The enameled cast iron cooking grates are easier to clean and distribute heat more efficiently. Unequivocally, the weber charcoal grill 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.
Whether you are grilling in the park, on an expedition, or… Even on high output the flames are small, but they are numerous. This is key to even heat distribution, while simultaneously avoiding flare-ups. From food drives to historical preservation, we’re passionate about lifting up and giving back to our community. BBQGuys does more than test and sell grills — we show you how to use them, too.
The only buttons are its infinite control burner valve—which rotates easily to adjust the gas output—and the electronic ignition, which starts the grill up with a single push. The Q 2200 is powered by liquid propane, and I used disposable 1-pound canisters that were hanging around my basement. The weber charcoal grill 3200 has the largest cooking area of all the Weber Q gas grills with 393 square inches of grilling space.
The Weber Q 1200 is an unexpectedly powerful grill, resulting in cook times that were much faster than expected for such a petite barbecue. Like other top models, this is all thanks to a single, U-shaped burner that effectively delivers heat across the range of the grill surface. Both grills have identical warranties with five-year coverage on the cookbox, lid assembly, burner tubes, cooking grates, and plastic components while covering every other part for two years.
Choose from small, bare-bones models or full-sized models with all of the bells and whistles. The domed lid of the Q 1200 keeps the wind at bay — even high winds do not affect the flame, even on the lowest setting. Even though it is not necessarily insulated, the heavier-weight cast aluminum lid seems to be well-suited to retaining critical heat when outside temperatures drop. While Piezo igniters can also be finicky in cold weather, the electronic ignition system is entirely dependable . While reading reviews of the grill, I noticed that several people mentioned it can take a while to pre-heat, so I shut the lid and went inside to prep my burger. When I checked on the grill five minutes later, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the lid thermometer already read 400 degrees.
The integrated thermometer — available from 150°F to 600°F — allows you to accurately monitor internal temperatures without having to lift the lid and lose critical heat. The regulator is integrated into the body and employs an infinite controller that is easily adjusted between clearly marked low, medium, and high settings. The Q series grills are designed for grilling, although there are cases of people roasting on them, grilling is by far the strength of this series. The cooking grate is made of porcelain enameled cast iron the burners are not inhibited by flavorizer bars so the grate gets direct heat from the flame. Weber creatively created the grates to ensure that any grease or drippings bypass the direct flame.
The pan is made from lightweight metal and has a recessed area in the center to hold a disposable tin. It’s supposed to slide in underneath the grill body, but the pan that came with my grill was the tiniest bit too big and wouldn’t slide into the grooves. I tried everything I could think of—rotating it, bending it, putting it in from the other side—and it simply wouldn’t fit.
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The Q3200 is the only grill out of the Weber Q Series with a warming rack, something rarely seen in my reviews. Those accustomed to cooking on a full-sized grill know that a warming rack makes a difference to your barbecuing. Either of these grills would be great for those that don’t have the room for a full-size grill but still want the feel of a full-sized gas barbecue.