But don’t let the word “basic” discourage you from buying this model. It’s considered a staple in the Weber world and is a great portable propane grill to own. The Q 1000 features a rust resistant cast aluminum lid and body, making the grill lightweight, but still durable. The ignition is an electronic push-to-start, so firing up the grill for a cookout is quick and easy. You can cook about six burgers at a time on the Q 1000’s 189 square inch grilling surface.
The highlight of the Q 1200 is its porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates. This is the same material that is known as the signature of top-quality cookware like Le Creuset. But behind that weight, you have a glass-reinforced nylon frame, supporting a cast aluminum body and lid, that cover a porcelain-enameled cast iron cook surface.
The Q2000 comes with the standard push-button ignition and no thermometer. These two grills are larger than the Q1000 series but retain their portability. The larger size means not only more grilling space but also a taller lid. This tabletop grill gives you many more cooking options, such as roasts, ribs, even whole chickens, and smaller turkeys. Indeed a strong combination of portability and full-size grill cooking. The series contains eight different models that come in different sizes with various features and include liquid propane, natural gas, and electric models.
I’m not sure if the pan itself was just a fraction too big or if the grill’s legs were bent, but eventually, I ended up using a pair of snips to trim a few centimeters off either side of the tray. I was curious if this was a common issue with the grill, and after combing through hundreds of reviews, I couldn’t find any mention of other people having this problem. It seems like it was a one-off fluke, and honestly, the resolution was simple enough that it didn’t bother me too much. She’s an expert on all things home, including kitchen appliances, grills, and other cooking gadgets. Weber has replacement drip pans available to purchase, as well as covers to help keep the grills protected from the elements. If you want a lighter grill that’s easier to transport, then the Q1200 might be the better option.
Last, but certainly not least, we wish this model came with a latch to secure the lid. Though it doesn’t solve the issue, the cast aluminum lid is at least heavier than most, so it doesn’t bounce around much during normal travel. But if you’re planning on four-wheeling into your BBQ site, consider using a bungee cord to help secure it. Everything went smoothly until it came to the catch pan—because nothing can ever just be that easy, right?
Not changed is the 189 square inches of cooking space offered, push button ignition, infinite control burner value, cast aluminum lid and body and a glass-reinforced nylon body. The Weber Q 1200 is our favorite portable grill for efficient meals. An easy-to-read, integrated thermometer helps you accurately track temperature, and fold-out side tables offer plenty of space for your BBQ tools. While its weight and lack of latching lid make it less than ideal for carrying into remote picnic sites, the Weber Q 1200 is the ideal companion for road tripping and car-camping.
The enameled cast iron cooking grates are easier to clean and distribute heat more efficiently. Unequivocally, the Weber Q 1200 is a fantastic portable grill, taking the top spot as our favorite. However, it is relatively expensive compared to other top models we tested. In particular, the Cuisinart Grillster produces a ton of power for a gas grill, and is offered at a phenomenal price. The infrared Solaire Everywhere also packs a punch for its size, and should be on the radar of any meat griller.
If you’re looking for the most portable grill and don’t need as much cooking space, the Q1200 can fit the bill. If you need more cooking space and are willing to deal with a bit more heft, the Q2200 provides nearly 100 more square inches of cooking space. But weighing grilling performance — the sum total of weber q output power, control, cooking area, and wind resistance — against the minor setbacks related to portability, and this grill is well worth its price tag. Like all Weber products we’ve tested, the popularity of the brand is backed by quality service and sales, with replacement parts being widely available.
We reserve the right to limit, or refuse returns without a receipt. Throughout my testing, I was easily able to achieve temperatures of 450 to 500 degrees with this portable grill, which was enough for my needs. However, if you like to cook with really high temperatures—I’m talking over 500 degrees—you might have trouble getting there with only one burner. If you are still not sure if either grill is for you, there are other portable grills that might be worth taking a look at. They both operate a single gas burner running on a one-pound propane bottle, but they can be upgraded to run on a 20-pound tank with an adapter hose sold separately. If you’re looking for a new gas grill that can slide into your car for a weekend getaway or tailgate, you probably have looked at the Weber Q-series of grills.