Best Camping Grills That Can Also Boil Water or Make Coffee
When I’m out camping, I want my gear to do more than one thing. Sure, I love a good grilled meal—but I also want to boil water for coffee, tea, or oatmeal without packing a separate stove. That’s why I started looking for camping grills that double as cooktops so I can throw on a pot or kettle just like I would at home.
If you’re like me and love a strong cup of coffee with your eggs or need hot water for ramen after a long hike, these Amazon camping grills are made for multitaskers. Let’s dive into the best models that can grill your steak and boil your water.
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What to Look for in a Grill That Can Boil Water or Make Coffee
Not all camping grills can handle cookware. Here’s what I look for:
- Open flame or burner access (griddles won’t work for pots)
- Sturdy, flat grates that can hold a pot or kettle
- Even heat distribution for safe boiling
- At least 6,000+ BTUs per burner
- Bonus: Dual-burner grills let you cook and boil at the same time
Top Camping Grills That Can Also Boil Water or Brew Coffee (Amazon Picks)
1. Coleman Classic Propane Stove
This is a tried-and-true camping staple. It’s technically a stove, but I’ve used it for years to boil water and even fry bacon on a griddle top. The dual burners support pots, percolators, pans—whatever you throw at it.
- 20,000 total BTUs (10,000 each burner)
- Wind-blocking side panels
- Easily fits a pot or coffee kettle
- Compact, reliable, and budget-friendly
2. Camp Chef Explorer Double Burner Stove
This one is perfect for larger groups or if you want a real camp kitchen. You can grill, use a griddle, and boil water all at once. The burners are huge—this thing boils water faster than my stove at home.
- 30,000 BTUs per burner
- Detachable legs
- Wide, stable surface for heavy pots
- Optional accessories like pizza oven, grill box, or griddle
3. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill
This one has interchangeable cooktops—so you can swap the grill grate for a stove grate or griddle. I use it to boil water for French press coffee or heat up soup in a small pot.
- 20,000 BTUs total
- Compatible with Swaptop accessories
- 3 adjustable burners
- Collapsible legs + wheels for portability
4. Gas One Dual Fuel Portable Stove
This ultra-portable stove runs on butane or propane and is incredibly fast at boiling water. It’s not a grill, but it’s a solid add-on if your primary grill doesn’t support cookware. I use this one when I’m making coffee while my grill is busy.
- 7,650 BTUs
- Boils water in under 4 minutes
- Compact, lightweight, and travel-ready
- Comes with a carrying case
5. Blackstone 17-Inch Portable Gas Griddle with Single Burner
Technically a griddle, but hear me out: this model has an open enough surface where you can carefully place a small percolator or metal pot right on top. I’ve done this multiple times while camping solo.
- 12,000 BTUs
- Perfect for breakfast and small meals
- Compact but powerful
- Easy to clean and store
Best Camping Coffee Setups to Pair With Your Grill
If you’re serious about your camp coffee (like me), here are a few items I recommend keeping in your gear bag:
- Stainless Steel Percolator – Old-school flavor and works on most grills
- GSI Outdoors Pour-Over Cone – Lightweight, simple, and effective
- Jetboil Flash – If you want superfast boiling off-grid
- Enamel Camping Mug – Durable and classic
Why I Use a Dual-Burner Grill for Coffee and Meals
Nothing beats cooking breakfast on one side of your grill while heating up water for coffee on the other. It saves time and lets me relax while everything comes together. Dual burners give you flexibility, and they’re totally worth the investment if you camp often.
Quick Tips for Boiling Water on a Camping Grill
- Use flat-bottomed pots or kettles for better heat transfer
- Make sure the grate is stable before placing anything heavy
- Keep the flame on medium to avoid damaging smaller cookware
- Don’t use nonstick pots over an open flame unless they’re flame-rated
One Grill, Many Uses
Camping is all about simplicity—and nothing simplifies your gear like a grill that also boils water or brews your morning coffee. Whether you go for the Coleman Classic Stove, the Camp Chef Explorer, or a Swaptop-compatible grill like the RoadTrip 285, you’ll love the flexibility.
I always start my camp mornings with coffee on one burner and eggs on the other. It’s the best way to wake up outdoors.
Perfect for Minimalist Camping Setups
I love cutting down on the amount of gear I carry. When one grill can handle both cooking and boiling, I don’t have to pack an extra stove or burner. That’s especially helpful when space is tight in my trunk, rooftop carrier, or hiking pack. It simplifies the setup and teardown process.
Great for Early Mornings at Camp
There’s nothing like waking up at sunrise, starting the fire, and firing up your grill to make coffee while everything is still quiet. With grills like the Coleman Classic Stove or the Gas One Portable, I can have boiling water ready for French press coffee in less than 5 minutes. That’s the kind of calm I live for.
Safer Than Balancing a Pot Over the Fire
Don’t get me wrong—I love a good campfire. But I’ve had too many close calls balancing a pot over the flames. These propane grills give me better stability and control when boiling water, especially when kids are around. It’s just safer.
I Boil Water for More Than Just Coffee
Coffee’s the main reason I need hot water, but I also use it for instant oatmeal, freeze-dried meals, pasta, rice, soup, and even washing dishes. Being able to boil water right on the grill saves me from lighting an extra burner or waiting longer.
Fuel Efficiency Is a Bonus
Most of these grills are very fuel-efficient when boiling water. A single 1 lb propane tank will last me multiple mornings for boiling, cooking, and even heating dishwater. I bring a backup tank just in case, but I’ve never run out during a weekend trip.
Camp Chef Explorer Is a Full Outdoor Kitchen
If you’re camping with family or a group, the Camp Chef Explorer is the real deal. I’ve used it to grill dinner, boil pasta, make coffee, and even warm up cocoa for the kids—all at once. The space and power are unbeatable for larger camp setups.
Stability Matters When Boiling Water Outdoors
Always make sure your grill or stove has a stable, level surface before putting a kettle or pot on top. I use a foldable camp table or a flat patch of ground. A wobbling pot of boiling water is the last thing you want to deal with in the woods.
Accessories to Improve Your Camp Coffee Game
Aside from the grill, a few small upgrades have made a big difference for me:
- Silicone coffee dripper – Folds flat, easy to clean
- Collapsible kettle – Packs down small and heats fast
- Mini hand grinder – Fresh grounds taste way better
- Reusable coffee filters – Less waste, less hassle
Great for Overlanders and Van Lifers Too
If you’re traveling in a van, SUV, or overlanding rig, these compact grills give you all the versatility of a kitchen without draining your battery or needing shore power. The dual-use capability—cooking and boiling—makes it ideal for self-sustained road trips.
Ideal for Cooler Weather Camping
When the weather’s cold, I’m boiling water constantly. For coffee, sure—but also for warming up soup, broth, or a hot water bottle to keep in the sleeping bag. Grills like the Coleman RoadTrip 285 and Gas One Portable are a blessing when temperatures drop.
Good Coffee = Better Camping
It’s a small detail, but honestly, good coffee changes the whole mood of a camping trip. Being able to make it on the same grill you’re using for breakfast just makes everything flow better. Less setup, less cleanup, more relaxing.