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Eureka SPRK Camp Grill Review

Although this butane-powered grill doesn’t supply the largest grilling surface nor the most power output, it is easy to use, lightweight, and highly packable
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Eureka SPRK Camp Grill Review
Credit: Trish Matheny
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   Eureka
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 4, 2024
65
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 20
  • Output Power - 25% 6.0
  • Control - 25% 7.0
  • Portability - 20% 10.0
  • Cooking Area - 20% 4.0
  • Wind Resistance - 10% 4.0

Our Verdict

If you're after a portable grill that prioritizes simplicity within a lightweight and super packable design, look no further than the Eureka SPRK Camp Grill. This grill comes with its own durable plastic, briefcase-like carrying case with sliding latches for security and proper storage. The large handle makes it easy to transport the 8.5-pound grill from your car to the picnic table, while the butane-powered design further lightens the load. Though not the best when it comes to maximum output power nor wind resistance, the grill supplies enough control to sear red meats on high and efficient heat with enough range to turn the dial down to slow cook your favorite veggies with beautiful grill marks. The 148 square inches of cooking area is perfect when grilling for 2-3 people and the adjustable legs make for a sturdy base on uneven surfaces. Looking for one of the most portable and efficient grills around? This one is at the top of our list.
REASONS TO BUY
Highly packable
Great design
Perfect when grilling for two
Easy to use
Great control 

REASONS TO AVOID
May be difficult to locate butane canisters
Limited wind resistance

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Favorite Pack-and-Carry Grill
Best Buy Award
Best Cooking Performance for the Money
Top Pick Award
Best Charcoal Grill
Best Buy Award
Best Value in a Smaller Grill
 
Price $89.93 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$170 List
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Check Price at Amazon$120 List
$79.95 at Amazon
$50 List
$34.79 at Amazon
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Bottom Line This lightweight butane-powered grill is highly packable and perfect for couples who want to grill on the goA high-performing propane grill that features an aesthetic and durable stainless steel design along with high output power and excellent controlA neatly packaged, on-the-go charcoal grill with the capacity for finely tuned pit-cookingAlmost too powerful for its size, this hearty grill specializes in searing steaksThough limited in terms of overall output power and temperature control, this lightweight, electric option offers non-stick performance and exceptional portability
Rating Categories Eureka SPRK Camp Grill Cuisinart CGG-306 C... Weber Go-Anywhere C... Cuisinart Grillster Elite Gourmet 12" E...
Output Power (25%)
6.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
Control (25%)
7.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
Portability (20%)
10.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
Cooking Area (20%)
4.0
7.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Wind Resistance (10%)
4.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
Specs Eureka SPRK Camp Grill Cuisinart CGG-306 C... Weber Go-Anywhere C... Cuisinart Grillster Elite Gourmet 12" E...
Heat/Power Source Butane Liquid propane Charcoal Liquid propane Electric
Total BTU 7,250 20,000 N/A 8,000 N/A
Weight (Per Manufacturer) 8 lbs 8 oz 22 lbs 14 lbs 14 oz 10.0 lbs 6.0 lbs
Measured Cooking Surface Area 148.5.0 sq in 275.0 sq in 140.0 sq in 148 sq in 144 sq in
Number of Burners 1 2 N/A 1 N/A
Grill material Non-stick ceramic Stainless steel Plated steel Enameled steel Stainless steel
Measured Packed Size - Dimensions 16.5"L x 11.5"D x 4.5"H 22.0"L x 14.0"D x 18.5"H 21.0"L x 12.2"D x 14.5"H 20.5"L x 12.0"D x 10.2"H 17.0"L x 17.0"D x 4.0"H
Measured Packed Size - Volume 2.0 cu ft 3.3 cu ft 2.2 cu ft 1.5 cu ft 0.7 cu ft
Piezo Ignitor No Yes No Yes No

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Eureka SPRK Camp Grill is a compact portable grill that features a lightweight design and an included carrying case that not only protects the grill during transport but makes it easy to transfer from the tailgate to the picnic table. This grill provides enough BTUs to sear red meat and enough temperature control to slow-cook veggies with soft skin. Although limited in output power and wind resistance, this grill is one of the most packable of all the grills that we've tested.

Performance Comparison


Our testers were impressed with this highly packable, lightweight, and easy to use grill that's perfect for those looking to grill in a variety of locations.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Output Power


When considering the 1,200 to 20,000 range of BTUs offered by the grills that we tested, the 7,250 BTUs offered by the Eureka SPRK grill run about average. Other options of the same size range average about 8,000 BTUs; however, they are not as easy to use or packable at the SPRK. After minimal setup, installing the butane canister into the separate compartment, and locking the canister into place via the mechanism near the temperature control dial, the auto-ignition fired up on the first try every time.



Once cranking the burner, our testers achieved peak heat in about 15 minutes across the entirety of the grilling plate. While this grill doesn't offer the maximum output power and BTUs of its heavier and full-sized competitors, it does allow for enough power to sear red meat and leave grill marks on veggies without burning the exterior and removing the nutritional content within. This grill prioritizes ease of use and packability over the ultimate output power.

At 7,250 BTUs, this grill simply doesn't provide maximum output power, especially when compared to its full-sized competitors. However, it does offer plenty of power to sear meats and enough control to cook veggies without burning their exterior.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Control


The Eureka SPRK design features a single burner construction with one external temperature control dial. The dial offers an excellent range of temperatures from low to high heat. After our “heat map” test revealed the center of the grill as our “hot spot,” our testers often utilized the hottest spot located above the circular burner to sear meat and then moved the meat to the exterior edges of the grilling plate to maintain heat without burning.


Our testers appreciated the ability to crank the dial to get the grilling plate super hot for searing and then follow that with a turn of the dial to a lower setting, allowing them to accommodate vegetables with thinner skins. It is almost comparable to an electric grill plate that prioritizes convenience and ease of use. Once you adjust to the temperature range available, it becomes increasingly easier to dial in the perfect setting based on the food you're attempting to grill. In grill designs like this that don't come with a built-in thermometer to gauge the temperature, we prefer to use our own infrared thermometer to make sure we are adequately grilling red meats and poultry to perfection.

eureka sprk camp grill - the single burner design features one temperature control dial that...
The single burner design features one temperature control dial that ranges from low to high heat, making it powerful enough to sear meats and offering enough control to cook veggies and toast buns.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Portability


Portability is a metric where the Eureka SPRK truly shines among the competition. The grill weighs a mere 8 pounds, 8 ounces, and comes equipped with a large plastic briefcase that resembles a letterbox design, just at a fraction of the weight. The briefcase-style carrying case, sliding lock mechanism, sturdy handle, and lightweight construction make this an easy selection for those who are excited to grill on the go.


While the grill does provide a separate compartment for the butane canister while the grill is in use, we highly recommend carrying the butane fuel canister disconnected and separated from the grill itself, as it is highly unsafe to transport a grill with the fuel canister engaged. It is also worth mentioning that butane is lighter in weight than propane, which further increases the packability of this grill. Butane can sometimes be a little more difficult to find in average shops, although it is often available in outdoor stores, and our testers found a 4-pack of canisters at a nearby market that caters to outdoor enthusiasts. If you're interested in the most packable, simple design that's lightweight and easy to use, this one doesn't disappoint.

The SPRK is one of the most portable grills that we've ever tested.

Cooking Area


While the Eureka SPRK doesn't supply the largest cooking area compared to the full range of grills we've tested, it is perfect when you find yourself grilling for 2-3 people at camp. The lightweight rectangular grill measures 13.5 x 11 inches and features a non-stick ceramic cooking grate that actually works, preventing food from sticking and making it easy to clean up. Rather than a full grilling grate with bars, it is more of a grilling plate with an open section centered above the flame, meaning that it doesn't have as many spaces for food to fall into the flame. The grilling plate also helps more evenly distribute the heat from the flames below.


Another notable feature of this simple grill is the adjustable legs at the base, which help ensure an even cooking surface even if the table you may be positioned on is not fully level. Our testing team enjoyed the simplicity of this easy-to-use grill, especially when cooking for a party of two at the campsite or on the tailgate.

eureka sprk camp grill - the cooking area is more solid, featuring less bars and spacing for...
The cooking area is more solid, featuring less bars and spacing for food to fall into the flames, and offers 148.5 square inches to grill a meal for 2-3 people at a time.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Wind Resistance


The Eureka SPRK is not a grill that offers a ton of wind resistance. The open design of this grill exposes the flame to the wind without any option to cover the surface with a lid to prevent the effect of the gusts. The base of the grill also has lots of ventilation panels along the sides that allow wind to reach the flames.


Our testers were able to position blocks around the grill, and that helped to block the wind and prevent the flame from going out, but there's no doubt about it: this grill is not built to withstand major gusts. Although wind did affect the grilling temperatures of this open design, the flame never went out entirely during testing.

eureka sprk camp grill - this photo not only shows the super cool adjustable legs to better...
This photo not only shows the super cool adjustable legs to better stabilize your grill on uneven surfaces, but also shows the ventilation panels that run along the base and allow for wind to affect the flames.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Should You Buy the Eureka SPRK Camp Grill?


If you're interested in a grill that prioritizes portability within a simple, user-friendly design, the Eureka SPRK Camp Grill should be at the top of your list of considerations. Powered by butane to further maximize portability and offer 148 square inches of grilling surface within an 8.5-pound design, this grill makes it easy to cook on the tailgate or at your favorite campsite. This grill offers great performance for a relatively affordable price.

eureka sprk camp grill - this lightweight and packable grill offers a ton of value in...
This lightweight and packable grill offers a ton of value in exchange for a relatively affordable price tag.
Credit: Trish Matheny

What Other Portable Grills Should You Consider?


The Eureka SPRK Camp Grill is a super portable grill that's lightweight and easy to set up anywhere you'd like to cook. If you're interested in another more affordable option that features propane gas rather than butane, as well as a lid to offer better control and wind resistance, check out another favorite of our testing team, the Cuisinart Grillster. Need a larger cooking area to grill for a small group? Check out the [Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef's Style Tabletop Grill], which features two independent burners for excellent control along with a combined total of 20,000 BTUs making it perfect for grilling large cuts of meat. And finally, if you're ready to invest in a top-of-the-line propane grill, the performance of the [Weber Traveler] simply can't be beat.

eureka sprk camp grill - our testers found this grill very simple, easy to use, and offered...
Our testers found this grill very simple, easy to use, and offered enough control to sear meats and slow cook our favorite veggies.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Trish Matheny