While an extra burner would make this grill a little more versatile, I think most people that buy this are looking to keep it simple. If you want to grill steaks, burgers, chicken and hot dogs having one single burner won’t be a problem. As for performance, this model knocked it out of the park, with some of the highest scores we collected for heat regulation and we observed no flare-ups due to rendered fat. We recommend this grill to cooks who are interested in grilling for a crowd, as the XL surface area tends to lose heat quickly when accommodating just one or two pieces of steak or fish. Add to that the spacious cooktop area (320 square inches), and the Weber Traveler is a great grill, period. It’s definitely on the hefiter side—we wouldn’t recommend strapping it to your back for a mountainside hike—but that makes it ideal for new and sometimes-grillers who don’t want to invest upwards of $1,000.
Cooking tests showed good caramelization and even cooking of meats and vegetables, with the heat concentrated at the center of the grill. In our tests, the Jumbo Joe charcoal grill made the best seared burgers, barbecued chicken, and grilled bratwurst. Plus, cooking with charcoal gives your food that smoky flavor that you can’t get from a gas flame. The Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18″ is the only charcoal portable we tried that can sear and cook foods about as well as a full-size backyard grill. It’s a good choice if you like cooking with charcoal or don’t want to spend a lot, but it’s less convenient than gas, especially when you’re on the go. The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 Portable Gas Grill is a solid compact grill for remote cookouts because it’s rugged, lightweight, and easy to carry.
It’s not as good as our Weber picks at searing food, but it heats evenly and is easy to use. The cast-aluminum firebox evenly distributes heat across a grilling weber bbq grate big enough to fit six large burgers or a whole cut-up chicken. The spacious dome lid has a built-in thermometer that lets you know when the grill is hot.
Weber covers more parts on its gas grills for five years and nothing for less than two years, but those grills also cost significantly more. The larger Q 2200 is a great choice for car camping and tailgating, or even for folks with very limited outdoor space that won’t accommodate a full-size grill. But it weighs 40 pounds and is quite bulky for one person to carry—we wouldn’t want to lug it very far on foot. When the side tables are tucked inside the grill for transport, the Q 1200 is about the size of a small carry-on suitcase.
It’s also pleasantly easy to clean, thanks to foil inserts that can be used to line the removable drip tray. As one of the sturdier models we tested, one tested noted it was a good option for apartment dwellers and those looking to grill occasionally. It packs up efficiently, and when fully assembled has two wing-like side tables that are helpful for prep and tool storage. We particularly liked the nonstick coating inside the firebox, which made it easier to clean (a removable drip tray did, too). This grill is refreshingly easy to light, with an indicator button on the knob.
Judging by the char, the surfaces were the hottest just outside of the solid ring on the grates that is meant to protect grease from spilling onto the burners. The very inner and outer parts of the surface were the cooler zones. Since the grates have areas that are solid, excess cheese can sit on there and form a delicious crust as it melts, giving flat iron and charred flavors at the same time.