The floating gourmet faces quite a few unique challenges. The vessels’ galley and food preparation areas come in all shapes and sizes, but even yachts can feel cramped.A marine grill is a convenient way to add some cooking space, and nothing completes a great day on the water like a fresh lunch. Rail-mounted grills make it possible to cook onboard most miniature boats on pontoons and sailboats. Here I will tell you about the best pontoon grill.
How to Choose the best pontoon grill
Picking the proper barbecue for your boat isn’t as easy as it may seem since there are quite a few factors to consider.A high-quality stainless steel construction, the right fuel type, the right size, and how you plan to mount it are all things you should consider.
Materials and Construction
Considering the composition of a marine grill is the most obvious consideration. When you become a boater, you quickly learn how harsh the marine environment can be.Even when protected and kept from direct splashes, things rust, corrode, and break down quickly. There is no exception when it comes to grills.
Investing in a high-quality grill is a significant investment. You should invest in a durable grill if you use it often. Most marine brands use double-layer stainless steel, which prevents corrosion and keeps them cool.
Fuel Source
There are two main types of best pontoon grill – charcoal and propane. The propane-fueled grills are convenient and safer than the charcoal models.
The galley and deck both have electric grills. On boats, you usually need a generator because they require AC power. Because of this, they are unsuitable for most people.
Propane Boat Grills
For marine barbecues, propane grills are the preferred choice.It takes them a short time to heat up and cool down. As a result, they can be stored in a bag out of the way, set up and cooked, and then stowed again for cruising.There is no need to carry a coal bag or lighter fluid on board.
Almost any hardware, drug, or big-box store carries small one-pound propane camping cylinders, which can be used for propane boat grills. Even adapters are available online, letting you refill them from a more concrete tank. In addition, you can buy an adapter to run your grill on propane from your ship.
Having a spare cylinder or two is one of the advantages of small cylinders. When you get them from the store, spray WD-40 to keep them from rusting.
Charcoal Boat Grills
Although compact and easy to use, charcoal boat grills suffer the same problems as their landlubber cousins. They burn dirtier and take longer to heat up.
If the grill is in the way, you won’t be able to move or stow it because it takes longer to heat up and cool down.Also, you’ll have to worry about keeping the coals dry on a boat.
Safety
Whatever fuel you choose, keep in mind how dangerous fire and flames can be on a boat. Glass burns more rapidly than any other substance.Furthermore, that fiberglass shell contains gasoline fumes, propane, and hydrogen gas-producing batteries. Plan to use your grill carefully since it’s a floating tinder box.
Size
Grills for boats need to be smaller than those for homes. You still need enough space to cook for everyone.
It would help if you considered some larger rectangular models when you have a large pontoon boat and a large family that likes to go out. It certainly doesn’t make sense to put a significant grill on a small boat since most marine grills are on the smaller side.Grills large enough to accommodate a couple on a cruise and a few guests, if necessary, are the most common choice.
Mounting Options
The final challenge is to determine how the grill will be mounted. Depending on the boat’s design, the decision will be made.
Comparison Table:
Magma Newport 2 Infrared Grill
It is well known that Magma boat grills deliver all aspects needed for cooking on the water. There are many improvements to the redesigned Newport 2 infrared grill, which makes it even more effective. The grill has infrared screens that provide intense heat so you can sear your steaks properly. It works well even in moderate wind conditions thanks to its dynamic combustion system. Because of these kinds of details, the Newport is so much better than most other grills that aren’t designed for boats.
Due to its stainless steel construction, it will last for years in a harsh marine environment. Thanks to a tempered glass viewing window, you can monitor your food without constantly opening the lid.
This grill uses standard one-pound propane canisters as a fuel source and has a 162-square-inch grilling area. You can purchase a conversion kit for onboard LPG or CNG systems. The BBQGuys online store has more extensive options if you need a larger cooking area. A 3-year warranty also covers all stainless steel parts.
Pros:
- Stainless steel construction that is durable and lightweight
- It gets hot very quickly
- Despite windy conditions, it works
- It provides a nice sear
- Designed and manufactured in the United States
Cons:
- There are no degrees on the thermometer (only colors).
Blaze Marine Grade Professional Gas Grill
Some companies sell marine accessories such as grills. As opposed to your home grill, many have poor heating qualities and are difficult to cook on.
A company that makes some of the best grills could make one specifically for marine environments; wouldn’t that be great? You would then have the Blaze portable marine grill. For your boat, this is the best premium grill you could ask for.
If you order the BBQGuys online store, you can pay a bit extra for a pedestal. Your boat can then be attached to the sturdy pedestal. Once this beast is up and running, it will cook quickly and evenly. There is a 205-square-inch cooking area and a 12,000 BTU H-shaped burner. Stainless steel flame tamers and thick hexagonal cooking grates add to the seamless cooking experience.
Pros:
- Excellent performance in the kitchen
- Exterior made of marine-grade stainless steel 316L
- Evenly distributes heat
- A lifetime warranty covers all stainless steel components
Cons:
- The price is relatively high
Camco Olympian 5500
There are many products made by Camco that are directly marketed to RVers. Boats could also be applied to boats. In addition to having quality components and compact sizes, they offer their products at a lower price than most marine manufacturers.
Olympian grills are no exception. It has a built-in thermometer with 180 square inches of cooking space, 12,000 BTUs of power, and a Piezo ignition. In addition to being designed for RVs, the mounting bracket available for this grill can also be attached to most boats. Although the grill has folding legs, they aren’t suitable for boats.
The grill is made from 304 stainless steel, is lightweight, and doesn’t require assembly. However, seasoning the smoker grate under the grid is recommended as it is made of cast iron and can rust quite quickly.
Pros:
- Value for money is excellent
- The cooking area is relatively large
- Stainless steel 304 is used in the manufacture of this product
- Lightweight and attractive
Cons:
- Smoker plates are made of cast iron and may rust over time
Extreme Marine Cuisinart Petit Gourmet
You get creative when you find a grill you like onboard your boat. Extreme Marine Products sells this Cuisinart grill because of this reason. Compared to marine options, it’s a great grill that cooks wonderfully and is bargain-priced. However, they provide mounting options to the party. A stainless steel bracket has been added to the standard tabletop Cuisinart to attach to pontoon boat railings.
A one-pound propane cylinder powers the grill with a 145-square-inch cooking area and a 5,500 BTU burner. Stylish and compact, this package stows away easily. Get the Extreme Marine Cuisinart Petit Gourmet, and you won’t have to worry about buying separate mounting accessories!
Pros:
- The cooking performance was excellent
- An affordable price
- The brackets included making mounting easy
Cons:
- The cooking area is relatively small
Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill
Almost every boat owner owns a magma kettle grill. The gas and charcoal models are compact and powerful for their size and are available in two different diameters. Magma offers the most boat-specific mounts. Grill mounts fit in fishing rod holders so that you can mount these grills nearly anywhere.
Various mounting options are available, including flush mounts, swinging brackets, and round and square railing mounts. The grill can also be used ashore with legs.
The grill is small enough to fit on any vessel. The kettle design gets hot with its 10,700 BTU burner that evenly distributes heat. Magma Marine Kettles are available at Amazon in 15- and 17-inch sizes. Also available is a charcoal Marine Kettle in addition to the propane-powered version. The BBQGuys and Amazon online stores offer a wide variety of mounting brackets.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Designed to last
- It cooks well even when there is a bit of wind
- There are many mounting options available
Cons:
- There could be a heightened strain on the grease
FAQ
Is it safe to grill on a boat?
Grilling on a boat is safe. However, it would help if you kept these things in mind:
- Ensure that your grill is securely mounted.
- The grill should only be used when anchored or tied to a sturdy platform.
- When the wind is strong, or the waves are big, don’t try to grill.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby at all times.
- Keep flammable objects away from grills.
- Grills should never be left unattended.
- Ensure that the grill is turned off after cooking.
Is it possible to grill on a pontoon boat?
A pontoon boat is an excellent option for grilling on the water. Usually, they are made of sable and have a large platform with railings. The grill can be mounted easily, and you have enough space to cook and enjoy the meal.
Can you recommend a grill that would be good for pontoon boats?
The Magma Newport 2 Infrared Grill is our top pick for pontoon boat grills. With this grill, you can grill on your pontoon boat with ease. A rail mounting kit and a one-pound propane canister are all you need!
Conclusion
Therefore, rail mounts are so popular, requiring plenty of space to set up. Using this method, you can grill over the side of the boat. Thich is relatively safe and less likely to spill propane onto the bilge, the inboard engine, or enclosed spaces like a bimini.
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