Boating is fun, but you know what’s even more fun? Grilling on the lake. With that, here are some of the best pontoon boat grills on the market if you haven’t gotten one.
Whether you’re out on the lake with friends or just enjoying a quiet day of fishing, nothing beats a good barbecue. But not all grills are created equal – some are better suited to pontoon boats than others.
Have you ever dreamed of grilled burgers in pontoon boats? We’ll make it happen in this boating resource guide!
Here are the best pontoon boat grills that are easy to use so you’ll never have to miss out on the smoky goodness of your favorite grilled meats.
Can You Grill on A Pontoon Boat?
Yes, you can grill on a pontoon boat.
There is a wide range of grills specifically designed to function on a pontoon boat setup. Safely secure your grills on the boat rails and follow the safety tips, and you can enjoy grilling on the boat!
Ready to buy a pontoon grill? Be sure to consider these factors when buying your grill.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Pontoon Boat Grills
There are a variety of grills designed to fit pontoon boats and to help you choose the best pontoon boat grills, here are some of the most important features you should keep an eye on.
Cooking/Grilling Surface
More than the overall dimension of the grill, it’s very important to pay attention to its grilling surface. This determines how much meat you can grill at a time, and is especially important when you’re with a larger group of people or bringing along the whole family for your boat trips.
Types Of Fuel
Grills work by using charcoal or gas. The charcoal grill is popular among BBQ enthusiasts since it produces that original smoky flavor everyone loves, but it is not the most ideal when on boats because it can be difficult to handle and a bit messy. Gas Fuels such as propane are more convenient and easier to use when you’re boating.
Portability
The best pontoon boat grills are portable and convenient enough to be carried from one place to another. In order to keep boat life fun, you need a portable grill that is convenient to use.
Material & Construction
Stainless steel construction is probably the most common material used in making marine equipment and tools, and also applies to boat grills. Stainless steel is versatile, durable, and can withstand the different weather conditions you might face while boating. They are also corrosion resistant which is very important when boating.
Wind Protection
Wind greatly affects gas and charcoal grills more than anything else. Windy conditions can affect the heat output of your grills which in turn affect the taste and quality of your grilled meats. Make sure you look for wind protection features like grill covers and lids.
Best Pontoon Boat Grill
Here’s our pick for the best pontoon boat grills and why we chose them.
Made from 100% 18-9 mirror polished stainless steel this grill is designed to withstand various weather conditions may it be on land or the waters. The Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill is built to deliver the safety, durability, and performance required of a marine grill. It features a highly efficient radiant plate heat distribution system in conjunction with convection heating technology to provide hot and evenly distributed heat for grilling while using less fuel.
The grill emits 12,000 BTUs and has 189 square inches of cooking space perfect for searing steaks or grilling some burgers for the family.
And no worries, if you're grilling on a particularly windy day because it is equipped with a swiveling, windproof turbo venturi & control valve that eliminates blowouts and puts the fuel valve where it's safe and convenient.
Features
- Made of 100% 18-9 mirror polished stainless steel
- Grease catch pan/wind baffle
- Hinged lid
- Swiveling, windproof turbo venturi & control valve
- Uses both radiant and convection cooking with burner
- Hi-tech radiant plate heat distribution
Pros
- Works well even in different weather conditions
- Durable
- Windproof features
- The hinged lid won't slam shut and has a "stay cool" handle with air-cooled supports
- Evenly distributed temperature
- Fuel efficient
- Rotatable bowl and lid
- Ability to cook on lower heat
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a mounting bracket
- Some customers find it hard to clean
Just like the Marine kettle gas grill, the Magma ChefsMate Connoisseur Series Gas Grill is made from 100% 18-8 mirror polished stainless steel and is the perfect grill to cook your favorite BBQs and create memorable moments in your pontoon boats. Wind tested for great heat distribution, it offers a grilling performance that can compete with those of the large and expensive backyard grills we all know too well.
The full-length stainless steel handle along with its fold-away legs makes it very portable and easy to store wherever you may be. It also features a snap-out radiant plate that provides easy access for clean-up after grilling your favorite meats. Aside from its elegant design, it is constructed with meticulous attention to detail for a valuable and long-lasting grill that you can bring wherever adventure takes you.
Features
- Smooth Edge Design
- Full-Length Stainless Steel Handle
- Inner Lined Safety Shell
- Lockable Balanced Lid
- Locking Front Access Grease Tray
- Fold-away legs
- Snap out radiant plate
- Swiveling valve
Pros
- Elegant design
- Reduced flare-ups due to the lined safety shell
- Portable
- Easy cleanup
- Even-Heat distribution when grilling
- Swiveling valve allows quick and safe gas bottle exchange
- Perfect for different weather condition due to its stainless steel construction
Cons
- You’ll be able to mount it but will have to buy their separate mounting hardware
CongaThe Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit grill is designed to be an excellent space saver yet offers high performance when cooking your favorite meats whether on a boat or camping in the woods. This small and compact grill is not one to take lightly, it features a stainless-steel burner and even-heating porcelain-enameled grate powerful enough to emit 5, 500 BTU(British Thermal Unit).
Its Aluminum legs and stabilizing feet are set up easily for a more convenient time while on your boat, and the integrated lid lock keeps the lid secure when needed. It's fueled by propane and has a twist start ignition for an easier and hassle-free start-up.
Features
- 145-square-inch grilling area
- Foldable legs
- Emits 5,500 BTU
- Aluminum legs and stabilizing feet
- Pronounced briefcase-style carrying handle
- Twist start ignition
Pros
- Compact
- Can fit into tight spaces
- Easy to set up
- Very portable
- Emits a high amount of heat despite its size
- Heats up quickly
- Can cook for a whole family
- Grates are dishwasher safe
- Easy to clean
- Energy efficient
Cons
- A bit heavy for its size
Designed for on-the-go grilling, the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is perfect whether you’re on land or riding your boats. It is made from sturdy and durable die-cast aluminum construction and is easy to set up so you'll worry less and just enjoy your boat trips.
It comes with a special cooking grate found at the core of TRU-Infrared technology and functions to spread heat evenly across the grill top. No more flare-ups, all you have are juicy and tasty meats for everyone to enjoy. It features 200 sq. inches of cooking space over stainless steel grates enough to fit 8 burgers at a time. No need to mount this grill on your toons because it comes with a high-impact frame with legs plus side carry handles for easy handling and transport.
Features
- TRU-Infrared cooking system
- High-impact frame with legs
- Carry handles
- Cast aluminum firebox
- Lid with stainless steel latches
- Compatible with 1lb propane tanks
- Lid-mounted temperature gauge
- Button ignition
Pros
- Compact
- Portable
- Easy to use and carry
- No flare-ups
- Button ignition for easy start
- Durable construction
- Comes with a high-impact frame with legs
- Reasonable Price
Cons
- Doesn’t allow grilling at a lower temperature
The Kuuma Stow N' Go 160 Propane Tabletop and Mountable Grill is the perfect addition to any boat or outdoor area. With its lightweight 304 stainless steel construction, this high-quality grill is designed to stand up to even the harshest marine environments and provide delicious, smoky flavor for your grilled dishes. The large 160 square inch cooking surface is perfect for all types of grilling and you’ll find it heats up quickly with its stainless steel burner.
Features- 100% stainless steel
- Removable grease tray
- Integrating folding legs
- High-quality construction
- Easy to transport
- Easy to clean
- Rust resistant
- Heat up fast
- Versatile grill that can be used for RVing, tailgating and more
- Some customers have reported that the grease catcher doesn't work effectively
Pontoon Boat Grilling Safety Tips
Safety is one of the top priorities when it comes to boat grill in general. One wrong move and you’re on your way to disaster, so make sure you follow these safety reminders the next time you head out to the water and cook BBQs on board.
- Do not grill while your boat is moving. Only grill when your boat is tied up or anchored.
- Make sure your grills/flames are downwind of your Biminis and other flammable materials like fabrics.
- Never leave the lit grills unattended.
- For Charcoal grills, don’t let hot embers fall on the deck or other parts of the boat.
- Check the grill manual for a proper grill setup and use
- Ensure that the gas fuels for your grills are leak-free
- Make sure you turn off your grills after cooking and let them cool down totally before storing them.
- Check your marina for dock rules and regulations when it comes to grilling/cooking BBQs.
- Do not throw the ashes or coals overboard, keep the ashes contained and dispose of them when you’re on the shore.
Check out our guide on How To BBQ On A Pontoon Boat
Pontoon Boat Accessories
Pontoon boats are a great way to have some outdoor family fun on the lake or a party with friends out on the open sea. Check out these practical must-have pontoon boat accessories to add to your boat for smooth sailing.
Download Your FREE Boating Pre-Departure Checklist
Recommended Boating Resources
- Recommended Pontoon Boat Accessories
- Best Boat Snacks– These are easy to make and yummy, too
- Pontoon Boating Safety Guide & Checklist
- DIY Pontoon Boat Storage Ideas
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Now that you have bought a pontoon boat grill, you can start grilling to your heart’s desire. Check out some lunch ideas for boating and surprise your family when you go boating this weekend.
Why not also try this Margarita Mocktail recipe that’s light, fresh, and alcohol-free, for a more refreshing and relaxing weekend getaway.
