It weighs less than 65 pounds, because its materials are so much less substantial. The Dyna-Glo’s hood was encased in styrofoam for shipping, but it was dented in several spots. Metal splinters came off its side panels, and its framework was so flimsy, we worried it would not support the grill box.
And 435-square-inches of primary cooking space gives you plenty of room to do it. We included a burner and the Chef’s Delite tray to cook your most delicate foods. It’s easy to assemble and equipped with electronic ignition to ensure reliable starts. The side shelves integrate with Gear Trax™ accessories to organize your workspace. The Grill2Go has a maximum 9,500 Btu output, versus the Weber Q 1200’s 8,500 Btu.
But vents are also important for the airflow required to keep your coals lit. We found that a vent in the top of the lid and another in the belly of the firebox created the best air circulation. Vents should remain easily accessible and swivel freely for fast temperature adjustments.
However, the Q 2200 is still an excellent grill for small backyard spaces. And unlike a full-size grill, it folds down small enough to stash in a garden shed or on a utility shelf. As for the weight, the Q-series grills are a bit heavy for moving around often.
We haven’t tested this new version, but in her experience with the previous Lodge, Lesley found that the hibachi-style grill excelled at high-heat searing, making it ideal for steaks. Since the whole grill was cast iron, it held an intense amount of heat. But the lidless design limited its ability to tackle slow-cooking tasks.
After testing five propane models, we’re confident that the Weber Q 1200 Gas Grill is the best portable gas grill. In our tests, the Q 1200 outperformed the competition at both high-heat searing and low-and-slow grilling, with the fewest flare-ups. It has a cast-aluminum firebox that evenly distributes heat across its weber spirit 2 189-square-inch grilling grate. We like the spacious dome lid with a built-in thermometer that lets you know when it’s hot and ready to grill. The small fold-out side tables are convenient for keeping grill tools within reach. And its roomy handles make this 30-pound grill comfortable for one person to carry, too.
You start by assembling the base, along with the panels, and then the feet and wheels. The firebox and side arms are attached next, and then, all you’ve got are the finishing steps. The firebox comes pre-assembled, and assembling the rest of the grill takes typically about one to two hours on average. The Spirit II – E310, like all Webers, is a heavy-duty grill designed to last for decades in most climates.
If you prioritize portability over cooking performance, consider our runner-up pick. When the side tables are tucked inside the grill for transport, the Weber Q 1200 is about the size of a small carry-on suitcase. You need two hands to carry the Q 1200, because it doesn’t have a latch to hold the lid securely to the firebox. But the position of the side handles helps to evenly distribute its 30-pound heft and lessens the burden of hoisting and moving the grill. A temperature dial lets you control the heat easily and quickly, just as on a kitchen range.
If durability, design and performance are what you expect from a grill, then the Weber Spirit II is for you. We selected the moderately expensive Weber Spirit II – E-310 to test, and its performance was excellent, but it did not surpass the Char-Broil. On grill forums, diehard Weber fans state that any Weber — charcoal or gas — is the best grill money can buy. Other people, however, question why Webers are much more expensive than other grills. Next, we heated the grills back up to 500°F and seared one-inch-thick New York strip steaks on both sides for three minutes.