you to prepare delicious meals while sailing. You do not have to wait until you get home or to a restaurant to enjoy some meals. Instead, you can prepare the meals right on your deck and enjoy with your friends and loved ones. Again, you do not have to carry food from home and eat it cold.
  • With a grill on your boat, you can catch fish and toss it right away onto the grill. This is, of course, a great way of enhancing your fishing adventure and making your fishing trips even more thrilling.
  • Grilling while on a sailboat is undoubtedly a superb way of making your boating trip even more entertaining. You can celebrate various occasions and create unforgettable memories with your friends and loved ones.

Factors to Consider when Looking for the Best Sailboat Grill

If you're unfamiliar with boat grills, buying the right one for you can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few things to consider when you're shopping for the best sailboat grill.

The Size and Type of Your Boat

The size and type of your boat are among the most important things to take into consideration. You have to know where and how you'll set up the grill. You also have to keep in mind that sailboat grills are generally small in size to ensure that they fit perfectly in most boats.

The Grilling or Cooking Area

Sailboat grills are designed to be portable and fit in many types of boats. As such, they offer less cooking area than conventional grills. But even with that, you can choose a grill with a grilling area of about 160 square inches, which is the average size of most boat grills. This should be enough to grill around eight burgers. Nonetheless, you can choose a bigger or smaller grill depending on the size of your boat. Just make sure that the grill isn't too small to accommodate the needs of your whole crew and guests as this can be quite frustrating.

The British Thermal Units (BTUs) measure the heat output that a grill offers. The higher the number of BTU, the more heat the grill can produce and this is of great importance during your grilling activities. Of course, you do not want a grill with a very high BTU as it can char your every piece of food. Instead, go for a grill that is efficient as far as its BTU is concerned. Something between 5,000 and 15,000 BTUs should be enough.

The stability of a boat grill is one of its most essential features. Make sure that the type of boat grill that you choose comes with a stand that can stabilize it. Remember, the stability of the grill is crucial to your safety and the safety of everyone else, especially when the grill is in use, so you should never ignore it.

Choose the Right Type of Fuel

Boat grills have three fuel choices: propane, charcoal, and electricity. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Propane  - This is unquestionably the number one choice for many boat owners and for a good reason. In addition to being readily available, propane is quite affordable and very convenient to store and carry.

Electric - These types of grills heat quickly but you have to have access to a power source, which can be quite challenging while out there on the water.

Charcoal - While most BBQ-lovers savor the tastes of charcoal-grilled meals, charcoal grills have seriously fallen out of favor in today's world. This is because they're slow and very dangerous as far as carbon emission is concerned.

Wind Resistance

Needless to say, there are no trees, houses, or walls to block the wind when you're out there sailing. As such, wind can be a great problem and that's why you should choose a boat grill that can stand up to the wind. Make sure that the boat grill is stable and has enough wind resistance to handle the typical wind load in the area where you will be sailing.

Materials and Build Quality

Material and build quality generally go hand in hand. You have to keep in mind that boat grills can be seriously affected by corrosion, so you should go for a grill that can withstand the worst weather conditions as well as corrosion. With that in mind, you can for stainless steel grills as they're the ideal choice but can be so pricey. You should avoid aluminum grills at all costs. If you have to go for something other than a stainless steel grill, you can choose a grill made from aluminum alloys as they're somehow corrosion resistant.

As far as build quality is concerned, make sure that the grill can seal uptight when the top is closed. The hinges of the lid should work smoothly and effortlessly. That's not all; the gas valve connection should be reliable, rock-solid, and devoid of the minutest of leaks. You should also make sure that the hose pipe is tight and cannot pop off. The grill should also have a double stainless steel lining to prevent the outer shell from getting too hot.

Various boat grills are available in the market for various prices. Besides having a look at the main features that are of importance to you, it's essential to consider the price range of the boat grills. The best thing to do is to look for a boat grill that offers all the features that are important to you and is still within your budget.

The Best Sailboat Grills

Now that you've known the most important factors when looking for the right boat grill for you, let's jump straight into the best sailboat grills out there.

Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill

As the industry leader, Magma is widely known for manufacturing portable boat grills that are very popular with boat owners and the A10 Marine Kettle Gas Grill is one of them. This grill is essentially made of marine-grade stainless steel to ensure that it can withstand the harshest weather conditions while still making the best and sumptuous dishes on its infrared radiant screens.

This amazing grill is designed to give you the option of choosing between a 15-inch and 17-inch diameter, which is essential for the size of grill that you need for your sailing adventures. Its polished finish is ideal as it makes it easy to clean and to manage. This is an excellent boat grill that truly evokes the memories of a classic circular backyard grill but with a generous cooking area and bulbous lid.

  • ‍ Easy to install
  • Easy to clean
  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Very attractive thanks to its classic profile
  • Uses high-tech radiant heat distribution
  • The fuel valve is conveniently and safely positioned
  • The handles have air-cooled support
  • ‍ Grill mounting isn't included
  • The lid can get very hot
  • The cooking surface is slightly small

Cuisinart CGG-180T Tabletop Gas Grill

Another great brand on this list on this list is Cuisinart, which is known for manufacturing some of the best portable boat grills such as the CGG-180T Tabletop Gas Grill. In addition to being portable, this grill is big and powerful and is made to stand the harshest of weather conditions at the sea.

Measuring 160-square inches, this grill is small and compact but offers a grilling area that's large enough to perfectly accommodate a dozen sausages, a half dozen steak, and a dozen chicken wings; all at the same time. In terms of stability, the legs of this grill are designed with rubber that can hold firmly on any type of surface. It can also firmly hug the boat's rails, which is essential in enhancing your grilling and sailing game.

This is a great boat grill, especially if you're looking for a fuel-efficient grill. The fact that it's designed with a porcelain/ceramic cooking surface gives it an edge on fuel efficiency as it doesn't burn as much propane as other grills. In essence, this is a sturdy and reliable boat grill from a dependable manufacturer.

  • ‍ Very fuel-efficient
  • Quite affordable
  • Heats fast and evenly distribute heat
  • Very stable thanks to its rubberized legs
  • Easy to handle and transport
  • Can be adapted or mounted on the boat's rail
  • Offers a large cooking surface
  • ‍ The lid can get too hot
  • The igniter can easily fail
  • Shallow dip tray

Kuuma Camco Stow N' Go 125 Gas Grill

This is a decent choice if you're looking for a mountable boat grill that's 100% made from stainless steel. This is an affordable propane grill that comes in various sizes ranging from 125, 160, 175, 216, and 316 square inches. This boat grill is known for its robust features, portability, and superior qualities.

As a lightweight unit that's easy to use and clean, this is a great boat grill for those looking for quality and delicious dishes. The legs can fold if you want to mount it and you don't have to worry about its safety aspects.

  • ‍ Durable and made from stainless steel ‍
  • E asy to set up and use
  • One of the best mountable boat grills
  • It comes already assembled
  • Offers a wide range of cooking surface area
  • ‍ Not ideal for small boats
  • The lid can get hot

Camco Stainless Steel Portable Propane Gas Grill

Every boater surely prefers a boat grill that's not only portable but can also offer a more satisfying and convenient grilling experience while sailing. The Camco Stainless Steel Portable Gas Grill suits this profile and is ideal for our boating and grilling adventures. With a 180-square inch cooking surface area, this boat grill makes it quite easy to prepare sumptuous meals for several people at the same time.

This boat grill is easy to use, easy to clean, and requires very little maintenance. Perhaps the best thing about this grill is that it's already assembled and ready to use. Its compact size makes it ideal for almost any type of boating adventure. Its heat distribution may be a letdown but its fuel efficiency is up there with the best.

  • ‍ Very easy to use, clean, and maintain
  • Offers ideal cooking surface
  • It comes completely assembled
  • It's very durable
  • Comes with sturdy mounting bracket
  • ‍ Uneven heat distribution ‍
  • T he smoker plate can crack prematurely

Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

Imagine a boat grill that offers you a 205 square inch cooking surface area and a 10,000 BTU. This is a perfect boat grill that will not only impress you with its enormous cooking surface but gives you the chance to entertain a huge number of guests and loved ones. This is a highly durable boat grill that is made from stainless steel and can serve you excellently for many years to come.

This grill is one of the most functional, affordable, and portable boat grills available on the market today. It has one of the best temperature games in the industry and can make some delicious dishes for you, your friends, and your loved ones.

  • ‍ Offers a huge cooking surface area
  • Easy to install and use
  • Perfect for pontoon boats
  • It is modern and functional ‍
  • V ery portable
  • ‍ The lid doesn't work well as air can get in the grill

The above-described boat grills are the best in the market today and will make your sailing adventure much better, especially when you're entertaining your friends and loved ones.

Related Articles

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Personal Health and Gear

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean? | Life of Sailing

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

Best Sailing Duffle Bags: Top Picks For Boat Travel | Life of Sailing

Best Sailing Duffle Bags: Top Picks For Boat Travel

September 27, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings | Life of Sailing

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor | Life of Sailing

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

August 16, 2023

Best Sailing Racing Electronics | Life of Sailing

Best Sailing Racing Electronics

July 5, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats | Life of Sailing

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World? | Life of Sailing

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

Best Electric Outboard Motors | Life of Sailing

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England? | Life of Sailing

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands | Life of Sailing

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat | Life of Sailing

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

5 Best Boat Grills of 2024 | Reviewed & Rated

Photo of author

Portable boat grills offer an easy way to take your barbecue party out onto the open water. Find out everything you need to know about marine cooking and what features to look out for with our guide to the best boat grills of the year.

best boat grills

The best pontoon grills are able to pack in strong BTU cooking power into a compact space. All this while remaining lightweight enough to take out to water. It’s more difficult than it sounds.

We’ve set sail to put our favorite boat grills to the test. In this guide you’ll find our final list of the year’s best offerings, and what features to look out for so you can make the right choice. Whether you want to go all in on a charcoal smoker grill, or just want an easy propane unit, we have something for everyone. Let’s get into it.

At a glance: Our Top 3 Picks

  • Best Boat Grill: Cuisinart Ponoon Gril l An impressive mounted marine cooker that offers easy propane cooking and excellent heat retention.
  • Runner-Up: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 The perfect choice for those adventurous enough to brave smoking and charcoal grilling. A beautiful portable unit from one of the BBQ world’s best smoker brands.
  • Best Budget Option: Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Compact and portable, it’s the perfect option for sailing fans who want something simple and quick.

Cuisinart Boat Grill Modified with Arnall's Bracket Set

Cuisinart Petite Gourmet

See prices on Amazon

Cuisinart’s popular Petite Gourmet grill is one of the world’s most popular small flat top unit, but the brand have made a boat-ready package that also includes a bracket set. This allows you to clamp it onto your boat’s rail, keeping it steady and level for cooking out on the water.

It’s well constructed, simple to install, and easy to wash. Cuisinart is famous for high quality builds and simplicity of use. If these two criteria are your main priorities, then this grill is perfect for you.

This item heats up quickly, and maintains even cooking temperatures across its surface. It can host enough food to sufficiently cook for about half a dozen people.

It attaches and detaches quickly so that it can be used on your boat, or easily dismounted to then take on shore.

This is largely down to its mounting brackets. These are sturdy and reliable enough to trust when mounted onto your boat, but also easy enough to dismount and take away with you. It should fit most boat rails or sides.

Crucially, the Cuisinart doesn’t suffer from the same issues of hot spots or flare-ups that other small grills do.

Annoyingly, it isn’t the most fuel efficient of appliances, and can easily burn through a 16 ounce tank in one single use. However I would add that this is quite common with small grills like this one.

What I do like is that it’s one of the few models that comes with its own mounting brackets, so to have that extra cost of $40-50 instantly saved is something that I really appreciate. If you take into that economy saving then this is definitely a front runner among the top marine grills.

Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Modified for Pontoon Boat

  • Modified grill for pontoon boats lets you grill delicious foods out on the open water
  • Grill features 145 square inches of grilling surface and stainless steel burner and drip tray
  • Open fencing design is ideal for use with standard 1.25-inch square boat railings

Magma A10-215 Marine Kettle

First things first, this is a ​ beautiful ​  kettle. Normally I wouldn’t say that aesthetics matter that much, but I feel like boating elevates this aspect, so if beauty alone is a key consideration for you then definitely get this grill.​​

Beyond its beautiful appearance and how it might add to the visual appeal of your ship, it’s actually a very good cooker too.

Frustratingly, it doesn’t have a mounting bracket and you will have to buy one separately. Furthermore, it doesn’t have a deflector shield for its vents, which can make temperature control difficult.

The Magma is built with 304 steel, which is actually what they use for all their grill products. This type of steel is widely known to be extremely prone to the rusting caused by the effects of salty sea water, so you’ll need to be aware of this if you are planning on heading out into the ocean. To help prevent wear, you’ll need to clean and dry it after every use to help protect it against the elements.

Other grills tend to be made with 316 stainless steel, which is far more durable so the decision made by Magma here is a bit perplexing. Mind you, it does look beautiful.

Despite all of this, the Magma Kettle is extremely reliable. It has a solid enough ignition system, and its heat retention is solid despite its slightly more flimsy build.

It’s relatively heavy, so can be a bit more cumbersome to transport around. However once it’s firmly placed on your boat you’ll be well on your way.

Magma A10-215 Marine Kettle

  • Only intended for use in USA
  • Hinged lid won't slam shut and has a "stay cool" handle with air cooled supports
  • Swiveling, windproof turbo venturi & control valve virtually eliminate blowouts, places the...

Magma A10-803 Connoisseur

Another Magma model, but it’s a very worthy addition to the list. It doesn’t lose any of its visual appeal however, and this is a much more dependable grill. It cooks evenly with no hotspots due to the way its ventilation has been set up. Just like with other Magma models, it is more prone to rusting due to its 304 steel build. It also doesn’t have a mounting bracket, so you will have to buy one separately.

It’s a really solid performer however. Its ignition system works brilliantly, and its big surface area means that you can accommodate a lot of people all at once.

Its exposure to the elements is also laid bare in windier conditions, where it can take a long time to reach ideal cooking temperatures. This isn’t a factor that I would normally consider with other types of grill, but conditions are going to be more unpredictable (especially wind) out at sea.

It’s an easy grill to take apart for when you need to wash it (which you will need to do regularly). It also has a grease drip pan, which is easy to remove for cleaning, so it’s far easier to maintain that other boat grills.

Magma A10-803 Connoisseur

  • 100% 304 Mirror Polished Stainless Steel; for Lasting Beauty and Superior Corrosion Resistance
  • Inner Safety Shell; Funnels Grease into Front Access Grease Tray Reducing Flare-Up and Heat...
  • Fold-Away Legs; Perfect for That Quick Picnic on Shore

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560

Masterbuilt’s Gravity Series is a beautiful portable charcoal grill that offers so much more than standard traditional units. Its 305 square inch cooking space actually means it’s one of the most generously sized grills on my list. It’s almost double that of some of the other grills here.

It has excellent heat retention and distribution within its chamber, so is far more fuel efficient than other similar models. That means that even a small propane tank will easily last more than single use.

Annoyingly, if you want to use a fully sized propane tank then you will need to invest in an adapter. These are fairly easy to get gold of though and are reasonably priced, but worth considering if you’re thinking about making the leap.

In terms of performance, the grill is excellent. It has excellent heat distribution so is not at all prone to flare-ups or cold spots. Not only this, but it can reach target grilling temperature in just a few minutes.

It has an instant ignition button for easy light-up. It is fairly awkward to use however, but if you adapt the grill slightly by positioning the igniter close to the gas flow. It’s an obvious design flaw, but one that’s really easy to get around.

The grill is easily portable and has a lockable lid and foldable legs. It’s also fairly light at 20 pounds, making it easy to load onboard your ship, or offload onto shore.

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560

  • Reaches 225°F in 7 minutes or 700°F in 13 minutes
  • Control temperature and cook time with the digital control panel or with smart device control...
  • DigitalFan for precise temperature control

Char-Broil X200 TRU-Infrared

Anything with ​ infrared ​  in the title has my attention. Good grilling is all about heat consistency, and infrared burns are often a good guarantee of this. So how does this grill compare?

Now onto the infrared burners. For the unfamiliar, infrared burners are built to ensure that cold spots and flare-ups are kept to a minimum. Both of these are common flaws in gas grills, but since the introduction of infrared cooking this has become far less of an issue.

The infrared burners on this grill are excellent and allow fast cooking, all while maintaining even cooking temperatures across the surface of the cooking area. Not only this, but it helps burn fuel far more efficiently, meaning that you have far better cooking performance all while using less fuel.

Obviously there are positive environmental consequences here, but crucially it will also save you significant cost after frequent use.

It has a hardy build while not being too heavy. It can house its gas canisters inside the grill itself, so is really practical when loading or unloading from your boat.

Char-Broil Grill2Go X200

  • GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 1-pound propane gas tank, not...
  • COOKING TECHNOLOGY: The Amplifire cooking system grills juicier food, eliminates guesswork and...
  • COOKING AREA: Grill up to 8 burgers, 4 chicken breasts or 12 brats on the 200-square-inch...

Last update on 2024-09-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

best sailboat bbq

About the Author

Ben Isham-Smith

A BBQ obsessive, Ben is behind 250+ of The Online Grill’s recipes, as well as countless barbecue guides to help barbecue newbies get to grips with the world’s best form of cooking.

Still hungry? Check out more BBQ posts

best tailgate grill review

About TheOnlineGrill

TheOnlineGrill.com was founded in 2014 to help demystify BBQ. It features over 600 recipes, how-to guides, and product reviews to help readers like you get to grips with the world’s best form of outdoor cooking. Learn more about us .

Related Posts

traeger timberline xl pellet grill

Pellet Grilling

Meat Preparation

© 2024 All Rights Reserved TheOnlineGrill.com

logo

  • Multihull Sailor
  • Real Estate
  • Maintenance & Hardware
  • Water Sports

The Best Boat Grills for Freshly Caught Seafood

The Best Boat Grills of 2024

Summer isn't complete without going out onto the lake, catching fish, and grilling your catch right on your boat. Add some beer, sandwiches, and music, and the memories are priceless. Boat grills come in all types, from charcoal and propane to electric grills. But to narrow down your options,  this buying guide highlights the best boat grills of 2024 for your freshly caught seafood. Our top pick is the  Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill for its quality and material, and our other recommendations might just suit your needs as well. To learn more about boat grills, read our buying guide below!

Our Top Picks For Boat Grills

  • Best Overall: Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill Shop Now ➔
  • Best Propane Option: Char-Broil Portable Propane Gas Grill Shop Now ➔
  • Most Budget-Friendly: Cuisinart Tabletop Propane Gas Grill Shop Now ➔
  • Best Charcoal Boat Grill: Masterbuilt Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker Shop Now ➔
  • Most Durable: Royal Gourmet Stainless Steel Portable Grill Shop Now ➔
  • 1 Choosing a Great Boat Grill 
  • 2 Cooking area 
  • 3 Number of burners 
  • 5 Safety Considerations for Using a Boat Grill 
  • 6 Care and Maintenance
  • 7 Keep the exterior clean 
  • 8 Clean the interior to remove buildup 
  • 9 Make sure it is installed securely
  • 10 Keep your rail clean 

Is it illegal to grill on a boat?

Is it safe to use a propane grill on a boat, can i grill on a pontoon boat, related articles, the best boat grills of 2024, best overall.

Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill

Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill

The kettle gas grill from Magma is a popular choice amongst boat owners. It features high-quality stainless steel construction with a circular design and bulbous lid with an exterior that’s finished in 18-9 mirror polish. Plus, it also incorporates a useful combination of easy-to-clean grease catch pan and a wind baffle. 

This grill is one of the quickest to heat up because of its radiant and convection cooking. The lid is hinged with a cool-touch handle for easy operation and you can also use it as a windshield in gusty conditions. Due to its amazing quality, convenient features, and sleek design, it’s no wonder that we’ve chosen this boat grill as the best on our list.

  • Mirror-polished stainless steel construction 
  • Dual heating methods 
  • Includes a grease catch pan
  • Mounting bracket sold separately 
  • Lighting the burner is awkward

Best Propane Option

Char-Broil Portable Propane Gas Grill

Char-Broil Portable Propane Gas Grill

The Grill2Go boat grill by Char-Broil is a good option for grilling enthusiasts. This grill is made with high-quality aluminum, weighs only 20 pounds, and is available in a classic black color. It features a high-impact framework with legs and handles. Not only that, but the 200-square-inch grilling grate gives you enough room to work properly. The grill comes with a cast TRU-infrared cooking system that provides you with even cooking each time.

  • High-impact frame
  • Cast aluminum firebox with lid
  • No flare-up TRU cooking mechanism
  • Temperatures can be too high
  • Expensive when compared to others

Most Budget-Friendly

Cuisinart Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

Cuisinart Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

The Cuisinart portable gas grill is another popular choice among boating fans. This grill weighs just over two pounds and features a 145-square-inch grilling area where you can cook up to eight burgers at a time.

It comes with a 5,500 BTU burner that gives an even heat flow throughout the grate, allowing you to cook big batches of food evenly. The grill also has an integrated lid lock that keeps the lid secure while in use. Other than that, it comes with a carrying handle for easy transport.

  • Portable option for smaller boats
  • Enameled grate for even cooking
  • A budget-friendly option
  • Requires a separate gas supply
  • The handles are quite heavy

Best Charcoal Boat Grill

Masterbuilt Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker

Masterbuilt Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker

Weighing 145 pounds, the boat grill by Masterbuilt is a famous option for grill lovers. It uses charcoal as its fuel and provides you with the ultimate barbecue fun. The grill has a digital panel for temperature and fan control. It can load up to 16 pounds of charcoal briquettes and up to 10 pounds of lump charcoal. 

Using paper to ignite the grill, you can achieve a high temperature within minutes. You can also find a temperature gauge and meat probe to get the perfect cook every time while the digital panel makes it easy to operate. It has two racks, providing a total of 560 square inches of cooking space. And, for those who value versatility, this grill can also be used as a smoker if grilling starts to get a little boring.

  • Porcelain-coated racks
  • The meat probe and thermometer gauge included
  • Easy-to-use digital panel
  • Two-in-one grill and smoker design
  • Requires power support
  • Charcoal can be messy 

Most Durable

Royal Gourmet Stainless Steel Portable Grill

Royal Gourmet Stainless Steel Portable Grill

With a 10,000 BTU stainless steel burner, the Royal Gourmet GT1001 is a good choice for barbecue lovers. It features a 280-square-inch cooking area, with a separate 75-square-inches for its chrome-coated warming rack. When assembled, the grill measures 27.17 x 17.32 x 14.17 inches and is 19.6 pounds in weight, making it suitable to carry around anywhere. 

This boat grill features an easy-to-use piezo ignition system. Meanwhile, the built-in thermometer, folding legs, and compact design make this grill an amazing option for outdoor adventures. Lastly, the stainless steel drip tray gives you access to easily clean and maintain your grill properly.

  • 305-square-inch total cooking area
  • Easy push-button style
  • Easy to carry and store
  • Can be tough to clean
  • Expensive when compared to other options

The Ultimate Buying Guide to the Best Boat Grills

Fishing is a great summer pastime, and it’s even more fun when you can actually eat your catch while you’re out on the lake or river. As we all know, fishing requires a lot of items and equipment, from fish bait to help you catch fish to fish scalers to help you prep your fish. The last step is the best one of all—finally cooking your fish. Boat grills are the perfect way to enjoy your fresh catch, and you can even bring pre-prepared meat on board like barbecues.  There are plenty of boat grill options out there, so here is a convenient buying guide to help you find a suitable one.

Choosing a Great Boat Grill 

A boat grill helps create an ambient atmosphere while on the water. These are some factors that you should check to make sure the grill you purchase meets your needs:

Cooking area 

While the overall dimensions of the boat grill do matter, the primary cooking area it offers should be your number one concern. This means the grilling surface of the appliance with direct heat under it. 

The cooking area on most boat grills ranges from 125-square-inches to 266-square-inches. While there is no limit to the amount of food you can cook on a grill, having a big cooking surface produces bigger batches that are more suitable for feeding a party. 

Number of burners 

Where many full-sized BBQ grills boast six to seven burners, the number of burners on a boat grill is restricted to one or two at max. This is mainly because of their compact size.

If faced with a choice between a single and double burner boat grill, we advise you to choose the double burner. It gives you control over both ends of the grill, allowing you to cook steaks and veggies at the same time. 

The weight of the boat grill is an important consideration for a few reasons.  For one, you will be the one lifting and carrying it to the boat. For another, if your grill is not meant to stay there for the entire season, you’ll need to dismount it every time you disembark. So make sure that the boat grill you purchase is easy enough for you to lift.

It is also important to ensure that your boat is capable of supporting the extra weight. Remember that a boat can sink under too much load. A heavy grill can easily set off the balance of a small boat, causing it to turn over. 

Safety Considerations for Using a Boat Grill 

Take a look at these precautions to safely use your boat grill every time:

  • Put it out once the cooking is done to eliminate fire hazards.  
  • Never engage the grill while the boat is moving. 
  • Refrain from using gasoline, grain alcohol, or any other non-approved accelerant to get your charcoal grill started.
  • Don’t use the grill for any other purpose than cooking. 
  • Make sure that the marina rules allow open flame on the premises before starting your grill. 

Care and Maintenance

So you have installed a shiny new grill on your boat, but did you know that even the best boat grill requires regular care and maintenance to preserve its shiny new look? Here’s what you can do to prevent your grill from becoming victim to the elements:

Keep the exterior clean 

Since your boat will be spending most or all of its time in the water, your boat grill is also at risk of water damage. It is important to protect your grill from moisture and one way of doing so is to wipe its exterior clean. 

Being on a boat means your grill is also prone to water splashes and, if you forget to wipe it, the tiniest drop can cause corrosion. Be sure to clean its exterior after every use. If you have a protective cover, be sure to use it to keep the grill covered and protected from harsh sea environments. 

Clean the interior to remove buildup 

Cleaning the inside of the grill is also important for maintaining a sanitary cooking environment. When you cook food inside it, grease and small food particles accumulate. If not removed, they are likely to attract bugs and other insects, creating an unsanitary environment. 

If the grill is removable, you can easily uninstall it for cleaning purposes. But if it is fixed, you’ll need to clean the drip tray as well as the grates separately. Use a wire brush to remove the tough buildup. Follow this up with soapy water to eliminate the remaining greasy film. 

Make sure it is installed securely

While there are some free-standing boat grills available on the market, most boat grills are installed on the rail of your boat. You can attach them when needed for cooking and detach them once the job is done. 

If yours is detachable, make sure to mount it securely to the rails. A boat ride is a bumpy trip — you don’t want your grill to topple over on either side of the railing. 

Keep your rail clean 

If you have installed the boat grill rail along the outside edge of your boat, there is a solid chance that grease and food splatters will land on the rail and the surrounding area. 

These stains are not just unsightly; the greasy ones on the ground can pose a slipping hazard. You should clean the rail and the surrounding areas regularly to eliminate the risk as well as to increase your boat’s aesthetic appeal.

People Also Asked

No, it is not illegal to grill on a boat. However, you should exercise extreme caution and care while using one. Use it in an open space and be cautious of the wind making burning ashes fly around. We suggest investing in an electric grill as it is the safest option to use on a boat.

Yes, a propane grill is also a suitable choice to use on a boat. In fact, it is a go-to for most people because propane not only costs less but is readily available too. A propane grill is easier to start and clean than a charcoal grill. Plus, there is no risk of burning embers or soot flying around that you have to be careful about.

Yes, you can grill on a pontoon boat. The wide-open space of a pontoon's deck can easily accommodate the grill and the supplies needed for cooking. In fact, a BBQ is one of the greatest events any pontoon owner can host.

Article Contributors

Sail magazine review team.

SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

To ensure questions about product testing or a specific article are addressed, please contact [email protected]

Yachting Monthly

  • Digital edition

Yachting Monthly cover

Best marine grills: 6 ways to expand your onboard culinary options

  • Steve Walburn
  • July 31, 2023

The best marine grills must meet a few basic standards to withstand the harsh conditions of life at sea. We pick out six of the best...

best-marine-grills

Marine grills are neither a bare necessity nor a frivolous luxury, yet they are one appliance that every boat owner should consider installing.

A rail-mounted or portable grill might not see everyday use, but keep in mind that these devices are relatively inexpensive, don’t take up much space, and offer auxiliary meal preparation should the galley stove prove uncooperative.

A marine grill also complements the ambiance of being outside on the water. It is the perfect device for grilling your catch of the day, charring vegetables, or even baking bread. When all else fails, your simple gas-powered marine grill will be there to save the day.

6 of the best marine grills on the market

Magma original marine kettle gas grill.

Best marine grill with kettle hood

Specs Weight: 8 pounds | Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 6 in. | Actual grilling surface: 133-177 sq. in. | BTU: 10,700 | Fuel Source: Disposable 1-pound propane

Reasons to buy

• Original has a compact 133 sq.-in. cook area (Party size 177” sq. in) • Aerodynamic kettle shape • Moderately priced • Multiple fuel sources and mounting options

Reasons to avoid

• 18-8 stainless steel is not as corrosion resistant as higher grades of stainless • Less capacity than rectangle models

The Magma kettle sets the standard for seaworthy round marine grills. At less than 8 pounds, the Original 15-inch version (10,700 BTUs) is ideal for smaller vessels. The grill is also available in a Party size for larger boats.

The entire grill is made of 18-8 stainless steel, and the aerodynamic clamshell top is balanced so that it won’t slam shut in a breeze. The grill can also be rotated to position the top as a windbreak.

The grill operates on a standard 1-pound propane bottle, but you can connect it to onboard propane or natural gas. Magma sells a variety of mounting hardware separately, including rail, bulkhead, pedestal, and rod-holder mounts.

Buy it now from Cabela’s

Buy Party size from Amazon

Buy Original size from Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Kuuma stow n’ go 160.

Best marine grill for all-around use

Specs Weight: 16 pounds | Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 10 in. | Actual grilling surface: 157.5 sq. in. | BTU: 12,000 | Fuel Source: Disposable 1-pound propane

• More capacity than kettle grills • Rugged construction • Easy set-up • Portable for boat or beach use

• Heavier than kettle grills • The lowest setting is still pretty high heat, which could burn foods

For more cooking surface, take a look at the Kuuma Stow N Go from Camco. The Stow N Go grill is available in a variety of sizes, but the 160 is a solid medium-size marine grill for larger boats.

The retractable legs make it suitable for tabletop or beach cooking, and the quick-release mounts (sold separately) fasten securely to any rail, stanchion, or rod holder.

Kuuma marine grills are made of 304 stainless, which is a great balance between strength and corrosion resistance. Propane fuel provides 13,000 BTUs of cooking power. There is also a charcoal version and an option for electric ignition and a thermometer. Note: model 58138 is the model number for the Stow N Go 160 with EU-style gas fitting.

Buy it now from Amazon

Buy it now from West Marine

Shop Cabela’s (electric ignition with thermometer)

Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop

Best marine grill for tabletop

Specs Weight: 2.2 pounds | Dimensions: 12″x 18″ x 13″ | Actual grilling surface: 145 sq. in. | BTU: 5,500 | Fuel Source: 1-pound propane bottle

• Compact and portable • Quite inexpensive • Okay for the boat but better for a picnic table or the beach

• Aftermarket rail mounts are sold separately. • Low BTUs are best suited to meals for two people.

If you want to keep a portable grill on the boat for occasional use, check out the small tabletop grill from Cuisinart. It is best suited to tabletop use either on shore or aboard a boat in stable conditions, but it can be fixed to just about any rail with aftermarket mounts.

This grill offers 145 square inches of cooking surface, which is enough for an average-size family meal.

It runs off of a 1-pound propane bottle but will connect to a fuel line with an adapter (sold separately). The grill puts out only 5,500 BTUs, but with the top closed that is plenty of heat for hamburgers, hotdogs, or even a couple of steaks

Dickinson Marine Sea-B-Que

A solidly built marine grill

Specs Weight: 18 pounds | Dimensions: 24-28″ x 12.3-14.4″ x 10-11.9″ | Actual grilling surface: 148 sq. in. | BTU: 10-11,000 | Fuel Source: 1-pound propane bottle

• Solid construction of 20-gauge marine stainless steel • Roll away hood with adjustable tension knobs • Designed to prevent flameouts in high wind

• These are expensive grills. • The legs do not fold away for rail mounting.

The Dickinson Sea-B-Que combines the aerodynamics of a kettle grill with the capacity of a rectangular grill. The square shape maximizes the cooking area, while the octagonal cross-section reduces windage and increases strength.

The hood is balanced for easy opening, and it has a latch to keep everything battened down during passages.

The Small version provides 148 square inches of cooking area, and the Large offers 220 square inches. Both come with an integrated thermometer.

This is a rugged grill made of 20-gauge 304 stainless steel. Either grill will serve you well, but pound for pound, the small version throws off more BTUs (10,000 BTU burner). The large provides only another 1,000 BTUs (11,000 BTU burner).

Dickinson offers a variety of boat mounts, but they are sold separately.

Buy Small Sea-B-Que from Amazon

Buy Large Sea-B-Que from Amazon

Magma Catalina II Infrared

Best marine grill with infrared burners

Specs Weight: 27 pounds | Dimensions: 22.5″ x 14.3″ x 14.6″ | Actual grilling surface: 315 sq. in. | BTU: 12,500 | Fuel Source: 1-pound propane bottle

• Constructed of high-heat and corrosion-resistant stainless steel • Electric ignition with a built-in thermometer • Front viewing window

• A premium grill at a premium price • This is a heavy grill (26.75 pounds)

Magma’s Catalina II delivers the ultimate in grilling capacity and technology. At 315 square inches of cooking area with 12,500 BTUs, you won’t run out of room or heat for serving sundowner guests or large crews.

The grill converts either propane or natural gas to infrared heat, evenly distributed across the grilling surface. This means reduced flare-ups and more even cooking than traditional gas-flame burners.

The Catalina II is a double-walled grill made of marine-grade stainless steel that offers more corrosion resistance under high temperatures than 304 stainless.

Although this is a large grill, it is compatible with any of the Magma mounts (sold separately).

Magma also sells similar infrared grills with smaller or larger capacity. The Newport II is 164 square inches, and the Monterey II is a whopping 420 square inches!

Kuuma Stow N’ Go Elite 216

Best marine grill for larger boats

Weight: 21 pounds | Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 10 in. | Actual grilling surface: 159.5 sq. in. (204.5 with warming grate) | BTU: 13,000 | Fuel Source: 1-pound propane bottle

• Comes with electric ignition and thermometer. • Large capacity cooking surface. • Folding legs and locking hood for transport. • Relatively affordable for its size.

• Not as portable as smaller grills. • 304 stainless is not as resistant to saltwater corrosion as 316 stainless.

Big boats can handle big appliances, and that makes the Kuuma Elite 216 suitable for vessels above, say, 36 feet or so. The Elite will mount to a pushpit rail, stanchion, pedestal, or even a rod holder.

At 13,000 BTUs and 216 square inches, the Elite has plenty of power for any type of entertaining or meal prep. There is even a 316 square-inch model available for the largest vessels.

The Elite features foldable legs and quick-release mounting hardware like the Stow N’ Go. The locking hood makes it portable, and it weighs only 21 pounds.

Unlike many of the other models mentioned here, the Elite also features a warming rack, which means increased capacity and utility.

Buy it now from Cabela’s

How to choose the best marine grill for your boat

The best marine grills come in two basic shapes: round and rectangular. Kettle-style grills are more aerodynamic, which is especially important on a sailboat. Rectangular grills offer more cooking area at the expense of increased windage.

A marine grill should be constructed of high-grade stainless steel, although some economy models are made of aluminum. Most units intended for marine use are made of either 18-8 or 300-series stainless steel.

The fuel source can be natural gas, propane, or even charcoal. An infrared burner is state-of-the-art in modern grilling technology, and some marine grills convert gas to infrared heat for a more even cooking surface.

While there are plenty of portable grills that will work on a boat, for safety’s sake, limit your search to those that are mountable. A purpose-built marine grill should fasten securely to either a rail, a pedestal, or a rod holder. Mounting hardware is often sold separately.

A portable grill that incorporates folding legs with a quick-release mounting system offers the best of both worlds for use on the boat or the beach.

When it comes to cooking area, small vessels are best suited to kettle grills from about 130 to 165 sq. in. of cook surface, while larger boats can accommodate grills with grates from about 250 to 300 sq. in.

At the end of the day, it’s all about the heat. More BTUs means more capacity for you and your guests. Depending on your application, any grill in the range of 6,000 to 13,000 BTUs will get the job done.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

  • Pontoon Boats
  • Personal Watercraft
  • nauticalknowhow
  • Nautical Knots
  • Tools and Calculators

Best Boat Grill Of 2024 (Review And Buying Guide)

Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill

Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill, Stainless Steel

Cuisinart CGG-180T

Cuisinart CGG-180T Tabletop Gas Grill

Magma Products Catalina 2

Magma Products Catalina 2

Chris Riley

We modern humans have found tons of ways to incorporate food into our social lives. We grill for guests on the backyard deck, drop serious money on outdoor kitchens and lately we’ve taken to adding grills to our boats. And why not? What better way to enhance a leisurely boating experience than firing up the boat grill? We get to take a break from navigating and soak in the splendor of our surroundings while sharing a meal with the people we care about. It doesn’t get any better than that. In this review guide we’re going to look at our favorite nautical grills and spend some time examining what goes into making something the best boat grill for your purposes. Let’s get started.

Magma makes a lot of portable grills that are popular with boat owners. Primary among them is the A10 Marine Kettle Stainless Steel Gas Grill. We’re high on this grill too for a lot of reasons. First of all it may be the easiest gas grill when it comes to setup. It slips easily and firmly into any standard rod holder and stays put through thick and thin.

The Marine Kettle evokes the classic backyard grill with its circular design, bulbous lid and generous cooking surface. Once you’ve anchored and are ready to eat, it gets hot in a hurry and will tackle the thickest steak in no time thanks to that lid, which swivels into place with a mild tug on the heat resistant handle. It’s also perhaps the best boat grill out there when it comes to wind resistance. With the lid acting as an effective windscreen when the gales are blowing.

A nice piece of icing on this particular cake is the radiant heat plate that distributes heat judiciously. This makes for more even cooking and increases fuel efficiency. Of course, if you don’t have a boat grill rod holder on your boat you’ll need to improvise. But there are plenty of kits out there that will work with it. And none of them are going to break the bank.

  • Very easy to install
  • Durable stainless steel construction
  • Lid does a good job containing spatter
  • Cooks quicker than some other grills
  • The drip tray is easy to access and clean
  • Has an attractive, classic profile
  • Grill mounting bracket not included
  • Ignition doesn’t always work on the first click
  • The lid can get very hot
  • Buy on Amazon   →
  • Buy on Walmart   →

The CGG-180T Tabletop Grill from Cuisinart is a great looking portable grill that’s big and powerful and built to stand the test of time. The legs come down at an angle and feature large rubberized feet that hold firmly to any surface. If you want to cook onboard it can be adapted to hug the rail as well. Allowing you to elevate your entertainment game.

The 145 square inches of cooking surface is large enough to accommodate a half dozen good size steaks or a dozen sausages and a dozen chicken wings simultaneously. The surface itself is crafted from porcelain, which distributes the heat evenly from side to side, front to back. There’s also a nice, firm lid lock to keep the lid from blowing back with a wind gust.

The CGG-180T kicks out 5,500 BTU and heats up in a jiffy. Because of that porcelain/ceramic cooking surface, it doesn’t need to burn as much propane as some other grills. And it’s the perfect grill for those boat lovers who also spend time traveling the country in their RV. The downside is that you may have to search a bit to find the right adapter kit.

  • Very stable design with rubberized feet
  • Can be adapted to mount on handrail
  • 5,500 BTUs of cooking power
  • Briefcase style carrying handle for easy transport
  • Heats up fast, cooks evenly
  • Large 145 square inch cooking surface
  • Adapting it to a handrail will take some work
  • The shallow lid means you’ll have to keep it open a lot

Kuuma Stow and Go 58130 Propane Mountable Grill

Kuuma Stow and Go 58130

The Kuuma Stow and Go Propane Mountable Grill is what the best boat grill should be. It’s large, lightweight, rust resistant, effective and slips into any standard rod holder to setup and take down in seconds. The shell is fashioned from 100% high polish stainless steel that cleans up quick and allows it to dovetail with the design of any contemporary houseboat, pontoon boat or fishing boat.

There is no assembly required with the Stow and Go. It’s ready to be fired up right out of the box. If you don’t have any rod holders on your boat, not to worry. As the Stow and Go will also easily adapt to any Kuuma rail mounting bracket. The Stow and Go is great for large groups. You’ll get 8 burgers on this puppy at one time, or a dozen sausages and a dozen chicken wings. The Stow and Go also performs better than most of the competition in windy weather. A big plus when you’re eating on the open water.

Downsides? Not many. The lid gets pretty hot, so you’ll want to keep the kids clear of it while cooking and while it’s cooling down afterwards. And the design isn’t anything to write home about. When closed it looks more than a little like a box for tools. But that aside, it’s an outstanding grill. So load up the marine cooler and get ready to party.

  • Can fit easily into any standard rod holder
  • Ready to go out of the box
  • Nice big cooking surface
  • Easy to set up and remove
  • Swings out over the water for greater safety
  • Reasonably priced
  • Like a lot of grill lids this one gets hot
  • Doesn’t always fire up on the first click
  • Buy on Bass Pro   →

You’ll notice more than one Magma grill on our list of the best boat grill options. And that’s because they’re the Ferrari of boat grills. Few other companies invest so much time and energy producing grills that have both on land and onboard applications. Their Catalina 2 is another superb Magma gas grill that receives great reviews and will serve you well whether hanging over the side of your pontoon boat or on a picnic table at your favorite island park.

The Catalina 2 is fashioned from marine grade stainless steel that’s highly corrosion resistant and gives the grill a high-end look that’s hard to beat. Inside there’s a cooking level, a warming level and a food prep tray you can hook onto the front. That’s one of those touches you won’t find on lesser grills. The grease tray is effective, easy to remove and relatively easy to clean. And the durable stainless steel legs fold away for easy storage.

Typically you pay extra for quality and that’s the case here. So we’re not going to quibble about that. Our one complaint applies to all Magma marine grills: it doesn’t provide its own mounting bracket system. It doesn’t seem like it would be such a stretch to do so. Especially since the company produces them. Why they don’t just include them is a bit of a mystery. Thankfully, they’re not hard to find.

  • Corrosion resistant solid stainless steel construction
  • 12 x 18 inch main grilling area, 5 x 18 inch mezzanine warming shelf
  • Provides outstanding control over cooking temp
  • Excellent portability with integrated fold-away stainless steel legs
  • Can be adapted to onboard propane or CNG systems
  • Big enough to feed the whole family and then some
  • Pretty expensive for a pontoon grill
  • Mounting hardware sold separately

Extreme Marine Products Modified CUISINART Anywhere Grill

Extreme Marine Products Modified CUISINART Anywhere Grill

Extreme Marine does yeoman’s work producing simple and effective adapter kits for your boat grill. Here, they partner one of their most robust removable brackets with the outstanding Cuisinart Anywhere Grill. The result is a winning combination that’s going to serve you well on land, on sea and in… okay, not in the air. But definitely on land or sea.

Attach the grill before putting it over the side. After that, all it takes is a few twists of the black knobs on the bracket and your grill is firmly in place and the party can begin. Just be aware that the bracket/grill assembly can be pretty heavy. So make sure you have some help when installing and removing it. And you should remove it after every use.

As for the grill itself; the Anywhere Grill is one of Cuisinart’s most celebrated compact outdoor grills. It features a heat resistant handle, a lock down top, full temperature control and 5,500 BTUs of cooking power. The cooking surface is large enough to accommodate 8 burgers or 10 chicken breasts at once. And the porcelain grate does an amazing job distributing heat for a more satisfying finished product.

  • Dependable Cuisinart quality
  • Installs in minutes to the side of your pontoon boat
  • Attaches firmly with no screws needed
  • Grill holds up to 8 burgers or steaks
  • Porcelain enamel grate for even temperature distribution
  • Lid lock keeps the grill firmly closed when not in use
  • Not the easiest setup to install by yourself
  • Customer support isn’t always what we’d like it to be

Magma Boat Grill Connoisseur Series

Magma Boat Grill Connoisseur Series

The Connoisseur Portable Gas Grill is another handsome, well-built boat grill from Magma. It can be used onboard or on land when you arrive at your island paradise for an afternoon of relaxation with friends and family. It features the company’s signature polished stainless steel housing, stowaway legs and locking lid. The cooking surface is large with no wasted space and the grease tray is perfectly positioned to catch runoff.

If you’re cooking for more than two you should give serious consideration to this grill. The 108 square inch surface will accommodate all types of burgers and other meat with ease. And cleanup is surprisingly easy. For owners of larger boats with more involved utility infrastructures, the grill can be adapted to your onboard propane line or integrated natural gas system with little muss or fuss.

Characteristically, Magma doesn’t provide any mounting software themselves. But it will adapt easily to most commercially available single boat grill mount systems. Beyond that the only drawback we see is that the lid can get pretty hot. So keep the kiddies at a distance while you’re cooking. All in all an excellent boat grill that will lively up your nautical adventures.

  • A handsome grill open or closed
  • Sets up in minutes
  • Very large cooking surface
  • Fully adjustable flame
  • Surprisingly easy to clean
  • Doesn’t burn through a ton of gas
  • No grill mounts included
  • The lid can get very hot, the handle too
  • The lid sometimes comes loose

Masterbuilt 205 Smoke Hollow Stainless Steel Gas Grill

Masterbuilt 205

While we love the high-end look of the Magma boat grill, there is something to be said for the more laid back, timeless appeal of the Smoke Hollow from Masterbuilt. The gentle arc of the lid, the non-reflective matt finish, and the old school analog temperature gauge all work to create a very satisfying visual experience.

With a 205 square inch cooking surface, this is a grill after the collective hearts of families everywhere. And with 10,000 BTUs of power, no corner of that large cooking surface is going to waste. Just remember that with all that power it’s bound to burn through your propane pretty quick when it’s cranked up. So plan to bring plenty of 16 oz canisters along with you.

Hooking this puppy up to your boat is not going to be as easy as it is with some other grills. First, because of the size and second, because Masterbuilt (like Magma) doesn’t provide any of their own mounting brackets. It can be done. But you’ll need to research various adapter kits or maybe make your own, depending on your boat. All in all, if you’re looking for some serious pontoon boat fun, the Masterbuilt Smoke Hollow won’t let you down.

  • Very large cooking area
  • Great for parties on the pontoon boat
  • Starts dependably and heats up fast
  • 10,000 BTUs of cooking power
  • Retractable stainless steel legs
  • Precise control over cooking temperature
  • Delightfully affordable
  • No boat grill rod holder included
  • Burns through small propane canisters pretty fast

$125.00 Amazon  →

Char-Broil Grill2Go X200

Char-Broil Grill2Go X200

The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 stands apart from the crowded grill field for a couple of reasons. First, it features infrared cooking. And we’ll get to that in a moment. Second, it’s extremely easy to transport with its sturdy, heat resistant handles. And third, because it’s one of the most affordable high-performance portable grills on the market. Now, about that infrared cooking.

Infrared or IR cooking sounds like something from the future, like quantum computing. But it’s actually based firmly in that age old idea that evenly distributed heat makes for a better overall cooking experience. The IR technology in this case is a layer of metal and/or ceramic that’s interposed between the heat source and the cooking surface. This metal layer absorbs heat from the flame and distributes it evenly to a grid at the top of the layer. In the process it raises the temperature of the grill significantly.

The end result is that every bit of the grilling surface receives the same amount of heat and your steak doesn’t take a long time to cook. If the Grill2Go X200 has a weakness, it’s the fact that it’s not easily adapted to your boat. The legs are fixed which means standard adapter kits aren’t going to work. So you’ll need to come up with something yourself if you want to use it to grill on your boat.

  • Easy to carry and very convenient
  • One of the more energy efficient propane grills
  • Firebox fashioned from tough cast aluminum
  • Utilizes infrared heating elements
  • Distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface
  • No exposed flames to create safety hazard
  • Affordable price point
  • A face only a mother could love
  • Does not lend itself to easy mounting

Kuuma 58173 Stow N Go 316 for Boats

Kuuma 58173 Stow N Go 316

This variation on the Kuuma Stow and Go has plenty going for it in its own right. It features everything we love about the 58130, but is built specifically to adapt to the rail of your pontoon, fishing or large recreational power boat. It’s crafted from marine grade stainless steel, features a large cooking surface and warming rack, has a stay cool handle and a removable liner to speed cleanup.

There are 4 tough, retractable stainless steel legs that let you set it up on shore. Those legs disappear effectively when you sling it over the rail for some high seas barbecue. The integrated thermometer lets you keep track of the temp for a better finished product. The igniter is dependable and the grill highly wind resistant. And the lid has a secure latch to prevent it blowing up in a gust.

This is a great choice if you’re cooking for larger groups. The 316 square inch cooking surface makes sure of that. Sure, it’s going to consume more propane than some smaller grills. But between the flow control and thermometer, it’s easy to make sure you’re not using more fuel than you need to. It’s not cheap, but it’s a great BBQ grill for a pontoon boat.

  • Designed specifically for marine applications
  • Biggest cooking surface of the grills we reviewed
  • Great for family size get togethers
  • The stay cool handle is a nice change
  • Attaches easily to the nearest handrail
  • Precise temperature control
  • Corrosion resistant stainless steel construction
  • Too big for some smaller boats
  • Takes a while to clean up

Magma Cabo Adventurer Electric Stainless Steel Boat Grill

Magma Cabo Adventurer

Magma is one of the most recognized names in grills and their Cabo Adventurer electric grill is a good example of why. It features a high-polish stainless steel body that’s highly corrosion resistant and a lightweight design that makes it easy to transport. You can set it up on table or by way of a kit that will allow you to fix it to the railing.

The Adventurer is designed specifically for the marine environment. But although it features stout, dependable legs Magma stresses you should keep those legs folded up when using this on a boat to ensure greater stability. The lid locks in the open position. So it won’t slam shut on you if a gust of wind hits. And the handle is fashioned from heat resistant plastic to prevent accidental burns.

The metal at work here is marine grade 304 stainless. A step up from the 400 grade they use on some of their backyard bbq grills. And the mirror finish makes it a stylish pontoon boat or boat house grill. Also, the lack of an open flame enhances safety and improves the quality of your grill items. If there’s a downside here it’s that you’ll need a viable outlet on your boat for this to work.

  • Heat resistant handles prevent nasty surprises
  • Polished stainless steel finish is beautiful and corrosion resistant
  • Heats up quickly and provides even heat distribution
  • No open flames or embers to worry about
  • Variable temperature control for gourmet cooking
  • Big enough to cook for the whole family
  • You’ll need to have viable power outlet on your boat
  • Not as stable as a fixed grill

 Walmart  →

Buying Guide

best sailboat bbq

How to Choose the Right Grill

You have a boat. You buy a grill. Everybody’s happy. Right? Well, not exactly. Getting the right grill for your boat is not as simple as enie-meenie-minie-mo. There are actually a number of things you will need to consider to ensure the grill you get is A) dependable B) not a fire hazard and C) able to handle your grilling needs. So if you want to transform your boat into a floating BBQ, keep the following things in mind:

  • Your type of boat – A boat house is the ideal platform for a boat gas grill. But who has a boat house? In lieu of a boat house the pontoon boat is by far the best for installing a boat grill. They’re wide and stable with lots of open space. And they make great platforms for relaxation and entertainment. If you have one, a gas grill for a pontoon boat comes close to being a must-have item. The next best platform for a boat grill would be a decent size fishing boat. Say, 30 feet or so to leave ample room to grill without endangering the boat or its occupants. Speed boats and sail boats likely aren’t going to cut it. Even for the best boat grill.
  • Where you intend to install it – Some grills are easy to install on railings. Some are better being screwed down onto countertops. And still others are more or less permanently affixed to the floor. Where do you envision putting the grill? If you want one you can affix to a flat surface, you’ll need to be sure you have the right surface with plenty of ventilation. If you want to affix it to a railing, you may need to purchase an adapter kit. As few grills come with their own mounts.
  • Fuel efficiency – The unfortunate truth is that some grills are fuel hogs. The good news though is that there are plenty of others that are less demanding on the propane. If you intend to grill a substantial distance from shore, it might be better if you get the most fuel efficient model you can find. That way you don’t have to be transporting big propane tanks with you everywhere you go.
  • Wind resistance – Some models of boat propane grill will laugh in the face of the wind. Other grills will flame out when someone sneezes. You need to consider how well the boat grill stands up to the wind. Because there are no trees, houses or walls to block the wind on a boat. So think about where you’ll typically be setting up to grill and make sure you get a boat grill that can handle the typical wind load in that place.

Some Other Factors to Consider for Your Boat Grill

  • Materials – This type of grill is a prime candidates for corrosion. So you’ll want to be sure your boat BBQ grill is up to the challenge. Stainless steel is an ideal choice for this kind of grill, but it is typically the most expensive too. Aluminum gets kind of a bad rap. Or at least it’s perceived as being a lesser metal. But there are aluminum alloys that are every bit as corrosion resistant as stainless steel. Aluminum also means fewer pounds so the grill will be easier to attach/detach and to transport to and from the boat.
  • Build quality – Materials and build quality of a boat barbeque grill go hand in hand. The grill should seal up tight when the top is closed. If the lid is hinged those hinges should be made of corrosion resistant material and work smooth and effortlessly. The gas valve connection should be rock-solid and reliable with no leakage and no chance the hose is going to pop off. If the grill features a double stainless steel lined housing that’s even better, as it prevents the outside shell from getting too hot.
  • Infrared grills – You may have heard about infrared (IR) grills and wondered what they are. In reality it’s just a regular gas grill that has a special metal layer installed between the gas flame and the grill surface. This layer accepts the heat from the burner and distributes it evenly across the metal. So instead of heat being concentrated right above the flame, it’s spread out evenly across the entire grill surface. IR setups also get way hotter than standard gas grills. So less propane is needed and things cook faster. A lot of people are taking a serious look at IR grills because they cook fast, cook evenly and provide a protective layer between the flame and the grill.
  • Price – The portable grill for a boat is available in myriad styles that range in price from the very affordable to the downright expensive and everything in between. How much you spend will be up to you. But before you drop top dollar on a grill make sure the materials and build quality warrant the expense. And speaking of warrant; the longer the manufacturer’s warranty the better.

Type of Fuel

There are three fuel choices when it comes to this type of grill and each has their advantages and disadvantages. They are:

  • Propane – Propane is without a doubt the #1 choice of boat owners for a number of good reasons. Propane is readily available and quite affordable. It’s available in both large and small bottles. With the small bottles being a major convenience that are very easy to store. Propane powered grills are also available in a multitude of styles, sizes and prices; ranging from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand.
  • Charcoal – Still a fairly popular choice for houseboat owners, charcoal grills have otherwise fallen out of favor for the most part. While BBQ lovers savor the taste of charcoal-broiled food, a boat charcoal grill is slow to warm up and can be downright dangerous. They also require an accelerant, which opens the door to another dimension of potential problems. Still, charcoal grills have their fans. And there are a number of styles available that either clamp onto a handrail or can be dropped right into a rod holder.
  • Electric – Electric grills heat quickly and don’t produce embers or open flames. The problem is, in order to make them work, you’ll need access to a power source. So they’re not for small boats or camping. For this reason you’ll usually only find electric grills on large yachts with full kitchens. These boats are wired to accommodate electric stoves, microwaves and a host of other electrical devices. Most average family-size pontoon boats are not.

Maintaining Your Grill

It’s all very well and good to have a grill. But even the best boat grills needs to be properly maintained or it will fall victim to the elements. Not to mention it will also become a health hazard. So keeping the grill in tip-top shape is vital. Fortunately, it’s not rocket science. The following tips will help you maintain your boat grill.

  • Cleaning the exterior – The exterior of the grill should be cleaned after every use. This is especially important if your boat spends most or all of its time on salt water. Salt is incredibly corrosive and even stainless steel will suffer from prolonged exposure. So clean the grill’s exterior thoroughly after every use. If you have a protective cover for the grill be sure to use it. And if you don’t, make sure to wipe down the grill every time you use the boat, even if you didn’t cook.
  • Cleaning the interior – If the grill is fixed to the boat and grease and other food debris is allowed to accumulate inside the grill, it’s going to create an unsanitary situation. And since the boat is outside all the time, it’s likely to attract bugs and other pests. Clean the interior after every use and be sure to empty the removable grease tray and clean it too. Clean the grates with a wire brush to remove the bulk of material and soapy water to get the greasy film that remains.
  • Cleaning the rail – Often time the boat barbeque grill will be attached to a rail along the outside edge of the boat. This keeps it out of the way and reduces the risk of fire. At the same time though grease often spatters up from the grill and lands on the rail and surrounding area. Make sure when you’re cleaning up afterward that you clean the rail thoroughly, lest your boat wind up attracting unwelcome visitors.

Safety Tips

Grilling on a boat might seem little different than grilling on the patio. But the confined space of the boat, the proximity of the grill to potential hazards (like fuel) and the potential for catastrophe should something go wrong make it an entirely different animal. As such, there are certain rules you should adhere to in order to ensure your on board grilling experience is a safe and enjoyable one. These include:

  • Extinguish the grill as soon as you are finished cooking.
  • Never engage the grill in any fashion, for any reason while underway.
  • If you have a charcoal grill never use gasoline, grain alcohol or any other non-approved accelerant to get it started.
  • During the time the grill is engaged never leave it unattended for any reason.
  • Never use the grill in a way it was not intended to be used.
  • Always check marina rules before engaging your boat grill while docked. Most marinas prohibit any type of open flame on the premises.
  • If you have a charcoal grill make sure it is mounted in such a way that no embers can land on the boat deck, furniture or people.
  • If it is a detachable grill, make sure it has cooled completely before attempting to remove it. And make sure to remove it before trailering the boat.
  • Always take care to ensure the propane hose is connected properly and that there is no indication of any leaks.
  • If you are unsure whether the propane tank connection is leaking put some soapy water on the connection. If you see bubbles over the joint then it’s leaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to grill on a boat.

Yes. But you will need to follow the safety precautions that we outlined above. The most important thing is that the grill is properly secured in an out-of-the-way place. If the Coast Guard meanders by and sees you using a gas grill that’s sitting on table unsecured, they’re going to have a few words to say to you.

Another thing you must be mindful of is what you are grilling on your boat grill. Steaks, burgers, sausages and the like are typically fine. But things get more complicated when you plan on cooking what you catch. The state where you are fishing may have rules in place that prohibit the cooking of certain species of fish that you catch from your boat. So make sure you’re up on the current rules where you’re boating.

Do Boats Come With Grills?

Grills are not typical boat accessories. First of all, any kind of cooking is a non-starter on small sailboats and motor boats. And secondly, a lot of boat owners don’t want the added hassle that comes with food prep and service while they’re out trying to enjoy the water. So it’s left up to the buyer to determine if they want to add a boat grill after the fact.

Boat houses and larger yachts will have fancy lighting and kitchen facilities built into them. But if there is a stove or grill present, it is almost always electric. And you probably won’t find many people who own multi-million dollar yachts wanting to hang a boat grill off the railing.

Can I Add a Grill to My Boat?

You can add a grill to any house boat and almost any pontoon boat, large fishing boat, shrimp boat or – if you are so inclined – yacht. But there are a few things to consider.

  • First, the boat needs to be big enough to safely accommodate a grill. Though there is no hard and fast rule, this typically means a boat that is 20 – 24 feet or longer. Anything smaller is a safety hazard.
  • Second, the boat shouldn’t have a wooden floor or a floor covered in carpet. This could represent a significant fire risk. An aluminum floor is always preferable.
  • Third, some marinas will not allow grills and take a dim view of open flame on boats. Or they may just have a general rule in place that forbids any type of cooking or eating in the dock area. So be sure to check with the powers that be before sparking up your grill when docked.
  • Finally – Always make sure the grill is set up a safe distance from any machinery. This will prevent the propane gas from reaching the inboard engine, bilge or enclosed spaces where it could produce an explosive hazard. This is another reason why small boats are not good platforms for grills. You just can’t create a safe distance between the grill and the machinery.

At the end of the day, the best boat grill option provides you a way to enhance your boating experience and the experience of everyone who accompanies you. Grilling on the water adds an entirely new dimension to the boating experience and is sure to turn your vessel into a go-to destination for family and friends.

Just keep in mind that operating a portable gas grill for a boat is not the same as barbequing on the patio. There are many logistical and safety considerations that must be given proper weight. But as long as you’re careful and operate your grill in a safe manner, you’ll find it a unique way to meld two of your favorite activities: boating and barbequing. What could be better?

' src=

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

Categories : Reviews

' src=

Jilly Ruby Jane on February 24, 2020

Your recommend very useful for me because I want to buy one. Thank you for this post!

Jilly Ruby Jane on July 30, 2020

I bought Kuuma 58173 and the quality was good. It is always good to hear other input, I will keep reading your website.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More in Reviews

best sailboat bbq

Best Two-Way Radios of 2024 Reviewed

The Best Survival Kit

9 Best Survival Kits of 2024

best sailboat bbq

Best Rain Suits of 2024: Review and Buying Guide

Best Underwater Scooter

Best Underwater Scooters of 2024

best sailboat bbq

The People’s Poncho Review and Ratings 

best sailboat bbq

Oru Lake Kayak Review

best sailboat bbq

What Is A Gunwale?

Best Snorkeling in Maui

131 of the Best Hawaiian Boat Names

best sailboat bbq

167 Patriotic Boat Names

About boatsafe.

Established in 1998, BoatSafe is your independent guide into the world of boating, fishing, and watersports. We provide expert insights and detailed guides to help you find products tailored to your needs and budget.

Contact Boatsafe

  • Address: 4021 West Walnut Street. Rogers, AR 72756
  • Phone:  (479)339-4795
  • Email: [email protected]

Site Navigation

  • How We Test
  • Corrections Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Editorial Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Our Reviews

Boat Safe BBB Business Review

All content is © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

best sailboat bbq

  • Subscribe Now
  • Digital Editions

hero profile

Best boat grills: 8 of the best options for the beach and your boat

Serial boat owner Drew Maglio picks out 8 of the best boat grills available right now and explains what features to look out for…

The ability to cook quality meals onboard or on the beach is a necessity for all but day boaters. While most motor yachts and sailing vessels have galleys that feature gas or electric ranges and even ovens, the absolute easiest and best way to cook quality food efficiently and swiftly is by choosing one of the best boat grills on the market.

A quick safety note on fuels

Because boats are far from flame retardant and have many sources including teak and varnish cabins, liquid fuel reserves, and fiberglass itself which is inherently flammable, an open flame that is not tightly controlled is a risky proposition on a boat.

Therefore, as an experienced boater who has been tried by fire at times, I highly dissuade the use of solid fuels like charcoal or wood on a boat, which are not always easy to control and can quickly grow out of hand under the wrong conditions.

Instead, propane or natural gas with proper safety equipment and safeguards, are much safer and better fuels as it is controlled via a regulator valve and can be shut off or turned down at any moment, unlike a charcoal grill, which — if tipped over — can spill fuel onto the surrounding area which may or may not be flammable.

Another downside to charcoal — unless expertly controlled — is that it tends to smoke and has a propensity for creating large flames which flare up when one opens the lid of a grill. You should never use boat grills in an enclosed space , and even under a canvas Bimini top or fiberglass hardtop, they could be very dangerous.

Recommended videos for you

Quick links

Best CNG boat grill: Magma Chefsmate – Buy it on West Marine (US)

Best smokeless beach grill: Lotus Grill – Buy it on Amazon

Best premium boat grill: Magma Newport 2 – Buy it on West Marine (US)

8 of the best boat grills

best-portable-barbecues-boat-grills-magma-kettle-grill

Magma Marine Kettle Gas boat grill

Specifications

Size: 15″-17″ wide x 6.5″-7″ tall | Weight: ‎4.17-5.04 kgs

Reasons to buy

• Premium construction • Versatile with many uses and mounting options (sold separately) • Small profile; very portable • Regulator valve allows for very precise control of cooking temperature

Reasons to avoid

• Relatively small cooking surface • Much more expensive than non-marine grills • Accessories are sold separately and will drive up total price • Cheaper models do not have an automatic lighting method (requires match or lighter to light)

Magma is the market-leader in marine grills and their various kettle grill offerings are what one typically thinks of when the words “marine” and “grill” are used together.

With a fully stainless steel construction (that is polished on the outside), the Magma Kettle will last for years to come, provided you clean it regularly.

The Magma Kettle comes in two sizes: 15” and 17”, respectively. There are also more expensive variants that can double as a portable stove instead of just a grill.

Personally, I would opt for the more feature-rich and expensive option, as it is a small premium to pay for greatly increased utility.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Kuuma premium stainless steel mountable gas grill.

Size: 11″ x 20″ x 11″ | Weight: ‎3.63 kgs

• Stainless steel construction • Affordable • Extremely versatile in that it can be used on a flat surface or mounted • Comes with regulator

• Does not have an electronic ignition: requires matches or a lighter

Unlike in the kettle-shaped grill market-sector, Magma has some competition when it comes to rectangular grills and this rectangular table-top grill by Kuuma is a prime example.

While the unit can be mounted, it is versatile in that its feet allow it to be carried and used on various flat surfaces. With 125 square inches of cooking surface, this grill will allow for meals to be prepared efficiently for around 4-5 people at a time.

best sailboat bbq

Size: 15″ x 22″ x 13″ | Weight: ‎6.65 kgs

• Premium construction • Versatile in terms of usage and mounting options • Large 162 square inch cooking area

• Far more expensive than the Kuuma grill above • No electronic ignition

True to form as market leader, Magma offers a number of rectangular grill options as well.

Of the match-lit options, the Cabo is the “base model” which features a large 162 square inch cooking surface, premium stainless steel construction, and many mounting options sold separately.

Because of its feet, the Magma Cabo is suitable for usage on a wide variety of flat surfaces, in addition to being a prime beach companion.

best sailboat bbq

Magma Chefsmate

Size: 14″ x 22″ x 13″ | Weight: ‎8.07 kgs

• Premium construction • Versatile in terms of usage and mounting options • Able to use different types of fuels • Large 162 square inch cooking area

Compared to the Cabo, the Magma Chefsmate is the higher end option with not only a higher grade of stainless steel in a satin finish, but also an integral double-liner construction. Like the Cabo, the Chefsmate features 162 square inches of cooking area and is able to be used with a wide array of proprietary accessories and mounts.

However and of particular note: the Magma Chefsmate is able to use propane, LP, and even CNG (compressed natural gas), making it an extremely versatile grilling solution.

CNG — if you can find it — is a much safer cooking fuel than propane as its vapor is lighter than air and therefore dissipates, instead of concentrating at the bottom of enclosed spaces, eliminating the risk of an explosion.

best-portable-barbecues-boat-grills-magma-cabo-gas

Magma Newport 2

Size: 12″ x 23″ x 12″ | Weight: ‎9.04 kgs

• Premium construction • Electronic ignition so no matches or lighters required • Designed to work well in windy conditions • Features an integrated temperature gauge

• Very expensive • Heavy at just over 20 lbs.

At $500, the Magma Newport 2 is about the most expensive portable boat grill I would recommend, as above this price  point you’d be better off investing in a fixed grill.

Featuring a “dynamic combustion system,” this grill is suitable for use even in heavy winds. Unlike the other rectangular grill options on this list, the Newport 2 features an electronic ignition so no lighters or matches are required.

The Newport 2 is also built from the highest grade of stainless steel that is practicable and is mirror polished. Furthermore, surface temperature will be much easier to maintain and optimize with the integral temperature gauge.

Like the Chefsmate, the Newport 2 is able to use propane canisters, LP, and CNG. For boaters looking for the best, the Newport 2 is a great option.

best sailboat bbq

Weber Go Anywhere Gas Grill

Size: 5″ x 8″ x 6″ | Weight: ‎7 kgs

• Relatively affordable for such a high-quality product • Handle and clips aid portability • Large enough to grill 6 burgers at once

• No grease trap • Some reviewers report that it’s hard to clean

The best-respected name in barbecues in the UK (and pretty big in the US too), Weber is renowned for the quality and durability of its products.

This portable boat grill comes with a stainless-steel cooking grate and a porcelain-enameled lid and base that should retain heat and ensure even, consistent cooking.

The legs double up as clips to hold the lid closed while carrying your grill, while the optional adapter hose allows you to connect up to 20lbs of gas.

But it now on Amazon

But it now at Weber.com

Best portable grills for the beach

best-portable-barbecues-boat-grills-everdure-cube

Everdure Cube Portable Charcoal Grill

Size: 14″ x 17″ x 9″ | Weight: ‎7 kgs

• Integral grab handles • Integral food storage and cutting board • Aesthetically pleasing appearance • Affordable

• Not suitable for usage onboard • Non-stainless steel construction will likely not hold up as well if stored in a marine environment

Although I do not recommend charcoal for use onboard, if you’re looking for a portable BBQ grill for beach use, charcoal is a fine fuel and this Cube grill by Everdure is a quality unit with plenty of premium features.

Of note, are the sturdy grab handles and integral food storage plus cutting board, which will make barbecuing on the beach a breeze.

British buyers may be interested to learn that it comes endorsed by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal.

best-christmas-gifts-for-boaters-lotus-grill-portable-bbq

Lotus Grill Portable BBQ

Size: 14″ x 14″ x 11″ | Weight: ‎4.2 kgs

• Quick to light and virtually smoke-free due to built-in fan • Adjustable fan speed allows you to control the heat • Stays cool enough to to carry without handles

• Not suitable for usage onboard • No grab handles

The Lotus is one of the most popular portable BBQs among boat owners as it combines the speed, convenience of a gas grill with the flavour of a charcoal one while staying cool on the outside for maximum safety.

The secret is a built-in battery powered fan that fast tracks the usual 20 minutes of hanging around while the charcoal gets going and ensures a nice even spread of heat with all the great smoky flavour but none of the faff.

You can even control the cooking temperature by adjusting the fan speed to suit. Perfect for a day on the sandbar.

Buy it now on Amazon

What to look for in a boat grill

When selecting a boat grill, the most important thing to ensure is that it will hold up to the corrosive marine environment.

One also should be sure to select a grill that suits its intended use: for cooking onboard, a propane grill should be securely mounted so as to not accidentally tip over or fall overboard, whereas a grill for use on the beach should have feet so it can be placed and used on a flat surface.

Depending on the mounting method, there are various round and square rail mounts that can be purchased for marine grills separately. Some grill mounts also have provisions for being mounted in a fishing rod holder, which—depending on one’s vessel—could be an excellent and portable mounting method.

If left out in the elements all the time, I highly recommend purchasing a cover to shelter your portable boat grill from the elements.

Some more cautious boaters would recommend purchasing a grill and mount with a quick release, so the grill could be quickly discarded overboard in the case of an uncontrollable fire.

I personally have never seen the need for this on propane grills that are controlled via a regulator, but can see the logic.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

Best Prime day deals on Pressure washers

Best prime day cooler and 12v portable refrigerator deals, best pressure washers for boats: 8 top quality products for a thorough clean-down, latest videos, watch: beneteau swift trawler 54 sea trial – £1.4m cruiser is the ultimate home, watch: parker sorrento sea trial: 50-knot cruiser with a killer aft cabin, watch: virtue v10 sea trial: €272k weekender, how to mark your anchor chain: 6 top tips from our expert.

best sailboat bbq

This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you buy after clicking on our links.

5 Best Boat Grills for Pontoon and Sailboats: Buyer’s Guide with Reviews [Updated 2023]

  • Last Updated on
  • January 26, 2023

Boats present quite a few unique challenges to the floating gourmet. Vessels come in every shape and size, but even yachts can feel pressed for space in the galley and food prep area.

Marine grills are the perfect solution to add some cooking space, and nothing completes a great day on the water like a fresh lunch right off the grill. Enabling even the smallest boats to cook onboard — a rail-mounted grill is a nearly universal feature on pontoon and sailboats.

Our recommendations for the Best Boat Grills:

Best Overall: Magma Newport 2 Infrared Grill

  • Premium Option: Blaze Marine Grade Professional

Great Value for Money: Camco Olympian 5500

Best option for easy mounting: extreme marine cuisinart petit gourmet, most compact option: magma marine kettle gas grill, 5 best boat grills reviewed.

Finding a good boat grill is not easy. You definitely don’t want a unit that starts rusting right away or doesn’t work if there is a gush of wind.

In this guide, we have only included grills that meet our tight criteria:

  • Materials: Is made with high quality stainless steel or other material that can withstand the elements.
  • Cooking Performance: Can get hot enough and operate even when conditions get a bit rough.
  • Mounting: Mounting the barbecue safely should be easy enough.

When choosing, consider the size of your grill carefully. It should be proportional to the size of your boat.

Bigger boats have bigger rails, and therefore more space for larger grills. Also, large boats will likely have more guests onboard and need more cooking space.

If you need more help with choosing, take a look at the buying guide and the end of this article.

Here are our top 5 picks for the best boat grill :

Magma is well-known for its excellent boat grills that deliver in all aspects that are important for cooking on the water. The resigned Newport 2 infrared grill has been improved in many areas making it even better than the older model that was already good.

Magma Newport 2 Infrared Grill

Specifications:

  • Fuel Type: Propane gas
  • Number of Burners: 1
  • Total BTU: 11,200
  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 162
  • Weight: 21 lbs
  • Build Materials: Marine grade stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 20.75″ x 11.75″ x 15″ (L x W x H)
  • Warranty: 1 year

Designed for Marine Environment

The grill has infrared screens that provide intense heat so you can sear your steaks properly. Thanks to the dynamic combustion system it works well even in moderate wind. These kinds of details make the Newport that much better than most other grills that are not really designed for boats.

It’s entirely made with high-quality stainless steel so it lasts for years even in a harsh marine environment. There is also a tempered glass viewing window so you can monitor your food without opening the lid all the time.

Cooking Area and Fuel

This grill has a 162 square inch grilling area and uses standard one-pound propane canisters as a fuel source. You can also buy a conversion kit to adapt it for onboard LPG or CNG systems.

If you need a bigger cooking area the BBQGuys online store has larger options available. They also give a 3-year warranty for all stainless steel parts.

There is a variety of options to install the Newport so it fits nicely on your boat. For example, you can get a Magma mounting system for rail or a fishing rod holder. It also weighs only a bit over 20 pounds so it’s not too heavy.

Just check out the mounting options on Amazon or BBQGuys online store and choose one that best fits your boat.

If you are looking for a durable grill for quick, tasty, and easy cooking on your boat, then here is our top pick!

What We Love

  • Durable and lightweight stainless steel construction
  • Gets hot fast
  • Works even when it’s windy
  • Gives a nice sear
  • Made in the USA

What We Don’t

  • The thermometer doesn’t show degrees (only colors)

The Premium Option: Blaze Marine Grade Professional Gas Grill

Some companies have gotten into the business of selling grills as marine accessories. Unfortunately, many of them have poor heating qualities and are a challenge to cook on when compared to your grill at home.

What if a company that makes some of the best grills made one for the marine environment?

Then you’d have the Blaze portable marine grill. This is the nicest premium grill you could ask for your boat.

Blaze Professional LUX Marine Grade Portable Propane Gas Grill

  • Number of Main Burners: 1
  • Total BTU: 12,000
  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 205
  • Weight: 51 lbs
  • Build Materials: Stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 27.13″ x 14.5″ x 15.13″ (L x W x H)
  • Warranty: Lifetime (except electrical and ignition components 1 year)

Since Blaze isn’t really in the marine market, you might have to look around and experiment to get the right mounting kit.

One great option is to pay a bit extra for a pedestal if you order it from the BBQGuys online store. Then you can just attach the sturdy pedestal to your boat.

Once you get this beast up and running, it will cook quickly and evenly. It features a 205 square inch cooking area and a 12,000 BTU H-shaped burner. The heavy-gauge stainless flame tamer and thick hexagon-shaped cooking grates are sturdy and add to the seamless cooking experience.

  • Excellent cooking performance
  • Marine-grade 316L stainless steel exterior
  • Produces even heat
  • Lifetime warranty for all stainless steel components
  • Quite expensive

Camco makes many products directly marketed to folks in RVs. But they are very applicable to boats as well.

Besides having quality components and compact sizes, they offer their products at a better price point than most marine manufacturers.

The Olympian grill is no exception. It has a built-in thermometer, 180 square inches of cooking area, 12,000 BTUs of power, and a Piezo ignition.

Camco Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel Portable Grill

  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 180
  • Weight: 26 lbs
  • Build Materials: 304 Stainless steel
  • Dimensions: 24” x 14” x 10.5″ (L x W x H)

Unlike most grills on our list, the Olympian is configured for a low-pressure propane hose from your existing system. That means there’s going to be a little more setup, especially if you don’t already have a hose set up for your grill. If your boat doesn’t have propane at all, you’ll need to pick up an adapter to use a one-pound camping tank.

Designed as an RV grill the mounting bracket available for this grill can also be attached to most boats. The grill does have folding legs, but those will not work well on board a boat.

This portable grill is made with 304 stainless steel, is lightweight, and needs no assembly. However, the smoker grate under the grilling grid is made of cast iron and can rust quite easily, so it’s recommended to season it well.

Optional parts to consider:

  • Camco hose for propane tank connection
  • Camco mounting rail
  • Great value for money
  • Relatively large cooking area
  • Made of 304 stainless steel
  • Looks nice and is lightweight
  • The smoker plate is made of cast iron and may start rusting over time

When you find a grill you really like, you get creative to make it work onboard your boat. This is what has led Extreme Marine Products to sell this Cuisinart grill.

Yes, it’s a great grill that, when compared to marine options, is bargain-priced and cooks wonderfully. But what they bring to the party are mounting options. They’ve taken the standard tabletop Cuisinart and added stainless steel brackets to attach to square pontoon boat railings.

Extreme Marine Cuisinart Petit Gourmet

  • Total BTU: 5,500
  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 145
  • Weight: 18 lbs
  • Dimensions: 19” x 12” x 19″ (L x W x H)

The grill itself has a 145 square inch cooking area, a 5,500 BTU burner, and it runs off a one-pound propane cylinder. It’s a super-compact package that stows away easily and looks great.

If you don’t want to worry about buying separate mounting accessories, then just get the Extreme Marine Cuisinart Petit Gourmet and you got everything you need!

  • Great cooking performance
  • Easy to mount with the included brackets
  • Relatively small cooking area

Magma kettle-style grills are a nearly ubiquitous boating accessory. They are compact and powerful for their size, available in two different diameters, and they come in gas and charcoal models.

Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill

  • Fuel Type: Propane gas (charcoal version is also available)
  • Total BTU: 10,700
  • Grilling Area (sq.in): 133
  • Weight: 9 lbs
  • Dimensions: 15.9″ x 14.9″ x 13.9″ (L x W x H)

Magma makes the most choices of mounts that are solely for boats. You can mount these grills nearly anywhere – they even make mounts that fit in fishing rod holders.

There are mounts for round and square railings, flush mounts, and swinging brackets. You can also get legs to use the grill when ashore. 

This grill is small enough to be able to fit on any vessel. The kettle design gets plenty hot with its 10,700 BTU burner that distributes heat evenly to cook pretty much anything.

Buying Options

If you buy the Magma Marine Kettle from Amazon you can choose between the 15- and 17-inch models. In addition to the propane-powered version, there is also a charcoal Marine Kettle available .

Both Amazon and BBQGuys online store have plenty of different mounting brackets to choose from.

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Cooks well even when there is some wind
  • Many mounting options available
  • The grease strain could be bigger

How to Choose the Best Boat Grill

There are quite a few factors that go into picking the perfect barbecue for your boat, so it’s not as easy a choice as it may seem at first.

Things you’ll definitely need to consider include high-quality stainless construction, fuel type, the right size, and how you are going to mount it.

Materials and Construction

The most obvious consideration for a marine grill is the quality of construction. You don’t have to be a boater for long before you discover how harsh the marine environment really is.

Even when protected and kept away from direct splashes, things rust, corrode and fall apart quickly. Grills are no exception.

High-quality grills are a substantial investment. If you think you will be using the grill a lot, it’s worth spending on a unit made of durable materials. Most marine brands use double-layer stainless steel, which protects them from corrosion and keeps them cooler to the touch.

Fuel Source

Boat grills come mostly in two varieties – charcoal and propane. Way more popular, the propane-fueled grills are a convenient and safer option.

Yes, there are also electric grills that can be used inside the galley as well as on the deck. However, they usually require an AC power source, which means you need a generator on the boat. This makes them an unfit choice for most of us.

Propane Boat Grills

Propane grills are our number one choice for marine barbecues.

They heat up and cool down quickly. That means they can be stored in a bag out of the way, set up and cooked on, and then stowed again for cruising all in a short period of time.

You don’t have to worry about keeping a bag of coal on board, nor do you have to carry a starter or lighter fluid.

Propane boat grills often use small one-pound camping cylinders, which are easy to come by at nearly any hardware, drug, or big-box store. You can even buy adapters online that allow you to refill them from a larger tank, or you can buy a type of adapter for your grill to run it off your ship’s propane system. 

The nice thing about small cylinders is that it’s easy to carry a spare or two. The bad thing about them is that they rust readily – spray a little WD-40 on them right when you get them from the store.

Charcoal Boat Grills

Often compact and easy to use, charcoal boat grills have the same problems that their landlubber grill cousins. They take longer to heat up, and they burn dirtier.

Since the grill takes longer to heat up and cool down, you won’t be able to move the grill or stow it if it’s in the way.

On a boat, you’ll also have to worry about storing the coals and keeping them dry.

Whichever fuel you choose, keep in mind how dangerous fire and flames are on a boat. Few substances burn quicker than fiberglass.

And what’s more, that fiberglass shell contains all sorts of other explosive substances like gasoline fumes, propane, and batteries that make hydrogen gas. It’s a floating tinder box, so use extreme caution when planning how you’re going to use your grill.

Boat grills need to be more compact than your home options. But you still need to squeeze in enough space to cook for everyone on board. 

If you’ve got a large pontoon boat and a big family that likes to go out, some of the larger rectangular models will suit you best. But most marine grills are on the smaller side and it certainly doesn’t make sense to put a huge grill in a small boat.

The usual choice is a barbecue with grates big enough to accommodate enough food for a cruising couple, and maybe a few guests in a pinch.

Mounting Options

The final challenge is addressing how the grill will be mounted. The decision depends on the boat and its design.

boat grill mounted on a rail

Pontoon boats often have square railings all the way around, allowing easy mounting options nearly anywhere you like.

Powerboats and sailboats usually come with round railings or pulpits/pushpits, and mounts are available to attach your grill securely. Most are made from 7/8 or 1-inch stainless tubing.

Some express cruisers lack railings, and deck mounts are available to secure the grill on a pedestal. The swim step is a good place for it.

Whatever mounting system you choose, the grill needs to be secure. Tabletop or fold-out leg models should not be used since you can’t ensure that it won’t slide around. Even if you anchor in a quiet cove, when the grill gets to 450 degrees, a wakeboarder is guaranteed to appear, circling and sending your grill sliding.

With that said, fold-down legs are a great feature if you want to use your grill onshore. They make great portables for tailgating, or you can use them ashore at the beach or sandbar.

Boat Grill FAQ

Is grilling on a boat safe.

Yes, grilling on a boat can be done safely. But there are a few important things to remember:

  • Make sure your grill is mounted securely.
  • Only use the grill when you are anchored or tied to a sturdy platform.
  • Don’t try to grill in heavy wind or big waves.
  • Always have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby.
  • Don’t grill near flammable objects.
  • Never leave the grill unattended.
  • Remember to turn off the grill after cooking.

Can you grill on a pontoon boat?

Pontoon boats are a great option for grilling on the water. They are sable and often have a spacious platform with railings. This allows you to easily mount the grill and to have enough space for cooking and enjoying the meal.

What is the best grill for a pontoon boat?

Our top pick for a pontoon boat grill is the Magma Newport 2 Infrared Grill. It’s a durable grill that is very convenient to use on your pontoon boat. Just get a rail mounting kit and a one-pound propane canister and you’re ready to go!

best sailboat bbq

About the Author

Hi, I’m Joonas, a barbecue expert with over 20 years of experience in grilling and smoking all kinds of foods.

My goal is to cook tasty barbecue food, enjoy it with family & friends, and help others do the same!

Related Posts

Best Built-In Outdoor Griddle

6 Best Built-In Outdoor Griddles in 2024

Nexgrill vs Blackstone

Nexgrill vs Blackstone Griddles – A Complete 2024 Comparison

Best Grill Griddle Combo

Best Grill Griddle Combos in 2024 – For Outdoors & Indoors

best Blackstone griddles

Best Blackstone Griddles and Grills – 2024 Buyer’s Guide

Evo Grill vs Blackstone

Evo Grill vs Blackstone – Detailed Comparison and Review

Member's Mark vs Blackstone

Member’s Mark Griddle vs Blackstone – A Thorough Comparison (2024)

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Amazon Associates Disclaimer

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Marine Mag

6 Best Boat Grills – (Reviews & Ultimate Buying Guide 2021)

How can a beautiful day fishing and boating out in the water get any better? Well, with some grilling, of course! And if you’re wondering how you can take one of the best things about summer out in the sea, you are about to find out.

For this purpose, we sorted out only the absolute  best boat grill & best pontoon grill   currently available on the market. With their smart portable designs and cool useful features, you’ll discover almost full-size grilling abilities in a much more compact and practical form factor.

But which one would indeed be the right choice for you?  To answer this question, you should go through our list of pontoon grill reviews and boat grill reviews that will tell you what exactly to expect from each model. If in the end you’re still left with some doubts, our extensive buyer’s guide has you covered.

If we already got you excited about the grill-outs to come, you should check out the marine accessories that can make the experience even more memorable and enjoyable.

Best Boat Grills Comparison Chart

PRODUCTDETAILS

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill

Camco Olympian 4500 Stainless Steel Portable Gas Grill

Magma ChefsMate Gas Grill

Magma A10-603 Adventurer Gas Grill

Kuuma Stow Mountable Grill

Best Boat Grills Reviewed (Top Picks)

To make sure you’ll be enjoying the tasty smell of fresh BBQ on your boat for many seasons to come, below you will find only the most reliable and well-made marine grills for boats out there. Not arranged in any particular order, we suggest you going through the full list to make sure you’ve considered all options.

1. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill

The 145 square inch grilling area might not seem like much, but it will fit and evenly cook up to a dozen chicken breasts at once. The stainless steel burner is indeed powerful and hits 600°F in less than 10 minutes, while the whole unit would cool off in just about 20 minutes.

However, when cooking on a high temperature for a longer time with the lid closed, the dome gets really hot and risks melting the plastic handle. This dramatically limits induction cooking capabilities, which is a significant drawback for every barbeque enthusiast.

All this aside, the grill is very well built and joyful to use. It is compatible with some universal mounting solutions, one of which you’ll find in this list. Still, the folding legs are stable enough for boat use. The grate and drip tray is easily removable and can be washed in a dishwasher. The grill also comes with much-appreciated features like a twist-start ignition, temperature control knob, and a briefcase-style carrying handle.

  • Good build quality
  • All stainless steel
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Integrated ignition and temperature knob
  • Easy to clean
  • The lid gets too hot
  • Shallow drip tray
  • Can’t adapt to on-board LPG or CNG system
  • The igniter is reported to fail

2. Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill

Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill

It’s well justified, nonetheless. It’s made out of super light high-grade stainless steel that provides improved rust protection. As a result, it weighs only 11 pounds but is also very thin and susceptible to denting and bending. This doesn’t make any less brilliant for boat conditions. The hinged dome will reliably stay in place and can be used as a windshield when lighting the grill. The whole unit rotates for the same reason.

The grill is shockingly efficient. The burner is barely 2 inches in diameter, but in combination with the special radiant plate and the lid closed, it cooks thoroughly even thick swine stakes. You should keep in mind that it’s mainly intended for convection cooking. Regular grilling takes a really long time.

As expected, the grill can be used with on-board propane systems or gas bottles, but unfortunately, the rail mount comes as an option and is a must.

  • Light and practical design
  • Great build quality and durability
  • Great wind protection
  • Can adapt to on-board LPG or CNG system
  • Relatively small grilling area
  • Mount not included

3. Camco Olympian 4500 Stainless Steel Portable Gas Grill

Camco Olympian 4500 Stainless Steel Portable Gas Grill

Despite having a few sharp edges, it’s well built out of high quality rust-resistant stainless steel and weighs just little over 15 pounds. The four folding legs are stable, but it can also be mounted on a railing with standard square mounts, which are cheap and easy to get.

You should keep in mind that this guy runs really hot! Even on low, you’re looking at 600°F and a very hot handle. Also, if you are looking for a grill to connect to your low-pressure gas system, you should go with the bigger models of the line, as this one works with high-pressure propane cylinders only.

  • Powerful 12,000 BTU/HR stainless steel burner
  • Large cooking area
  • Light-weight and rust-resistant
  • Sharp edges
  • Very hot even on low setting

4. Magma ChefsMate Gas Grill

Magma ChefsMate Gas Grill

The attention to detail is apparent throughout the whole unit, starting from the oversized lid that is perfectly balanced to stay open even in roughest conditions. Underneath, there is a decent 162 square inch grilling area with three removable grills for easy access and cleaning.

The single tube burner is well windproofed and covered by a high-tech radiant plate assembly that perfectly distributes the heat. Unexpected bad surprise for a grill of this class are the flare-ups that occur a bit too often.

Practicality is great. There is a lock-in-place tray where the grease is funneled and kept away from direct heat. Even the swiveling valve is designed for a quick gas bottle exchange.

Magma offers multiple rail mounting options for the model, but unfortunately, none comes as standard. If you don’t feel like investing in accessories right away, the folding legs will do the job.

  • High build quality
  • Performance-oriented design
  • Convenient grease tray
  • Swiveling valve included
  • Adapts to on-board LPG or CNG system (low volume gas valve not included)
  • A lot of flare-ups for the class
  • The handle gets really hot

5. Magma A10-603 Adventurer Gas Grill

Magma A10-603 Adventurer Series Gas Grill

Unfortunately, other Magma mounts are not compatible with this grill. Your options are to either place it somewhere on a flat surface or look for a mount elsewhere.

There is a front tray that is include in the set. You can place the grill on any shelf but it has to be of certain size – 16 x 24 inches.

  • Quality brand
  • Easy to supply with gas
  • Comes with a grill tray
  • Other mounts of the same brand aren’t compatible with the product
  • Does not come with a serving shelf

6. Kuuma Stow Mountable Grill

Kuuma Stow Mountable Grill

The grill doesn’t come with an igniter, but you also do not need to use matches. We recommend the use of a “firestick” to start the grill. There is no temperature gauge, but a built-in regulator is present. You can’t manually adjust it, but you can use the on/off knob to set it.

The BTU that you can get from this product is 13,000, which is very decent. On the downside, the mount doesn’t come with the product – you have to purchase it separately.

  • Solid mounting
  • Great durability
  • Marine grade – can be used in saltwater
  • Comes assembled
  • No temperature gauge
  • Mounting bracket not included.

The Joy of Having a Grill on Board

Best Boat Grills

Let’s face it, nothing beats popping a beer open and lighting up the grill after an adventures day of sailing. And the way we see it, there’s no real good reason to be snaking sandwiches waiting to get back home to do it. Not to mention that enjoying the sea scenery while enjoying your burgers is a culinary experience on its own.

Don’t underestimate the importance of proper seating for a delightful meal.  With our hand-picked selection of the top boat seats with and without armrest , you’ll be able to rediscover the home’s comfort while sailing.

Grilling on board is not a privilege for 50+ feet luxurious yachts. There is an increasing number of portable outdoor barbecues that will leave you with just as delicious food on the table. Which grill you’ll ultimately go for depends on several factors and practicality preferences like how much grilling you’re planning to be doing, the size of your boat and fuel-type.

To make sure you find the grill that meets your expectations without any unexpected complications, we covered all aspects of buying a grill for marine use.

Types of Boat Grills

In our experience, gas grills are by far the most practical, reliable, and safe option to go for. Nonetheless, in order to make a well-informed decision on your own, we’ll list all alternatives with their advantages and disadvantages.

Unboutly charcoal grilling tastes the best. Ever wondered why? Ironically, it’s not the charcoal itself that creates the full distinctive flavor. When the meat juices hit the hot charcoal fats, oils, sugars, and proteins vaporize and rise back into the meat. So, in a perfect world, you’d be grilling over charcoal, on a boat, however, it’s a bit more complicated. Firstly, you’d be starting a fire often in windy conditions. This calls for extreme caution and always carries risks. Second, you’d still need dry charcoal which can be a challenge on its own on a pontoon boat. Furthermore, grilling would take more time, and at the end, you’d have a grill full of hot charcoal to watch out for.

Assuming you have electricity onboard and can support about 2000 W, this is a great option. It’s pretty much as quick as a gas grill, you won’t have to deal with gas canisters, and it’s relatively safer. However, even if you have electricity on your boat, the price difference is high enough to still make you consider a gas grill.

Being our grill type of choice, gas grilling brings along numerous advantages. It’s a fast, affordable, and safe option. All it takes is a 1 lb gas canister, and you can enjoy grilling on board. Of course, given the harsh conditions of the open waters like wind and moisture, there are many things to consider. Nothing to worry about, as we have it all covered in this guide. However, before we deep dive into the list of things to consider before purchasing a gas grill, we need to talk about the difference between low- and high-pressure burners. This is important because it might limit the grill application in an important for your manner.

Low-Pressure vs. High-Pressure Propane Burner

Technically, most portable grills feature a high-pressure propane burner, as it’s better suited for windy outdoor conditions. It’s a cheaper option and works simply. The gas regulator lets more propane reach the burner, serving for a hotter flame. So, the high-pressure burner is what you need, right? Not so fast.

If you have an onboard LPG or CNG system that you want to link to your grill, then you’d need a gill with a low-pressure regulator. Generally, low-pressure burners are more efficient and regulate gas intake and carbon monoxide emissions more precisely, but won’t do as good in outdoor conditions. If you have a high-pressure burner and want to adapt it for low-pressure use, it can be done. However, since the burner cap is not intended for such use, it won’t perform well, and therefore it’s not advisable.

Grill Materials

A regular grill won’t last long in harsher weather conditions. Therefore durable, highly rust-resistant materials are crucial for a true marine grill. However, with so many alloy types and confusing namings, it can be hard to make up your mind which one is indeed the better option. To make this simple, we’ll cover the most common type of food-grade steel , its variations, and advantages.

300 Stainless Steel Series

Stainless steel designations like ’18/8′, ’18/10′ and ’18/0′ are technically part of the 300 series. The first number indicates the percentage of chromium, whereas the second – the amount of nickel. For instance, the most commonly used steel contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel – 18/10. Generally, chromium binds oxygen to the surface of the metal and protects it from rust. Nickel also servers for better rust-resistance, but generally speaking ore nickel the more rust-resistant the alloy is.

It’s good to know that stainless steel leaves no trace in the food, making it so accessible in the food industry. Furthermore, it’s a common misconception that stainless steel cannot rust. All metals corrode, including stainless steel despite being more resistant than most. The best way to stay safe is higher

Features & Characteristics

Boat Grill Reviews

It’s obvious that you can’t have a full-feature grill in a compact boat-friend form factor, but even smaller barbecues come with many useful features. Some you’d find more convenient than others, so it’s better to consider the options beforehand.

Grilling Area

A regular grill would offer grilling area of anywhere between 400 and 1200 square inches. You can’t expect that from a small portable grill, so you should consider how much you would actually want to grill. For instance, 160 square inches would fit about 8 mid-sized burgers, 8 stakes or about 10 chicken breasts.

Convection Grilling

This is the so-called indirect grilling. It occurs when the lid is closed, and the hot air unable to escape circulates inside the grill creating convection. If you want nice juice stakes, thoroughly cooked without getting dried out, that’s the way to go. So, technically every grill with a lid should do the job, right? Well, it depends on the execution.

Your pontoon grill needs to be absolutely stable when used on a boat. This is why, along with the regular grill stands, you can get a unique mount and have the unit attached to the railing of the boat. In fact, some boat grills come with such an attachment making your life very easy.

Once you are happy with how stable your grill is, you can enjoy a barbecue while boating. All you need to watch out for is not spilling anything on your brand new boat carpet . That’s a product we have also outlined in another article.

Safety Tips

You cannot have a grill onboard without thinking about safety. In all fairness, this is an accessory to your boat, which may end up causing you a lot of troubles if misused. There’s no way around it, we have to point out the most essential safety tips when using a pontoon grill .

  • Check the law in your area – some cities and counties might not allow you to have a barbecue on board. Other provisions might state that you are allowed to conduct grilling only when the vessel is anchored. In any case, you need to be aware of the regulations.
  • Keep the grill away from flammables – you definitely do not want the unit near your marine fuel tank .
  • Check all the connections before actually starting the grill – most units are propane-powered, but there are also some electric ones. You need to make sure all the valves, tubes, and hoses are okay before igniting a propane barbecue.
  • Even though boats are typically not that big and you will always be near the grill, you still want to make sure not to leave it unattended.
  • Never leave the grill running after you’re done the cooking.
  • Wait for the grill to cool off completely before putting it away.
  • There is designated charcoal lighter fluid that has to be used to light the coals. Do not ever experiment with other liquids such as gasoline or kerosene.
  • Dispose of all the ashes and used charcoal only once you come back to the shore. Never dump anything overboard.

So now that you are armed with all the useful info when it comes to obtaining the best pontoon grill & best boat grill , hurry up and get yours. Go through our guide as many times as you need and pay special attention to our reviews devoted to boat and pontoon grills .

We are always open to receiving feedback as our top priority is to continually get better and deliver you the most up to date information. Comment our article or pop us an email. Themarinemag is always happy to hear from you. Don’t also hesitate to make sure you check out our other work devoted to everything related to marine supplies and boats.

Thanks for reading and as always – stay put!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Boating Basics Online

Boating Basics Online is reader-supported. When you buy via our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more

The Best Boat Grills for Your Nautical Grilling, Picnic and Other Uses

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

best boat grill

We humans nowadays have a lot of options to put food into our daily lives like having BBQ for boats. These best boat grill reviews are what you need when you are searching for a boat barbecue grill option.

Yes, this is where you can find boat grills with mount features that most boaters enjoy. We curated a selection of portable grills for boats, and other nautical grilling units that are safe to use. Choosing the right BBQ grill for boat from these reviews will ensure you always have the best maritime trips with mouthwatering boat BBQs. It may be daunting at first but you just need to keep these marine BBQ grill factors in mind.

  • Dependability: Getting the right one that you can count on for both effective and convenient use is a no-negotiation factor. Considering these independent reviews on the marine grill for boat or a vessel, you’ll surely get your choice. We’re looking into the most reliable option for a nautical grill or barbecue for boats.
  • Safety: Grill for boats with mount and similar factors among small boat grills or sailboat grills affect your navigation activities. The safety of your boat and other marine craft on your path is an aspect you cannot neglect.
  • Ease of use: The easier you can mount and use your stainless boat grill the better. It leads to hassle-free boating and extends the service life while preventing accidents or fire hazards.

Ensure to consider the distinct features or factors for each boat grill, the buyer guide, and the common questions to guide you. Read these reviews of portable gas grills for boats to get the best choice in the market. Start using your marine propane grill, boat gas grill, or stainless steel boat grill for the best boating experience.

portable-grill-for-boat

  • Large cooking surface
  • Suitable for travel aboard
  • Highly-efficient, energy-consuming

best sailboat bbq

  • Excellent temperature level
  • 189-square-inch cooking surface
  • Quick-start electronic ignition switch

best sailboat bbq

  • Durable construction
  • U-shaped burner design
  • Large front carry handle

Table of Contents

1. Cuisinart (CGG-180T) Portable Tabletop Grill

2. weber 51080001 blue q1200 liquid propane grill, 3. masterbuilt sh19030819 propane tabletop grill, 4. magma marine kettle a10-205 stainless steel gas grill, 5. kuuma 58140 premium stainless steel gas grill, 6. magma products connoisseur series gas grills, 7. extreme marine products 37941 cuisinart grill set, 8. coleman fold n go propane grill, 9. camco 58155 kuuma premium stainless steel gas grill, 10. nomadiq portable propane gas grill, 11. magma products, marine kettle 3, stove, gas grill & oven, factors to consider when choosing boat grills, how do you put a grill on a boat, how long will a boat grill last, do pontoons have grills,   top 11 boat grill reviews.

This red portable gourmet tabletop grill is one of the top-rated boat grills in our review. Its large, secure, and durable build is designed by Cuisinart to adapt to various mounting surfaces.

I especially really like this outstanding grill’s foldaway and rubberized legs, which support the unit’s large grilling area. Its footings extend to an angle for maximum stability and a firm hold on railings or countertops. Having such stability allows me to cook atop it and even elevate it a bit for a visually satisfying experience.

You can grill a variety of food at once like burgers, steaks, chicken breasts, fish cuts using this tabletop grill. The stainless steel stove is built with an even-heating cooking grate made of porcelain-enameled materials for large family meals. It’s quick to set up and can be used for long grilling sessions. The combined lid-locking system has shallow depths to secure food even when carrying it using the briefcase-style handle.

  • Highly-efficient energy-consuming portable tabletop grill set
  • Adapts to varying mounting surfaces like small patios and decks
  • Provides a large cooking surface within a limited space
  • Best for use in camping, hiking, fishing, or tailgating
  • Suitable for travel aboard any RVs and boats
  • Shallow lids require opening the cover most of the time

Among the leading boat grills from Weber is a portable liquid propane cookbox made of sturdy metal and plastic materials. It has all the ready-to-go components in one kit – grill grates, burner valves, and a removable tray to manage grease drippings.

I like using this Weber model as it has efficient heat reduction, temperature control, and grease tray system features. I love how easy it is to set up and start heating with the electronic ignition switch. This is one of the boat grills I like because of the excellent infinite control settings for the burner valve. The grill allows easy front access to control the heat levels so cooking various food is worry-free.

The Weber model in this review is made of casted aluminum, which can withstand high temperatures and requires minimal maintenance and cleaning. It has adequate air circulation allowing even heat distribution. You can use it to cook steaks, burgers, chops, and other food varieties at low or high-temperature levels. I love how its 189-square-inch cooking surface area provides the capacity to cook more food than other boat grills.

  • Excellent temperature level across a 189-square-inch cooking surface
  • Cast-iron cooking grates and aluminum cast lid and body
  • Quick-start electronic ignition switch and infinite burner valve control
  • Flexible to use disposable liquid propane tank or natural gas system
  • Disposable liquid propane gas cylinder is excluded and sold separately

Next on our list is this top-rated 1-burner smoke hollow tabletop grill manufactured by Masterbuilt for various marine usage. You’ll love using the non-reflective chrome-coated warming rack and cooking grates that come with it.

The U-shaped burner is built of stainless metal designed for maximum temperature control and heat dissipation. I love using its chrome-coated warming rack and cooking grates with foldable legs. Moreover, the push-type locking lid makes it safer and easier to move the grill. There is a push-button ignition switch so iI’s quick to start lighting the burner too.

The analog temperature gauge has a quality tempered glass viewing window to create a satisfying tabletop cooking space aboard your pontoon boat. For years, I’ve been using this marine grill for my nautical grilling, picnic, camping, and after-hunting cooking. I’ve used it while grilling in my backyard and tailgating, as well.

  • Built with durable stainless metal construction
  • U-shaped burner design for maximum temperature and heat control
  • Best for picnics, camping, tailgating, and even in your own backyard
  • Compact and large flat surface capacity for cooking and grilling
  • Large front carry handle for effective mobility and storage
  • Disposable propane fuel cylinder not included in the grill kit

best sailboat bbq

Our first product is a Magma propane grill for boat with an attractive exterior and various mounting options. This stainless steel gas grill is easy to use with an adjustable control valve for safety and convenience.

This rod holder boat grill is a fully mirror-polished material built of durable stainless metal for easy cooking and grilling. It has a swiveling and windproof control valve that protects it against blowouts. I love this Magma marine kettle gas grill because I can cook quicker even in windy weather. Installing this marine kettle gas grill is very easy; it comes with a drip tray, mounting support, and a catch pan for cleaning.

It also has a hinged lid that contains spatters without slamming shut. You can rotate its classic indexed bowl to serve as a windbreaker against gusty winds. I love its efficient use of fuel compared to other portable grills. Even better, its advanced radiant plate allows heat distribution and quick temperature cool down.

  • Built with fully mirror polished stainless steel material
  • Comes with a swiveling and windproof adjustable valve
  • Comes with a well hinged-lid preventing spatters
  • Advanced plate for quick heat distribution and cool down
  • Mounting bracket is not included

best sailboat bbq

This Kuuma boat grill is made of premium marine-grade stainless steel and equipped with a regulator that offers portability. It is one of the top-rated boat grills with compact features that I like for my pontoon boat.

It has 125-square inches of grilling surface that is loved by boat owners among the bestsellers in the market. Among the boat grills I’ve used, it is assembled with cooking power that achieves a charcoal-broiled food quality. Its marine-grade materials come with a regulator that safely puts fuel cylinders about 1-foot away from the burner. I like how durable the polished stainless steel is for such a compact capacity.

You can use it as an on-the-go cookbox and fit it to standard pedestals, rails, or rod holders. The kit is fully assembled for quick setup and safe restoration aboard a pontoon boat or any vessel. It’s not an issue having this grill without a mounting bracket as you can improvise as you use it. I attest to how efficient its temperature control is to achieve a fine charcoal grilling quality.

  • Durable marine grade stainless steel construction
  • Fit to any mounting surface like a pedestal, rail, or rod holder
  • Nice compact cooking capacity for bigger cooking performance
  • Efficient temperature control that is quick to set up and restore
  • Reasonably priced premium boat grill

best sailboat bbq

Magma Products offers one of the top-rated boat grills on our review for enhanced marine and outdoor activities. This Connoisseur Series gas grill suits all occasions, including small gatherings on the deck, patio, lawn, or garden.

I like this boat grill because of its fully polished stainless steel construction that emphasizes a smooth edge design. It’s easy to secure more square inches of grilling without worries of slamming out the inner compartments.

The propane mountable grill has an excellent stainless steel handle from either side of its large cooking surface. It features a removable grease tray that I like using for safer front locking access and a hassle-free grilling experience.

I am fond of how each feature of this Magma model works for either on-shore or on-board purposes. It’s nice to use the entire grill for cooking food with its extensive handles, lid, and foldable legs. The large lockable lid cover is stable with an inner safety shell to funnel grease or prevent flare-ups. While cooking, however, be careful to keep children or pets at a distance; the lockable lid can get too hot.

  • Easy to set up in minutes and lock without slam shut
  • Smooth and secured elegant design without sharp edges
  • Fully accessible stainless steel handle from either side for ease of mobility
  • Adjustable flame with efficient fuel consumption
  • Easy to clean and large cooking surface area
  • Keep children and pets away while grilling as the lid can get too hot

best sailboat bbq

Another top-of-the-line boat grill on our review series is this Cuisinart grill manufactured by Extreme Marine Products that come with Arnall’s stainless steel bracket for secured mountings suitable on pontoon boat rails.

The boat grills set provides 145-square inches of cooking surface without scratches or marks to your boat railing. I have put an improvised spacer for the pre-installed bracket to tighten the hold of the grill to the railings. But it worked well, giving a solid mount and worry-free cooking while cruising. It also helped ensure easy ignition and no flare-ups.

I love using this small grill set with an easy to mount burner. I can quickly remove the drip tray for ease of cleaning. Its lid has a stainless steel handle to allow cooking while it’s closed, and hand carries as a portable cookbox. Quite amazing that such a petite cookset provides a cooking area similar to a charcoal grill. Plus, you can exchange fuel canisters or a propane tank with its lightweight feature effortlessly.

  • Petite stainless boat grill with accessible lid, handle, and removable pan
  • Comes with a stainless steel bracket for easy installation to pontoon boat rails
  • Larger cooking space leaving no scratches or marks to railings
  • Most trusted boat grills set with easy fuel tank exchange
  • Brackets have a limited mounting space of 1.25-inches to fit for square boat railings

best sailboat bbq

The Coleman propane grill is made of alloy steel material to adapt to extreme conditions compared to other grills. It has a great design with foldable legs and an easy-to-access built-in handle for traveling, boating, and outdoor travel.

I have been using this highly affordable and portable cookbox with built-in handles for easy carriage and storage. Its efficient heat distribution allows precise control of temperature levels. The grill’s adjustable horseshoe-type burner produces even heating during extreme weather. Thanks to its “perfect flow” technology, it provides infrared cooking performance, which is uncommon in other boat grills.

The grill’s burner can maintain a steady heat. I was able to cook large dishes using this portable small cooktop. It’s easy to remove and stow and has adequate space for preparing food while on the water, docked, or camped. I love how its dial heat switch control works to light up and its adjustable burner sets flame levels.

  • Great alloy steel build for extreme weather during boating, hiking, or camping
  • Folding design with built-in handle for high-portability on transport and storage
  • Impressive lightweight alloy steel construction for easy setup and storage
  • Efficient fuel consumption and quick propane canister change
  • Easy to wash and clean grill grates and grease tray
  • Careful cleaning of its aluminum drip pan with sharp edges

best sailboat bbq

This stainless steel mountable grill is a certified frustration-free, portable, and compact-size kit with a gas regulator. It’s one of the top-ranked boat grills manufactured by Camco for boating and other outdoor activities.

I am fond of this elite Camco grill model that is versatile to stow and go whenever needed. It has a simple grill control knob with a removable warm rack, accessible foldaway legs, and a built-in thermometer. It has about 216 square inches of grilling space, which elevates my grilling passion. This is one of the widely used boat grills loved by seasoned boaters.

I really love the innovations of this Camco model. Its mountable build fits various outdoor uses like boating, camping, RVing, tailgating, towing, and more. The propane-powered grill comes with a global assurance from Camco with a base in the US and production sites worldwide. I’ve enjoyed its great customer experience that most brands have not offered me for years.

  • Elite grill that is easy to stow, ready-to-go, and simple to clean after use
  • Larger cooking space with an accessible control knob and removable warm racks
  • Certified frustration-free portable compact-size boat grills set
  • Foldaway legs that is easy to mount to any surfaces
  • Best for boating and outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and RVing
  • Limited mounting bracket for varying weather conditions

best sailboat bbq

Last but not least on our boat grills review is this black portable propane gas grill from NOMADIQ. It has the ultimate lightweight stainless steel tabletop cookbox that works for boat and outdoor cooking.

This heavy-duty boat grill set is best for traveling, camping, glamping, tailgating, RVing, and boating. It fits into storage bins of RVs and comes with a carrying strap and sleeve for easy transport. The grill is quick to use with a standard 16-ounce small tank of propane gas. You just need to provide the propane canister separately for about 3 hours of cooking.

I haven’t tried connecting it to a larger gas tank for over 3 hours of cooking. But this travel grill kit makes it easy to get separate accessories for more mounting and fuel connectivity options. This portable cooktop is among the high-quality boat grills I’ve used on the beach, parks, decks, and everywhere. I was amazed by how I can easily attach the grill using the gas regulator and start infrared cooking in seconds.

  • Highly compact and portable boat grill set with electric push-start ignition switch
  • Durable, rust-resistant, and heavy-steel built with a powder coating finish
  • Quick and easy to set up, open, connect, and move without any assemblies
  • The huge cooking area is made of the non-stick removable ceramic-metal layer
  • Comes with a gas regulator and a carrying strap for ease of transport
  • Expensive compared to its counterpart boat grills available in the market

best sailboat bbq

This top-tier boat grill that has the desired features as a Magma kettle, stove, grill and oven is all yours in this portable hybrid party-size cook set with optimal cooking power.

The Marine Kettle 3 model combines the stove, grill, and portable oven functions usually found in electric stoves. Its patented convection and radiant design deal with extreme heat temperature levels efficiently and with less fuel consumption.

Add to this are its mirror-polished stainless steel shell and handle with a hinged lid that is slam-shut-free. I attest to how effective an air-cooled Magma grill is in open flames; you don’t ever have to worry about discoloration or uneven heat.

This heavy-duty boat grill has an inner shell, burner, and advanced radiant plate that works well like other marine grills. It has a swiveling and windproof burner tube, control valve switch, and regulator for convenient use and fewer flare-ups. This grill effectively controls heat distribution similar to a boat charcoal grill and has easy propane tanks exchange. I love how its outer body can stay cool and safe.

  • Best use as portable party-size boat grills set, stove and oven
  • Effective inner and outer stainless steel shell for even heat distribution
  • Includes indexing bracket and clamp for easy installation
  • Adapts to LPG or CNG fuel system aboard a boat or a standard propane canister
  • Needs mounting hardware for an effective firm hold

bbq-grill-for-boat

Choosing the right boat grill does not end easily at getting your best choice. You need to consider the following essential factors:

  • Intent Of Use – Some boat grills may be easy to install on railings. This can be possible for the ones with brackets and clamps. There are also boat grills that are quick to install with bolts and nuts or screws onto rails or countertops. All these mounting options depend on what and when you intend to use your boat grill.
  • Boat Grill Type – This depends on the platform you use for the boat gas grills. Pontoon boats are best as they are wide, have good air ventilation, and have stable open surfaces for gas grills. Another option you can have is a regular-sized boat for fishing. It leaves enough space for safe grilling and poses no threats to the boat and passengers.
  • Fuel Consumption – There are plenty of boat grills that use less fuel and are more efficient propane-fueled cooktops. Getting a fuel-efficient propane type can help If you intend to grill away from the shore. However, grilling along the coast can be smart to transport bigger propane canisters for longer use.
  • Weather Condition – Some marine grill models that use propane are best for varying weather conditions and strong winds. There are also boat grills that are not wind-resistant and easily flare-ups. Mounting the cookbox with solid provisions is a big factor to consider for it to withstand downwinds and blowouts. Always consider getting one that handles weather conditions in a specific boating location.
  • Quality of Materials and Build – Choose those that are built with resistant materials against oxidation, rust, and corrosion. The ideal ones include stainless metal, aluminum, alloy, and fiber plastic materials but are the most expensive as well. Aluminum alloy materials rank the list as they also mean being lightweight and easier to mobilize. Choose those with quality material and construction.
  • Infrared cooking – This refers to regular grill kits that feature a layer of metal between the flame and cooking surface. These types cook fast and efficiently passes heat from the burner going across the metal grates. It evenly spreads the heat across the grill surface but is hotter among top boat grills.
  • Competitive Pricing – Boat grills range in price. You can choose from the most affordable to the highly expensive ones depending on your spending budget. The primary consideration, however, is the level of quality.

The Different Types of Boat Grills

Here are the choices for boat grills; they are mainly categorized based on power or fuel considerations:

  • Propane-fueled Boat Grills – The number one choice by boat owners for decades now is the use of propane gas. This is readily available and quite affordable. You can get it in several quantities, either small or large bottles or bigger tanks.
  • Charcoal-fueled Boat Grills – Nowadays, a considerable number of boat owners use this for boat huts or houseboat grilling. This grill type lost favor over the years as it is slow to start and poses a fire hazard if mishandled. Mounting styles are still available by brackets, clamps, or dropping it right into a rod holder.
  • Electric-powered Boat Grills – These are among the top-of-the-line boat grills that are quick to start and produce controlled flames. However, they work only by accessing a power source, which is not good for camping or small boats. Large yachts with full kitchens usually use electric grilling stoves and other compatible electric devices. These grills may not be suitable for the average medium-sized pontoon boats catering to families.

Benefits and Drawbacks of a Boat Grill

These are the primary advantages and disadvantages to consider for boat grills:

Advantages:

  • Compact, portable, and suitable for outdoor and boating purposes
  • Affordable and premium-priced are available in the market
  • Easy to stow and go types are corrosion and rust-resistant
  • Heavy-duty steel build with a powder coating finish is best for extensive use
  • Usually quick to set up, light up, connect, mobilize, and restore without the need of special tools
  • Huge cooking performance for small cooktop within limited mounting space
  • Compatible with special connectors and gas regulators for ease of fuel exchange
  • Even heat distribution and safer to use than the typical charcoal boat grill types
  • Marine-grade build with accessible ignition switch and temperature controls

Disadvantages:

  • Needs careful cleaning and maintenance to prevent damages
  • Some leading boat grills are expensive for similar quality of material
  • Requires children and pets to be away while grilling as the grill can get too hot

boat-grills-with-mount

The most common mountings are brackets and clamps, and bolts and nuts for a secured hold. Charcoal boat grills can also be on board, provided it poses no fire hazard. Always ensure the grill safety lids are clear from walls or decks.

Most boat grills can serve for 3 to 5 years. Though a bit expensive, some boat grills can reach a replacement period of about 5 to 15 years. These life expectancy periods vary by the level of use and care owners provide. Boat grills built with stainless, alloy, aluminum, or high-quality fiber plastics last longer because they can withstand rust and corrosions.

Any pontoon boat can have boat grills as preferred by each boat owner. There are plenty of top rated boat grills for pontoon boats with square rail mountings in the market. Be cautious when choosing ones made specifically for pontoon rails and watch out for lousy models. The lousy ones may guise as marine-grade boat grills with three times the acceptable price.

The best boat grill is one better way to integrate your favorite nautical meals while securing a safe boating experience. This leads you to social adventures that create timeless memories.

Safety, dependability, and easy use is the core intention of these top-rated boat grills reviews. Essential boat grills specifications and marine laws are what these product reviews aim for. We have listed these premium boat grills in a simplified view. Get these expert insights on bestselling boat grills, including features, factors, and questions frequently asked by buyers to guide you.

best sailboat bbq

“My intention from the first day establishing Boating Basics Online is to provide as much help as possible for boaters who want to experience a first safe and convenient trip. So feel free to join us and share your beautiful journeys to the sea!”

Carnivorstyle

The Best Boat Grills

Top 10 boat grills on the market, 1 - traeger ranger (best overall), 2 - char-broil grill2go x200 portable boat grill (top-performing infrared grill), 3 - cuisinart cgg-180t portable boat propane grill (best compact), 4 - cuisinart grill with arnall's stainless steel bracket set (best with mounting bracket), 5 - magma products connoisseur series gas grill, 6 - coleman camp propane grill (cheapest option), 7 - magma products newport 2 gourmet series grill, 8 - magma c10-603t baja traveler series gas grill, 9 - cuisinart cgg-750 portable venture gas grill, 10 - magma products monterey 2 classic gas grill, premium-quality boat grill buying guide, 1. fuel type, 2. grill construction materials, 3. grill size, 4. ease of installation, 5. grill heat output btus, 6. grill construction quality, 7. extra features, 8. number of burners, best boat grill - our winner.

  • Best Boat Grill

10 Best Boat Grills (2024) Get the Most Bang for Your Buck!

Jayden Lawson

Cooking on the high seas or wherever you prefer boating can be a great experience - warm weather, delicious food, and wonderful company. That being said, there aren’t many manufacturers out there that produce high-quality grills for boats.

That’s why we’ve reviewed the top boat grills to help you make an informed decision about which boating grill to get.

We’ve spent hours upon hours scrolling through grilling and boating forums, checking out genuine boat BBQ grill reviews, and trying out the most popular models to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

  • Best Overall Boat Grill: Traeger Ranger
  • Cheapest Boat Grill: Coleman Camp Propane Grill
  • Top-Performing Infrared Portable Grill: Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Grill
  • Best Compact Grill for Boat: CUISINART CGG-180T Portable Boat Propane Grill
  • Best Boat Grill with Mounting Bracket: Cuisinart Grill with Arnall's Stainless Steel

Traeger

  • Digital arc controller
  • Keep warm mode ensures food stays ready-to-eat
  • Comes with a griddle in addition to cooking grates
  • Need to keep the wood pellets dry

Who is it for?

  • Outdoor enthusiasts

Who is it not for?

  • Large gatherings
  • Users needing lightweight gear

Final Verdict

Great for portability and precise control, but heavy.

An outside-the-box option for a boat grill is the Traeger Ranger . This portable pellet grill is ideal for those who want to enjoy the flavor of wood-fired cooking without being tethered to a propane tank.

The Ranger uses an electric augur to drive pellets, and it has a digital controller that allows you to set and maintain a consistent temperature. The Ranger also comes with a meat probe, so you can monitor your food's internal temperature without lifting the grill's lid.

We appreciate that the Ranger is small and compact, making it easy to take with us on our boat. And because it doesn't require a propane tank but has a hopper with 8 lbs of capacity, we don't have to worry about running out of fuel while we're out on the water.

Quick Facts:

  • Performance 4.7
  • Durability 4.9
  • Convenience 4.5
  • Hood-mounted temperature gauge
  • Large cooking surface
  • The easy-to-clean removable drip tray
  • Have to purchase your mounting brackets
  • Home BBQ use
  • Users needing extensive cooking area

Ideal for tailgating with even heat distribution, limited space.

This Grill2Go X200 Portable from Char-Broil features a generous 200 square inches of steel cooking surface.

The TRU-Infrared cooking system gives you a safe, no flare-ups method of grilling.

We like the high-impact die-cast aluminum frame and easy push-button ignition system.

This model features a cast-aluminum firebox and a steel lid with built-in lid locks. It includes a lid-mounted temperature gauge for appropriate temperature control.

With Char-Broil, you get a one-year warranty from the date of purchase, which covers all of the marine grill parts.

  • 145-square-inch grilling area
  • Even-heating porcelain-enameled grate
  • Steel portable design
  • 5,500 BTUs steel burner
  • No built-in lid thermometer
  • Small households
  • Large family cookouts
  • Frequent heavy use

Excellent for small spaces and portability, modest capacity.

The next on our list is the Cuisinart CGG-180T propane model.

The petit gourmet grill has 145 square inches of grilling space, capable of cooking up to eight burgers, eight steaks, six to ten chicken breasts, or up to 4lbs of fish.

It also features 5,500 BTUs per hour across steel burners and a porcelain-enameled cooking grate.

This model comes equipped with two foldable legs and an integrated lock to secure the lid. Keep in mind that this is not a mounted type, so you will need a flat surface such as a table to set the grill.

We liked this boat grill for its durable and lightweight design. This tabletop model weighs just over 13.5 lbs, making it ideal for portability purposes.

Cuisinart-Grill-with-Arnalls-Stainless-Steel-Bracket-Set

  • Generous cooking surface
  • Best pontoon boat mounting bracket
  • Brackets may not fit all boats
  • Pontoon boat owners
  • Outdoor grillers
  • Non-boat users
  • Heavy-duty cooking needs

Perfect for boats with easy installation, not for heavy-duty use.

This is a similar Cuisinart grill model to the CGG-180T listed above, only modified for use specifically with a pontoon boat.

This is precisely one of the best pontoon boat grill models because it mounts to the boat rails using the pre-installed mounting bracket.

The grill has a mirror-polished stainless steel look with 145 square inches of cooking space.

You get a steel burner and an easy-to-clean removable grease tray for added convenience.

We like the lightness of this grill model; the total weight for everything together, including the brackets, is 18 lbs, making this easily portable.

Magma

  • Even heat distribution
  • Marine-grade stainless steel construction
  • Uses one-pound propane gas canisters
  • Small cooking surface and grilling surface
  • Small boat owners
  • Stationary home grilling

High-quality and compact, great for boats but small grilling area.

Magma is a company that specializes in manufacturing marine products and appliances.

Their Connoisseur Series boat grill is best made for use on the boat deck. This tabletop model can fold and stow away the legs for added convenience and portability.

The Magma Marine boat grills and the counterpart to this, the Magma Marine Kettle Grill, are made from mirror-polished stainless steel.

Like the Magma Marine Kettle Grill, this model can use either an LPG or CNG system.

We like that the boat grill uses grates that heat evenly, preventing regular flare-ups with its easy-to-use control valve and propane cylinder.

Coleman-Camp-Propane-Grill

  • Two wind-blocking side panels
  • Easy-to-clean removable cooking surface
  • 11,000 BTUs of cooking power
  • Only 2 hours on one cylinder
  • Small families

Reliable for camping with convenient features, moderate capacity.

Coleman is an industry-leading manufacturer of camping and outdoor equipment. Their Camp Propane Grill is one of their best-selling models for RVs, campsites, and boats.

This tabletop-type portable grill model is best for providing over 11,000 BTUs of heat spread across 180 square inches of cooking space.

One of the things we like the most about this grill is the wind-blocking panels, which can also serve as side shelves for holding things.

The Coleman Camp Propane Grill comes with perfect flow technology to help you cook efficiently even in windy or other extreme conditions.

Magma-Products-Newport-2-Gourmet-Series-Gril

  • Easy-to-clean grease tray
  • Marine-grade stainless steel design
  • Tempered glass viewing window
  • Larger and heavier design
  • Boat owners
  • Large parties

Ideal for boating with robust features, limited capacity.

The Magma Newport 2 Infrared is a step above their Connoisseur series of grills and offers more cooking power and features.

Their Newport 2 is made from 18-9 marine grade mirror polished steel and provides a 162 square inches cooking space.

This is one of the best boat BBQ grill models in terms of ease of use.

We specifically like the large glass viewing window on this Magma boat grill model, which makes cooking without opening the unit easier.

The portable gril can be used with cylinders or onboard LPG or CNG gas systems. However, we found it a bit too heavy.

Magma C10-603T

  • Lid mounted thermometer
  • Large cooking space
  • Stainless steel portable design
  • The ignition system requires extra batteries

Excellent for travel with durable construction, moderate space.

The Magma Baja Traveler Series is one step below their Newport 2 from the Gourmet Series listed above.

Another steel marine grill offers a large cooking area for extensive group cooking.

According to Magma, this is one of the top boat grills to use in areas with high winds.

The company claims its rebuilt combustion system will not blow out even in high-wind environments.

The boat grills model comes with a hermetically sealed lid-mounted thermometer to help you keep track of internal temperatures. We like that it also has an electronic ignition system for easier use.

Cuisinart CGG-750

  • Stack and carry design
  • 154 square inches of grilling surface
  • Convenient chopping board lid
  • No cooking thermometer
  • Large family gatherings
  • Heavy-duty use

Versatile and portable with unique features, limited capacity.

This Cuisinart CGG-750 portable boat grill model differs slightly from many other models we’ve reviewed. The unit packs away into a neat and portable package.

You can unpack everything to separate the unit from the portable propane management system and the lid chopping board.

The total cooking surface of the boat grills model is 154 square inches with a porcelain-enameled cooking grate.

We like the portability of this boat grill model and the easy-to-carry handle. It also comes with everything you need for cooking on an easy stow-and-go propane system.

Magma Products Monterey 2

  • Sealed lid thermometer
  • Snap-out radiant plate for even temperature control
  • Adapts to onboard gas systems
  • Short warranty period
  • Outdoor cooking enthusiasts

High capacity for boats with premium features, not for stationary use.

The final Magma boat grills model on our list is the Monterey 2 Classic and the company's Gourmet series of boat grills. This model is also made from 18-9 marine grade stainless steel, and it is the best for mounting on boats.

The hinged lid has a hermetically sealed cooking thermometer for easier temperature monitoring while cooking.

We like that this boat grill model comes with a warming rack for added cooking convenience when you grill on your boat.

Each Magma boat grill model comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase, and this warranty protects you from any manufacturing defects or similar issues.

Grill and cutting board on blue background

When searching for portable grills, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you’re buying what’s right for you.

When selecting the best boat grill, the fuel type you opt for will play a vital role in how and where you can use it. Some of the most common fuel types for boat grills include:

1) Charcoal

A charcoal grill provides a more traditional smokey flavor that many people enjoy. The added benefit is that charcoal boat grills are easier to move around without clunky parts or the need for a generator.

The downside with charcoal boat grills is that charcoal briquettes need to stay dry, which can be more challenging on a boat. Also, if the body of water you are on is windy, keeping charcoal boat grills lit can be more difficult.

As such, your charcoal grills could end up useless, depriving you of grill food for the rest of the trip.

Propane boat grills may be the most popular fuel type when it comes to the best boat grills. There are a few different reasons for this, but it boils down to easier fuel storage and improved wind resistance. Unlike bags of charcoal, portable propane tanks for a boat gas grill are easier to stow away and keep dry on a boat.

While propane is still susceptible to windy conditions, it can generally fare better than charcoal boat grills. You don’t have to worry about embers blowing around on your boat and trying to keep the grill hot. We typically favor propane-powered grills when it comes to the best boat grills.

3) Electric

Electric grills are not favorable for many boat owners. These grill types have significant advantages over propane and boat charcoal grill models, but the glaring challenge is that you need a steady electricity source.

Many larger boats come with electric boat grills, but these are usually permanent fixtures of the boat and tend to be much more expensive.

The main advantage of electric boat grills is that there is no open flame, so they can be used in areas where the portable gas grill and charcoal are prohibited, such as marina docks. Electric grills also tend to perform better in windy conditions.

An essential feature when it comes to the best portable grills is the material. Grilling on a boat adds water, and potentially salt water, to the list of things that can damage your portable grill.

“The deposition of salt particles on a metallic surface accelerates its corrosion...For salt to accelerate corrosion, the metallic surface needs to be wet.” - Jenifer Alcantara, National Institute of Health 

You want to make sure that you use marine-grade steel or other corrosive and rust-resistant material for the boat grills. This holds doubly true around salt water, where the salt can be particularly harsh for metals [ 1 ].

A grill with open lid

The cooking space of boat grills will be one of the leading indicators of the overall grill size, but other factors come into play.

Some things that can impact your grill’s size include how it mounts to the boat and extra shelving and storage space.

As previously mentioned, you have limited space on your boat and will need to stow away your boat grills when not in use.

Try and opt for smaller boat grills where the extra pieces such as stands and trays all fold away.

Always measure your storage space before settling on a specific boat grill's size.

If you opt for a tabletop boat grill, then you don’t have much to worry about, as you can use these on any flat surface. However, if you plan to mount your boat grills, you need to consider how to go about this.

You can generally connect the mounting brackets to the railing with pontoon boats. You can usually use a rod holder with a bowrider or the railing if your boat has it.

Ultimately, you want a method of installation that is easy to set up and take down without requiring much in the way of extra work.

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and it measures how much energy an appliance like a boat grill uses. This translates into how much fuel your boat grills will use and how efficiently it will get the job done.

Higher BTUs don’t always mean you will get hotter temperatures or a more powerful boat grills model.

“A BTU is a measure of the...quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by 1 degree Fahrenheit” - Energy Basics Guide, US Energy Information Administration

The consensus is that you want to look for around 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking space for boat grills. Any more than this, you aren’t necessarily going to get any improvement in boat grills performance, and you will be using fuel faster [ 2 ].

A breakdown of a portable grill

Being out on the water means that your boat grills will likely take a bit of an extra beating than your average at-home model. On top of added water exposure, you will probably often pack and unpack the grill.

Thus, you want to look for a simple boat grill model without too many extra parts or pieces that can break off.

Ensure any assembly looks decent and that items like screws and bolts and the mounting bracket are all marine grade and won’t rust easily.

As we’ve noted already, too many extra features aren’t always a good thing with boat and RV grills. With that said, some specific features can be beneficial.

Some of the particular extra features we recommend looking for include:

  • Multiple propane hookup options
  • Extra shelving space
  • Foldable stands
  • Thermometers
  • Warming Rack

The vital thing to always keep in mind is that you have limited space. We recommend looking for options that don’t add extra size to the boat grills.

An example of this is a thermometer in the hinged lid or shelves that fold into the grill when in storage.

Depending on how large your grill is, you may need to consider an option with more than one burner. Having two or more burners ensures that heat is evenly distributed throughout the cooking chamber [ 3 ].

Most of the smaller grills on this list had a single stainless steel burner. Because marine grills are usually smaller, this is fine. If you opt for a larger model for a larger watercraft, then having two burners can be beneficial.

Related Reviews:

  • Best Portable Grill
  • Best Portable Grill for RV
  • Top Traeger Grills We Recommend
  • Top Infrared Grills We Recommend

Is It Safe to Grill on a Boat?

It is entirely safe to grill on a boat as long as you follow proper safety procedures and only use certified equipment properly. You should avoid using the grill while the boat is moving.

Also, make sure to have appropriate fire safety equipment on board.

Is It Legal to Use a Grill on a Boat?

In most places, it is generally legal to use a grill on a boat. There may be some specific rules regarding what kind of grill and what type of fuel can be used, so it’s important to check local regulations in each area before using your grill on your watercraft.

Is Charcoal or Propane Better for a Boat Grill?

Propane is generally seen as being better for a stainless-steel boat grill than charcoal.

The primary issue with charcoal is that you have to store coals without getting them wet. There is also the added risk of embers blowing out of the grill, presenting a hazard in windy conditions.

After carefully reviewing and testing numerous marine grills, we've determined that Traeger Ranger is the best boat grill.

The model has a hopper with 8 lbs of capacity, making it an ideal boat grill because you don't have to worry about running out of fuel. It has impressive heat distribution and a digital controller that allows you to maintain the temperature and gives your food a delicious smokey taste.

Traeger Ranger scores high in portability because of its compact size, which is another essential feature for these grills. You can't go wrong with this model.

Traeger Ranger (Best Overall)

Our #1 Recommendation

Rated With Carnivore Style's Scoring System

About the author

Jayden Lawson

Jayden is a lifestyle writer who gathers information and produce valuable content in the form of guides, meat delivery reviews, expert interviews, success stories, and tips about all things meat-related.

Jayden Lawson

One thought on “ 10 Best Boat Grills (2024) Get the Most Bang for Your Buck! ”

The convenience of a boat grill rod holder is a game changer! Gas grills are the best option for boat grilling, and these holders make it easy to cook up a delicious meal.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like

sausage

Logo

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

  • Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
  • Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: d3e83679-7108-11ef-a3eb-f3d98cf6c3db

Powered by PerimeterX , Inc.

SailNet Community banner

  • Forum Listing
  • Marketplace
  • Advanced Search
  • All Topics Sailing
  • Cruising Under Sail
  • Provisioning
  • SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Best BBQ for a sailboat

  • Add to quote

Was looking for recommendations on a bbq grille for a Catalina 27. Something that mounts to the stern pulpit.  

best sailboat bbq

I have a Kuuma Stow-N-Go. Works great.  

Have a Force 10. Quite happy with it as well. Has a cover so we can put the baked potatoes on while we're heeled.  

best sailboat bbq

I have a Magma Newport, and its worked out quite well.  

An 8 hour old post about BBQ's and no CD to be found. WTH? We have the little round dude, runs off single cans of propane. It is convenient. It is too small to handle any serious work and 4 people for dinner may mean 2 shifts on the Q if you are doing the veggies as well. Our last boat came equipped with the same thing, except it did not have the built-in lid holder which truly added to the excitement, just try flipping 4 chicken breasts one-handed, on a 12in grill while holding a smoking hot lid in your "free" hand. More than one piece ended up at the bottom of the Pacific Some day, when I have lots of cash, I will get one of those log-style SS units. Looks like they would have better heat distribution, be closer to the rail and have more capacity.  

Timely question. Just yesterday I looked at a the May 2008 Practical Sailor review. Sovereign Bravo, Galleymate 1000, both Australian and both expensive, and Magna Chef's Mate Connoisseur, the lowest price, were recommended. Magna Catalina Gourmet Series was best choice. An earlier review had rated the Magna Catalina best choice and Force 10 the budget buy. Kuuma was not reviewed.  

And "Little Round Dude" didn't make the cut either, aye?  

best sailboat bbq

I've no complaints with my basic Magma kettle style grill. Basic and gets the job done. Just picked up the Kuuma for grilling on the picnic tables at the marina.  

best sailboat bbq

Magma Catalina, is what we have and we like it. We could use a little more cooking room on occasion, but its served us well for the past 5 seasons. BE CAREFUL OF FLARE UP on any of these grills. Some greese drippings on the burners and you can get a nasty flare up real quick.  

What are the thoughts on charcoal vs. propane ? I prefer the taste of charcoal - would like to use a Weber Smokey Joe on the boat, great little grille.  

Dealing with charcoal and the hot coals afterwards are a PITA on the boat.  

Any comments on the Dickinson Spitfire grill? The description looks good, but the only review I've read was quite negative.  

best sailboat bbq

Kumma Stow N Go is a hit on my boat...MGM  

best sailboat bbq

Force 10 on my boat  

Magma makes the Sea-BQ correct?? We just replaced our Force 10 with the "move over cause the grill is huge" Sea BQ... go big... or eat in shifts. I went big.  

best sailboat bbq

Ah folks, no charcoal on a saltwater boat. It combusts spontaneously doncha know, after exposure to saltwater.  

CharlieCobra said: Ah folks, no charcoal on a saltwater boat. It combusts spontaneously doncha know, after exposure to saltwater. Click to expand...

We have a 17in kettle grill,it has a hinged top and is a magna off brind thru west marine. It can run off our big tank of propane or a small bottle.. It heats well, easy to cook on and we toss it in a sailbag to store it under the lazerette when were sailing.. Look for magma or westmarine (magma makes grills for west marine to put its name on them for advertisements) so its the same kettle Kettles start at $140 and up depending on what you want check on line to find the kind you like Kathleen s/v legacy oriental nc  

We've had a Dickenson Sea BQ for 5+ years now and we're very happy with it. Large cooking area, even heat and rarely blows out. Their quick release rail mount is very handy for stowage when making a passage. Diana crafted a "grill bag" out of a vinyl cover material (like oilcloth) that catches any grease droppings and makes stowage easy.  

Dickenson second When we bought our Freedom last fall it had a Force 10 kettle. Hated it. Not hot enough, not enough effective cooking area. Bought the small Dickenson rectangle Bar Sea Q and couldn't be happier. Has blown out a couple of times in strong winds (only complaint). Have sailed with it on the rail and lost the drip pan, blame that on the stupid captain (me). Rail mount is beautifully made. Recommend the brand.  

ereiss said: When we bought our Freedom last fall it had a Force 10 kettle. Hated it. Not hot enough, not enough effective cooking area. Bought the small Dickenson rectangle Bar Sea Q and couldn't be happier. Has blown out a couple of times in strong winds (only complaint). Have sailed with it on the rail and lost the drip pan, blame that on the stupid captain (me). Rail mount is beautifully made. Recommend the brand. Click to expand...

best sailboat bbq

Coal of course can and does spontaneously combust, I didn't know that charcoal did as well. I guess charcoal is really only juvenile coal so maybe maybe maybe. Still and all, I've never heard or seen it happen. I like the idea of bbqing with charcoal but don't like the idea of having to carry the stuff. Not from a safety angle, more dirt and dust. The major reason we bbq is to get the heat and cooking smells out of the cabin. The Wombette is not a fan of the smell of seafood cooking. Andre.....what do you store your charcoal in ?  

Has anyone tried using a Weber 1520? its the litle portable box that i saw almost nothing but good reviews of. I like its $50 price tag as opposed to a kuuma $150 with rail mounts.  

Char-coal does not combust with salt water. Char-coal is NOT even remotely related to anthracite coal. Char-coal is made from wood (or wood pulp) that has been charred in an oxygenless container at a very high temperature, in order to remove all of the water and much of the oils. I, too, love the taste that burning charcoal gives to meat. If you use a gas-grill you can place one or two pieces of charcoal on the grill and get it burning just prior to tossing on the meat. When the lid is closed, all that wonderful charcoal smoke will add the same sweet smoky flavor. Mmmm.  

best sailboat bbq

Anyone know of any marine or outdoor supply oriented companies that will ship internationally? I have been trying to buy a Cobb Grill system, the one with all the pieces, from Cobb America in Florida, but their online ordering system is one of those with a very incomplete list of countries. I have emailed twice trying to order one, and the answers are just that the online ordering should work. It doesn't. Anyone know someone like West Marine, Bass Pro, Cabelas, etc. that carries the Cobb AND will ship out of the US? (None of those stock it, I tried already)  

its a gas Used charcoal for years. In my economy days used a mini square weber grill [way cheaper than the stainless seagoing kettle]. BUT the charcoal is slow, and throws dust and filth all over the cockpit, and is a pain to get rid of and store and keep dry. Plus there is the newspaper to store and keep dry if you use one of those [rust prone] convection chimney starters. finally went to a gas unit. Yippee. instant heat, no filth and the women on board look at me with new found interest. "I hear you cook with gas" they say. YUP  

Charcaol is for grilling, gas is for cooking. I have a charcoal burning Magma on my boat and LOVE it. When I get a bag of charcoal I split it up into gallon size ziplock bags. One bag, just filled not stuffed, is the perfect amount to grill with on this grill. You can use half a bag if you just going to grill a couple burgers. Then I just take along how ever many bags that I think I'll need. I use lighter fluid to light the charcoal, because I don't feel like messing with my charcoal chimney on the boat. Yea, yea...I can hear it now "but lighter fluid is flammable". Yuppers, you're right. So is that metal encased bomb you have filled with propane and all those bottles of booze you have, and the tank of gas for your dinghy, etc. If you're smart about it, and you all seem to be, you would know you have to properly store flammable items on your boat to prevent any such accident.  

after fighting with magma and force grills on the rail not staying lit in wind, i found that on my formosa 41 a weber smokey joe kettle does absolutely awesome for cooking--and i use mesquite --from mexico-- awesome results!!! i have even seen weber kettles adapted to railing mount!!! had to laugh at that one---but i guess it works...  

smoky joe You probably are aware of this, but I found that if you are using a smoky joe on the deck [i.e.NOT mounted on a rail], you need to insulate the deck against the heat generated by the "joe" or else you can damage the fiberglass deck. We placed the Joe on a plank under which was an insulite rubber pad. bob baron Beyond Reason  

rbaron said: You probably are aware of this, but I found that if you are using a smoky joe on the deck [i.e.NOT mounted on a rail], you need to insulate the deck against the heat generated by the "joe" or else you can damage the fiberglass deck. We placed the Joe on a plank under which was an insulite rubber pad. bob baron Beyond Reason Click to expand...
  • ?            
  • 176.3K members

Top Contributors this Month

best sailboat bbq

Just added to your cart

Magma Products

Collection: Marine Grills

Marine grills.

  • Pontoon Grills
  • Sailboat Grills
  • Yacht Grills
  • Small Boat Grills
  • New Zealand
  • Electronic Igniter
  • Infrared Technology
  • Inner Lined Shell
  • Table Legs Included
  • Thermometer
  • Warming Rack
  • Rectangular
  • 8-10 People
  • withSizeSpecs

Cabo Gas Grill-Grill-A10-703-Magma Products

Marine Grills for Boats

At Magma, we take outdoor cooking seriously. Our line of marine and boat grills have been designed, tested, and manufactured to withstand the most extreme environments. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-time cruiser, we've got the perfect boat grill for you. From portable models that fit in the tightest spaces to top-of-the-line units with all the accessories you want, Magma has it.

Accessories

Fillet tables.

  • Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
  • Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.

FuriousGrill

Home » Grilling » Best Boat Grill – Portable Gas Grill Reviews and Top Picks

Best-Boat-Grill-Reviews - Best-Portable-Grill-for-Boat

Best Boat Grill – Portable Gas Grill Reviews and Top Picks

' src=

Have you ever been out on the water and wished you were not stuck eating cold sandwiches?

Having a gas grill on your boat can transform your boating experience into a backyard barbecue.

However, boat grills are sometimes hard to find and the selection is limited.

In this article, we will help you find the very best boat grill on the market and help you select the right one for your needs.

Note: If you are in a hurry, you can read the quick consideration list down below or read our Quick Comparison Table.

Table of Contents

  • 0.1 In a Rush? Here's Our Winner!
  • 1 Best Boat Grills For Your Consideration
  • 2 Quick Comparison Table
  • 3.1 Cuisinart Boat Grill Modified with Arnall's Bracket Set - Editor's Choice
  • 3.2 Magma A10-215 Marine Kettle - Best Lo​​​​​oking Boat Grill
  • 3.3 Magma A10-803 Connoisseur - Best Grill for Pontoon Boat
  • 3.4 Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel - Best Grill for Small Boats
  • 3.5 Char-Broil TRU-Infrared - Best Portable Boat Grill
  • 3.6 Kumma Stow and Go 160 Grill
  • 3.7 Dickinson Large Sea-B-Que Marine Boat Grill
  • 4 How To Choose The Best Boat Grill
  • 5 Pitfalls To Avoid When Buying A Portable Gas Grill for Boating
  • 6.1 Materials and Built Quality
  • 6.2 Fuel Type: Charcoal or Propane Boat Grill?
  • 6.3.1 Infrared Technology Exaplained (Video)
  • 6.4 What Kind of Mount Do You Need?
  • 6.5 Warranty & Use
  • 7.1 Exterior
  • 7.2 Interior
  • 7.4 Other Components 
  • 8 Conclusion

In a Rush? Here's Our Winner!

Cuisinart Anywhere Portable Grill w/ Boat Bracket Set

cuisinart-gas-grill1

  • Good Performance
  • Sturdy Mounting Brackets for Boats
  • Easy to Setup & Install
  • Can be Used on Camping, Tailgating, Balcony etc.

best sailboat bbq

Best Boat Grills For Your Consideration

#1 - ​ ( Editor's Choice ) - The  Cuisinart With Mounting Bracket for Boats is a solid device and seems to have avoided many of the issues found with other models. The product is attractive, durable, and easy to use.

The Grill comes with a solid mounting bracket which works well as long as there is an open rail on which to mount it.

#2 - The Magma A10-215  is very sharp in appearance with a mirror finish that stands out. If you want a product that is a bit showy, this may be a good fit. However, what you gain in appearance you lose in reliability due to a few users reporting rusting and ignition problems.

It does not come with a mounting bracket, but an aftermarket bracket can be purchased.

#3 - The  Magma A10-803 Connoisseur is the most expensive grill that we reviewed, but it has serious advantages versus the other Magma model. It is still attractive but boasts a larger surface area. It also does not have the ignition or rusting issues mentioned previously, and you can purchase a mounting bracket separately.

#4 - The  Smoke Hollow 205 Portable is the least expensive product that was reviewed in this list. You can tell that the materials used are not quite as sturdy, but it is still a good value. The cooking surface is large and it heats up quickly, but it cannot be mounted on a rail.

#5 - The  Char-Broil TRU-Infrared is another inexpensive model, but its performance is impressive. Being infrared causes it to heat up quickly without using much propane, yet it still cooks evenly. If performance and value are your priorities and you do not need to mount your grill, this may be a good fit.

Quick Comparison Table

Reviews Of The Best Boat Grills

Cuisinart boat grill modified with arnall's bracket s e t  - editor's choice.

Cuisinart Modified

View on Amazon

The first product featured in this list is the Cuisinart with Arnall's Bracket Set.

This product is an excellent choice to consider because It is well built, easy to install, and easy to clean. Everybody that has used it has been pleased overall.

Cuisinart is known for quality and ease of use. If those are your priorities, this grill may be a good option.

This product heats quickly and evenly and cooks enough food for half a dozen people. It attaches and detaches quickly so it can be used on the boat or on the shore.

There were some issues with the ignition, but that seems to be a common theme with all propane grills. It does come with mounting brackets that are strong and secure, but they only work on open rails. If the rail is not open on four sides, a quick modification must be made for it to fit properly.

The grill has no major hot spots to speak of. However, it will burn through a full 16 oz. bottle of propane with one use.

It is also not the shiniest or most flashy product we reviewed, but it is still plenty attractive for my taste.

This is the only product that came with mounting brackets of any kind, so it should be mentioned that you can easily spend an additional $40 on aftermarket brackets. Once you have factored in those savings, this model has to be a serious contender.

  • Sturdy Mounting Brackets
  • Heats Quickly
  • Cooks Evenly
  • Easy to Install
  • You have to press the ignition button several times to start the fire

Magma A10-215 Marine Kettle - Best Lo​​​​​oking Boat Grill

Magma A10-215 Marine Kettle

Of our top choices, this product has a very unique look. If you are looking for a grill that will impress your friends and family by adding to the appearance of your boat, the Magma is a good choice. Overall those that have purchased it, have been satisfied.

That being said, there are a few issues that have been seen. The grill does not come with a mounting bracket, so you have to purchase one separately. It does not have a deflector shield for the vents, so controlling the temperature and avoiding hot spots can be tough.

Magma uses the more inexpensive 304 steel for its products. This particular type of steel is more susceptible to rust from salt water, so this should be noted if you intend to be out to sea. Other grills either paint their surfaces or use the more durable 316 stainless steel. So, if you pick this, you should clean it often, especially if you use it on sea.

Most users found it to be reliable. However, in some cases, the burner and inside shell rusted out and had to be replaced. It also sometimes had ignition issues as with most of the propane grills models available on the market.

The grill is not very portable on its own, but a carrying case can be purchased separately. Of course, this adds quite a bit to the cost.

  • Good Cooking Area
  • Ignition Button needs to be clicked several times to work
  • No mounting brackets included
  • Some users reported rusting problems over time

Magma A10-803 Connoisseur - Best Grill for Pontoon Boat

Magma A10-803 Connoisseur Boating

This model is a bit more expensive, but Magma seemed to get it right on this model.

This product is still very attractive as are the other Magma models, but there are fewer issues with rusting. It cooks evenly with no hotspots because of the way the venting is designed.

This model also does not come with a mounting bracket, so plan to purchase one separately.

We were pleasantly surprised to find no issues with the ignition and you can cook food for several people with the surface area being large.

However, In furious windy conditions, it did take a long time to heat up, making the cooking time longer.

We also found this grill easy to break down and clean. The grease trap system works well, and when cleaned after each use, it will last a long time.

It is very portable with folding legs and a locking lid. The handle runs the length of the grill, so it is easy to grip and carry on and off of your boat. At 16.9 lbs. it will not wear out your arm either.

  • Good Looking
  • Reliable Ignition
  • Easy to Clean
  • No Mounting Brackets Included
  • Heats a Bit Slowly
  • A Bit Expensive
  • A Few Users Reported Rusting Issues Over Time

Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel - Best Grill for Small Boats

Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Portable Gas Grill

We found this product to be an overall good value. At 305 sq. inches, the cooking area is almost twice that of other grills and It is also priced very competitively.

Smoke Hollow has found a way to regulate the gas flow more effectively, so even a small propane canister should last through several uses. However, a full sized canister will not fit on this grill without an adapter.

It cooks evenly and reaches prime grilling temperature in just a few minutes.

The ignition is faulty right out of the box, just like most of the propane grills but you can make it to work by pressing the button several time or if you want a permanent fix, you can bend the ignition with your hand closer to the flow of gas.

The metal is a little thin and flimsy, but no rusting issues were noticed.

This is a table-top type of unit and it doesn't come with mounting brackets but you can buy an aftermarket set and mount on your boat.

The grill is very portable despite its size with folding legs and a locking lid. You would think the extra surface area would make it heavy, but it is still only about 20 lbs.

  • Cheap Price
  • Huge Cooking Area
  • Ignition Doesn't Work Perfectly for Some Users
  • No Mounting Bracket Included
  • Cannot Use Large Canister without Adapter

Char-Broil TRU-Infrared - Best Portable Boat Grill

Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Boating

While not one of the prettiest grills we reviewed, there are definitely some positive aspects to this product.

The infrared design allows it to get very hot quickly and cook evenly. However, it does this without burning through much propane and without burning the table it sits upon.

The grill is sturdy and very portable. Everything including the small gas canister fits inside for easy carrying. There are no hot spots and the design should be durable long-term. Even the ignition was reliable.

This product is designed to be table-top only so it cannot be mounted to the boat with any brackets we could find. That being said, because of the price and function we feel this is a model that should be considered.

It was noted that the grill smokes more than expected when first turned on, but the smoke stops after a few minutes. It should not be an ongoing problem.

The lid does lock allowing it to be carried, but the legs do not fold in. A carrying case is available for separate purchase, but you have to pay some extra money for it.

  • Easy to Carry
  • Uses Little Gas
  • Not The Best Looking Product
  • Cannot Be Mounted

Kumma Stow and Go 160 Grill

Kuuma Stow and Go 160

Even though it is not a model from popular a manufacture, such as Char-Broil or Cuisinart , still the Kumma Stow and Go is a great option to consider as one of the best boat grills .

It comes in several different option and sizes to choose from, with their liquid propane version available in 125, 160 and 316 square inch version. On top of that, they offer charcoal and a kettle grill version as well, if you feel like propane is not your preferred type.

The outside construction is made of 100% stainless steel, providing you with a durable and long-lasting experience for years to come. As for maintaining, which is probably the most important factors that impacts the product life, the grease tray is completely removable, making it very easy to clean.

What we like most about this product, is that it comes pre-assembled and you don't have to do any assembly before using. For assembling on your boat, there is an attachment sold separately, so don't forget to pick it up when purchasing. 

  • Different Size Options
  • Stainless Steel Construction
  • No Assembly Required
  • Boat Attachment Sold Separately

Dickinson Large Sea-B-Que Marine Boat Grill

Next, we have the Dickinson Large Sea-B-Que Marine Boat Grill. This is probably one of the best looking boat grills , with its well-designed octagonal design.

The outside construction is made of 20 ga grained 304 marine stainless steel, providing you with the durability you want for a boat grill.

Dickinson Marine 00S

Its great design makes it possible that the flames won't blow away when there is wind. The cooking area is made of four removable porcelain grates, which can come in handy when you need to clean this boat grill. The cooking area hood can be easily rolled away for easy access when cooking, even when the barbecue is hot, thanks to its hood knobs design.

For better cooking experience, Dickinson included a spark lighter for easy starting the grill and built-in thermometer to make sure that the things aren't getting too hot.

On top of all these features, there are free standing deck legs included, so you won't need to buy separate attachments to make it work.

Other features worth mentioning is the stainless latch to keep the unit together when transporting or storing and the thermally insulated silicon side handles for easy carrying around.

This boat grill comes with one year warranty and the burners come with a three year warranty.

  • Great Design
  • Removable Grill Grates
  • Spark Lighter & Thermometer
  • Not the Biggest Cooking Area

How To Choose The Best Boat Grill

When selecting the best gas grill for your boat , there are several points on which to focus. The right product can turn your boat into a convenient cookout while the wrong one can be an absolute nightmare.

First, we can look at the benefits of having a portable gas grill on your boat:

Note: The benefits down below are just a quick list for everyone that is in a hurry. If you want a detailed description on factors to consider when choosing the bbq gas grill for boat , then scroll down at the next section. 

  • A good grill allows you to cook hot food without having to head back to shore.
  • The right grill is easy to install on any railing and comes with all the hardware needed.
  • It fires up every time and does not burn a large amount of propane.
  • It cooks evenly in a short amount of time.
  • It attaches to both small and full sized propane tanks.
  • It removes easily and is convenient to use separate from the boat.
  • It is durable and resists rust and decay.

While there are benefits to have a portable grill on your boat, it can be quickly transformed into a nightmare if you don't consider these pitfalls.

Pitfalls To Avoid When Buying A Portable Gas Grill for Boating

Boat Grills are a niche product and the market does not offer a great deal of selection. This means that there will be huge differences when comparing your top choices.

Here are some common issues you may find:

  • As with all gas grills, finding a good ignition is difficult.
  • Many products do not come with the mounting bracket or cannot be mounted.
  • Many do not attach to full sized propane tanks.
  • Several are made of a cheaper steel that will rust over time, especially if exposed to salt water.
  • Some of these products either have extreme hot spots making it easy to burn food, or they heat up slowly using more propane.
  • Several have a small surface area limiting how much food you can cook at once.

If you take your time and select the unit that completely fits your needs, it can add so much to your boating experience.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Boat Barbecue Grill

Still haven't made your mind for your next bbq grill for boat ? Well, here are a few things to consider before deciding which product fits your preferences better:

Materials and Built Quality

When it comes picking up a good boat gas grill, you have to make sure that it is made of high-quality and rust-resistant materials. You will end up doing boat barbecues in different weather conditions and location, so picking a well-built product is very important.

Most of the Marine gas grill products included in this list feature a double liner of stainless steel housing on the inside part of the shell, which helps a lot to protect the product against discoloration and grease leaks.  This housing, also keeps the outside cooler and increases the durability of the grill, making it more suitable for salt water environments.

Always have in mind to read the materials used in building process, so you will pick a durable and suitable product for your situation. 

Fuel Type: Charcoal or Propane Boat Grill?

Well, this depends totally on your preferences but most of the bbq grills for boats are gas powered models, either propane or compressed natural gas.

Usually, charcoal boat barbecues are picked by grilling enthusiasts who like the ritual of building a fire to get the coals going and for the special flavor the charcoal give to the food.

Propane powered grills are widely used by the boating and fishing enthusiasts because of their several benefits when it comes to being used in the sea or lake. They may cost a bit more than charcoal models, but they don't require any preparation, deliver the heat more evenly in windy conditions, offer a better temperature control and are easier to clean on the go.

Do You Need an Infrared Boating Barbecue Grill?

You may have noticed that some product state that they feature a new technology called Infrared Cooking.

Infrared cooking grills use a very similar technology used on our microwaves. They transfer heat waves to the food's surface to allow the barbecue to sear the outside but keep the inside moist. Heat is quickly distributed across the cooking surface, reaching very high temperatures in a short amount of time. You can read this article for a more detailed description on how IR works.

Infrared Technology Exaplained (Video)

Do you need a portable infrared boating bbq grill ? Well, it is not a must have type-of grill but if you find a product which fits your other preferences and also use the IR technology, then go for it. It will be more efficient and you will save some cooking preparation time.

What Kind of Mount Do You Need?

If you cruise a lot, then you probably want to mount your barbecue on the pushpit or on the rail. Doing so, you will have more space on the boat and your grill will be easily accessible. 

The other option is to pick a grill that you can plug into rod holders or deck sockets of your boat. The extension length depends on the design of your boat but an 8 inch extension is usually enough to position your bbq boat grill outboard.

The third option is to pick a grill which doesn't need any mounting. You can place it on a small corner of your boat or on the table. This option is also preferred by many boaters' because you can get the grill with you on land.

Warranty & Use

As with any product you purchase, picking one with a good warranty is very important as it ensures that you are getting a quality product, which will last for years.

If you are going for a more expensive than average unit, then a long warranty is even more important as replacement parts are more expensive.

Also, the warranty is proven to be a matter of trust as well. If a company offers long and good warranty with a product, then they feel confident on their product's quality and creates a trust feeling between the customer and the company.

What to do when the warranty is not long enough or when the company isn't offering warranty at all? Then, in these cases, it can tough to decide but you can always read previous customer reviews to create a better understanding of what to expect.

Also, having no warranty or short warranty doesn't always mean that the product is not high quality. Small companies, much different from Weber which offers up to 10 years of warranty with their products, can offer just several years of warranty. They don't have the budget and all the required infrastructure to provide all the customers with 10-years warranty, but still their products can last.

How to Properly Maintain a Grill for Boat?

When you pick a grill for a boat, you want to make sure that the product fits most of your requirements and preferences. Durability is one of the main factors most of the boaters' consider when are searching for a product.

But, It doesn't matter how durable your chosen grill is, if you don't maintain and regularly clean it, you will end up buying a new grill every year.

Here are some tips for you to learn how to properly maintain your boat bbq grill:

When it comes to exterior, it is important to clean it after each use, especially if you use the grill on salt water. Salt can damage the protection layer of the grill if it is left there for a long time, causing corrosion and making rust develop faster , so make sure to give it a quick wash with soapy water and a soft cloth.

Also, try to cover the grill between uses as the high temperatures can damage the exterior too.

After each use, remove the heavy residue and empty the grease tray. It is not necessary to do a frequent deep cleaning of the interior but it is recommended to do it once per year or once per 6-8 months.

Always cast the grates with vegetable oil before each use. This way, you prevent the food from sticking, making it easier to clean the surface after each use.

Use a wire brush to clean the cooking surface while the grill is warm and do a deep cleaning with disassemble and soapy water each year or 8 months.

Other Components 

Try to keep the electrical components, such as the electrode beside the burner, free of grease or debris. Try not to damage the insulation of electrical or burners components as the water can damage them.

Of the five products we reviewed, we find the Cuisinart for Boats to be the best overall value and the best boat grill . This products is attractive, durable, and is the only model that comes with a mounting bracket to mount to the rail of your boat. It is also above average in price, but it is the only grill that delivered in all the areas we found important.

It is definitely more attractive than the Char-Broil and can use a full sized propane tank, unlike the Smoke Hollow.

It will not rust out like the Magma models and cooks more evenly than any of the other four we reviewed.

The only issue we saw was with the ignition and compared to the other factors that seemed minor.

Also, If you are unsure what to pick, you can purchase an  Arnall's Bracket Set and use them to mount almost any grill on your boat.

So now it is time to make a purchase. Once your grill is assembled and installed, spend some time cooking with it and see what you think.

We hope you picked the best boat grill  and will take the time to provide feedback on this article and on your selection.

Thank you from FuriousGrill and Happy Grilling!

Related Posts:

Best-Smoker-Grill-Combo

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Frugal Traveler

Thinking About a Solo Cruise? Here’s What to Know.

As solo cruising becomes more popular, pricing and cabin types are changing. Deals can be found, especially with advance planning, but it takes a little know-how.

An illustration depicts the deck of a ship with two couples in the foreground, and, in the center of the image, a lone woman in a straw hat and dress, sipping a drink and looking beyond the railing to the ship’s wake, which is depicted as a bright river reflecting the setting sun and  surrounded by the blue sea. A lone gull follows the ship.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

When cruising resumed after Covid-era travel restrictions were lifted, cruise lines wanted to fill ships fast. Some, like Windstar Cruises , which operates small ships carrying 148 to 342 passengers, pursued solo travelers with discounts on the penalties singles usually pay to occupy a cabin alone.

“To fill a lot of capacity in a short time, who do you go after? Those who don’t have to ask permission or arrange schedules for two,” said Janet Bava, the chief commercial officer for Windstar, which reduced its single occupancy fares to 120 percent of the standard fare a person sharing a double cabin would pay. Previously those solo cruisers were paying up to double the fare to have a cabin to themselves.

But the cruise industry has since recovered — Carnival Corporation recently announced 2025 bookings are pacing higher than 2024 in both price and occupancy — and many solo deals are disappearing. Windstar, for one, is snapping back to 2019 prepandemic pricing models.

“Now there’s less space,” said Ms. Bava, noting that the goal of every cruise line is “to maximize revenue at double occupancy at 100 percent.”

Still, even with increasing prices, travel advisers at the Virtuoso network say solo cruising is one of the top cruise trends for 2025. Solo travel in general has been on the upswing in the past few years. In a survey on 2024 travel intentions, Booking.com found that 59 percent of respondents planned to travel alone.

Savvy cruisers know that deals always exist in the dynamic world of cruise pricing for those who book early and otherwise game its unique economics. Here’s what you need to know about going solo affordably.

Why it costs more to go solo

Unlike hotels, where the price of a room is generally the same whether there is one person or two people staying in it, cruise lines advertise their lowest rates as per person prices in cabins built for two, which can be misleading to first-time cruisers.

Cruise lines don’t want to sell cabins at half price or miss out on the extra shipboard charges for things like drinks and excursions that a companion might buy, so they try to recover that income by charging a single supplement, which can run 25 to 100 percent above the per person double occupancy rate. That means, for example, a cruise that costs $1,000 a person in a double cabin could cost a single passenger $1,250 to $2,000 to have the cabin to themselves.

“We saw a change after the pandemic,” said Shelby Frenette, who runs the agency TravelFun.Biz , based in Boca Raton, Fla., which specializes in group solo travel. To get travelers back on ships, she said, “cruise lines were waiving the single supplements in a big way.”

Now, she said, prices are again rising as interest in cruising grows. Passenger volume in 2023 was 31.7 million, according to the Cruise Lines International Association , exceeding 2019 levels by seven percent.

“It’s so busy, we are back to pre-Covid times when there’s a lot less opportunity for singles to save money,” Ms. Frenette said.

In managing occupancy, cruise lines use single supplements like “a lever that can be pulled depending on their needs,” said Theresa Scalzitti, the chief operations officer of CruisePlanners , a travel agency based in Coral Springs, Fla.

That’s why travelers might see more sales on shoulder- or off-season sailings across the cruise spectrum. But, Ms. Scalzitti added, “Business has been so good I don’t think a lot have had to use this.”

The rise of the solo cabin

One solution to the solo supplement rub is to offer staterooms designed for one passenger. Norwegian Cruise Line became the first major cruise company to adopt solo cabins with the debut of the Norwegian Epic in 2010.

It now has nearly 1,000 solo staterooms — ranging from inside cabins to those with balconies — across its 19 ships, most of which include access to private lounges for passengers in solo cabins. A solo cabin on a weeklong sailing in Alaska in October aboard the Norwegian Encore was recently priced at $1,200, compared to $1,749 a person in a double occupancy room.

Other companies followed its lead. Holland America Line added solo cabins on its Pinnacle-class ships that debuted in 2016. Demand for single accommodations on the three ships — the Rotterdam, Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam — is high, according to the company. A seven-day sailing in November between San Diego and Mexico’s Baja Peninsula was recently priced at $1,948 in a single cabin compared to $2,268 a person in a double.

But solo cabins can be elusive — according to Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic , they are often the first to sell out — and they aren’t necessarily cheap.

“A lot of solo cabins are on newer or larger ships, which tend to have higher pricing,” said Cheryl Cooper, who is based near Atlanta and vlogs as SIG Cruiser about solo cruising, among other topics.

On some ships, they are a premium offering. American Cruise Lines , which operates on waterways in the United States, offers single staterooms on each of its ships, many at 250 square feet with private balconies. A nine-day trip next May on the Columbia and Snake Rivers was recently priced at $7,620 for a private balcony solo stateroom; doubles started at $5,715 a person.

“When people see ‘no single supplement,’ they automatically think 75 to 50 percent off and that’s not the case,” Ms. Cooper said.

Seeking singles on river and expedition cruises

Besides Windstar, other small-ship lines, including those in river and expedition cruising — which tend to be more expensive than trips on large ships — have seen a jump in solo travelers and are pursuing them with incentives.

HX , formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, says one in four bookings among American passengers are solo travelers and the line experienced more than 50 percent growth in single sailors between 2022 and 2023.

In 2024, about half of its single passengers traveled without paying a supplement while the other half received discounts of varying levels (HX is currently selling supplement-free cabins to solo travelers on 10-day sailings in the Galápagos Islands, from $8,634 through March 2026).

Aqua Expeditions , which operates small ships on the Amazon and Mekong Rivers, and in the Galápagos and Indonesia, saw its solo business grow 50 percent between 2019 and 2023. It waives the single supplement on select sailings. Three-night itineraries on the Amazon start around $3,450 a person.

Among river cruise operators, Tauck waives the single supplement on its European sailings in Category 1 cabins, which are 150 square feet and on a lower level with a pair of small windows, compared to the French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows in other categories. (An eight-day cruise on the Danube River next summer starts at $4,990 in a single, the same price as a person sharing a double room)

In Europe, Riviera River Cruises is offering 40 sailings in 2024 and 2025 — about six percent of departures — without single supplements across all cabins (six-day sailings on the Danube start at $2,099 in a solo cabin). On other itineraries, Riviera offers four to five cabins on each sailing with a 25 percent single supplement; the fee goes to 100 percent once those are sold out.

How to get the best solo fare

Most cruise experts suggest making reservations early for the best price and cabin availability on ships. Avalon Waterways waives single supplements on a few cabins on most European sailings; booking early gives you the best chance of getting one.

If you book and a fare later drops, many lines will honor that lower rate.

Before the final payment is due, “if the price goes down, get it repriced so you’re not at risk by booking early,” said Ms. Scalzitti of CruisePlanners, which monitors bookings for price drops.

The annual “ wave season ” cruise sales, which normally take place January to March, often yield deals in the form of rate cuts, amenities or discounts on companions.

Those deals are increasingly showing up earlier on the calendar.

When families gather to celebrate over the holidays, “they tend to plan travel for the following year,” said Ms. Bava of Windstar. “We expect to have amazing pre-wave offers starting in December.”

Companies that specialize in solo travel may offer roommate matching, allowing a pair of strangers to split the cost of a double cabin. Aurora Expeditions , which operates a pair of 130-passenger ships in places like the Arctic and Antarctica, will assign solo travelers with another single of the same gender in a shared cabin if available. Ms. Frenette of TravelFun.Biz said about 80 percent of travelers with her groups take advantage of doubling up when it’s offered.

“There have been very, very few major problems,” she said. “The biggest is snoring.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Come Sail Away

Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

Icon Class Ships: Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has been a hit among cruise goers. The cruise line is adding to its fleet of megaships ,  but they have drawn criticism from environmental groups.

 Cruise Ship Surprises: Here are five unexpected features on ships , some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

 Icon of the Seas: Our reporter joined thousands of passengers on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . The most surprising thing she found? Some actual peace and quiet .

Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

TikTok’s Favorite New ‘Reality Show’:  People on social media have turned the unwitting passengers of a nine-month world cruise  into  “cast members”  overnight.

Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

  • Ingredients

These Are The Best Pickles To Serve With Barbecue

Pickles and raw onions served on a platter of barbecue meats

Pulled pork, ribs, sausage — the shining star of any barbecue meal is almost always considered the meat. But there are plenty of BBQ diehards out there who think no plate or sandwich is complete without the traditional garnishes and sides. After all, what's BBQ without cornbread, cowboy caviar, or even mac and cheese? For some aficionados, the real deal is a simple accompaniment of pickles, raw onions, and white bread . In Texas, at least, that trio is synonymous with barbecue. According to a writeup in  Texas Monthly that celebrates the pairing, it's been a standard since the late 19th century both in and out of the Lone Star State.

If you're planning on hosting a barbecue of your own  and you want to serve it up with the requisite pickles, go for dill. Many of the BBQ joints surveyed by Texas Monthly make their own pickles, but when they don't, they buy Best Maid. A readily available brand in Texas, these pickles may not be sold in your local supermarket, but you can order them online. If you're willing to take a road trip, you can even go crazy at Best Maid's Pickle Emporium in Fort Worth  (but the real pickle-heads among us probably already know that, huh?).

Why pickles go great with BBQ

Pickles served with a brisket sandwich

Pickles, raw onions, and white bread have historically been served with barbecue because they were simply the cheapest options available to buy in bulk from the local butcher. But just why do pickles feel so right with BBQ'd meat? It might have to do with the acidity of pickles and how they interact with the complex character of the meat and its sauces. The savory and slightly sweet taste of barbecue pairs well with the tangy vinegar-forward flavor of pickles, offering a little brightness between each heavy bite of BBQ. It's probably why pickles seem to go with anything salty and spicy, like Hot Cheetos .

Pickles have a lot of versatility, too, even after they've been served up with some brisket or pulled pork. You can use the leftover juice for a ton of different recipes , dressings, cocktails, and brines. And, hey, you've already got onions on-hand — why not pickle those, too?

Recommended

Coldwell Banker Home Page

1161 Kasper Road,  Moscow, ID 83843

Single Family

Kathi Nygaard

Idaho'S Best Homes & Land, LLC.

208-875-8100

Last updated:

September 11, 2024, 10:06 AM

street view default image

About This Home

WOW! Not enough descriptive words for this 1886 sq ft 2 story home on 34 ACRES! Driving up the scenic driveway you know you are in for a treat. Walk the paver path up to a MAJESTIC ENTRY and into a beautiful home full of light. The MAPLE FLOORS guide you through a beautiful main floor with a spacious living room & CATHEDRAL CEILINGS overlooking the mature landscape complete with a POND & working WINDMILL! The Eat-in kitchen is complete with ISLAND, COFFEE/WINE BAR, lighted cabinetry & views that make even doing the dishes a delight! Dual sliding doors provide an escape to the decks for morning coffee, afternoon cocktails, BBQ, hot tub & entertaining! A LARGE MASTER SUITE w/ soaking tub is a perfect retreat. Some amenities to enjoy outside are the oversized 2 car garage, 30x40 SHOP w/ 10x40 LEAN-TO, 14x30 POLE BUILDING, CHICKEN COOP, FIREPIT by the SEASONAL CREEK, fenced & RAISED GARDEN BEDS with garden shed dating to the early 1900's! Schedule your tour to see for yourself! IDAHO...LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE!

Built in 1998

Price Summary

$490 per Sq. Ft.

Last Updated:

2 day(s) ago

Rooms & Interior

Total Bedrooms:

Total Bathrooms:

Full Bathrooms:

Living Area:

1,886 Sq. Ft.

Building Area:

Year Built:

Lot Size (Sq. Ft):

Finances & Disclosures

Price per Sq. Ft:

Contact an Agent

Yes, I would like more information from Coldwell Banker. Please use and/or share my information with a Coldwell Banker agent to contact me about my real estate needs.

By clicking Contact I agree a Coldwell Banker Agent may contact me by phone or text message including by automated means and prerecorded messages about real estate services, and that I can access real estate services without providing my phone number. I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Wolf River Bbq

Photo of Wolf River Bbq - Moscow, TN, US. Smoking' hot grills producing authentically rustic BBQ

People also searched for

Restaurants

Reservations

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Map

15215 Highway 57

Moscow, TN 38057

You Might Also Consider

KFC

in Fast Food, Chicken Wings, Chicken Shop

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic Drive-In

in Fast Food, Burgers, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

Amenities and More

Powered by Health Department Intelligence

11 More Attributes

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Got a question about Wolf River Bbq ? Ask the Yelp community!

Recommended Reviews

Photo of Username

  • 1 star rating Not good
  • 2 star rating Could’ve been better
  • 3 star rating OK
  • 4 star rating Good
  • 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

Photo of Steven N.

Seriously good BBQ - Don't forget their seasoned fries. Do yourself a favor and stop by. Be aware - Cash only.

Photo of Janet A.

What happened? We got a takeout order with NO meat. We drove all the way back and then got a "lean" plate that was primarily fat and gristle, squashed waffles, and greens that had gone bad. Very disappointing for a $50+ meal. (This review is for the Wolf River BBQ on Wolf River & Houston Levee.)

Photo of adam h.

I stopped in after hunting got me some food and ended up getting food poisoning. I've never been so sick in my life.

Photo of Lee Anne C.

This is a great barbecue place with fantastic prices. It's a little far from Memphis but if you're in that area around Rossville, Piperton, or Moscow got to stop by and have one of those delicious sandwiches right off the smoker!!

Photo of Chuck B.

This tiny little roadside building isn't much bigger than a lemonade stand, but there sure is a lot of flavor to be found here. And the sandwiches are so MEATY! If you want to get something to eat along Hwy 57 anywhere within 15 miles of here you would do best to drop by and let Miss Leatha fix you a delightful and super tender pulled pork sandwich. When you discover the value you get and the quality of the food, you will be glad you decided to give this little shack a try. There are a few outdoor tables where you can eat or you can always eat in the car like I did once. Miss Leatha won't mind ...in fact, she was even hollering out the window of the place to see if I needed any more napkins. "No thanks...I'll just lick my fingers".

Smoking' hot grills producing authentically rustic BBQ

Smoking' hot grills producing authentically rustic BBQ

Photo of Mahendra P.

This BBQ joint is just east of Brad's BBQ in Moscow. There is no inside dining, but their is take out and wonderful outdoor shaded seating. The meat, the bread, and the slaw is all done well on the BBQ sandwich. The only problem is that there is not enough flavor. This joint is a high three stars.

Photo of Ramona J.

This is the best BBQ in Fayette County. You will never be left wanting. The sandwiches are humongous. I prefer mine without sauce cuz it taste like BBQ without the sauce, Others prefer sauce but to each his own. If you want th e biggest bestest BBQ stop by Wolf River BBQ and order a few.

Photo of Eugene O.

This is old style handed down through generations recipes for BBQ Pulled Pork and Ribs on a Slab. And, they are good!

Photo of Eroc S.

EAT HERE, or more likely buy here eat somewhere because there is no inside, picnic table only. This is much better than brad's or wolf river cafe and only locals know about it. Likely to see police/fire/DOT employees here feasting. One of my top 3 Cue joints in the mid south and I have been here 10 years now eating as much as I can.

1 other review that is not currently recommended

Burger King

Burger King

in Burgers, Fast Food

Subway

Try New $3 Footlong Dippers at Subway

in Sandwiches, Fast Food

People Also Viewed

Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Que on Yelp

Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Que

Brad’s Bar-B-Q on Yelp

Brad’s Bar-B-Q

Captain John’s Bar-B-Que on Yelp

Captain John’s Bar-B-Que

Three Little Pigs Bar-B-Q on Yelp

Three Little Pigs Bar-B-Q

Jimbos Brickhouse Barbeque on Yelp

Jimbos Brickhouse Barbeque

Jim Neely’s Interstate BBQ on Yelp

Jim Neely’s Interstate BBQ

Ball Hoggerz BBQ on Yelp

Ball Hoggerz BBQ

Collierville Commissary on Yelp

Collierville Commissary

A&R Bar-B-Que on Yelp

A&R Bar-B-Que

One & Only BBQ on Yelp

One & Only BBQ

Best of Moscow

Things to do in Moscow

Other Barbeque Nearby

Find more Barbeque near Wolf River Bbq

Browse Nearby

People found wolf river bbq by searching for….

Bbq Restaurants Moscow

Dining in Moscow

Search for Reservations

Book a Table in Moscow

  • Moscow, Idaho /

Best bbqs in Moscow, Idaho

  • Current location
  • Point on map

Martin's Smokehouse

IMAGES

  1. 11 Best Boat Grills for Your Nautical Grilling, Picnic and Other Uses

    best sailboat bbq

  2. 6 of the best: portable boat BBQ

    best sailboat bbq

  3. The best boat grill is the Magma Newport 2 Infra Red Gourmet Series

    best sailboat bbq

  4. On Dish Recipes For Cooking on A Boat

    best sailboat bbq

  5. Stainless Marine & Boat BBQs Australia

    best sailboat bbq

  6. How to Buy a Boat Grill

    best sailboat bbq

VIDEO

  1. Is This the Best Sailboat to Live Aboard? 43' Shucker Motor Sailor (Full Tour)

  2. Diving To The Bottom Of The Ocean For my Sailboat BBQ [Ep 30]

  3. Ep. 019: おひとり様BBQ

  4. Boat BBQ

  5. Caribbean Oxtail Barbecue

  6. Grilling

COMMENTS

  1. The 5 Best Sailboat Grills

    Kuuma Camco Stow N' Go 125 Gas Grill. This is a decent choice if you're looking for a mountable boat grill that's 100% made from stainless steel. This is an affordable propane grill that comes in various sizes ranging from 125, 160, 175, 216, and 316 square inches.

  2. 6 of the best: portable boat BBQ

    Best gas boat BBQ. Magma Marine Kettle 3. Equipped with a new, reliable electronic ignition system that runs on a single AAA alkaline battery, the new Magma Kettle 3 sports a highly polished marine-grade (18-9) stainless-steel exterior plus a heavy-duty safety inner shell that keeps the outside of the grill cool and protects against ...

  3. 5 Best Boat Grills of 2024

    Best Boat Grill: Cuisinart Ponoon Gril l An impressive mounted marine cooker that offers easy propane cooking and excellent heat retention. Runner-Up: Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 The perfect choice for those adventurous enough to brave smoking and charcoal grilling. A beautiful portable unit from one of the BBQ world's best smoker brands.

  4. The Best Boat Grills of 2024

    Our Top Picks For Boat Grills. Best Overall: Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill Shop Now . Best Propane Option: Char-Broil Portable Propane Gas Grill Shop Now . Most Budget-Friendly: Cuisinart Tabletop Propane Gas Grill Shop Now . Best Charcoal Boat Grill: Masterbuilt Digital Charcoal Grill + Smoker Shop Now .

  5. Best Boat Grills for 2024

    Our top-rated boat grills are the cream of the crop; we expect best-in-class performance in breezy conditions where portable grills just can't compare. Features - We don't just hand out top-rated classification. The best boat grills go above and beyond with great features, covering everything from warming racks andinfrared radiant screens ...

  6. Best marine grills: 6 ways to expand your onboard culinary options

    A portable grill that incorporates folding legs with a quick-release mounting system offers the best of both worlds for use on the boat or the beach. When it comes to cooking area, small vessels are best suited to kettle grills from about 130 to 165 sq. in. of cook surface, while larger boats can accommodate grills with grates from about 250 to ...

  7. Best Boat Grill Of 2024 (Review And Buying Guide)

    Magma Products Catalina 2. You'll notice more than one Magma grill on our list of the best boat grill options. And that's because they're the Ferrari of boat grills. Few other companies invest so much time and energy producing grills that have both on land and onboard applications.

  8. Best boat grills: 8 of the best options for the beach and your boat

    Magma Marine Kettle Gas boat grill. Specifications. Size: 15″-17″ wide x 6.5″-7″ tall | Weight: ‎4.17-5.04 kgs. Reasons to buy. Reasons to avoid. Magma is the market-leader in marine grills and their various kettle grill offerings are what one typically thinks of when the words "marine" and "grill" are used together.

  9. 5 Best Boat Grills for Pontoon & Sailboats Reviewed [2023]

    Our recommendations for the Best Boat Grills: Best Overall: Magma Newport 2 Infrared Grill. Premium Option: Blaze Marine Grade Professional. Great Value for Money: Camco Olympian 5500. Best Option for Easy Mounting: Extreme Marine Cuisinart Petit Gourmet. Most Compact Option: Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill. Contents show.

  10. 6 Best Boat Grills

    2. Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill. You would most certainly appreciate having Magma's marine kettle grill on your boat, but that is if you can get past the salty price tag. It's well justified, nonetheless. It's made out of super light high-grade stainless steel that provides improved rust protection.

  11. 11 Best Boat Grills for Your Nautical Grilling, Picnic and Other Uses

    This long-lasting stainless metal boat grill delivers a maximum marine and outdoor cooking experience. Boaters love this marine grill as it is one of the top-rated boat grills offering optimal surface capacity. 4. Magma Marine Kettle A10-205 Stainless Steel Gas Grill.

  12. 10 Best Boat Grills (2024) Get the Most Bang for Your Buck!

    Cheapest Boat Grill: Coleman Camp Propane Grill. Top-Performing Infrared Portable Grill: Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Grill. Best Compact Grill for Boat: CUISINART CGG-180T Portable Boat Propane Grill. Best Boat Grill with Mounting Bracket: Cuisinart Grill with Arnall's Stainless Steel. Editor's Choice.

  13. 21 Best Boat Grills: The Ultimate List

    With all of the accessories that come with this griddle, there are a total of 7 different ways to cook your food, and both sides at a time mean less time cooking, more time eating, and enjoying ...

  14. Boat Grills: BBQ Equipment on the Water

    The prices of marine charcoal grills are attractive at just around $150 or $200. Magma is one of the most popular marine grill brands available for boaters, offering charcoal and gas options. Unlike gas or charcoal, electric grills require that you have a reliable source of AC power on board—either from shorepower or a generator.

  15. Magma Cabo Gas Grill

    Upgrade Your On-Deck Cooking with the Magma Cabo Gas Grill. Elevate your boating experience with the Magma Cabo Gas Grill, expertly designed for boat owners who value premium quality without breaking the bank.Crafted entirely from 100% 304 mirror-polished marine-grade stainless steel, the Cabo delivers exceptional durability and performance, making it an ideal choice for serious seagoing chefs.

  16. Best BBQ for a sailboat

    Sovereign Bravo, Galleymate 1000, both Australian and both expensive, and Magna Chef's Mate Connoisseur, the lowest price, were recommended. Magna Catalina Gourmet Series was best choice. An earlier review had rated the Magna Catalina best choice and Force 10 the budget buy. Kuuma was not reviewed.

  17. Boat Grill Buying Guide

    Boat Grill. Specifically engineered for boat use. Cuts down on blinding glare. Warrantied over the water. When we say "boat grill," we mean a grill literally designed to be used on the open water. These grills boast three standout features: superior rust resistance, special anti-glare components, and appropriate warranties.

  18. Marine Grills

    Magma Products offers a wide selection of Marine Grills. Browse our available options now and find the right one for you!

  19. Best Boat Grill Reviews

    3.5 Char-Broil TRU-Infrared - Best Portable Boat Grill; 3.6 Kumma Stow and Go 160 Grill; 3.7 Dickinson Large Sea-B-Que Marine Boat Grill; 4 How To Choose The Best Boat Grill; 5 Pitfalls To Avoid When Buying A Portable Gas Grill for Boating; 6 Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Boat Barbecue Grill. 6.1 Materials and Built Quality

  20. Foil Boat Brisket

    The Foil Boat Brisket is a twist on a classic smoked brisket recipe. ... Made famous by Chuds BBQ, this cutting-edge and increasingly popular barbecue technique involves letting the brisket cook in its own juices. The foil boat helps achieve that crave-worthy, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. ... The best way to monitor the temperature is to use ...

  21. Thinking About a Solo Cruise? Here's What to Know

    Come Sail Away Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel. Icon Class Ships: Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has been a hit among cruise goers.

  22. What Are The Best Pickles To Pair With Barbecue?

    But just why do pickles feel so right with BBQ'd meat? It might have to do with the acidity of pickles and how they interact with the complex character of the meat and its sauces. The savory and slightly sweet taste of barbecue pairs well with the tangy vinegar-forward flavor of pickles, offering a little brightness between each heavy bite of BBQ.

  23. Russian $50M Combat Jet Shot Down Over Black Sea: Ukraine Video

    "Destruction of Su-30SM jet by a MANPADS missile from GUR boat in the Black Sea near Crimea-2 drilling rig," posted X user C4H10FO2P next to the 53-second video. ... "It's one of Russia's best ...

  24. Bon Appétit names Barbs B Q in Lockhart to Best New Restaurants list

    The magazine Monday named the woman-owned barbecue restaurant one of the Best New Restaurants in America. Chuck Charnichart, Alexis Tovías Morales and Haley Conlin, with the support of investor ...

  25. THE 10 BEST BBQ Restaurants in Moscow (Updated 2024)

    Rakia, Ajvar, meat, meat and meat…. Succulent from start to finish!! Great traditional Serbian restaurant. 3. Dzhumbus. 315 reviews Open Now. Mediterranean, Barbecue $$ - $$$. Great place, service and food here. This is a real 5 stars restaurant in the...

  26. THE 10 BEST Moscow Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    I got a nice luxury boat. It has good restaurant inside too. Boat tour is around 1.5 hours. The total tour was awesome . There are many historical and main buildings and places in moscow can view from the boat. Each place announce by boat staff. There is a tour map also inside the boat. Staff is really helpful and good service done for us.

  27. 1161 Kasper Road, Moscow, ID 83843

    Idaho'S Best Homes & Land, LLC. 208-875-8100. Last updated: September 11, 2024, 10:06 AM. MLS# 98923496. Source: ID IMLS. Street View. About This Home. ... afternoon cocktails, BBQ, hot tub & entertaining! A LARGE MASTER SUITE w/ soaking tub is a perfect retreat. Some amenities to enjoy outside are the oversized 2 car garage, 30x40 SHOP w ...

  28. WOLF RIVER BBQ

    Delivery & Pickup Options - 9 reviews and 10 photos of WOLF RIVER BBQ "This BBQ joint is just east of Brad's BBQ in Moscow. There is no inside dining, but their is take out and wonderful outdoor shaded seating. The meat, the bread, and the slaw is all done well on the BBQ sandwich. The only problem is that there is not enough flavor. This joint is a high three stars."

  29. Best bbqs in Moscow, Idaho, summer 2024

    No info on opening hours. $$$ $ Firehouse Grill & Pub Pub & bar, BBQ, Restaurant. #12 of 17 BBQs in Moscow. May be permanently closed. American, Barbecue, Grill. $ $$$ QDOBA Mexican Eats Mexican, Fast food, Restaurant, BBQ. #13 of 17 BBQs in Moscow. Closed until 10:30AM. $$ $$ The Dirty Goat Saloon Pub & bar, BBQ.