There’s a special kind of frustration that comes from a failed cookout, far from the comforts of your home kitchen. I’ve been there. I recall one particularly memorable (for all the wrong reasons) tailgate where our cheap, rickety portable grill decided to wage a war against us. It produced more smoke than heat, cooked one half of the burgers to a crisp while leaving the other side raw, and took an eternity to light. The promise of sizzling brats and perfectly seared steaks dissolved into a cloud of greasy smoke and disappointment. This experience isn’t unique; it’s the rite of passage for many campers, tailgaters, and apartment dwellers who yearn for the taste of grilled food without the space for a full-sized behemoth. The search for a portable grill that doesn’t compromise on power, convenience, and build quality is a journey many of us have undertaken. It’s a quest for a grill that can truly be a reliable companion for adventure, not just another piece of gear to wrestle with.
- GRILLING POWER: Up to 20,000 total BTUs
- 3 ADJUSTABLE BURNERS: With improved burner technology for more precise temperature control
What to Demand from a Portable Propane Grill Before You Buy
A portable propane grill is more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom wherever you go. Whether you’re setting up at a national park, the stadium parking lot, or a small condo balcony, it delivers the power and flavor of a backyard BBQ in a compact, manageable package. The primary benefit is convenience without major compromise—eliminating the mess and unpredictability of charcoal while providing instant, controllable heat. For those who love the outdoors but refuse to subsist on cold sandwiches, a high-quality portable grill is an absolute game-changer, transforming any campsite or picnic into a gourmet kitchen.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values mobility and performance equally. This includes RV enthusiasts, frequent campers, dedicated tailgaters, and individuals living in apartments or homes with limited outdoor space. They need a grill that is easy to transport, sets up in minutes, heats up quickly, and can cook for more than just one or two people. On the other hand, this might not be the right choice for the homebody pitmaster who plans to cook for massive neighborhood parties or requires the specific flavor profile of charcoal or a smoker. If your grilling is confined to your large backyard and you rarely move your setup, a larger, stationary grill would likely offer more cooking surface and features for the price.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: This is paramount. Look at the folded dimensions to ensure it will fit in your car trunk or RV storage bay. Consider the weight—can you realistically lift it yourself? Features like sturdy wheels, a locking lid, and integrated handles, as found on the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill, make a world of difference when moving the grill from your vehicle to your cooking spot.
- Power & Performance (BTUs): BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measure of heat output. For a portable grill, anything from 15,000 to 20,000 BTUs is excellent, providing enough power to sear steaks effectively even on a breezy day. More important than just the total BTU is how that heat is distributed. Multiple, independently controlled burners offer far more versatility, allowing you to create different heat zones for cooking various foods simultaneously.
- Materials & Durability: The wilderness (or a crowded parking lot) is unforgiving. Look for powder-coated steel bodies for corrosion resistance and cast iron grates for superior heat retention and sear marks. Pay close attention to the legs and locking mechanisms; these are often the first points of failure on cheaper models. A solid warranty, like the 3-year limited warranty offered with this model, is also a strong indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Your focus should be on the fun, not the fuss. Features like push-button ignition (often called piezo or Instastart) are a must-have, eliminating the need for matches or lighters. For cleanup, consider the grease management system. Removable trays are standard, but their design can vary wildly in effectiveness and ease of cleaning, which can be a major deciding factor for long-term satisfaction.
While the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane 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...
Unboxing the RoadTrip 285: First Impressions and Key Features
Opening the box of the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill, the first thing we noticed was the heft. At nearly 47 pounds, it immediately feels more substantial than many of its flimsy, spindly-legged competitors. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward, taking us about 20 minutes from unboxing to fully erect, a sentiment echoed by many users who praise its simple setup. The main grill body comes pre-assembled; our task was simply to attach the wheels, handle, and side tables. The instructions were clear, and all the necessary parts were present. However, we did encounter some reports of shipping damage and quality control issues from other users, such as bent legs or misaligned lid latches, so we recommend a thorough inspection of all parts upon arrival. Once assembled, the grill’s clever scissor-leg design is the star of the show. It collapses down neatly for transport and pulls up into a stable, waist-high cooking station with a satisfying click. The powder-coated finish feels durable, and the stainless steel accents give it a premium look that stands out in a campground or on a patio. It’s a design that feels thoughtfully engineered for its primary purpose: travel.
What We Like
- Powerful 20,000 BTU output with three independent burners for precise heat control.
- Excellent portability with a quick-fold scissor leg design and rugged wheels.
- Large 285 sq. in. cooking area with durable cast iron grates.
- Convenient features like Instastart push-button ignition and an integrated thermometer.
- Versatile cooking with swappable grates for griddle or stove use (sold separately).
What We Don’t Like
- The water-based grease tray can be messy and difficult to empty without spilling.
- Lid latch and side table mechanisms can feel flimsy and have been a point of failure for some users.
Putting the Coleman RoadTrip 285 to the Test: A Deep Dive
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true measure of a grill is in the searing, the sizzling, and the flavor it imparts. We put the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill through a series of real-world tests, from a quick weeknight burger session on the patio to a full weekend cookout at a campsite, to see if its performance lived up to its reputation. We focused on the core elements that matter most: raw cooking power, portability in practice, and the often-overlooked reality of cleanup.
The Heart of the Grill: Triple-Burner Power and Heat Control
The standout feature of the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill is undoubtedly its three-burner system, delivering a combined 20,000 BTUs of power. This isn’t just a number; it’s a tangible performance advantage. Unlike single-burner portable grills that create a central hot spot and cooler edges, this setup allows for incredible temperature precision across the 285-square-inch cooking surface. During our tests, we cranked up the central burner for a hard sear on thick ribeye steaks while keeping the outer two burners on low to gently grill asparagus. The result was a perfectly cooked meal, all managed on one compact grill. The Instastart push-button ignition fired up every burner on the first try, every single time, a reliable feature that is a godsend in windy conditions.
We were initially skeptical about how hot a portable unit running on a 16.4 oz propane cylinder could get, but our doubts were quickly erased. With all three burners on high, the built-in thermometer climbed past 500°F in minutes. This high heat is crucial for achieving a beautiful Maillard reaction—that delicious, crusty sear on meat. This performance is largely thanks to the porcelain-coated cast iron grates. As one enthusiastic user noted, “The grates are cast iron so it holds the heat extremely well! It gets so hot you don’t need to use a ton of propane.” We found this to be absolutely true; once the grates were hot, we could dial back the gas, conserving fuel while maintaining excellent cooking temperatures. This efficiency is a massive plus for extended camping trips where you might be several miles from the nearest store. You can explore its impressive three-burner system and specs to see why it delivers such even heating.
Portability Perfected? Design, Setup, and Transport
Coleman has been a leader in outdoor gear for generations, and that experience shines through in the RoadTrip 285’s design. The “quick-fold legs and wheels” are not a gimmick; they are a brilliantly executed system. To set up, you simply lay the grill on its back, pull the legs out until they lock, and stand it up. To collapse it, you pull a red-handled release latch, fold the legs under, and it’s ready to roll like a piece of luggage. We wheeled it across grass, gravel, and pavement with ease. At 47 pounds, it’s not lightweight, but the wheels bear almost all the weight during transport, making it manageable for one person. As one senior user commented, “I ordered this one because it will be easy for me to move and clean… the regular size big grill I had before was too hard for me to handle.”
The grill’s footprint, both set up and collapsed, is well-suited for its purpose. Collapsed, it fit comfortably in the trunk of a standard sedan with plenty of room for a cooler and chairs. The two sliding side tables are a nice touch, providing just enough space for a plate of uncooked food, spices, and a pair of tongs, though they do feel a bit plasticky compared to the rest of the grill. The main point of concern in its design, and a recurring theme in user feedback, is the lid latch. It’s a simple metal rod that hooks into the body. We found it worked fine, but it doesn’t feel particularly robust. Several users have reported it being bent on arrival or misaligned, preventing the lid from locking securely for transport, especially with the heavy cast iron grates inside. This is a potential weak point in an otherwise stellar portable design.
The Cleanup Conundrum: A Look at the Grease Management System
Here is where our otherwise glowing review hits a significant snag. The grease management system on the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill is a departure from older models that used a small, removable cup. This version utilizes a large, full-size water pan that sits directly beneath the entire cooking surface. The theory is sound: fill it with a shallow layer of water, and grease drippings will be captured and prevented from baking onto the grill body, making cleanup easier. In practice, it’s a mixed bag.
On the positive side, it does an excellent job of keeping the interior of the grill remarkably clean. After cooking a dozen greasy burgers, the inside of the firebox was nearly pristine. The problem arises when it’s time to dispose of the resulting pan of greasy water. As one user bluntly stated, “there is no easy way to remove it to empty the water. So you end up having water splash and drip all over. Nasty!” We wholeheartedly agree. Removing the large, shallow pan without sloshing its contents is a delicate balancing act. At a campsite with uneven ground and limited disposal options, this can be a genuine hassle. Many users suggest lining the pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil as a workaround, which we found to be an effective, albeit slightly wasteful, solution. While the swappable cast iron grates themselves are easy enough to scrub clean in a sink or basin, the water pan design feels like a step backward in terms of practical, on-the-go convenience. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it is a significant annoyance you should be aware of before you decide to purchase this powerful portable grill.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our extensive testing, we dug into a wide range of user feedback to see how our experience compared to the broader community. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with most users celebrating the grill’s power and portability. One owner who uses it to cook for large groups on trips said, “I have used this multiple times in trips to cook for 10+ people and the heat can keep up to cook meat fast.” Another who replaced a flat-top griddle with it praised its versatility, calling it “an awesome grill. Not just a portable grill but an every day feed 8 people burgers grill.” These comments align perfectly with our findings on its impressive heat output and cooking capacity.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses on two key areas: the cleanup process and quality control. The water pan is the most frequent complaint, with users describing it as “messy,” “an inconvenience to dispose of when camping,” and “difficult to clean and empty.” The other major issue revolves around build quality inconsistencies. We saw numerous reports of damage upon arrival, including broken handles, missing welds for wheel attachments, and, most commonly, a faulty or misaligned lid latch. One user summed it up well: “Highly recommend but just be aware of possible quality control issues. Inspect thoroughly once received.” This suggests that while the design is excellent, the execution can sometimes fall short, making a careful initial inspection crucial.
How Does the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Compare to the Alternatives?
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill is a fantastic all-around portable grill, but it exists in a competitive market. Depending on your specific needs—be it griddle-style cooking, marine use, or a more compact tabletop design—one of these alternatives might be a better fit.
1. Captiva Designs 22 in 3-Burner Propane Griddle
- 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐧: Experience nonstick goodion, ensuring your meals...
- 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧: Cooking made simple, cleanup made easier. Thle slideout gerease cup making used cooking oil and food...
The Captiva Designs griddle is for those who dream of cooking diner-style breakfasts at the campsite. While the Coleman grills, the Captiva griddles. With 24,000 BTUs spread across three burners and a flat-top surface, it excels at cooking things that would fall through traditional grates: pancakes, eggs, bacon, and chopped vegetables for fajitas. It’s a tabletop model, meaning it lacks the integrated stand of the RoadTrip 285, requiring a sturdy table for use. If your outdoor cooking is less about searing steaks and more about frying and sautéing for a crowd, the larger, continuous surface of the Captiva Designs griddle is the superior choice.
2. MAGMA 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 grill is a highly specialized piece of equipment designed explicitly for boating. Constructed from polished stainless steel, it’s built to withstand the harsh, corrosive saltwater environment where a standard grill would quickly rust. Its kettle design and radiant plate system are engineered to be wind-resistant, a critical feature when you’re grilling on the water. It’s significantly smaller and less powerful than the Coleman, intended for cooking for a smaller crew. If you’re a landlubber, the Coleman is far more practical and versatile. But if your adventures take place on the deck of a boat, the MAGMA is purpose-built for the job and the undisputed champion of the sea.
3. Char-Broil Stainless Steel Portable Propane Gas Grill
- 200 square inch total cooking area
- Durable stainless steel construction
The Char-Broil portable grill is a direct competitor to the Coleman, targeting a similar audience of campers and tailgaters but with a different design philosophy. It’s a tabletop grill with foldable legs that provide some clearance, but it lacks the full-height stand of the RoadTrip 285. It’s generally more compact and lighter, making it a better choice for those with very limited storage space or who need to carry their grill a longer distance. However, it sacrifices power and cooking area, featuring a single burner with around 11,000 BTUs. Choose the Char-Broil if maximum portability and a smaller footprint are your absolute top priorities over cooking power and surface area.
The Final Verdict: A Powerful and Portable Grilling Workhorse
After extensive use and careful consideration, we can confidently recommend the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Propane Grill as a top-tier choice in the portable grilling category. Its combination of a powerful three-burner system, excellent heat retention from cast iron grates, and a truly brilliant folding design makes it a joy to transport and cook on. It successfully bridges the gap between the convenience of a portable grill and the performance of a smaller backyard model, capable of feeding a family or a group of friends with ease.
However, it is not without its flaws. The messy water-pan cleanup system is a genuine design misstep, and potential quality control issues with components like the lid latch mean you should inspect it carefully upon purchase. Despite these drawbacks, the core cooking experience is so strong that they feel like manageable annoyances rather than fatal flaws. If you are a serious camper, RVer, or tailgater looking for a grill that won’t let you down when it’s time to cook, the RoadTrip 285 is an investment that will pay delicious dividends for years to come. For its power, convenience, and versatility, it’s a clear winner. You can check the latest price and see all available colors right here.
Last update on 2025-11-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API