Drawer menu
The first evening at the campground often starts at the cooking area. Chairs are set up outside, the awning provides shade, and a tasty meal is waiting. But should you choose a gas grill or a skottelbraai for camping? Both cook quickly, give you plenty of freedom, and fit perfectly with comfortable outdoor living. Yet they cook very differently, take up space in different ways, and each creates its own atmosphere at the table.
For those traveling by caravan, camper, Folding caravan, or rooftop tent, the best choice isn’t just about what you like to eat. Storage space, the number of travel companions, the surface of you campsite, and how many dishes you want to bring all play a role. That’s how you choose a stove that doesn’t get in the way but instead becomes the cozy centerpiece of you camping kitchen.
A gas grill is designed for classic grilling. Think hamburgers with beautiful grill marks, marinated skewers, fish fillets, corn on the cob, and grilled vegetables. The heat comes from beneath the grate and is usually easy to control. This allows you to cook you food with precise control, especially if you choose a model with a lid. The lid traps heat and enables indirect cooking—ideal for larger cuts of meat, a whole chicken, or oven-style dishes.
A skottelbraai features a wide, shallow bowl as its cooking surface. you cook in it with a little oil, butter, or sauce. It feels like a large, portable skillet and lends itself to versatile cooking: bacon and eggs, stir-fried vegetables, potatoes, paella, pasta, or a quick wok dish. The round bowl keeps ingredients together, which is surprisingly handy on a small camping table.
So the difference lies less in quality than in cooking style. Those who mainly want to grill often naturally opt for a gas grill. Those who like to prepare complete meals in a single pan while on vacation will find a skottelbraai to be a real convenience.
A gas grill is perfect for campers who don’t want to miss out on the barbecue experience but don’t want the hassle of charcoal, fire starters, and ash. You connect the gas tank, light the burner, and can usually get started right away. When you done, you the grill cool down, clean the grate, and you everything away neatly.
For a family or a couple that regularly hosts guests, the generous grill surface is a major selling point. You can cook different ingredients at the same time without the flavors and sauces mixing right away. That’s great when one person chooses a vegetarian burger and the other prefers meat or fish.
A model with a lid is especially useful if you want to cook a variety of dishes. It helps retain heat better on a windy evening, so you don’t have to open the lid as often. Be sure to consider the size: a large grill is great for a seasonal campsite, but it might take up too much space in a compact camper garage or on a rooftop tent setup. So don’t just look at the grilling surface—also check the dimensions when it’s folded up or stowed away.
With a gas grill, you can grill directly over the burner for speed and color. On a multi-burner grill, you can also create a cooler zone so dishes can continue to cook gently without burning. This gives you more control than a simple grill plate.
On the other hand, a grill rack isn’t ideal for everything. Small mushrooms, shrimp, or sliced vegetables can fall through the rack. A grill mat, baking sheet, or small pan can solve this problem, but they do require an extra accessory. If you mainly cook one-pot meals, you might find that extra step less appealing.
A skottelbraai is the epitome of relaxed, practical vacation cooking. You chop your ingredients in advance, set out small bowls, and cook everything in one spot. This is especially nice on travel days: no need for a full kitchen setup, but still a fresh, hot meal outdoors under the awning.
The size of the dish also makes it perfect for sharing meals. Sauté a colorful mix of vegetables, make a big pot of fried rice, or arrange tapas-style appetizers in the center of the table. The cooking process becomes part of the get-together. It’s perfect for long summer evenings when no one’s in a hurry to go back inside.
The skottelbraai is perhaps at its best for breakfast. You can effortlessly prepare rolls, fried eggs, pancakes, and bacon all at the same time. You can do that on a barbecue too, but often only with a plancha or other griddle. The skottel is naturally flat, open, and ready for anything that normally goes into a frying pan.
A skottelbraai doesn’t produce the same distinct grilled flavor and grill marks as a barbecue. That’s not a drawback if you not looking for those, but it is something to consider. If you want juicy steaks with that recognizable barbecue look, a grill usually wins out.
At the same time, you gain a lot of freedom. Sauces, eggs, and wet ingredients stay neatly contained in the dish. You can keep ingredients warm along the edges, while the center stays hotter for cooking. And because you often use only one cooking surface, the dishes stay manageable—a small convenience that really makes a difference at a campground.
A great outdoor kitchen starts with a stable spot. Place both a gas grill and a skottelbraai on a sturdy, level surface and keep them a safe distance from tent fabric, awning walls, and loose items. In windy conditions, a sheltered but well-ventilated spot is ideal. Cooking under a fully enclosed awning or inside a closed vehicle is not a good idea.
Also consider the working height. A low tabletop model is compact and convenient for travelers with limited storage space, but requires a stable camping table. A model with legs allows for more comfortable cooking while standing and offers greater independence, although it generally takes up more space. For longer stays, that extra comfort can be worth it day after day.
Check in advance which type of gas cylinder, regulator, and connection fit your appliance. Bring a compatible hose and check regularly to make sure everything is still intact and securely fastened. A simple leak test with soapy water around the connections provides extra peace of mind. Let the appliance cool down completely after use before you it you, especially if it’s going into a motorhome garage or under the hitch.
The best choice is also the one you clean up after dinner without reluctance. With a gas grill, it’s smart to brush the grate while it’s still warm. Grease and food scraps come off more easily that way. A drip pan or catch tray prevents grease from collecting in unwanted places and makes cleanup easier.
you usually clean a skottelbraai with warm water, a soft sponge, and a little dish soap once the bowl has cooled down. Avoid abrasive scouring pads if the bowl has a coating. A thin layer of oil after cleaning can help keep the surface looking good, depending on the material and the care instructions.
For both appliances, bring a compact kit with a brush, cloth, heat-resistant gloves, and a small container for scraps. Keeping your cooking area tidy helps you create that neat, cozy outdoor space where you want to enjoy another cup of coffee or glass of wine.
Are you traveling as a couple, do you enjoy simple cooking, and do you want to prepare as many different dishes as possible using a single appliance? Then a skottelbraai is often a very logical choice. It’s user-friendly, perfect for socializing, and ideal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Are you a true grill enthusiast you loves a crispy crust and regularly you larger cuts of meat, fish, or grilled vegetables? Then a gas grill is probably a better fit. A model with a lid, in particular, offers extra versatility for those who take outdoor cooking seriously and want to do it comfortably.
Still you? Take a look at you last three camping meals. Were they burgers and skewers, or more like pasta, vegetables, eggs, and one-pot dishes? Your own vacation habits often provide a more honest answer than a long list of specifications.
At Camping Cocooning, we believe that practical kamperen can also be beautiful and relaxing. So don’t just choose the appliance that fits in you luggage—choose the one that will make you want to cook outdoors more often. Because when the pan is sizzling, the table is set, and everyone’s already gathering around curiously, even a simple meal feels like a vacation.
