We Tested the Portable Coleman Camping Grill Stove

The Coleman camping grill stove is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. We tested this portable grill to provide a comprehensive, honest review. Read more about the pros and cons to decide if this is the best camping grill for you to cook delicious meals in the great outdoors.

This tabletop unit is a two-in-one grill and stove. The stove burner is on the left and can be used simultaneously with the grill. There is plenty of space to cook chicken skewers and hamburger patties while also boiling water for mac & cheese.

My favorite features of this grill are the compact size, ease of use, and portability.

Assembly and Setup

ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

This grill does require some minor assembly out of the box. Use a screwdriver to attach the plastic feet to the bottom, assemble the wind baffles, and twist on the propane regulator.

Place the pot support above the stove burner and slide the drip tray into the slots below the grill.

SETUP

Once assembled, both setup and use are simple. We have used it in various small outdoor spaces, including on a picnic table, a foldable outdoor table, and on the back patio. If you’re careful and don’t use a lot of grill tools or accessories, you may be able to set it up on small side tables.

I have one other point to make about the setup. When attaching the small propane tank (use only a 1-pound gas bottle) and regulator to the grill, it takes some trial and error to get the proper angle. If it’s not at a precise angle, it forces the grill to sit up and away from the flat surface of the tabletop.

IGNITION

The first time I used this on a cookout, my initial test took a couple of attempts to ignite the burner. This was due to the windy conditions as well as trial and error in finding the best location to position my lighter against the burner while simultaneously opening the burner valve.

That said, this is not a steep learning curve. I easily lit the grill on the first try for all subsequent meals. Note, however, that you must first remove the grill grate to light the burner with a match. In my opinion, this is not a great design because you have to lower the grate down toward the open flame. Wear an oven mitt or heat-resistant gloves for protection.

Anyone who prefers a standard electronic ignition start should purchase the Coleman model with INSTASTART technology.

Heat and Cooking

This compact portable unit reaches top temperatures quickly and is designed to maintain a steady, even cooking temperature.

Although the Coleman 9922 doesn’t deliver the most powerful output, I was impressed by the efficient preheating and overall cooking temperature. We were able to get a nice sear on chicken, burgers, and vegetables.

It offers a 130 square-inch grilling space with one burner so cooking is done with a single heat setting. Suppose your meal includes multiple food items that cook at different temperatures. In that case, you can plan out your cook to add the items in phases, lowering or increasing the temperature accordingly.

While the single line burner is enough to deliver heat across the entire grill surface, plan your meal and cooking time in advance. A little planning will help ensure you cook meat thoroughly to the desired internal temperature without overcooking vegetables.

STOVE BURNER

In addition to cooking over an open flame on the grill grate, this multi-function unit offers stove top cooking. You can use a 10″ pan or pot on the stove burner. This is a great addition to simultaneously heat soup while grilling chicken or burgers. In total, the Coleman delivers up to 20,000 BTUs of cooking power.

In my experience, using a 10″ pot is the best option for cooking on the small stovetop burner rather than using cookware with a handle.

If you’re using a pan with a handle on the single burner stove and the wind baffles are raised, you will need to rotate the handle away from the windscreen. In that position, the pan’s handle can obstruct the area in front of the grill. That’s not a deal breaker, but something to keep in mind.

WIND PROTECTION

The built-in top and assembled wind block panels (called Wind Baffles in the setup instructions) provide the cooking space with some protection. I don’t think the height or material can withstand high winds.

It is, however, enough added protection to help block a breeze or light wind from blowing out the flame while you’re igniting the grill.

The panels also help protect the flame and heat while cooking. That made it easier for me to maintain an even cook on the chicken and vegetable skewers. However, keep in mind that the windscreens also block the sides of the cooking space.

During calm weather, the wind baffles fold down and can be used as a small table space. It’s a good place to put your grilling tongs or seasonings.

Small Grill Size for Small Meal Cooking

SOLO CAMPERS OR COUPLES

In my opinion, it’s a perfect portable grill size for solo campers or couples. It would be sufficient to cook for a small family, but I wouldn’t say it’s one of the best portable grills on the market if you’re cooking for a lot of people. This goes without saying given the size of the grill. It offers only 130 square inches of cooking surface.

TAILGATING

Though it lacks the space to cook for a large group, its light weight and compact design can make it a good choice for tailgating. You can use this little powerhouse to cook hot dogs, chicken skewers, or steak tips at your next outdoor gathering. Watch the game, enjoy a tasty meal, and create memories with friends.

It’s portable, easy to use, and multi-functional. Moreover, at this price point, the Coleman propane grill stove is a good choice for a broad audience, from novice car campers to full-time RVers.

Cleaning and Storage

LINE WITH FOIL FOR EASY CLEANUP

As suggested in the Instructions for Use pamphlet, I lined the grill with aluminum foil. I recommend doing so because it makes for easy cleaning after you’re done enjoying your meal. You can leave the foil in place for multiple uses and replace it if there is any grease buildup.

LINE WITH FOIL FOR EASY CLEANUP

I also like the fact that this grill is built into its own storage case. Unscrew the gas regulator to store it with the drip tray under the grill grate. Fold down the wind screens and tighten the latch.

Then you’re ready to store it in the bay of your RV, pack under the bed in your campervan, or place it in the trunk for your next car camping trip.

The gas cylinder, of course, needs to be stored in an appropriate location that is safe for propane and in accordance with ordinances in your local area. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual for safe use and care.

Charcoal vs Gas

As I’m sure you know, there are two main fuel types for camping grills and stoves. You can choose gas or charcoal. Each option has its pros and cons.

Many people prefer charcoal for the added flavor and flexibility to create various temperature zones. Propane stoves are easy and quick to get started and reliable for maintaining a consistent temperature.

One downside of using a charcoal grill is the need to carry and replenish heavy, bulky charcoal. An even more significant drawback is the risk of errant embers or sparks. Many campgrounds restrict the use of both wood fires and charcoal for this reason.

Coleman 9922 Propane Grill

I love the flavors of cooking with charcoal, I do not enjoy cleaning up the messy ashes. By comparison, after cooking with the Coleman 9922, the clean up is simple. Empty and wash out the grease trap. I like to wipe down all the surface areas, including the bottom side of the grill. To make things even easier, both the grill and the drip tray are dishwasher safe.

After cleaning, I wipe a small amount of oil across the surface of the grill grate surface to protect it and season it for subsequent use.

If I know I won’t be camping for a few weeks, I give the grill stove a more thorough cleaning. Be sure to remove the foil liner and clean the bottom side of the grill to remove any trapped dirt or debris from the campsite.

Here are the general specs for the Coleman 9922 grill stove:

I feel Coleman may have designed one of the best grills at this price point. Despite the small size, it delivers high heat and cast-iron grates that should last a long time. The grill’s design enables easy setup and use. It’s even easier to pack up for storage.

It’s compact, lightweight, and versatile, which makes the Coleman 9922 an ideal tabletop grill for smaller cookouts. Its versatility and dual-functionality make it powerful enough for overnight camping trips. With a built-in handle, it’s also convenient and easy to carry along for an afternoon picnic.

You cannot compare this to any of the high end charcoal grills in terms of flavor. But, because of the dual-function grill and stove, it’s a great option for weekend campers and solo travelers.

RV camping enthusiasts may also benefit from the compact size of this great grill. It’s easy to store and weighs less than 10 pounds. If you’re the type of traveler who prefers a simple outdoor kitchen, then in terms of small grills, this one is a good option.