 The Product: Mid-Size Portable Grill
Portable gas grills have traditionally been pretty lousy, single-burner jobs with limited cooking space. That’s why portable charcoal grills have remained popular, cooking faster and hotter. The tradeoff is they make a mess when transported. You also have to wait until the grill is cool before throwing it in your trunk, unless you have a convenient place to ditch burning coals.
Recommendation: Weber Q200/Q220 Portable Grill Review
The Weber Q 200 is the midsize portable grill in The Weber Q Series and was the Original Q Grill before the family expanded. It has a very respectable cooking surface of 280 square inches, enough room to cook about 15 burgers. The grill heats up rather quickly, ready to go in about 5-10 minutes. This is great for family outings, concerts, and sporting events when you want to eat on the go.
One of the coolest things about this grill is how versatile it is. It easily folds up and can be put away in the smallest of storage spaces. The unique U-shaped burner allows for even heat distribution—no hot or cold spots. The side trays, which resemble wings, add a lot of extra storage.
Weber makes plenty of accessories for this grill, including a permanent stand , portable stand, and a rolling duffel bag. I brought my Weber Q to a softball game last summer and about five people asked me where they could buy one. Many renters, second-home owners, and people who grill occasionally are also buying Q’s as a primary grill because they can be stored easily. If you are going to do this, make sure you buy the kit that will attach the Q to a traditional propane tank so that you don’t have to keep buying disposable refills.
If you’re willing to invest the $189 to purchase the Q 200, an extra 30 dollars will get you the upgraded model, the Q220. In my opinion this is the best buy—you get the electronic ignition, the taller lid, and the built-in thermometer. The taller lid is particularly handy for grilling large items like chicken. Overall the Q200 and the Q 220 are great grills, definitely worth the money.
Other Grills in the Weber Q Family
Weber
Baby Q 100/120 : The smallest of all the Q's, for those that are tight on space or want to travel light.
Weber
Q 300/320: This new, top-of-the-line model includes two burners for direct and indirect cooking, a stationary cart, a thermometer, and much more. Can grill a 12-pound turkey.
See All Weber Q Models at Amazon or BBQ Grills and More
Devil's Advocate:
Some may think the Weber Q 200 is overkill for the occasional tailgate party. Maybe so, but it’s still very cool. The only problem is that the grill needs to cool down before you can fold the side trays back in. Also, be careful with the off switch—it’s on the opposite side of the dial than you would expect. I accidentally left mine on the first time and ran through the gas.
Recommended Accessories:
Weber Rolling Cart / Portable
Stand
• Great for travel or to use as a stationary cart if the Q is your
primary grill.
Rolling
Duffel Bag
• Your Q will travel in style
20
lb Adapter
• Hook your Q up to a propane tank for more regular
use
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