Best Propane Grills for Cooking Multiple Dishes at Once While Camping
When I’m out camping with family or friends, I don’t want to wait around cooking one thing at a time. I want a grill that lets me throw on burgers, veggies, corn, and maybe even a skillet of baked beans—all at once. That’s why I started searching for propane grills built for multitasking, and let me tell you: not all grills are created equal when it comes to cooking multiple dishes efficiently.
In this post, I’ll show you the top propane grills I’ve found (and used) that make cooking for a group fast, organized, and fun—all without needing a full outdoor kitchen setup.
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Multi-Dish Grill While Camping
- Saves Time – No more cooking in shifts or eating cold sides.
- Better Meal Timing – Everything finishes at the same time.
- Less Cleanup – You only fire up one grill instead of multiple burners or pots.
- More Enjoyment – You spend more time with people and less time flipping food.
Top Propane Grills That Handle Multiple Dishes Like a Pro
1. Camp Chef Explorer 2-Burner Stove
This isn’t your typical camping grill. It’s a two-burner powerhouse that gives you 30,000 BTUs per burner and room for multiple cooking tools—griddles, pots, skillets, or grill boxes.
- Why I love it: I can grill on one side and boil water for pasta or potatoes on the other.
- Bonus: Legs are removable, and it packs down nicely.
2. Blackstone 22-Inch Tabletop Griddle with Propane Hookup
This griddle is flat-top heaven. With 339 square inches of space, you can cook pancakes, bacon, eggs, and burgers at the same time—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at camp.
- Why it’s great: Even heat distribution across the whole surface.
- Pro tip: Bring a squeeze bottle for water and use the steam to help cook thicker items faster.
3. Weber Q3200 Propane Gas Grill
This is the ultimate camping grill for people who take food seriously. Two burners, a large cooking surface (393 sq in), and a built-in thermometer make it easy to control heat zones.
- Why I recommend it: You can cook meat on one side and use the other for delicate items like fish or vegetables.
- Fold-out tables give you a place to prep without needing extra furniture.
4. Cuisinart CGG-7400 4-Burner Propane Grill
If you’re camping with a big group, this is your grill. Four burners mean four separate heat zones, so you can run multiple dishes without burning or undercooking anything.
- Total cooking area: 610 sq in.
- Why I love it: I use one burner on low for warming tortillas and another on high for searing meat.
5. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
Don’t be fooled by the size—this is one of the most versatile propane grills for campers. It has three independently adjustable burners and a cast-iron grate that heats evenly.
- Why it’s perfect: You can cook breakfast on one side and burgers on the other with ease.
- Portability: The collapsible stand makes it easy to roll and transport.
Tips for Cooking Multiple Dishes at Once
Use Heat Zones
One of the tricks I’ve learned is creating indirect heat areas—that way, you can sear steaks on one burner and slow-cook veggies on the other.
Bring Foil and Cast Iron
Using foil packets for sides like potatoes or onions makes it easy to toss them onto a corner of the grill. I also travel with a cast iron skillet for eggs, stir-fries, or even dessert.
Don’t Forget the Prep
If your grill has fold-out tables or room for a side table, take advantage. Having a place to prep sauces or rest cooked items is a lifesaver when juggling multiple dishes.
Final Thoughts
Camping doesn’t mean sacrificing great meals—or spending an hour making one dish at a time. With the right propane grill, you can cook a full spread all at once, keep your group happy, and still have time to enjoy the view, the fire, and the people you’re with.
You Don’t Need a Giant Grill
When I started out, I thought cooking multiple things at once meant I needed a massive grill. But that’s not true. It’s all about how well the grill is designed to use its space—burner layout, heat zones, and usable surface area matter more than overall size.
Burners That Work Independently Are a Game-Changer
Some grills look big but only have one temperature control for the whole surface. That doesn’t help when you’re cooking fish and chicken at the same time. I always check if the burners are independently controlled—that’s what lets me truly cook two or three meals in one go.
Griddles Are Your Secret Weapon
Flat-top griddles are seriously underrated. I’ve cooked eggs, fajitas, pancakes, sausages, peppers, tortillas—and even burgers—all side-by-side on a griddle. It’s the ultimate multitask tool for camping, especially for breakfast or quick lunches.
Use Foil Packets for Zero Hassle Sides
When I want to add potatoes, onions, or sliced zucchini, I wrap them in foil with a little oil and seasoning. Toss them in a corner of the grill and boom—hands-free cooking while you flip burgers on the other side. It’s also super easy to clean up.
Bring a Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet turns any propane grill into a multifunctional cooking station. I use mine for beans, scrambled eggs, sautéed veggies, or even cornbread. Just place it on a medium burner and it handles everything.
Think in “Zones”
When I plan my camping meals, I divide the grill mentally into hot, medium, and low zones. Hot for meats, medium for vegetables, and low for warming or resting food. It keeps everything moving without overcooking anything.
Cook in Waves—Then Hold Warm
Even if you don’t have a four-burner monster, you can still cook in stages. Grill meat first, then move it to a low-heat corner to rest while you toss on veggies or bread. With a little rhythm, everything finishes together.
Breakfast Is Better on a Multi-Dish Grill
One of my favorite camping meals is a big breakfast with eggs, sausage, toast, and hash browns. I can do it all on one grill when I set up right. It’s satisfying to cook a complete morning meal without juggling multiple pans or burners.
Keeps Everyone Happy and Fed
Let’s be honest—when you’re camping with a group, everyone wants to eat now. A grill that lets you cook three or four items at once helps you avoid the frustration of feeding people in shifts. It keeps the vibe relaxed and the food flowing.
Less Gear = Less Hassle
I used to pack a camp stove, griddle, and grill—just to cook a full meal. Now I bring one multi-burner propane grill and do it all. It cuts down on packing, setup time, and fuel usage. Simpler, smarter, better.
Cleanup Is Easier Too
Instead of scrubbing multiple pots or pans, I just scrape down the grates, clean the drip tray, and I’m done. Fewer dishes = more time by the fire. A well-organized grill helps with both the cooking and the cleaning.
It’s Worth the Investment
A quality propane grill that can handle multiple dishes at once might cost a little more, but it pays off every time you camp. It’s like bringing your kitchen with you—but way more fun. And with the right gear, you won’t feel like you’re “roughing it” at all.