There’s a moment on every camping trip, every tailgate party, every beach cookout that defines the experience. It’s when the sun starts to dip, the cooler is open, and the tantalizing sizzle of burgers on the grill fills the air. For years, my crew and I relied on a motley collection of flimsy, single-burner camp stoves and cheap, disposable charcoal grills. We told ourselves it was part of the “rustic charm.” But the reality was a frustrating dance of unevenly cooked food, flare-ups that incinerated our dinner, and a cleanup process that felt more like a hazmat situation. The dream of a perfectly seared steak under the stars often ended with a half-charred, half-raw compromise. We knew there had to be a better way—a portable grill that offered the power and control of a backyard model without chaining us to the patio. That search for a reliable, powerful, and truly portable grilling solution is what led us to rigorously test the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill.
- Up to 11,000 BTUs of grilling power and 225 sq. In. cooking area
- 2 adjustable burners for precise temperature control
What to Look for Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill
A portable propane grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom in the great outdoors. It bridges the gap between the convenience of home grilling and the adventure of being on the move. The main benefits are clear: speed, control, and cleanliness. Unlike charcoal, a propane grill heats up in minutes, offers precise temperature adjustments with the turn of a knob, and eliminates the messy process of handling and disposing of hot coals. This means less time fiddling with the fire and more time enjoying your food and company, whether you’re at a national park, the stadium parking lot, or your own apartment balcony.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who refuses to compromise on food quality just because they’re away from home. This includes RV enthusiasts, avid campers, tailgating superfans, and even apartment dwellers with limited outdoor space. They value convenience, consistent results, and the ability to pack up and go. On the other hand, this might not be the right choice for a barbecue purist who swears by the smoky flavor of charcoal or a large family that needs to cook for ten people simultaneously. For them, a traditional kettle grill or a larger, stationary propane grill would be more suitable. But for the adventurer who wants real grilling power on the go, a portable propane model is indispensable.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Portability is a spectrum. Consider the grill’s weight (the Coleman RoadTrip 225 is about 25 pounds) and its packed-down dimensions. Will it fit comfortably in your car trunk alongside your other gear? Also, think about the cooking surface area. The 225 square inches on this model is ample for a small family or group of 4-6, easily fitting half a dozen burgers.
- Capacity/Performance: Look beyond the BTUs. While 11,000 BTUs is respectable for a grill this size, the real performance metric is heat control. The most significant feature to look for is independently controlled burners. This allows for two-zone cooking—searing on one side while gently warming buns or veggies on the other—a level of control most smaller portable grills simply can’t offer.
- Materials & Durability: The grates are where the magic happens. We heavily favor cast iron grates, like those on the Coleman RoadTrip 225, for their superior heat retention and ability to create beautiful sear marks. The body should be made of sturdy, coated steel to withstand the rigors of travel. Be wary of flimsy legs and plastic components that can break easily.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like push-button ignition (Instastart) are a must-have, eliminating the need for matches or lighters. For cleanup, a removable grease management system is non-negotiable. The water pan in the RoadTrip 225 is a brilliant example, catching drips and making post-cookout cleanup a breeze instead of a greasy chore.
Armed with this knowledge, we were ready to see if the Coleman RoadTrip 225 truly delivered on its promises.
While the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- High-Heat Propane Gas BBQ Grill – This 4-burner gas grill with an additional 8,500 BTU side burner delivers a total of 46,500 BTU. Enjoy rapid...
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition...
- Heavy-Duty Griddle Plate – Built with a 4mm thick, reinforced hot-pressed steel griddle that ensures excellent heat retention and durability. Perfect for...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Coleman RoadTrip 225
Our red Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill arrived in a box that, frankly, could have been more robust. We noted a few user complaints about shipping damage, and it’s easy to see why. The heavy cast iron grates are packed inside, and a rough journey could certainly lead to dings and dents in the main body. Fortunately, our unit was intact, but we advise inspecting it carefully upon arrival. Once unboxed, the first thing that struck us was the substance of the grill. This doesn’t feel like a toy. At over 25 pounds, it has a reassuring heft, largely due to those beautiful porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates. There’s virtually no assembly required; you simply place the grates, screw in the propane regulator, and you’re ready to cook. The bright red finish is classic Coleman, and the overall construction feels solid. The one immediate design quirk we noticed, which was echoed in several user reviews, is the lack of a lid latch. It’s a baffling omission for a portable grill, but as others have suggested, a simple bungee cord solves the problem for transport.
What We Like
- Dual independent burners provide excellent temperature control and two-zone cooking
- Heavy-duty cast iron grates deliver fantastic heat retention and sear marks
- Push-button Instastart ignition works reliably without matches
- Removable water pan makes cleanup remarkably simple
- Swap Top system offers versatility with optional griddle/stove grates
Potential Downsides
- The lid does not have a latch for secure transport
- Packaging could be improved to prevent shipping damage
- Some users have reported missing parts or initial quality control issues
Deep Dive: Putting the Coleman RoadTrip 225 to the Test
A grill’s worth isn’t determined on a spec sheet; it’s proven over hot coals—or in this case, powerful gas burners. We put the Coleman RoadTrip 225 through a series of real-world tests, from high-heat searing at a tailgate to low-and-slow cooking at a remote campsite, to see if its performance matched its promising design.
Grilling Power and Unmatched Heat Control
The heart of the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill is its two-burner system, which is the single biggest differentiator between it and lesser portable grills. With 11,000 BTUs of power distributed across a 225-square-inch cooking surface, there is ample heat to go around. We fired it up, and the Instastart push-button ignition worked flawlessly on the first try. The grill heated up impressively fast, reaching over 500°F in under 10 minutes on a calm day. The real test, however, was heat management.
We loaded the grill with thick-cut ribeyes and a batch of asparagus. By cranking the inner burner to high and keeping the outer burner on low, we created a perfect two-zone cooking environment. We achieved a deep, crusty sear on the steaks over the hot zone, then moved them to the cooler side to finish cooking through without burning. The asparagus, meanwhile, cooked gently without turning to mush. This is a level of control that’s simply impossible on a single-burner grill. We confirmed what one user noted: with both burners on full blast, the grill gets “relatively too hot.” We see this not as a flaw, but as a testament to its power. You have the ability to create intense heat when needed, but the finesse to dial it back for more delicate foods. The heavy cast iron grates were the star of the show, retaining heat beautifully and leaving professional-looking grill marks that made our campsite meal feel like a steakhouse dinner.
Portability in Practice: Living with the Grill on the Go
A portable grill needs to be, well, portable. At just over 25 pounds, the Coleman RoadTrip 225 hits a sweet spot. It’s heavy enough to feel stable and durable on a picnic table, but not so heavy that it’s a burden to carry from the car to the campsite. The dimensions are compact enough to fit easily in the trunk of a sedan. However, the lack of a lid latch is a genuine design flaw we can’t ignore. As one user cleverly did, we immediately employed a bungee cord to keep the lid and grates secure during transit. Without it, the heavy cast iron grates can shift and potentially damage the interior or even fall out. Similarly, there are no dedicated side handles for carrying, so you have to grip it by the body, which can be awkward.
Once at the destination, setup is a dream. It takes less than a minute to place it on a table, attach the regulator, and screw on a 1 lb propane cylinder. We appreciated the straightforward, no-fuss design. While some users experienced issues with missing regulators or damaged components out of the box—a clear packaging and quality control problem—our unit was complete and functional. We do recommend, as one user had to do, performing a quick visual inspection before the first use, ensuring the burner tubes are properly seated to prevent any gas leaks. It’s a simple check that ensures safety and peace of mind.
Cleanup and Maintenance: The Easiest Grill We’ve Ever Cleaned
This is where the Coleman RoadTrip 225 truly shines and earns its place as a top-tier portable grill. Anyone who has spent time scraping and scrubbing a greasy grill after a long day knows that cleanup can be the worst part of the experience. Coleman’s system is ingenious. Before cooking, you slide out the removable water pan and add a shallow layer of water. As you grill, all the grease, marinades, and food drippings fall into the water instead of baking onto the bottom of the grill body.
After our steak and veggie feast, we let the grill cool down, removed the grates, and simply slid out the water pan. We were able to dispose of the greasy water responsibly, and a quick wipe with a paper towel was all the pan needed. The main grill body was virtually spotless. The cast iron grates themselves require the standard care—a good scrape with a grill brush while still warm—but avoiding the deep, internal grease cleaning is a massive time-saver. This feature alone makes the Coleman RoadTrip 225 a joy to use, as confirmed by numerous users who praise its simple cleaning process.
Versatility and the Swap Top System
While we focused on its grilling prowess, it’s worth noting the versatility offered by the Coleman Swap Top system. The standard package includes the two cast iron grill grates. However, you can purchase separate accessories like a griddle top or a stove grate that can be swapped in. This transforms the unit from a simple grill into a complete outdoor kitchen station. We didn’t test these accessories, but we appreciate the option. It means you can cook pancakes and bacon for breakfast and grill burgers for dinner, all on the same unit.
We did, however, take note of one user’s experience trying to boil water on the optional stove grate, who found it took “forever.” This is a valid point. With its open design, the RoadTrip 225 is not as efficient at boiling water as a dedicated, high-BTU camp stove with focused heat and wind protection. While it can certainly do the job in a pinch, its primary function is grilling. For those who need to boil large amounts of water quickly, bringing a separate jet-style stove is still the best bet. Think of the Swap Top as a feature for added convenience, not a replacement for specialized equipment. This versatility is a fantastic bonus that you can explore further by checking out its full feature set.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Coleman RoadTrip 225 is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on its core cooking performance. One user summed it up perfectly, calling it a “Perfect travel, personal, or single family grill” and noting that it “cooks very well and is easy to clean.” Another user on a boat highlighted the excellent heat distribution and control, stating, “You can turn off one or the other [burner] to help regulate heat distribution better.” This praise for the dual-burner system and easy cleanup is a consistent theme.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses on issues outside of the actual cooking. The most common complaint, which we experienced firsthand, is the lack of a lid latch. One resourceful reviewer shared their DIY solution of adding an aftermarket latch, while others simply use a bungee cord. The other major point of frustration stems from packaging and quality control. We saw numerous reports of grills arriving with “dints, one leg brooking, chipped paint & missing Propane regulator.” Another user noted their “igniter at insulator is broken.” These out-of-the-box issues are disappointing and suggest Coleman could significantly improve its packaging to protect the grill during shipping.
How Does the Coleman RoadTrip 225 Compare to the Competition?
The portable grill market is crowded, but the Coleman RoadTrip 225 holds a unique position. To understand its value, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against some popular alternatives, each designed for a slightly different user.
1. MAGMA A10-205 Marine Kettle Portable Gas Grill
- Superior Durability in Marine Environments: Built with a mirror-polished 304 marine-grade stainless steel finish, this portable propane grill promises...
- Efficient Cooking Performance: Featuring a high-tech turbo venturi tube design and patented heat distribution system, this propane grill ensures consistent...
The MAGMA Marine Kettle is a highly specialized grill designed almost exclusively for boating. Its polished stainless steel construction is built to withstand corrosive saltwater environments, a place where the Coleman’s painted steel body would eventually struggle. Its key feature is its wind-resistant design and variety of mounting options for boat railings. While it’s an exceptional performer in windy, marine conditions, it’s less practical for general camping or tailgating. It has a single, round cooking surface and lacks the two-zone cooking capability of the Coleman. If you’re a mariner, the MAGMA is the clear choice; for all land-based adventures, the Coleman RoadTrip 225 offers far more versatility and value.
2. Monument Grills 4+2 Burner Propane Gas Grill
- STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS - Four main 304 stainless steel burners, one side burner, and one side sear burner with 72,000 total BTUs deliver powerful heat and...
- LARGE COOKING AREA - 723 square inches of total cooking area offers plenty of grilling space; 513 square inches of primary cooking area and 210 square...
This Monument grill represents the other end of the spectrum—it’s not a portable grill at all. This is a full-size backyard beast with four main burners, an infrared side sear burner, and an additional side burner. It’s designed to be the centerpiece of a patio, offering massive cooking space, a storage cabinet, and features like a clear-view lid. Comparing it to the Coleman is like comparing a semi-truck to a pickup. If you need a stationary grill for feeding large crowds at home, the Monument is a powerful and feature-rich option. But if your goal is to take great grilling on the road, it’s a non-starter. The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is built for the exact opposite purpose: portability and adventure.
3. Char-Broil 1-Burner Portable Propane Grill
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 1-pound propane gas tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers...
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 10 burgers, 4 chicken breasts or 14 brats on a 240-square-inch grate.
The Char-Broil 1-Burner is a more direct competitor to the Coleman, focusing on ultra-portability and simplicity. It’s significantly lighter and more compact than the RoadTrip 225, making it a great option for solo campers, hikers, or anyone where space and weight are the absolute top priorities. However, that portability comes with compromises. It has only one burner, eliminating any possibility of two-zone cooking. Its cooking grate is also smaller and made of lighter-weight material than the Coleman’s cast iron. The Char-Broil is an excellent, budget-friendly grill for simple tasks, but the Coleman RoadTrip 225 is a major step up in performance, control, and cooking capacity for those willing to handle a slightly larger unit.
The Final Verdict: Is the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can say with confidence that the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill is a phenomenal piece of outdoor cooking equipment that punches well above its weight class. Its true dual-burner system and heavy cast iron grates provide a level of cooking performance and control that is rare in the portable grill category. It turns any tailgate or campsite into a legitimate grilling station. The brilliant water pan system makes cleanup astonishingly easy, removing one of the biggest pain points of outdoor cooking. Yes, the lack of a lid latch is an annoying and baffling oversight, and the potential for shipping damage is a real concern. However, these are manageable issues that are overshadowed by its stellar performance.
If you’re an RVer, a dedicated camper, or a tailgater who is tired of compromising on food quality, this grill is for you. It offers the power of a larger grill in a compact, travel-ready package. The minor flaws are easily forgiven once you taste that first perfectly seared steak miles from home. For anyone serious about their on-the-go grilling, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the latest price and user reviews to see if it’s the right fit for your next adventure.
Last update on 2025-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API