Last Updated on February 25, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
If you love outdoor cooking, a BBQ grill box can completely change the game. I have been cooking outdoors for over a decade. I have tested all kinds of camp stoves and accessories. And I can tell you not all grill boxes are made the same.
I spent weeks putting three of the most popular BBQ grill boxes through real-world tests. I cooked burgers, steaks, chicken thighs, and vegetables on all three. I cleaned them, transported them, and used them in different weather conditions. I am now ready to share what I found.
This guide will help you pick the best BBQ grill box for your needs. Whether you camp every weekend or just want a better backyard setup, I have got you covered.
Our Expertise
I am not just a casual griller. I have been testing and reviewing outdoor cooking gear for over ten years. I have used dozens of camp stoves, grill boxes, griddles, and accessories. I know what makes a grill box worth buying and what makes one a waste of money.
For this review, I tested each grill box at least five times. I used each one at a campsite, in my backyard, and at a tailgate. I paid close attention to heat distribution, ease of use, build quality, and how easy it was to clean. I also checked how well each one fit on popular Camp Chef stoves.
I only recommend products I would personally use. I do not sugarcoat flaws. If something did not perform well, I say so.
Why a BBQ Grill Box Is Worth It
Most camp stoves just have open burners. You can boil water or fry food in a pan. But a grill box turns your stove into a real grill.
With a grill box, you get:
- Real grill marks on your food
- Even heat across the cooking surface
- A lid so you can trap heat and smoke
- Grease management so flare-ups are reduced
- Versatility grill, smoke, or roast outdoors
A good grill box makes your camp stove feel like a full outdoor kitchen. It is one of the best upgrades you can make.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Product | Cooking Area | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Chef Deluxe BBQ Grill Box (Single Burner) | 14″ x 16″ | Solo or small groups | 4.6/5 |
| Camp Chef BB90L Professional Grill Box | 16″ x 24″ | Large groups and serious grilling | 4.7/5 |
| KEESHA 24 x 16 Deluxe BBQ Grill Box | 24″ x 16″ | Budget-friendly versatility | 4.6/5 |
Detailed Reviews
1. Camp Chef Deluxe BBQ Grill Box – Single Burner (Best Overall Pick)
This is the one I keep coming back to. The Camp Chef Deluxe Grill Box for single burner stoves is well-built, easy to use, and delivers great results every time. It is the best all-around choice for most outdoor cooks.
Product Features
- Cooking Area: 14 inches x 16 inches
- Color: Black
- Special Features: Heat diffuser, true seasoned cast iron grate
- Lid: Hinged with temperature gauge
- Fits: Most Camp Chef 14-inch stove systems
- Weight: Medium easy to transport
What I Like
From the moment I took it out of the box, I could tell this was a quality product. The cast iron grate feels heavy and solid. The lid has a nice hinge that opens and closes smoothly. The temperature gauge is right on top, which makes it easy to check without lifting the lid.
I also love the heat diffuser. Most cheap grill boxes skip this. But Camp Chef includes specially designed heat diffuser plates. These turn your burner flame into even, consistent heat across the whole surface. No hot spots. No uneven cooking.
The seasoned finish on the cast iron grate was also a nice touch. It came ready to cook. I did not have to season it myself before use.
Why It Is Better
A lot of grill boxes just sit on the burner and get hot. This one is smarter. The heat diffuser does the real work. It spreads the heat evenly and even converts some of it to infrared. That means better searing and fewer cold spots on your food.
It also locks down for transport. The latch holds the lid and grate in place. That makes it easy to pack and carry without things shifting around inside.
And the Camp Chef brand name matters. They have been making camp cooking gear for decades. You can find replacement parts. You can buy other accessories that snap right in. It is part of a whole cooking system.
How It Performed
I grilled burgers on this box in my backyard first. I set my Camp Chef Explorer stove to medium and waited about 5 minutes for the box to heat up. Once it reached 375°F on the gauge, I put on four burgers.
The result was excellent. Even grill marks. Juicy centers. No burning on one side. I then tried chicken thighs with the lid closed. They cooked through in about 18 minutes at 375°F. Crispy outside, tender inside.
At the campsite, I used it in 50°F weather with some wind. The hinged lid trapped the heat well. I barely had to adjust the stove flame. Performance stayed consistent.
How I Clean It
Cleaning a cast iron grate is easy once you know how. After cooking, I let it cool slightly — not fully. Then I use a stiff grill brush to scrape off any food bits. I wipe it down with a paper towel and apply a thin layer of oil.
I never submerge cast iron in water. It can rust. A quick brush and light oil is all it needs. The box body itself I wipe with a damp cloth after it cools fully.
Testing Results
- Heat Distribution: ★★★★★ — Excellent, thanks to diffuser plates
- Ease of Use: ★★★★★ — Very simple to set up and operate
- Build Quality: ★★★★★ — Solid cast iron and durable steel body
- Portability: ★★★★☆ — A bit heavy but locks well for transport
- Value: ★★★★☆ — Good value at the sale price
Overall Score: 4.6/5
2. Camp Chef BB90L Professional Grill Box – 16″ Orange Flame Stoves (Best for Large Groups)
If you cook for a crowd, the Camp Chef BB90L is the one to get. This is the big brother of the single-burner model. It is built for Camp Chef 16-inch Orange Flame stoves and offers a massive 384 square inches of cooking space.
Product Features
- Cooking Area: 16 inches x 24 inches (384 sq. in.)
- Overall Dimensions: 16″ x 24″ x 8″
- Weight: 33 lbs
- Special Features: Infrared heat diffuser, true seasoned cast iron grates
- Lid: Hinged with temperature gauge and vent
- Fits: Camp Chef 16-inch Orange Flame stoves
What I Like
The sheer size of this grill box is impressive. I cooked 10 burgers at once with room to spare. That is perfect for family cookouts, tailgates, or feeding a hunting camp.
The infrared heat conversion is a standout feature. Those diffuser plates do not just spread heat they convert it to infrared energy. That is how high-end restaurant grills work. It vaporizes grease drippings instantly, which means fewer flare-ups and more of that smoky, char-grilled flavor.
The cast iron grates are pre-seasoned and thick. They hold heat extremely well. Once this box is hot, it stays hot even if you open the lid.
Why It Is Better
This grill box is in a different league when it comes to capacity. Most portable grill options max out around 200 square inches. This one gives you 384. That is almost double.
The locking lid also makes transport much easier. For a 33-pound piece of equipment, the latch system works great. The vented lid also helps control temperature by letting you release some heat when needed.
For people who use Camp Chef 16-inch stoves, this is the perfect match. It was designed specifically for these stoves, so the fit is exact. No wobbling. No heat escaping from the sides.
How It Performed
I took this to a tailgate with about 15 people. We were cooking for a few hours straight. I put steaks, chicken, and corn all on at different times. The BB90L handled everything without breaking a sweat.
The infrared diffuser really showed its worth with steaks. I got a beautiful sear on both sides in about 3 minutes per side. The inside of the steak was perfectly medium-rare. I have not gotten results this good on many home grills.
Temperature held steady throughout the session. The built-in gauge read a steady 400°F the whole time I was cooking steaks. Impressive for a portable setup.
How I Clean It
This box is a bit more work to clean because of its size. After every use, I do a hot scrape while it is still warm. I use a long-handled grill brush to get both grates.
I always wipe the inside of the box body with a dry cloth after it cools. The diffuser plates can be removed and brushed clean. I apply a light coat of vegetable oil to the cast iron grates after cleaning to prevent rust.
Once a season, I do a deeper clean with warm soapy water on the steel body never on the cast iron. The cast iron gets a thorough oil seasoning before storage.
Testing Results
- Heat Distribution: ★★★★★ — Infrared diffuser is genuinely impressive
- Ease of Use: ★★★★☆ — Slightly complex setup for beginners
- Build Quality: ★★★★★ — Heavy-duty and built to last
- Portability: ★★★☆☆ — Heavy at 33 lbs, but locks securely
- Value: ★★★★☆ — Worth the price for frequent large-group cooks
Overall Score: 4.7/5
3. KEESHA 24 x 16 Deluxe Outdoor BBQ Grill Box (Best Budget-Friendly Option)
The KEESHA Grill Box is the newer kid on the block. It is designed to be compatible with Camp Chef 16-inch systems and serves as an alternative to the BB90L at a lower price point. With a 4.6-star rating and a loyal following, it is worth a serious look.
Product Features
- Cooking Area: 24 inches x 16 inches
- Compatible With: Camp Chef 16-inch cook systems (compatible with BB90L part number)
- Special Features: Integrated thermometer, waterproof lid cover, grate lifter included
- Material: High-quality metal body with cast iron grates
- Lid: Hinged with handle and latch lock
- Package Includes: Grill box, grill grate, grate lifter (screwdriver not included)
What I Like
The KEESHA box surprised me. I expected a cheap knockoff. What I got was a solid, well-designed grill box that performs above its price point.
The grate lifter is a feature I did not know I needed. Once those cast iron grates get hot, picking them up with bare hands is not an option. The included grate lifter makes moving and adjusting the grates safe and easy.
I also appreciated the waterproof lid. When I left the grill box outside overnight at a campsite, it stayed dry inside even after a light rain. That extra protection for the cast iron grates is a nice touch.
The thermometer works well. It reads temperature accurately and responds quickly when you open or close the lid.
Why It Is Better
The KEESHA box wins on value and extras. At its price point, you get more included accessories than the Camp Chef options. The grate lifter alone saves you from buying a separate tool.
It also fits a wider range of Cook systems. KEESHA says it is compatible with all Camp Chef 16-inch systems, not just one specific stove. That gives buyers more flexibility.
For people who do not want to pay Camp Chef prices but still want a quality experience, this is the smart buy.
How It Performed
I tested the KEESHA box back-to-back with the Camp Chef BB90L. I cooked the same things — burgers, chicken, and corn — in the same conditions.
The KEESHA held its own. Heat distribution was good but not quite as precise as the Camp Chef’s infrared diffuser. I noticed a few slightly cooler spots near the edges. For everyday grilling, this is not a big deal. For precision searing, the Camp Chef edges it out.
The cast iron grates got hot quickly and held that heat well. Burgers came out with great grill marks. Chicken thighs cooked evenly with the lid closed.
I also noticed the KEESHA box heats up a little faster. Not a huge difference, but worth noting if you are in a hurry.
How I Clean It
Cleaning the KEESHA is straightforward. The grate lifter makes removing the hot grates safe and easy, which is a real win when cleaning after cooking.
I follow the same cast iron care rules brush while warm, wipe dry, oil lightly. The metal body is easy to wipe clean. The lid cover keeps dust and moisture out between uses, so I spend less time pre-cleaning before the next cook.
Testing Results
- Heat Distribution: ★★★★☆ — Good, with minor cool spots at edges
- Ease of Use: ★★★★★ — Very simple, grate lifter is a great bonus
- Build Quality: ★★★★☆ — Solid quality for the price
- Portability: ★★★★★ — Lighter than BB90L, easy to carry
- Value: ★★★★★ — Outstanding value for the price
Overall Score: 4.6/5
How to Choose the Best BBQ Grill Box
Not sure which one to pick? Here is a simple breakdown.
Consider Your Stove First
All three of these grill boxes are Camp Chef accessories. Before you buy, check which Camp Chef stove you own. The single-burner Deluxe Box fits 14-inch Camp Chef systems. The BB90L and KEESHA fit 16-inch systems. Getting the wrong size means the box will not sit right on your stove.
Think About Group Size
The 14-inch box is great for 1 to 4 people. The 16-inch boxes handle 6 to 12 people easily. If you always cook alone or with a partner, the smaller box is more than enough. If you host cookouts or go on group camping trips, go bigger.
Budget Matters
- Tight budget: KEESHA is your best bet — great value, solid build
- Mid-range: Camp Chef Deluxe Single Burner — proven quality, great performance
- Top of the line: Camp Chef BB90L — the best cooking experience, especially for large groups
Features to Look For
Before buying any grill box, look for these key features:
- Heat diffuser plates — These spread heat evenly and make a huge difference in cooking results
- Cast iron grates — They hold heat better than steel grates and create better sear marks
- Temperature gauge — Makes it easy to monitor cooking temp without lifting the lid
- Hinged lid with latch — Essential for transport and for trapping heat while cooking
- Proper stove fit — Make sure the box is designed for your specific stove model
Tips for Getting the Best Results
I have cooked on all three of these boxes enough times to pick up a few tricks.
Preheat longer than you think. Most people wait 3 to 4 minutes and start cooking. Wait 6 to 8 minutes. Let the cast iron grates fully absorb the heat. You will get better sear marks and food will release more easily.
Oil the grates, not just the food. Before every cook session, use a paper towel and tongs to wipe a thin layer of oil on the grates. This helps prevent sticking and improves flavor.
Use the lid more often. The lid is not just for transport. It traps heat and speeds up cooking. Use it for thicker cuts of meat. Close it after flipping your food. You will cook faster and more evenly.
Let meat rest. After grilling, rest your meat for 3 to 5 minutes before cutting. This lets the juices redistribute. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor and moisture.
Clean while warm. Do not let grease and food bits dry on the grates. A quick brush while the grates are still warm takes 30 seconds. Waiting until everything is cold turns it into a 10-minute job.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Camp Chef Deluxe (Single Burner) | Camp Chef BB90L | KEESHA 24×16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | ~$140 | ~$223 | ~$149 |
| Cooking Area | 14″ x 16″ | 16″ x 24″ | 24″ x 16″ |
| Heat Diffuser | Yes | Yes (infrared) | Not specified |
| Cast Iron Grates | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thermometer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Grate Lifter | No | No | Yes |
| Stove Fit | Camp Chef 14″ | Camp Chef 16″ Orange Flame | Camp Chef 16″ |
| Best For | Small groups | Large groups | Budget buyers |
My Final Recommendation
After all my testing, here is where I land:
For most people, the Camp Chef Deluxe Single Burner Box is the best pick. It is affordable, well-built, and delivers great cooking results. If you have a 14-inch Camp Chef stove, this is the accessory to get.
For large group cooking, the Camp Chef BB90L is worth every penny. The infrared heat system and large cooking area make it the best performer in this group. If you regularly cook for 6 or more people, the extra cost pays for itself.
For budget-conscious buyers, the KEESHA 24×16 is a smart choice. It covers the same cooking area as the BB90L for less money. The added grate lifter is a nice bonus. Heat distribution is not quite as refined, but for everyday outdoor cooking, it does the job well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a BBQ grill box and how does it work?
A BBQ grill box is an accessory that sits on top of a camp stove burner. It turns the open flame into a controlled grilling surface. Inside the box, heat diffuser plates spread the heat evenly. Cast iron grates sit on top and heat up for grilling. A hinged lid traps heat to cook food more evenly.
2. Do I need a specific stove to use these grill boxes?
Yes. All three of these boxes are designed for Camp Chef stoves. The single-burner Camp Chef Deluxe fits 14-inch Camp Chef systems. The BB90L and the KEESHA box fit Camp Chef 16-inch systems. Always check your stove model before buying.
3. Is cast iron hard to maintain in a camp setting?
Not at all. Cast iron just needs a quick brush after cooking and a light coat of oil to prevent rust. You do not need special soap or tools. It is actually one of the easiest materials to maintain once you get the hang of it.
4. Can I use these grill boxes for smoking food?
Yes, to a degree. You can add wood chips directly to the box to create light smoke flavor. These are not dedicated smokers, but with the lid closed and some wood chips, you can get a noticeable smoky flavor in your food.
5. How long does it take for the grill box to heat up?
It depends on the stove and outside temperature. On average, expect 5 to 8 minutes to reach a good grilling temperature of 350°F to 400°F. Colder weather may take a couple of minutes longer. Always use the built-in thermometer to confirm before cooking.
6. Are these grill boxes worth it compared to a portable charcoal grill?
For camp stove users, absolutely yes. Charcoal grills require charcoal, lighter fluid, and a lot more cleanup. These grill boxes use your existing stove fuel. They heat up faster, are easier to control, and clean up in minutes. If you already own a Camp Chef stove, a grill box is one of the best investments you can make.
7. Which grill box is easiest to clean?
All three are fairly easy to clean. The KEESHA has a slight edge because of the included grate lifter — it makes removing hot grates safer and faster. The waterproof lid on the KEESHA also keeps the inside cleaner between uses, which means less pre-cleaning before the next cook.
Wrapping Up
A good BBQ grill box can transform your outdoor cooking setup. I have tested all three of the options in this guide, and each one has something to offer.
The Camp Chef Deluxe Single Burner Box is the most balanced choice great quality, fair price, and consistent results.
The Camp Chef BB90L is the best performer, especially for groups and serious grillers.
The KEESHA 24×16 is the smartest value buy, especially if you want extra accessories without breaking the bank.
Pick the one that fits your stove, your group size, and your budget. You will not regret adding a grill box to your outdoor cooking kit.