Best Portable Camping Grills: CAMPINGMOON X-Mini-PRO

Cooking steak on the CAMPINGMOON portable camping grill.

When it comes to portable camping grills for motorcycle camping, most fall short in one critical area: airflow. Most lack a proper coal bed grate, leaving the coals smothered by ash, which prevents them from burning hot enough to cook effectively.

After trying several options, I found two grills that get it right: the CAMPINGMOON Tabletop Small Charcoal Grill X-Mini-PRO and the CAMPINGMOON Stainless Steel Foldable Camping Grill MT-2. These grills combine superior airflow, portability, and easy maintenance, making them my top picks for the best portable grills for camping. They also make a larger model, which I have not tried.

In this article, I’m reviewing the X-Mini-PRO, the most compact camping grill CAMPINGMOON makes.

CAMPINGMOON Mini-Pro portable camping grill.

The Importance of a Proper Coal Bed Grate

A coal bed grate is an often-overlooked feature, but it makes all the difference. By providing airflow underneath the coals and a place for ash to collect, a grate ensures consistent, high heat for cooking.

This is where CAMPINGMOON excels. The X-Mini-PRO and MT-2 grills feature well-designed coal bed grates, allowing coals to burn hotter and more efficiently. The result? Perfectly cooked meals, every time.

The CAMPINGMOON portable camping grills have a grate for your coals.

CAMPINGMOON Tabletop Small Charcoal Grill (X-Mini-PRO)

Compact and Efficient

The X-Mini-PRO is my go-to grill for solo motorcycle camping. Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to pack and transport, but don’t let its compactness fool you—it delivers excellent performance thanks to its thoughtful design.

RELATED: Smoked Jalapeno Poppers (on the X-Mini-Pro grill!!!)

Key Features:

  • Coal Bed Grate: Ensures proper airflow and prevents coals from smothering.
  • Compact Size: Fits neatly in my GIVI Trekker Outback Top Case.
  • Durable Stainless Steel: Handles high heat and is frequently used without warping.
  • Convenient Storage Bag: This compact carrying bag protects the grill and makes it easy to pack alongside your other camping gear.
  • Easy Maintenance: Wipes clean easily and are dishwasher-safe for convenience.

My Experience with the X-Mini-PRO

I’ve used the X-Mini-PRO on a dozen or more motorcycle trips, grilling steaks, skewers, fish, brats, burgers, and veggies with ease. The coal bed grate keeps the coals burning hot, so food cooks evenly and quickly. While its size limits the amount you can cook at once, it’s perfect for solo campers or small meals.

Steak and baked potato cooking on the CAMPINGMOON mini portable grill.
On this motorcycle camping trip, I made steak and baked potato on my CAMPINGMOON mini grill. I used a little aluminum foil as a windbreak.

Kingsford BOLD &  SMOKEY Charcoal for Smoky BBQ Perfection

While the CAMPINGMOON X-Mini-PRO performs beautifully with wood or any BBQ charcoal, I found a briquette with a smoky BBQ flavor you can see, smell, and taste. At home, I used a Charbroil® The Big Easy® to smoke and barbeque. The smokey flavor and ease of use can’t be beat (read the reviews!). The flavor I get from the BOLD & SMOKEY briquettes is a very close second.

Kingsford Bold and Smokey BBQ charcoal in the CAMPINGMOON portable grill
It takes about 12-15 Kingsford BOLD & SMOKEY briquettes in the CAMPINGMOON portable grill to cook a steak to perfection.

Starting the CAMPINGMOON X-Mini-PRO BBQ Grill

Starting the X-Mini-Pro BBQ Grill at camp—wood or charcoal—couldn’t be easier. I use four little fire starters followed by neatly stacked coals, allowing plenty of air. The fire starters are easy to light from the bottom through the small slits in the grill base.

Lighting the CAMPINGMOON portable grill.

Why CAMPINGMOON Grills Are the Best Portable Grills for Camping

The CAMPINGMOON X-Mini-PRO and MT-2 stand out because they solve a problem that plagues other portable grills: poor airflow. Their coal bed grates ensure your coals burn hot and steady, providing reliable heat for cooking every time.

Key Advantages:

  • Efficient Cooking: Proper airflow and ash management for consistent heat.
  • Durable Stainless Steel: Built to withstand high heat and rugged conditions while being dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
  • Portable Design: Compact and easy to pack.
The CAMPINGMOON 9.65-inch X-Mini-PRO camping grill weighs just 3.5 LBS and packs down flat in a canvas carrying bag.
The CAMPINGMOON 9.65-inch X-Mini-PRO camping grill weighs just 3.5 LBS and packs flat in a canvas carrying bag.

Final Thoughts

For anyone searching for the best portable grill for camping, the CAMPINGMOON X-Mini-PRO is a top-notch option. With its superior airflow design, durable stainless steel construction, and convenient portability, it has become an essential part of my motorcycle camping setup.

But there’s one must-have item that makes using this grill even better: the Kingsford BOLD & SMOKEY BBQ briquettes. They make your stakes, burgers, and brats all the more delicious.

Delicious stake, baked potato, and green beans for dinner motorcycle camping.

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