Small Barbecues for Campervans and Small Motorhomes: The Best Compact BBQs available in the UK
One of the great pleasures of travelling around the UK in our various campervans or small motorhomes was being able to stop somewhere beautiful, put the chairs outside and cook dinner in the fresh air. We love nothing batter than a bbq and a glass of wine or beer.
But we found that space was always at a premium. There is little point buying a large family barbecue if it is going to take up half of your storage locker. Fortunately, there are plenty of small, portable barbecues available in the UK that are specifically suited to camping, caravanning and motorhoming.
From compact gas models that pack away into surprisingly small spaces to traditional charcoal barbecues, there is something to suit almost every type of campervan traveller.
What should you look for in a campervan BBQ?
The best BBQ for a small motorhome isn't necessarily the smallest one you can find. You need something that is compact when stored, but still practical when you actually want to cook.
Important things to consider include:
Packed size: Measure the locker or storage area where you intend to keep the BBQ before buying it.
Weight: If you are regularly moving the BBQ from the motorhome to your pitch, a lighter model can make life considerably easier.
Fuel: Gas is convenient and quick, while charcoal provides the traditional barbecue experience and smoky flavour.
Cooking area: A BBQ for two people doesn't need a huge grill, but it should still be large enough to cook a complete meal without having to do everything in batches.
Ease of cleaning: This is particularly important when travelling. A BBQ that can be cleaned quickly and packed away neatly is a major advantage.
Storage: Folding legs, removable components, carrying handles and storage bags are all useful features in a small motorhome.
CADAC Safari Chef 30 – a campervan favourite
If you ask experienced motorhomers about compact gas barbecues, the CADAC Safari Chef 30 is likely to come up repeatedly.
CADAC describes the Safari Chef 30 as a lightweight portable BBQ designed for camping, motorhoming and caravanning. The newer 2025 Deluxe range has been redesigned to pack down 24% smaller than the previous version, while weighing around 4.2kg.
The attraction isn't simply its size. The Safari Chef is a versatile outdoor cooking system rather than just a basic grill.
Depending on the version and accessories, you can grill meat and vegetables, use a flat cooking plate, cook with a pan or use the BBQ with its lid. Its folding legs and storage bag make it particularly suitable for a motorhome where every centimetre of storage space matters.
CADAC's earlier specifications give a packed size of approximately 25 × 33 × 33cm for some Safari Chef 30 versions, demonstrating just how compact the design can be.
Why choose the Safari Chef 30?
Click this link to buy a CADAC Safari Chef 30
The Weber Go-Anywhere BBQ
This is another excellent option for anyone who wants a compact but substantial BBQ.
The UK version is a one-burner gas BBQ measuring approximately 36.9cm high × 53.4cm wide × 31cm deep with the lid closed. It weighs 7.22kg and has a 42 × 26cm cooking area.
That makes it larger and heavier than something like the Safari Chef 30, but it offers a more traditional BBQ shape and a useful cooking area.
The folding legs pivot into position for cooking and then help lock the BBQ closed for carrying. It also has a porcelain-enamelled lid and base designed to retain heat.
If you prefer charcoal, the Weber Go-Anywhere is an excellent compact alternative.
It has the same basic space-saving rectangular concept as the gas version, with folding legs that secure the lid for carrying. The current UK model measures 36.9 × 53.4 × 31cm when closed, weighs 6.78kg and has a 42 × 26cm cooking area. Weber says it is suitable for cooking for two to four people.
The rectangular shape is actually useful in a motorhome because it can be easier to store than a traditional round kettle BBQ.
The lid also means you have a way of containing the barbecue once you've finished cooking, although you should always ensure the charcoal and ash are completely cold before transporting it.
Click this link to buy a Weber Go Anywhere Gas BBQ
Click this link to buy a Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal BBQ
Weber Smokey Joe BBQ
If storage space is even tighter, the Weber Smokey Joe is worth considering.
It is a small, round charcoal barbecue with a carrying handle and stable feet. Weber describes its portable charcoal range as lightweight and suitable for storage in cars, caravans and trailers. Its portable charcoal BBQs start at around 4.27kg.
The round design is particularly compact, although it doesn't offer the same rectangular storage advantage as the Go-Anywhere.
For a couple who mainly want to cook burgers, sausages, chicken, vegetables or the occasional steak, a Smokey Joe can be more than adequate.
Click this link to buy a Weber Smokey Joe BBQ
CADAC Safari Chef 30 Deluxe
The Safari Chef 30 Deluxe deserves separate mention because it is probably one of the most interesting choices for serious campervan cooks.
The latest Deluxe range has been designed specifically to improve packability. CADAC says the 2025 version packs 24% smaller than its predecessor and weighs 4.2kg.
The big advantage is versatility. Instead of taking a separate grill, frying pan and camping cooker, you can use different cooking surfaces with the Safari Chef.
That makes it particularly appealing if you are trying to minimise the amount of equipment carried in a small motorhome.
Click this link to buy a CADAC Safari Chef 30 Delux
Campingaz Party Grill 200
The Campingaz Party Grill 200 takes a slightly different approach.
It is more of a compact camping cooking system than a conventional barbecue, making it useful if you want to boil, fry and grill rather than simply barbecue meat.
This can be a clever solution for a small campervan because one piece of equipment can cover several cooking jobs.
It is also considerably cheaper than some of the premium portable BBQs, making it worth considering for occasional campers.
Best for:
Motorhomers who want one compact outdoor cooker that can do more than simply grill.
Click this link to buy a Camping Gas Party Grill
Budget portable BBQs
You don't have to spend £100 or more on a portable barbecue.
There are numerous inexpensive folding charcoal BBQs available from UK retailers. For example, the current shopping results include models from retailers such as Millets, Mountain Warehouse, ASDA and B&Q for relatively little money.
These can be perfectly adequate if you only barbecue occasionally.
However, there is a significant difference between a £10–£30 folding grill and a £100–£170 portable BBQ from manufacturers such as CADAC or Weber.
Cheaper models can be useful if you're looking for something lightweight and inexpensive, but a more expensive model is likely to offer better construction, temperature control, cooking performance and longevity.
For someone who spends a lot of time touring, buying a good-quality BBQ once may ultimately be better value.
Gas or charcoal – which is best for a campervan?
This is probably the biggest decision you'll need to make.
Gas
Gas is arguably the easiest option for regular motorhome touring.
You can light the BBQ quickly, control the temperature easily and finish cooking without dealing with hot charcoal and ash.
It is particularly convenient when you arrive at a campsite late and don't want to spend half an hour getting a charcoal BBQ ready.
The disadvantage is that you need to carry the appropriate gas supply and make sure the BBQ, regulator, hose and gas cylinder or cartridge are compatible.
Charcoal
Charcoal gives you that unmistakable barbecue flavour and is often part of the enjoyment.
The downside is that it takes longer to get going and creates hot ash that has to be dealt with safely.
For occasional weekend trips, charcoal can be great. For frequent touring, many people will find gas considerably more convenient.
How much cooking space do you really need?
This is where many people go wrong.
When buying a campervan BBQ, it can be tempting to choose the smallest possible model. But if you're cooking for two people, you still need enough room for the food.
For two people, something with a cooking area around 28cm in diameter, such as the Safari Chef 30, can be perfectly practical.
A rectangular BBQ such as the Weber Go-Anywhere provides a larger 42 × 26cm cooking area and is suitable for two to four people according to Weber.
Think about what you normally cook.
If it's just:
you don't need a huge grill.
If you're cooking for four people or want to cook several different foods simultaneously, the extra cooking area will be worthwhile.
Storage is just as important as cooking performance
Before buying, get a tape measure and measure the locker where your BBQ is going to live.
Don't just look at the BBQ's dimensions when it's being used. Check the packed dimensions.
A BBQ that is 30cm wide when packed can be considerably easier to live with than one that is 50cm wide, even if the larger model gives you more cooking space.
Also think about what happens after you've used it.
A dirty, greasy BBQ isn't something you want rolling around next to your camping chairs and bedding. A storage bag or dedicated exterior locker can make life much easier.
Weber recommends disconnecting and safely storing gas canisters before travelling, keeping charcoal in a sealed container and securing the BBQ so it cannot tip over while the vehicle is moving.
Don't forget the campsite rules
Having a portable BBQ doesn't mean you can necessarily use it wherever you like.
Always check the rules of your campsite, especially if you're staying on a site with specific fire regulations. Local restrictions can also apply in parks, beaches, forests and other public areas.
And, perhaps most importantly, never use a BBQ inside your campervan or motorhome.
A BBQ should also never be used inside an awning or other enclosed space. Carbon monoxide and fire are serious hazards.
Set the BBQ up outside, on a stable and suitable surface, well away from the motorhome, awning, tents, vegetation and other combustible materials.
Our top choices for small motorhomes
After looking at the current range, these would be my shortlist:
🥇 Best all-rounder: CADAC Safari Chef 30 https://link.amazon/B0clMcTje
Compact, lightweight, versatile and specifically designed around camping and caravanning. Its ability to pack down small makes it particularly attractive for a small motorhome.
🥈 Best gas BBQ: Weber Go-Anywhere Gas https://link.amazon/B0fGXUCXA
A more conventional BBQ with a generous cooking area, folding legs and a quality build. It's a particularly good option if you want something that feels like a "proper" BBQ without taking up garden- BBQ levels of space.
🥉 Best charcoal BBQ: Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal https://link.amazon/B0hcAh9Kt
A sturdy, compact charcoal BBQ with a useful rectangular shape and enough cooking space for two to four people.
Best for versatility: Campingaz Party Grill 200 https://link.amazon/B02vt9jdp
Ideal if you want an outdoor cooker that can do more than just barbecue.
Best on a budget: Small folding charcoal BBQ
If you're only going to barbecue a few times a year, one of the inexpensive folding models can make sense and takes up very little room.
You might also want to consider a Cobb BBQ see my review here: Cobb BBQ Cooking System Review
Final thoughts
For anyone travelling in a small motorhome or campervan, a BBQ needs to earn its place in your limited storage space.
The CADAC Safari Chef 30 is arguably the most motorhome-friendly option because it combines a small packed size with a surprisingly versatile cooking system. The Weber Go-Anywhere Gas is an excellent choice if you want a conventional gas BBQ, while the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal is ideal for those who wouldn't dream of giving up the flavour of real charcoal.
If you're only an occasional barbecue user, don't overlook the inexpensive folding models. But if you spend much of the summer touring, investing in a well-designed portable BBQ could make outdoor cooking considerably easier.
Ultimately, the best campervan BBQ is the one that fits your storage space, suits the way you cook and doesn't become a chore to set up and clean.
And that is really what motorhome cooking should be about: less time wrestling with equipment and more time sitting outside, enjoying the view and your dinner.
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