When your campsite kitchen needs to be quick, compact and capable, two names stand out: Dometic and nomadiQ. Both brands bring clever design and reliable heat to the great outdoors, but they do it in different ways. Here’s your guide to choosing the right portable gas BBQ for your next camping trip — and how RV Mega can kit you out with everything you need.
Why campers love the nomadiQ portable gas BBQ
The nomadiQ is the grab-and-go BBQ that punches well above its size. Its party trick is a unique folding clamshell design that collapses into a sleek, handbag-style unit with a shoulder strap. At roughly 5.6 kg, it’s genuinely lightweight to carry from van to beach, or from boot to balcony.
What makes it special
• Ultimate portability: Folds into a slim, easy-carry form so it stows neatly in lockers and small car boots.
• Two independent cooking zones: Each side has its own burner and control, so you can sear steaks on one plate while sautéing veg on the other — no flavour wrestling, no timing panic.
• Fast start-up: From set-down to sizzling in around 2–3 minutes; ideal for quick breakfasts or late arrivals at camp.
• Easy cleaning: Ceramic-coated, dishwasher-safe grates lift out in seconds, and the die-cast aluminium body sheds heat quickly after cooking.
• Clever footprint: Compact when folded, surprisingly large cooking surface when open — perfect for a couple or a small family.
Set-up in a few smooth moves
Place the BBQ on a stable surface, flip out the rear supports for stability, rotate the side knobs to unlock, then unfold using the carry handles. Turn the knobs back to lock open, fit the bottom support, attach your gas, and you’re ready to pre-heat. Because the two plates run independently, you can tailor heat for meat, fish or vegetarian dishes without compromise — and when the weather turns, it cools down quickly so you can pack away without hanging around.
Who it suits
Nomads who value speed, minimal bulk and flexibility. If you’re often on the move, cooking for two to four people, and want a true everyday portable rather than a campsite fixture, the nomadiQ is a brilliant fit.
Why choose a Dometic portable gas BBQ
Dometic’s portable BBQs are built for convenience, versatility and rugged use. Think instant ignition, stable heat across the plate, and modular cooking surfaces that let you do far more than sausages.
Stand-out strengths
• Convenience & speed: Gas lights instantly and delivers consistent, even heat so dinner turns up on time.
• Modular cooking: With interchangeable tops (griddle, grill, plancha, baking stone and more — often via Cadac-style systems), you can grill, stir-fry, bake or simmer in one compact footprint.
• Precision control: Adjustable burners make it simple to move from a hard sear to a gentle simmer, ideal for everything from steaks to delicate fish.
• Portable by design: Compact lids, carry bags and lighter chassis make transport easy without sacrificing cooking area.
• Easy to clean: Non-stick and ceramic-coated surfaces, plus drip management, mean less scrubbing and more relaxing.
• Built to last: Engineered for repeated campsite use, with parts and accessories readily available.
Who it suits
Travellers who treat the campsite like a proper kitchen. If you want to cook more than just grill — breakfasts, flatbreads, paellas, roasted veg — and appreciate fine heat control, a Dometic is your outdoor all-rounder.
Fuel, fittings and safety tips (read this before you light up)
• Gas & regulators: Check your bottle type (commonly LPG) and make sure you have the correct regulator and hose for your BBQ.
• Stable base: Always cook on a level, heat-resistant surface clear of flammables. Shield from wind for consistent heat.
• Ventilation: Only use outdoors or in well-ventilated awning spaces; never in enclosed areas.
• Pre-heat smartly: Give grates a minute or two to heat evenly, then oil the food, not the plate, to reduce flare-ups.
• Clean while warm: Wipe plates as they cool; for nomadiQ, pop the ceramic grates in the dishwasher at the next stop.
• Pack cool: Let the unit cool before boxing; nomadiQ’s aluminium body helps here, while Dometic carry bags keep gear tidy.
Accessories that make camp cooking easier
• Griddle/grill plates & baking stones (Dometic) for pancakes, pizzas and flatbreads.
• Quick-connect hoses, regulators and splitters to run more than one appliance from a bottle (check ratings).
• Thermometers, spatulas and non-scratch tools to protect coatings.
• Carry bags and covers to keep dust and salt spray at bay on coastal trips.
Why buy from RV Mega
As New Zealand’s biggest retailer of caravan and motorhome supplies, RV Mega carries a large range of Dometic and nomadiQ portable BBQs, plus the hoses, regulators, bottles and accessories to match your setup. Our team can help you choose the right size, plate options and gas fittings — and make sure everything plays nicely with your van or campsite gear.
Ready to elevate your camp kitchen?
Drop by RV Mega or get in touch for advice. Whether you’re after the minimalist nomadiQ or the versatile Dometic system, we’ll help you pick a portable BBQ that cooks brilliantly, packs small, and lasts the distance.