Do you love grilled meals? If yes, then grilling on a pontoon boat is one great experience you don’t want to miss. The feeling is just heavenly and cannot be described in a word.
However, this can only be possible if you are using the best boat grill. The good news is that the market is packed with many options to choose from.
But the question is, which are the best pontoon boat grills among the many options available on the market?
We’ve compiled a list of 10 models that we think are the best ones to help you make an informed decision. Inside this guide, we are also going to cover things like:
- Pros and cons of each burner
- Buyer’s guide
- Frequently asked questions
- The overall best boat unit
Let’s jump into the grills review to find out what each one of them has to offer.
Top 10 Pontoon Boat Grills- Quick Comparison Table
Very little is known about some of the best-rated pontoon boat burners. So, check out our head-to-head comparison guide to know more about each one of them.
| Ranking | Name | Dimension | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable | 16 x 16.5 x 13 inches | 17.85 pounds |
| 2 | Magma Products Newport 2 Infra Red | 22.5 x 11.6 x 11.6 inches | 25.8 pounds |
| 3 | Arnall’s Pontoon Grill | 3 x 12 x 16 inches | 4 pounds |
| 4 | Smoke Hollow Modified Gas Grill | – | 25 pounds |
| 5 | Magma Products, Original Size Marine Kettle Gas Grill | 15.6 x 15.3 x 6.5 inches | 9.6 pounds |
| 6 | Cuisinart Grill Modified for Pontoon Boat | 18 x 12 x 19 inches | 22 pounds |
| 7 | Kuuma Stow and Go Propane | 18.5 x 11 x 11.25 inches | 16 pounds |
| 8 | Coleman NXT Lite Grill | 18.2 x 28 x 34.5 inches | 31.6 pounds |
| 9 | Magma Products, A10-104 Marine Kettle Charcoal Grill | – | – |
| 10 | Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill | 13 x 21 x 12 inches | 15 pounds |
1. Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable
Looking for a compact unit that is capable of cooking a family meal? Well, then this model is a great choice. It cooks 8 steaks, 8 burgers, 6 to 10 chicken breasts or 4 pounds of fish.
What’s more, it boasts a 5,500 BTU burner that cooks evenly just like a bigger burner. Powered by propane, the Cuisinart CGG-180T is not only powerful but also more energy-efficient.
Pros
- Has foldaway legs for easy portability
- The burner is made of durable stainless steel material
- Easy to clean and set up
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- Offers low speed
2. Magma A10-918-2GS Gourmet
This is yet another excellent pontoon boat grill that boasts “Anti-Flare” technology to ensure even distribution of heat. The technology also helps minimize flare-ups.
Besides, it comes with a unique combustion system to keep the burner lit even in heavy winds. On top of that, the Magma A10-918-2GS features a hermetically sealed thermometer to let you control its heat level.
Pros
- Boasts an elegant look
- Has table top legs that fold away for added portability
- Made of polished stainless steel material
- Gives your meals a nice smoky flavor
Cons
- Might flame up too much when cooking meals with fat
3. Arnall’s Pontoon Grill Set
The Arnall’s unit is a favorite among many pontoon boat owners. Made with marine stainless steel material, it’s not only durable but also rust-free.
More importantly, it’s designed to mount on a 1.25 square boat railing and comes with mounting instructions for ease of installation. As if that’s not enough, the burner boasts solid brackets to ensure it stays in place.
Pros
- Does not scratch your boat’s railing
- Extremely strong and durable
- Easy to transport
- Perfect size for pontoon boat
Cons
- A bit tricky assembling and disassembling it
4. Smoke Hollow Modified Gas Grill
Featuring a 305-inch cooking space, the Smoke Hollow burner is large enough to let you cook as many meals as possible. Other than this, it boasts a removable cooking grid that is constructed from stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
Additionally, the Smoke Hollow comes with a marine-grade stainless steel bracket set that is easy to mount onto the unit. Best of all, the legs are built to fold in for ease of transportation.
Pros
- Has a locking lid for ease of storage
- Includes an easy access drip tray
- Lights up with a push of a button
- Generates plenty of heat
Cons
- Uses a propane canister that’s not included with the purchase
5. Magma Marine Stainless Steel Kettle Gas
Working with a tight budget? This kettle might just be what you need for your pontoon boat. It features a hinged lid that is built to not slam shut.
Also included is a “stay cool” handle featuring air-cooled supports to ensure it stays cool. What’s more? The kettle uses Magma’s radiant plate heat technology that allows the burner to achieve even temperatures.
Pros
- Quickly disassembles for easy clean-up
- Made of durable and safe polished stainless steel
- Heats up pretty fast
- Replacement parts are readily available
Cons
- A bit smaller than other grills
6. Extreme Marine Products Cuisinart
Here is yet another great burner for a pontoon boat that offers value for money. Standing tall among its list of features is the pre-installed brackets. This makes assembling the device quite easy.
And with a 145 square inches of grilling surface, the Cuisinart boasts a large cooking area. Other than this, it features a stainless steel burner that is built to be long-lasting and rust-free.
Pros
- Carrying handle for easy transportation
- Solid propane tank mount
- No tools needed for installation
- Does not leave scratches or marks on the rail
Cons
- Flames up with just little amounts of grease
7. Kuuma Stow and Go Propane
Built with durability in mind, the Kuuma Stow and Go Propane is made of 100% stainless steel. So, you can be sure it will serve you for long. But here is the best part; the unit comes fully assembled.
As if that’s not enough, it comes with a removable grease tray that allows for easy cleaning. Most importantly, this model is designed to use any disposable standard fuel bottles.
Pros
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Legs are foldable for maximum portability
- No assembly is needed
- High-quality construction
Cons
- Constantly flames out
8. Coleman NXT Lite Grill
Looking for a portable burner with plenty of cooking space and power? You should check out this Coleman NXT Lite model. Featuring 168 square inches of cooking space and 8,500 BTUs of cooking power, it can cook up any meal.
Best of all, its burner surface is made of porcelain-coated steel to allow for high-temperature cooking. Additionally, it boasts grease cup swivels to ensure it stays level as you cook, store, or haul.
Pros
- Secure latch fastens legs for easy portability
- Lights up with a push of a button
- Includes two rugged wheels for transportation
- Heats evenly with fewer flare-ups
Cons
- Has so many pieces to put together
9. Magma Products Charcoal Marine Kettle
If you prefer grilling your food with charcoal, this kettle is worth checking out. It features a rotating design that enables you to choose the direction you would like the lid to open. This makes it easy to cook in windy conditions.
What’s more? The kettle is crafted from polished stainless steel to ensure optimum corrosion resistance. Besides, while it has a small burner surface, it can cook more food faster.
Pros
- Safe and efficient
- Has variable temperature control
- Allows oven type baking for enhanced flavor
- Plastic handle stays cool
Cons
- Does not come with mounting hardware
10. Solaire Portable Infrared Gas Grill
Besides being ideal for boating, this infrared unit is also perfect for camping, RVs, picnics, and tailgaters. It features marine-grade stainless steel construction which makes it more durable and rust-free.
As if that’s not enough, the burner boasts latches that are spring-loaded to ensure the lid stays closed during transportation. On top of that, it’s designed to light with push-button electronic ignition.
Pros
- Comes ready to use right out of the box
- Includes carrying bag for storage and transportation
- Has V-shape grilling grids for enhancing the flavor
- Backed by a one-year limited warranty
Cons
- Blows out when there is too much wind
What to Look Out for When Buying Pontoon Boat Grills
The best grills for pontoon boats have some features in common. So, when buying a pontoon boat burner, you need to take into account these features. They include:
Fuel Type
The first thing you will need to take into account is the type of fuel the burner is designed to use. Gas and charcoal are the two major common fuel types and each has its advantages and shortcomings.
Basically, gas (propane) burners are more efficient compared to their charcoal counterparts. Also, gas units are known for heating up to fast and are convenient to handle. However, they may not bring the complete flavor of some foods.
Charcoal units, on the other hand, are known for giving food a smoky flavor which most people love. Also, they tend to be a little cheaper than gas grills. However, some people may find it inconvenient to store and handle the charcoal.
So, in the end, it’s up to you to choose the one that fits your cooking style and needs.
Size
The size of the grill is another factor worth considering. Ideally, the best pontoon boat burner should be sufficiently large enough to accommodate all your cooking needs. It should cook as many burgers as possible plus steaks, fish, and chicken breasts while also being compact enough.
Construction
Also worth considering the overall construction of the grill. Generally, the best model should be made from strong and durable materials.
Most units are constructed from stainless steel material which comes in various grades including 300, 304, 316, and 316L. Models using 300-grade stainless steel are more affordable than the rest.
Basically, if you’ll be using the burner in a saltwater environment, you should get one that uses 316 or 304 stainless steel. However, these types of units are somewhat pricier than others.
If you plan to use the burner in freshwater bodies, you can go with one using an 18-8 grade of stainless steel. It is corrosive resistant but not as much as the 316-grade.
Portability
This refers to the ease of transporting the burner from one place to another. A portable unit should not only be lightweight but also compact. Also, it should come with at least handles or a carrying bag for ease of transporting it.
Mounting Type
Some grills feature shore stands which enables them to stand alone. Such models don’t need any kind of mounting making them more convenient to use. Unfortunately, most of these cannot be used on the deck of a pontoon.
Others require you to mount them to a pontoon boat rail. However, a majority of them don’t come with mounting hardware so you may need to buy separately. Some models can be mounted using a rod rail holder and others a pedestal post with screws.
Cooking Components
Last but not least, you should take into account what the cooking components of the grill are made of. Generally, the griddle/grate should be constructed from rust-free steel with a porcelain coating to make the surface non-stick.
As for the burner, it can be made of cast iron or steel to ensure it heats evenly. The lids can either be made of porcelain enamel coating or steel for durability. Carry handle, on the other hand, can be aluminum or any material that makes it stay cool even in hot temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now let’s have a quick look at some of the common questions people ask about pontoon boat grills. Check them out.
Can I really grill on a pontoon boat?
Yes you can as it’s not against the law. All you need is the best grill that is designed to mount onto your pontoon boat rails.
What’s the advantage of using infrared grills?
Well, they can be significantly more efficient and far hotter compared to conventional units. This offers you the flexibility of preparing a quick meal.
What type of fuel is better, charcoal or propane?
It all depends on your cooking style. However, most people prefer propane grills because they heat and light up pretty fast. Propane is also more convenient to use compared to charcoal.
Can I grill as my pontoon boat is on the move?
Yes you can but for your safety, we recommend you avoid the practice by all means.
Which is the Overall Best Model?
In our opinion, the Magma A10-918-2GS Gourmet stands out as the best grill for pontoon boats. It boasts a great build quality, an elegant look, and imparts your meals with a smoky flavor.
However, since it’s a bit pricy, we recommend the Arnall’s Pontoon Grill Set if you’re on a tight budget. It’s not only durable and corrosion-resistant but it’s also easy to transport.
Final Verdict
If you would like to enjoy barbecuing out in the water with friends, any of these grills will do the trick. Sure, they all have some drawbacks, but these are small and can be easily overlooked. So, regardless of your cooking needs, we are sure there is a grill for you. Happy grilling on your pontoon boat!