As someone who loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s out on the water, camping, or just enjoying a day at the park, I often faced a challenge: how to cook a proper meal without hauling a massive grill. Lugging a standard backyard grill was out of the question, and relying solely on camp stoves or pre-made food felt limiting. Finding a compact, reliable way to grill was a persistent problem. Without a suitable solution, impromptu cookouts, fresh-off-the-boat burgers, or grilled steaks while tailgating would remain just pleasant thoughts, significantly detracting from the overall experience of being out and about.
- Connections: Connects to 1 lb. disposable propane bottle
- Easy to Transport and Mount: Grill features latch and handle for convenient portability and can be easily mounted to any Kuuma rail, rod, or pedestal mount
- Cooking Surface Space: 125 square inches of cooking space
Choosing the Right Portable Grill
When you’re looking to buy a portable grill, you’re typically trying to solve the problem of wanting freshly grilled food in locations where a full-sized grill isn’t feasible. This category of product is ideal for people who enjoy boating, RVing, tailgating, camping, picnicking, or even those with small patios or balconies. The ideal customer is someone who prioritizes mobility and convenience without wanting to sacrifice the taste and experience of grilling.
Who shouldn’t buy a portable grill? Someone who primarily grills for large crowds (think 6+ people regularly) or needs a massive cooking surface, as portable options are inherently smaller. If you only ever grill in your backyard and have ample space, a full-sized grill is likely a better investment. Those requiring precise temperature control with multiple burners or high-end features might also find portable models too basic. Before buying, consider where you’ll use it most often, how many people you’ll typically be cooking for, what kind of fuel you prefer (propane is common for portability), the size and weight for transport and storage, and whether you need specific mounting options (like for a boat or RV). Also, think about the material – stainless steel is popular for durability but can vary in quality.
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- Main Smoking Area: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook large cuts of meat.
Introducing the Camco Stow N Go 125
The Camco Kuuma Premium Stainless Steel Mountable Gas Grill w/Regulator -Compact Portable Size Perfect for Boats, Tailgating and More – Stow N Go 125″ (58140) is designed to be your go-to solution for grilling wherever your adventures take you. It promises a portable and convenient way to enjoy grilled food, offering easy setup and reliable performance in a compact package. When you purchase this Camco grill, you get the fully assembled grill unit along with a regulator designed to connect to a 1 lb. disposable propane bottle. It’s aimed squarely at boaters, RVers, campers, and tailgaters – anyone who needs a grill that’s easy to transport and set up in varied locations. It’s likely not the best fit for someone needing a large grilling surface or looking for advanced features found on larger, less portable units or higher-end marine-specific grills.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons based on long-term use and common feedback:
Pros:
* Compact and lightweight, making it genuinely portable.
* Durable 304 stainless steel construction feels solid initially.
* Comes fully assembled, ready to use out of the box.
* Heats up quickly and maintains heat well for its size.
* Versatile mounting options available (sold separately) for boats, RVs, etc.
Cons:
* The stated cooking surface area (125 sq. inches) feels smaller in practice due to shape and usable grate space.
* Lack of an integrated igniter and thermometer is inconvenient.
* The stainless steel finish can deteriorate and show corrosion over time, impacting appearance.
* Small grease tray requires frequent checking and emptying.
* Requires clearance behind for the lid to open fully, which can affect mounting placement.
In-Depth Look at the Stow N Go 125’s Capabilities
Let’s dive deeper into what makes the Kuuma Stow N Go 125 a fixture in my outdoor cooking setup, and where it falls a bit short based on extended use.
Portability and Mounting
One of the main selling points of this portable gas grill is its ease of transport and mounting versatility. Weighing in at just 14.5 lbs and featuring a latch and handle, it’s genuinely easy to carry from your vehicle to a picnic table, boat deck, or tailgate party. This convenient portability is exactly what I needed to overcome the hurdle of grilling away from home. It’s not bulky or awkward, making it simple to stow away when not in use.
Beyond just carrying it, the ability to mount this grill is a huge benefit, especially for boaters and RVers. While the mounts themselves are sold separately, the grill is designed to be compatible with various Kuuma rail, rod, or pedestal mounts. On my boat, using a rail mount keeps the grill secure and stable, preventing it from shifting or tipping, even in choppy water. This stability is crucial for safety and cooking enjoyment. The design allows it to be positioned out of the way, maximizing deck space. For tailgating or camping, the integrated feet mean you can simply place it on a flat surface like a table. Over time, I’ve found the latch and handle hold up well to repeated use and transport. The only consideration with mounting, as noted by myself and others, is ensuring you have enough clearance behind the grill for the lid to fully open, which might dictate placement if mounting on a railing near a wall or structure.
Cooking Surface Space
The product description states a 125 square inch cooking surface. In reality, the usable grilling area on the grate feels somewhat less, closer to about 8.25″ by 13″. This is enough space to cook for 2-3 people comfortably – say, two decent-sized steaks or three to four burgers at once. It’s perfect for small gatherings, cooking for yourself and a partner, or a small family. If you’re planning to feed a larger group, you’ll need to cook in batches. While the size is a limitation for volume cooking, it’s also a direct trade-off for the grill’s compact portability. The deep lid (4 inches at its deepest point) is a nice touch, allowing you to grill thicker cuts or even use a small roasting pan inside, although the lack of a built-in thermometer means you’re relying on guesswork or adding your own as some users have done. For a long-time user, understanding this limitation is key to managing expectations and planning meals accordingly.
High-Quality Construction and Materials
The Camco Kuuma 125 grill is advertised as being constructed of durable 304 stainless steel. Stainless steel is a good choice for outdoor and marine environments because of its resistance to rust and corrosion, promising longevity. Out of the box, the grill looks sleek and well-built. The initial feel is solid and gives the impression of quality. All joints and components seem sturdy. This robust construction is vital for a portable grill that’s likely to be exposed to various weather conditions and transported frequently.
However, my long-term experience and that of other users reveal a significant drawback here. While initially durable, the stainless steel finish, particularly on the lid and around the heat source, shows signs of deterioration over time. After repeated heating cycles and exposure to the elements (even with some care), the metal can discolor and develop corrosion. This isn’t the type of superficial rust you can easily wipe away; it seems to be related to the metallurgy itself changing from the heat. While it hasn’t affected the grill’s functionality in terms of cooking performance, it definitely impacts its appearance, making it look less premium and quite weathered sooner than expected for stainless steel. This issue suggests that the grade or treatment of the stainless steel, while perhaps technically 304, isn’t as resistant to heat-induced changes or certain environmental factors as one might hope for in a product often used on boats near saltwater.
Heat Output and Performance
With a heat output of 9,000 BTU/HR, this gas grill packs enough punch for its size. It heats up surprisingly fast, which is great when you’re eager to eat after a long day outdoors. The single burner distributes heat reasonably well across the grate, though like most small grills, there can be hotter and cooler spots. For grilling burgers, hot dogs, chicken pieces, or smaller steaks, it performs admirably, delivering good searing and even cooking if you manage the heat zones. Users have reported it getting up to 500°F or more on max, which is certainly hot enough for most grilling tasks. The control knob allows you to adjust the flame, giving you some control over the cooking temperature, although without a built-in thermometer, achieving precise temperatures for things like roasting or smoking is difficult and requires guesswork or external tools. For basic grilling needs on the go, the heat performance is definitely a strong point.
Regulator and Fuel Connection
The grill comes with a regulator specifically designed to connect to a standard 1 lb. disposable propane bottle. This is the most common type of fuel for small portable appliances, making it convenient to find replacements at most hardware stores, camping stores, or even many grocery stores. The connection is straightforward and secure. Using the small bottles reinforces the grill’s portability; you don’t need to carry a larger, heavier propane tank. While convenient, disposable bottles are more expensive per ounce than larger tanks and generate more waste. For longer cooking sessions or multiple uses, an adapter hose to connect to a larger propane tank would be a valuable accessory (and one I eventually purchased), though the grill doesn’t include one. The regulator itself has functioned reliably for me over time, maintaining consistent gas flow. It’s important to note that the stated dimensions (20 inches wide) include the regulator attached, which is why the grill body and cooking grate are narrower than the overall width.
Size, Weight, and Assembly
Measuring 11.25″D x 20″W x 11″H and weighing 14.5 lbs, the Camco Kuuma Stow N Go 125 lives up to its “compact portable size” claim. It’s small enough to fit into tight storage spaces on a boat, in an RV compartment, or in the trunk of a car without taking up excessive room. The light weight makes carrying it short distances effortless. A major plus is that it comes fully assembled. There’s no need to spend time fiddling with instructions and screws before you can use it – just connect the propane and you’re ready to grill. This “straight out of the box and ready to use” aspect is fantastic for getting started right away on your trip.
While the overall dimensions are compact, the grease tray’s size is quite small and it pulls out from the left side, requiring about a foot of clearance to remove. This is a minor inconvenience but something to be aware of when positioning the grill, especially in confined spaces. If you’re cooking anything particularly greasy, you’ll need to keep an eye on the tray and empty it frequently to avoid overflow.
Overall, after extended use, the core function of this Camco portable grill remains strong – it provides a quick, easy, and portable way to grill. While the issues with the stainless steel finish and the lack of features like an igniter or thermometer are downsides, the fundamental performance for basic grilling on the go is solid, especially considering its size and primary use case.
What Other Users Are Saying
Searching online, I found many users share positive experiences with the Kuuma 125, praising its portability, ease of setup, and how well it cooks for its size. Many highlight its suitability for boats and RVs thanks to the mounting options. However, like me, some users noted the lack of features like an igniter or thermometer and commented on the actual usable cooking area being smaller than the stated dimensions. A recurring concern, unfortunately, is the long-term durability of the stainless steel finish, with reports of corrosion appearing after several months of use, which is disappointing for a grill designed for outdoor environments.
My Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Dealing with limited cooking options while enjoying the outdoors can really put a damper on things. That craving for a fresh grilled meal shouldn’t be restricted to your backyard. The complications of *not* having a portable grill mean settling for less satisfying food or missing out on a core part of the outdoor experience. The Camco Kuuma Stow N Go 125 is a great fit for solving this problem because it’s incredibly easy to transport, sets up in minutes, and delivers good grilling performance for its compact size. Despite minor drawbacks like the stainless steel finish over time and lack of built-in igniter/thermometer, its convenience and cooking ability make it a valuable companion for boating, camping, or tailgating. If you’re in the market for a reliable, space-saving way to grill on the go, you can Click here to check the product out for yourself.
Last update on 2025-09-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API