My buddies and I are planning for a hiking trip, and we wanted to bring a grill but didn’t know how much do grills weigh?
Grills weigh 2.2 pounds or up to and over 120 pounds, depending on what materials the manufacturer uses to make the grill. A Few other things to consider are where will this take place, what is the fuel source, and how big of a grill do you need? Below is a list we gathered for how much grills weigh.

What are the materials used in a grill?
The materials used to make the grill is what determines how heavy it is. The choice of material used typically comes down to what type of grill you are getting.
The piece of the grill that is doing the actual cooking is the grates, and they are made of cast iron and porcelain-coated. Some of the electric grills have nonstick ceramic coating grates or cooking plates that help to cut down on the weight. Since there is no direct flame, it’s best to have a solid piece to heat.
A variety of materials go into the production of the body for the grill. Lightweight grills may be durable plastic to or premium ceramic. Grills that have a direct heat are made of metal and usually have a porcelain-enameled coating. This coating allows them to handle extremely high temperatures and protects the metal from rust and damage from the weather.
Make sure you clean your grill to have the best tasting food everytime. To lean how to clean your grill after use, view our post on how to clean a grill.
What is the fuel source?
The three options are going to be electric, charcoal, and propane. Each of these has its uses depending on the situation. You may find yourself owning all three types like me. See our list below for the Pros and Cons for each of the types of grills.
Always remember to bring a fire extinguisher when using an open flame and practice responsible fire safety. If you’re using charcoal, it helps to bring a fire starter to help light the coals.

Electric | Charcoal | Propane | |
---|---|---|---|
Pros | Lightweight No Flame Simple Cleanup | Extremely High temperatures True Grilled Flavor | Easy to Use Temperature controlled Relatively Quick |
Cons | Electricity Required Small or Single Serving Portions | Requires Cleaning Can't use everywhere due to Fire | You’ll Need Gas Can't use everywhere due to Fire |
Great For | Dorms (if allowed) RVs Apartments and Patios Hotels on roadtrips | Tailgates Camping Backyard parties | Camping Hiking Backyard parties |
Where am I going to grill?
The best thing about portable grills is that you can use them anywhere. Camping, hiking, and tailgating are just the start, but showing up to the tailgate with a George Foreman Grill might get you some funny looks from other fans. Consider where you’re going to be cooking.
When hiking or camping, you might be able to find a flat rock to use as a table to set your grill on, or when tailgating, you can use the tailgate depending on the type of grill because the wrong heat source could damage your paint. Hopefully, if you’re tailgating, you brought a table, cooler, and a canopy for some shade.

How big of a grill do I need?
It depends on what you are cooking and how many people.
For hiking, you can want a grill that is small, light, and compact, especially if you are solo. You’re not going to be cooking significant portions and only going to use it for dinner or breakfast if you make a campsite.
If you are going out on an RV, camping for the weekend, or tailgating before the game, it’s best to choose something bigger than smaller. Even if you are by yourself, a bigger grill allows for more of a variety in the meals you can cook.
For a group of people or a family, you will want as big as you can get away with, depending on the situation. It’s never fun serving 1 or 2 burgers at a time when feeding over four people, much less trying to cook steaks for the family dinner.
Check out these grills for your backyard. These will be a fixed location, so it’s ok to get a bigger and heavier Grill. Most of them have wheels for relatively easy maneuverability.
What is the lightest grill?
The lightest grills are going to be small portable propane or electric grills. There’s even a model that weighs only 2.2 pounds. When considering packing a grill on a hike, the size and shape are going to be the issue. If you have some storage area in an RV or boat, then one of the small propane grills would be perfect. These types of grills weigh on average about 20 pounds, but depending on the materials and design, it can vary.
Charcoal grills can weigh as little as 5 pounds but typically are more prominent and use heavy metals due to extreme heats it needs to withstand. A typical kettle charcoal grill grills weigh 33 pounds, but depending on the brand and what materials they use, it can vary slightly.
Once you start getting larger than a 22″ kettle grill, the weight begins to increase pretty rapidly. It’s because metal makes up most of the framework and support, so it can be sturdy enough not to tip over. The last thing a grill company would want is one of their products tipping over in the middle of cooking, so they make sure the frame is secure. If you are installing one at home, please make sure to tighten every bolt and screw.
We have put together a list of grills and their weight from lowest to heaviest below. If your grill is not listed, there should be an equal equivalent.
If you are looking for how much a BBQ Smoker weighs, see our post specifically for BBQ Smokers.
What did I end up choosing?
After discussing the details with my friends who are going on this trip with me, we ended up going with an over fire camp grill. The legs fold up, so it allows for easy transportation, and we can fit easily into a pack along with some camping cookware.
If you want to learn how to grill an amazing steak, view our post on how to grill a steak.