Short answer: a grill that rides in a UTV needs to pack flat, be thick enough that trail vibration doesn't bend or loosen it, set up by hand at the stop, and hold enough food for the whole group at once. That's what we look for, and it's why a Slot Grill rides along on most of our trips.
We build Slot Grills in Southeast Texas, so we're not neutral. Everything below comes from our own rides, and we point out where our grill isn't the right fit.
What a trail grill has to handle
Our rides aren't photo shoots. Machines get stuck, plans change, and the stop might be beside the water, at a camp in the woods, or anywhere with room to park. Gear in the bed takes every rut. Here's what matters:
- It packs flat. Cargo space is small and oddly shaped. A flat stack slides in next to the cooler and recovery gear.
- Thick steel, few moving parts. Trails shake things loose. A Slot Grill has no hinges or folding joints. The steel pieces slot together, so there's less to rattle apart.
- Setup by hand. About 30–60 seconds, no tools. When everyone's hungry, you want to get to the fire.
- Room for the crew. Riding groups eat at the same time. The cooking surface decides whether that happens.
Which size fits your machine
| Compact | Full Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking surface | 16.25″ × 9″ | 20.5″ × 11.25″ |
| Steel | 12-gauge carbon steel | 10-gauge carbon steel |
| Packed weight, grill only | 14 lb | 27.6 lb |
| Price, grill only | $79.97 | $139.97 |
| Good fit | 1–3 riders, tight cargo space | Bigger groups, thick cuts |
Specs from our Specs, Setup & Care page. Prices checked when this was published.
What we actually cook on the trail
A tomahawk after a mud day. For a thick cut we let the charcoal get fully established instead of rushing it. Hot side for crust, then a cooler part of the grate to bring the center along without burning the outside. Long tongs and an instant-read thermometer do most of the work. The full story is in Mud, Miles & a Tomahawk.
Feeding everybody after dark. When the ride runs late, order keeps people from standing around. Chicken and thick items go on first, corn and foil packets while the coals settle, sausage and hot dogs later because they cook fast, and bread last. More in Late Ride, Hot Coals.
Our side-by-side cooking checklist
- Charcoal and a reliable way to light it
- Cooler with food packed cold and sealed, raw and ready-to-eat kept apart
- Long tongs, instant-read thermometer, knife, small cutting board
- Headlamp or work light, since phone flashlights get old when both hands are busy
- Heavy foil, paper towels, water and trash bags
- A stable, heat-safe place to cook, with clearance from dry grass, fuel cans, plastic and anything that can melt or burn
Where a Slot Grill isn't the best fit
- If every pound counts, the Full Size at 27.6 lb is heavy. The Compact at 14 lb is the better choice, and an ultralight grill is lighter still.
- If you want dinner in five minutes, charcoal takes time to get established. Propane is faster to start.
- If you don't want to do upkeep, carbon steel needs to be dried and lightly oiled after muddy, wet rides or it will surface-rust. See how we prevent rust.
Common questions
Will it rattle in the bed?
It packs into one flat stack. Strap it down like any other gear.
Can it double as the fire at night?
Yes. Where fires are allowed, both sizes work as a small fire pit after cooking. Check burn bans and fire rules first.
Compact or Full Size for a two-seater?
If space is tight and you're feeding one to three people, the Compact. If you haul a crew or cook thick cuts, the Full Size.
More from the trail: Why a Slot Grill Rides With Us.