Magma ChefsMate Connoisseur Series Gas Grill
Last Updated
First Published
The ChefsMate is the entry point into Magma's marine line. Same 316 stainless shell as the pricier models, smaller footprint, and a shape that works equally well clamped to a rail or sitting on a dock table.
What We Love
- +316 marine-grade stainless at a sub-$400 price
- +Compact 162 sq in oval cooking surface
- +Fold-away legs for tabletop or rail use
- +Removable grease tray that actually drains
- +Runs off 1 lb canisters — no plumbing needed
- +Nests inside most cockpit lockers
Watch Out For
- −9,000 BTU single burner is modest in wind
- −No infrared plate — flare-ups are possible
- −Mount hardware sold separately (add $60-120)
- −Thin grate compared to backyard grills
- −Not a great choice for more than four people
Specifications
Cooking Area
162 sq in
BTUs
9,000
Material
316 marine-grade stainless steel
Fuel
Propane
Mounting
Rail mount (sold separately) or freestanding
Weight
20 lbs
The Full Review
There are two kinds of grill sold as 'marine': grills built from marine alloy, and camping grills with a boat photo on the box. The ChefsMate is the first kind, which is why it is the cheapest one I will recommend.
The shell, grate and hardware are 316 stainless. Rinse it with fresh water after a saltwater trip and it stays bright for years. A 430-stainless camping grill will bleed rust down your gelcoat by the end of the second season.
The 9,000 BTU burner is honest but modest. In still air it sears fine. In real wind you will want the lid down and a few extra minutes, which is exactly the trade you are making to save $290 against the Catalina 2.
The folding legs matter more than the spec sheet suggests. The same grill goes on the rail underway, on the dock box at the slip, and on the tailgate at the ramp. For a lot of boat owners that is the only grill they need.
Budget for the mount. Magma's rail and rod-holder mounts are excellent and are not included, and improvising with hose clamps on a moving boat is how grills end up on the bottom of the lake.
How Does It Compare?
At a glance against its closest marine gas grill rivals.
| Grill | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magma ChefsMate Connoisseur Series Gas Grill (this) | 4.3 | $349 | The dock-and-deck crossover — Magma's marine build quality in a tabletop shape that works on a boat, a dock or a tailgate. |
| Magma Marine Kettle 3 Charcoal Grill | 4.5 | $389 | Charcoal flavour on the water — a hemispherical 316 stainless kettle with a hinged lid and a bottom that stays cool enough to mount. |
| Tandoor Home Clay Oven | 4.5 | $399 | Authentic Indian cooking at home — 700°F+ radiant heat for naan, chicken tikka, and seekh kebab that no grill can replicate. |
Who Is It For?
Owners of boats under 28 feet. Anglers who want one grill for the boat, the dock and the truck. Anyone in a humid or coastal climate who is tired of replacing rusted grills.
Final Verdict
The ChefsMate at $349 is the best-value real marine grill. Add the mount, rinse it after saltwater, and it will outlast three cheap grills.
Check Price on Amazon