Pontoon owners know that a grill is a must-have for any trip on the water. If you’re looking for the best pontoon grill on the market, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the best pontoon grills and grill mounts available, as well as some of the benefits of using a grill on your pontoon boat. There are various types and styles of grill mounts that can be used to attach a gas or charcoal grill to your pontoon boat. Some mount directly to the boat’s deck, while others attach to the railing.
What to look for when buying a pontoon grill?
A pontoon grill can be a great addition to your boat, providing a place to cook food while on the water. But, with so many different options available, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. Here are some things to consider when choosing a pontoon grill:
Size
The most crucial factor to consider when purchasing a pontoon grill is its size. Some models will fit into the space you have on your boat, while others are too large to be practical. If you plan to have guests over often, you may want to purchase a smaller model. On the other hand, if you only need a grill occasionally, you might find that larger models are more convenient.
Fuel type
There are a few different options for what fuels a pontoon grill uses. Gas grills use propane tanks, while charcoal grills use wood briquettes. If you plan on cooking fish or seafood, you may want to opt for a charcoal grill because they tend to impart more flavor than gas grills.
Cooking surface area
How many people do you typically cook for on your boat? This will help you determine how much cooking space is needed. For example, if you usually cook for two people, you probably don’t need a huge grill. However, if you like to entertain a lot, you should invest in something bigger. Also, if you plan on bringing along kids, make sure there’s enough room for them to sit comfortably.
Grill Mounting style
When shopping for a pontoon grill, mounting style is another thing to keep in mind. You can choose from three main types of mounting systems:
Railing mounted grill: These are designed to work with the existing railings on your boat. They are also easy to install. The downside is that they can interfere with your ability to move around freely.
Deck mounted grill: These are similar to the railed mounted versions, except they are attached to the deck instead of the rails. They offer more stability but require additional installation time.
Integrated grill: These are built into the boat’s deck and don’t require any extra parts. They are also easy and quick to install. The downside to these models is that they take up valuable storage space.
If you’re planning on installing a pontoon grill yourself, then you may want to go with an integrated design. Otherwise, you may want to try out a railed mounted grill first. It’s always good to test-drive a grill before making a final decision.
Weight
You should also consider how heavy a pontoon grill is. A heavier grill will weigh down your boat more than lighter ones, making it harder to maneuver. So, if you plan to bring your boat to the lake frequently, look for a lightweight grill.
Price
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the price. There are tons of different models available at all price points. To narrow down your choices, check out our best pontoon grill reviews. We’ve reviewed dozens of other models, so you know which one works best for you.
The Best Pontoon Grills | Top Recommendations
There are many different pontoon grills on the market, so it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 10 best pontoon grills you can choose from.
1. Magma ChefsMate Connoisseur Series Gas Grill
The Magma A10-803 is made from 100 percent 18-8 mirror-polished stainless steel, giving you a durable appliance with 162 square inches of cooking surface and 11,200 BTUs of heat.
Magma’S grill cooks evenly, heats rapidly, stows, sets up, and cleans easily. They tested this design in the real world, so I wasn’t surprised at how easy cooking in 7 or 8 mph winds is.
With its stainless-steel construction, it’s able to withstand any weather. It has been exposed to plenty of salt, sun, and rain, but there is still no sign that it has rusted.
Additional features include fold-away legs and a substantial lid that locks. The internal safety bucket collects grease in a tray, quickly removing and cleaning. This grill also features a handy snap-out radiate plate that assists in heat distribution and even reduces cleanup. Another bonus is the accompanying swiveling valve that makes storing and changing propane bottles fast and easy.
The chance of flare-ups has decreased because of the lined safety rim. The lid locking system also relieves transportation and assures that the lid never slams shut.
You can mount this grill, but you’d need to buy Magma’s rail kit if you want to free up space on your deck and eliminate all grease spills from the grill. One downside of this grill is that it doesn’t come with a grilling grid.
If you flip over your grill, you’re going to see that Magma uses a hot-melt silicone to seal the bottom seam. Overuse, this seal could wear out. To avoid any chance of spilling, I recommend buying the best mounting system available.
2. Springfield Marine Deluxe Barbeque Grill
The Springfield Marine Gas Grill is small but serves a large crowd. This equipment offers 189 square inches of cooking surface and produces 12,000 BTUs of power. Not bad for its size and flexibility, considering the price tag.
The top of this grill functions as a terrific 130-square-foot griddle for this pontoon boat’s cooking surface.
This grill easily detaches from the stand and has legs that let you transport and cook on any flat surface. Worth mentioning, too, the legs fold up into a convenient carrying handle, which makes traveling with this 12-pound grill lightweight and convenient.
I enjoy this grill, but it’s only fair to state some of its flaws. In my experience, the heat distribution on this grill can vary. You can get a great deal of heat in some grill areas, but it doesn’t always spread to the entire grid surface.
Also, this unit takes a certain amount of time to heat up and is not ideally wind resistant, which is not ideal for open-water situations. The heat shield is relatively thin, so you’ll have to bring along a lighter or matches because this grill doesn’t have an ignitor.
With that said, even though this unit is not cheap if you consider the cost, weight, and portability, plus the fact that you won’t have to spend extra money for a stand or mounting brackets, this unit is a practical choice.
3. Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill
Because Magma Marine has a Stainless-Steel Kettle Grill, it is more effective than other stainless-steel propane grills. Magma Marine incorporates 100% 18-9 mirror polished stainless steel.
You’re not just purchasing a good-looking piece of hardware when you are buying stainless steel; you’re investing as well in a durable grill that will stand up to dust, dirt, rain, snow, sunshine, and constant use.
This unit is constructed from stainless steel, has 189 square inches of cooking space, and outputs 12,000 BTUs.
The built-in grease pan made it easy to clean—and if you’re out on the water, then the baffle helps reduce wind and increase heat retention. This is an inshore grill, so Springfield designed a hinged lid that won’t slam. I also appreciate the “stay cool” handle, air-cooled supports, and other extras. These include a swiveling, windproof turbo venturi, and control valve that improves design functions.
Unlike conventional grills for pontoon boats, this one cooks at lower temperatures, preventing burnt food and undercooked dishes. The side handle also eliminates the need to use hot pads when you require to check on your food or remove the lid.
I like that the bowl and lid can be rotated to the right and the left, transforming them into an adjustable windscreen for strong winds.
4. Cuisinart Grill Modified for Pontoon Boat with Arnall’s Stainless Grill Bracket
Cuisinart’s grill has been modified with Arnall’s Pontoon Grill Bracket Set. No drilling or mounting rails are necessary to adjust the grill.
Cuisinart’s grill weighs 18 pounds, can mount to 1.25 inches, and has a 145 square-inch cooking surface. Here are several positive aspects of this particular grill. It’s solid, and unlike other portable marine grills, this one is outfitted with a solid propane tank holder rather than a fragile wand.
Having the flexibility that comes with installing this grill at my advantage is yet another of its advantages. This grill does not have any drippings, as it’s mounted over the top of my seat, but instead, while releasing oil into the water, it simply spreads along the surface of the water.
This grill is also an excellent choice, and it’s pre-assembled, though it does have an on/off switch that switches on the first time. This grill is terrific since it is prepared for the outdoors when you have to take it with you, and the legs on the thing will allow you to do that.
I wouldn’t have to worry about my grill if I were mounting it to the railing. The grease tray works well, but if you don’t set up this grill on the side of your boat, it won’t be best for you.
5. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill
The X200 Portable Gas Grill doesn’t have a luxurious appearance but makes up for it with its durability and additional features.
This grill comes in an aluminum box with a lockable latch for the lid. The lid securely locks and contains a built-in thermometer.
The unit rests on a high-impact frame with legs, handles, and weighs 20 pounds on average. In my experience, the grill’s 200-square-foot cooking surface can cook about eight burgers at one time.
The premium grates are constructed from stainless steel to prevent flare-ups caused by the Char-Broil TRU-Infrared technology, which keeps food at the appropriate temperature and cutout, preventing flames from spreading.
The downside of this is that the grill generates a lot of heat but doesn’t particularly like to cook at low temperatures. I tend to sear my meat quickly, though this may have issues if you cook at low heat for a long time.
To modify just one aspect of your stove, an easy solution is to purchase a new control valve and brass adaptor at the hardware shop, and it doesn’t cost more than $20 to make this change.
Additionally, you have to be conscientious about cleaning, seasoning, and drying the grates. Treat this as a cast-iron skillet. Otherwise, it’ll rust on you.
6. Kuuma Stow N Go 160 Marine Grill
The Kuuma Stow N Go 160 Marine Grill is perfect for boaters or anglers. Weighing only 16 pounds, it has 160 square inches of grilling surface and 16,000 BTUs of heat output.
This unit has lots of features. It’s easy to store this grill because it has collapsible legs. Plus, I can transport it so I can use it anywhere. If you want to clean up the deck, Kuuma has made it easy. All you need is a rail, rod, or pedestal mount that can be purchased separately.
If you don’t already own a grill, you may want to consider buying one. It’s designed to be used with disposable one-pound canisters, but if they’re not available where you live, you can buy an adapter so you can use a larger reusable tank instead.
7. Magma Marine Kettle Charcoal Grill
Have you ever wanted a streamlined, elegantly designed charcoal grill? Magma’s Marine Kettle Charcoal Grill is a decent option if you are charcoal-oriented and love the stainless steel and retro-futuristic look.
Built from 100 percent 18-9 stainless steel, Magma’s handle automatically cools the space around your wrist when you feel your hand start to sweat.
It also has a unique design that allows you to easily remove the lid without lifting it off. This is great if you plan to use the grill often during the day.
This unit offers optimum airflow, a five-tier cooking grate, and a heavy-duty handle made of stainless steel. Thus, you can count on this model to withstand countless cookouts without corrosion or inflicting any damage or wear. However, I’d be more inclined to go with the propane grill for a few dollars more.
8. Coleman RoadTrip LX Propane Grill
Coleman’s RoadTrip XL weighs 50 pounds and features a 285-square-foot cooktop created for camping and road trip expeditions. Unlike its land equivalent, it is suitable for use by boat on the water as well.
This grill features two burners, produces 20,000 BTUs of heat, and has a built-in Coleman Swaptop, turning the grates into a griddle. As an alternative, you can purchase two or three third-party parts. I like this design because it provides you with several different choices.
This unit includes a push-button ignition mechanism. Because of its PerfectFlow technology, this grill works in all conditions, including cold weather. I also like that each burner individually warms up. This one was designed for serious grillers.
The pan comprises a durable design, making for a quick and easy cleanup. The grates aren’t indestructible, but they reduce the weight per propane container that weighs 50 pounds.
This grill is intended for use with small propane tanks, so you might have to make adjustments if you want to use a larger propane tank.
9. Coleman Camp Propane Boat Grill
The Coleman Camp Propane Grill puts out 11,000 BTUs of heat, covering a 180-square-inch surface, on its cooking surface, allowing you to prepare food in windy weather. That’s because the top of Coleman’s grill can be locked in place by two wind panels.
Not only does this grill only weigh three pounds, but it also indicates that this little unit is powerful. Considering that this grill is so light and compact, it could be a very practical purchase. However, given the inherent lifelong durability and its intended purpose, you may want to consider something else.
The lid of this grill is somewhat thinner than those on comparable folding portable Coleman stoves. Despite its thinness, it isn’t a deal-breaker.
The grate warped and wouldn’t sit evenly on the grill surface even after use. After it cooled, the grate readjusted its functionality and now sits flat, allowing me to close the lid. It is also important to never close the lid while cooking. The wind guard help, but you will undoubtedly lose a lot of heat because of this.
10. Arnall’s Pontoon Grill Bracket Set
Arnall’s pontoon grill bracket set is essential for pontoon boating grills. You can attach your grill to the side rails of your pontoon boat with this accessory. It works with most grills brands, including a drip tray and all other necessary hardware. Not only will these require an open fence railing, but you can drill into your grill’s bottom for enhanced mounting.
They are made using marine stainless steel mounts tailored for pontoon boats. When you’re not using the grill for a trip, disassemble and store them somewhere out of the way. Installation is quick if you’ll follow the instructions.
This bracket set simplifies the setup and assembly process. Just place your brackets on the railing, tighten the bolts, and you’re all set for a pontoon grilled barbecue. The takedown is also fast.
This durable bracket set was constructed from zinc-plated steel that stands up to salt, the sun, rust, and corrosion. No matter where your pontoon boat travels, it will last.
The set contains all the parts and fittings you need to mount the unit to your grill. The brackets were cut and drilled to accommodate most makes and models of grills. However, there should be some drilling if the brackets on your appliance will not be suitable.
Grill Mounts for Pontoon Boats
Fixed mounts
Fixed mounts are generally considered the safest option. They attach directly to the hull of your boat and are bolted securely in place. They are ideal for those worried about their boat being damaged by moving around during cooking. Fixed mounts are also great for those with limited access to their boat. Many fixed mount designs include a locking mechanism that allows you to lock the grill in position for safety. Some even come equipped with a cover to protect the grill from rain and snow.
Adjustable mounts
Adjustable mounts allow you to raise or lower the grill as desired. This makes it easier to get food off the grill without having to bend over too far. If you’re looking for a simple solution to getting food off the grill, this might be the way to go. Most adjustable mounts feature a clamp system that holds the grill firmly in place. Depending on what type of material your boat was constructed with, they are often made of aluminum or stainless steel.
Portable mounts
Portable grills are perfect for boaters who spend most of their time away from home. They are small enough to fit easily in a car trunk or other vehicle. They are also lightweight, making them easy to transport. These grills are usually foldable or collapsible, storing them when not in use. You can find many different styles of portable grills, including folding grills, folding table grills, and grill carts.
Safety Tips for Grilling On Your Boat
Summertime means cookouts, and that means grilling out on the boat for many people. Whether you’re on a fishing trip or just cruising around the lake, cooking food over an open flame is a great way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. But before you start firing up the grill, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind. Here are essential things to remember when grilling on your boat.
- Make sure the grill is stable. Most people know to keep the grill off of the deck. But if you’re on a boat, that doesn’t mean it won’t tip over. The weight of your grill and food can cause the deck of your boat to sag or even flip over.
- Use a clean grill brush or a paper towel to remove any food particles from under the grate. These particles can cause flare-ups, which can turn into an accident.
- Keep the firebox lid closed when you’re not grilling.
- Make sure the fuel tank is full. If you’re using gas or charcoal, make sure you have enough fuel to get through the entire cooking process. But, don’t overfill your propane tank. Most propane tanks have a maximum fill line, which should be respected.
- Don’t overload your grill. You don’t want the grate to bend or warp under the weight of your food. You should be able to fit at least two or three pieces of food on each grate.
- Be careful with your propane tank. You want the propane to flow out of the grill, not back into it. You can use a hose or a siphon to remove any gas that has pooled in the bottom of your grill. You can then use the siphon to remove any remaining gas.
- Clean up after you grill. Scrape out the ash and fire-resistant material that accumulates on the bottom of your grill. You want to be sure there are no remnants from previous grilling sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean my grill?
There are several ways to clean your grill:
- Make sure that you remove any debris collected on top of the grill.
- Wipe down the entire surface using a soft cloth.
- Rinse the grill thoroughly under running water.
What size grill should I buy?
The size of your grill depends on the amount of space you have available. For example, if you have a huge deck area, you may choose a larger model. On the other hand, if you don’t have much room, you may opt for a smaller model. building up on the grill.
If you live in a humid environment, you may want to consider washing your grill more frequently. This way, you’ll avoid having to deal with rust issues.
Can I cook on my grill while riding my boat?
Yes, you can! However, we recommend that you keep your grill set up safely and securely. Ensure that the grill is adequately anchored to prevent it from swinging back and forth when you ride through waves. Also, make sure that you secure the grill to something solid such as a dock or piling.
Do I need to grease my grill before using it?
Greasing your grill will help prevent rusting. However, greasing your grill isn’t necessary unless you plan on storing your grill outside for an extended period. growing on the grill.
Is it necessary to wash my grill after every use?
It is recommended that you wash your grill after each use. Cleaning your grill helps to remove any residue left behind by foods. It also prevents bacteria from growing on your grill. This will prevent any food from sticking to the grill and ruining it. And the easiest way to clean your grill is with a wire brush or scrub brush.