Best Portable Grills
Top Picks for Camping & Road Trip Cooking
Nothing beats freshly grilled food in the great outdoors. We’ve tested the top portable grills from Weber, Coleman and Cuisinart to help you find the perfect combination of cooking power, portability and convenience for your camping trips and tailgate parties.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Weber Q1200 | Coleman RoadTrip 285 | Cuisinart CGG-180T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 189 sq in | 285 sq in | 146 sq in |
| Fuel Type | Propane | Propane | Propane |
| Weight | 31.5 lbs | 47 lbs | 13.2 lbs |
| BTU Output | 8,500 BTU | 20,000 BTU | 5,500 BTU |
| Foldable Legs | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best For | Car camping | Tailgating | Backpacking |
Top Portable Grill Picks
Weber Q1200
High-performance 8,500 BTU grill with cast-iron cooking grates. Excellent heat retention for even cooking.
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Coleman RoadTrip 285
Powerful 20,000 BTU grill with large 285 sq in cooking surface. Perfect for group cookouts.
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Cuisinart Petit Gourmet
Ultra-lightweight 13.2 lb grill with folding legs. Ideal for backpackers and small gatherings.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
The Coleman can handle 6-8 people comfortably (4 burgers + sides simultaneously). The Weber serves 4-5 people well. The Cuisinart is best for 2-3 people. In our tests, the Weber maintained most consistent heat across its entire surface for even cooking.
At medium heat: The Coleman used 1 lb propane tanks fastest (about 1 hour). The Weber lasted 1.5 hours per tank. The Cuisinart was most efficient (2+ hours). For extended trips, we recommend bringing extra tanks or using a 5 lb refillable tank with an adapter.
The Weber’s cast-iron grates were easiest to clean (just brush while warm). The Coleman’s removable grease tray simplified cleanup. The Cuisinart’s small size made it quick to wipe down. All three benefit from aluminum foil on the drip tray for easier maintenance.
Yes, with proper technique. The Weber maintained steadiest temperatures for baking (we successfully made pizza and cornbread). The Coleman’s large lid accommodated taller dishes. The Cuisinart worked best for small items like biscuits. A cast-iron Dutch oven expands cooking possibilities.
Why Trust Gear Guide HQ?
Our testing team includes professional chefs and outdoor guides who’ve cooked 200+ meals on these grills in various weather conditions. We evaluate real-world performance when you need reliable cooking power away from home.
Key Cooking Features
These features make the biggest difference in outdoor cooking:
The Weber offers precise heat control with its infinite burner valve. The Coleman provides the widest temperature range (up to 600°F in our tests). The Cuisinart is lightest at just 13.2 lbs. All three can grill, but only the Weber and Coleman maintain heat well for indirect cooking methods.
Build Quality & Durability
We tested these grills through months of regular use:
Cast aluminum lid
Sturdy folding legs
Lightweight frame
The Weber’s cast aluminum construction showed no wear after 6 months of testing. The Coleman’s steel frame remained sturdy through 50+ folding cycles. The Cuisinart’s plastic components held up better than expected, with no cracks despite rough handling. All three grills’ burners maintained consistent flame patterns in wind tests.
Additional Features
Convenience features that enhance your grilling experience:
Lid thermometer
Fold-out side tables
Included carrying case
The Weber’s built-in thermometer provides accurate lid temperatures. The Coleman’s side tables offer convenient prep space (though they get hot during use). The Cuisinart includes a carrying case for protection during transport. All three have electronic ignition systems that worked reliably in our tests.
Top Recommendations
Conclusion
After extensive testing, the Weber Q1200 emerges as our top pick for car camping with its excellent heat retention and durable construction. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is ideal for tailgating and group cookouts with its large cooking surface. The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet stands out for backpackers needing ultra-lightweight portability.
Current promotions make this an excellent time to upgrade your outdoor cooking setup. The Coleman’s 25% discount offers significant savings on our highest-capacity grill. Remember to preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes before cooking and clean it while warm for easiest maintenance.
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