Best Marine Grills for Your Boat: Magma vs Kuuma and Everything You Need to Know

A complete guide to the best marine grills for boats, comparing Magma Marine Kettle and Kuuma Stow N Go series with direct product links to grills, mounts, and accessories at Bergen Performance Marine.
By Matthew Tani
7 min read
Best Marine Grills for Your Boat: Magma vs Kuuma and Everything You Need to Know

Few things make a day on the water better than firing up the grill at anchor. Whether you're cooking burgers on a sandbar, grilling fresh-caught fish offshore, or hosting a sunset cookout at the dock, a quality marine grill is one of the best investments you can make for your boat. But not all grills are created equal — marine grills need to handle saltwater, UV exposure, and the space constraints of a boat while still delivering great cooking performance. At Bergen Performance Marine, we carry the two best marine grill brands on the market: Magma and Kuuma. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right one for your vessel.

What Makes a Marine Grill Different?

A marine grill isn't just a backyard grill bolted to a boat. Purpose-built marine grills are designed with features that standard grills simply don't have:

  • Marine-grade stainless steel — 316 or 304 stainless steel resists saltwater corrosion far better than standard materials
  • Compact, space-efficient design — boats have limited deck space; marine grills are engineered to maximize cooking area in a small footprint
  • Secure mounting systems — rail mounts, pedestal mounts, and surface mounts keep the grill stable underway and at anchor
  • Propane compatibility — most marine grills run on small 1 lb propane canisters or connect to the boat's onboard propane system
  • Safety features — enclosed designs, drip trays, and stable bases reduce fire risk on a moving vessel

Magma Marine Grills

Magma is the most recognized name in marine grilling, with decades of experience building grills specifically for the boating market. Their Marine Kettle series is iconic — the round kettle design maximizes cooking area while minimizing deck footprint, and the domed lid allows for indirect cooking and smoking in addition to direct grilling.

Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grills

The Magma Marine Kettle gas grill lineup is available in two sizes to suit different vessels and group sizes:

The Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill — 15" is the compact option, ideal for smaller boats and couples. Despite its size, it delivers impressive cooking performance with Magma's efficient burner design. It's the perfect choice for a center console, bay boat, or smaller cruiser where deck space is at a premium.

The Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill — 17" steps up the cooking area for larger groups. The 17" diameter provides enough space to cook for 4–6 people comfortably, making it the most popular size for cruisers, sportfishing boats, and larger center consoles.

For serious entertaining, the Magma Party Size 17" Marine Kettle 3 Gas Grill is the flagship of the lineup. The Marine Kettle 3 features Magma's latest burner technology with improved heat distribution, a built-in thermometer, and enhanced construction. If you entertain regularly on the water, this is the grill to have.

For a larger rectangular cooking surface, the Magma Anacapa Gas Grill — 9" x 18" offers a traditional rectangular grill format with 162 square inches of cooking area. The Anacapa's flat cooking surface is ideal for burgers, steaks, and fish fillets, and its low-profile design suits a wide range of mounting configurations.

Magma Charcoal Marine Kettle Grills

For those who prefer the flavor of charcoal, Magma offers their iconic kettle design in charcoal versions. The Magma 17" Charcoal Marine Kettle Grill delivers authentic charcoal flavor in the same compact, marine-grade package as the gas models. The Magma Party Size Charcoal Marine Kettle with Hinged Lid adds a convenient hinged lid for easier access while cooking — a thoughtful upgrade for frequent grillers.

Magma Accessories

Protect your investment with the Magma Padded Grill Carrying/Storage Case — a padded, zippered case that protects your Marine Kettle during storage and transport. The Marine Kettle Grill Cover Tote Bag in Pacific Blue is a lighter-weight cover option for dock and storage use. And the Cooking Grill for Party Size Kettle is a replacement/spare cooking grate for the party size models.

Kuuma Marine Grills

Kuuma is Camco's marine grill brand and offers a compelling alternative to Magma with a focus on stainless steel construction, compact folding designs, and excellent value. Kuuma grills are particularly popular for their Stow N Go series — grills that fold flat for easy storage when not in use.

Kuuma Stow N Go Series

The Stow N Go series is Kuuma's most popular lineup, designed for boaters who want a capable grill that stows away easily between uses.

The Kuuma Stow N Go 125 Compact Gas Grill is the smallest in the lineup with 125 square inches of cooking area — perfect for solo boaters or couples on smaller vessels. Its compact folded dimensions make it easy to store in a cockpit locker or under a seat.

The Kuuma Stow N Go 160 Propane Gas Grill steps up to 160 square inches of 304 stainless steel cooking surface — enough for 3–4 people. The all-stainless construction is built to handle saltwater environments, and the folding legs make storage simple.

For the best of both worlds — performance and convenience — the Kuuma Stow N Go 160 with Ignitor and Thermometer adds a push-button ignitor for easy lighting and a built-in thermometer for precise temperature control. This is the version we recommend for most boaters.

Kuuma Profile and Elite Series

For boaters who want a more permanent, higher-output grill installation, Kuuma's Profile and Elite series deliver serious cooking performance.

The Kuuma Profile 150 Gas Grill features 150 square inches of cooking area and a powerful 9,000 BTU burner in a sleek, low-profile stainless steel design. The Profile series is designed for rail or pedestal mounting and has a more permanent, integrated look than the Stow N Go models.

The Kuuma Elite 216 Gas Grill offers 216 square inches of cooking area — enough for a full cookout for 4–6 people. The Elite series features Kuuma's premium construction with enhanced burner output and a larger cooking surface for serious entertaining.

At the top of the Kuuma lineup, the Kuuma Elite 316 Gas Grill delivers 316 square inches of cooking area — the largest in the Kuuma range. If you regularly host large groups on the water, the Elite 316 gives you the cooking capacity to handle it without compromise.

Mounting Solutions

A great grill needs a great mount. Magma offers a comprehensive range of mounting options to suit virtually any vessel:

Magma vs Kuuma: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Magma if:

  • You want the iconic round kettle design with a domed lid for indirect cooking
  • You prefer charcoal grilling
  • You want the widest range of mounting options
  • You entertain large groups and want the Party Size models
  • Brand recognition and resale value matter to you

Choose Kuuma if:

  • You want a grill that folds flat for easy storage (Stow N Go series)
  • You prefer a traditional rectangular cooking surface
  • You want maximum cooking area for the price (Elite series)
  • You're looking for excellent value without sacrificing quality

Marine Grill Safety Tips

  • Never grill in an enclosed space — always grill in open air with good ventilation
  • Keep the grill away from flammable materials — maintain clearance from canvas, cushions, and fuel vents
  • Shut off propane at the tank when done — never leave propane valves open when the grill is unattended
  • Use a drip tray — grease fires are a real hazard; keep the drip tray clean
  • Secure the grill before getting underway — always stow or lock the grill before moving the boat
  • Have a fire extinguisher accessible — keep a marine-rated extinguisher within reach whenever the grill is in use

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular propane tank with a marine grill?

Most marine grills are designed to use small 1 lb disposable propane canisters, but many can also be connected to a larger onboard propane system with the appropriate adapter hose. Check your specific grill model for compatibility.

How do I clean a marine grill?

After each use, burn off residue with the lid closed for a few minutes, then brush the grates with a stainless steel grill brush. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use. Store with a cover to protect from UV and salt air.

What size grill do I need?

A general rule: 100–125 sq in for 1–2 people, 150–175 sq in for 3–4 people, 200+ sq in for 5 or more. When in doubt, go slightly larger — you can always cook less, but you can't cook more than the grill can hold.

Is charcoal or gas better for a boat?

Gas is more convenient and easier to control on a boat — no ash disposal, instant on/off, and consistent heat. Charcoal delivers better flavor but requires more cleanup and ash management. Most boaters prefer gas for the convenience factor.

Ready to Grill on the Water?

Browse our full selection of Magma and Kuuma marine grills, mounts, and accessories at Bergen Performance Marine. Whether you're outfitting a small center console or a large cruiser, we have the right grill for your boat. Contact us if you need help choosing the right setup for your vessel.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.