Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill 3 Burners Review: The Ultimate On-the-Go Grilling Companion?

There’s a unique frustration that comes with trying to grill away from home. I remember one specific camping trip, huddled around a flimsy, disposable grill that barely produced enough heat to warm a single hot dog, let alone put a decent sear on a steak. The wind was its mortal enemy, and the tiny cooking surface meant we ate in shifts. It was a moment of clarity: the freedom of the great outdoors shouldn’t mean compromising on a great meal. The search began for a portable grill that didn’t just look the part but could actually cook like its full-sized backyard cousins. We needed power, a respectable cooking area, and a design that wouldn’t make us dread packing it up. This challenge—finding a grill that blends genuine performance with true portability—is precisely what led us to test the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill 3 Burners.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill

A portable propane grill is more than just a piece of cooking equipment; it’s a key solution for culinary freedom. It untethers you from the patio, empowering you to create delicious, flame-grilled meals at a tailgate, a remote campsite, a beach party, or even on a small apartment balcony where a massive grill is out of the question. The primary benefit is convenience—quick setup, easy temperature control with propane, and the ability to pack it all away when you’re done. It solves the problem of relying on questionable public grills or sacrificing food quality when you’re on the move.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who lives an active lifestyle or has limited space. Think RV enthusiasts, dedicated campers, college football tailgaters, and condo dwellers. It’s for the person who wants the robust performance of a multi-burner system without the permanent footprint. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those who regularly host large neighborhood barbecues and need to cook for 20 or more people at once. For those individuals, a larger, stationary four or five-burner grill would be a more practical investment. Similarly, if you prioritize an ultra-lightweight setup for backcountry hiking, a much smaller, canister-style stove would be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to both the setup and collapsed dimensions. A grill that’s perfect on the patio might not fit in your car’s trunk. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill 3 Burners has a significant footprint when open but collapses surprisingly well. At 46.7 pounds, its weight is a critical factor; while portable, it requires a deliberate effort to lift and move.
• Capacity/Performance: Don’t just look at the total BTUs; consider how they’re distributed. This grill’s 20,000 BTUs are spread across three independently controlled burners, which is its standout feature. This allows for zone cooking—searing on one side while gently warming on the other—a rarity in portable models. The 285 square inch cooking area is ample for feeding a family of four to six people with ease.
• Materials & Durability: Look for robust materials where it counts most. The cast iron cooking grates on this model are a huge plus for heat retention and creating beautiful sear marks. The powder-coated steel body is durable, but be aware of plastic components like handles, knobs, and latches, as these are often the first points of failure on portable gear.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like push-button ignition (Instastart) eliminate the need for matches and make startup effortless. Consider the setup mechanism; the quick-fold legs are a major convenience. However, maintenance is key. Scrutinize the grease management system, as this can be the difference between a quick cleanup and a frustrating, messy chore. The design of the grease pan is a frequently discussed aspect of the Coleman RoadTrip 285.

Choosing the right portable grill is about balancing these factors to fit your specific adventures.

While the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill 3 Burners 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:

Unboxing the RoadTrip 285: First Impressions and Key Features

The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill 3 Burners arrived in a large, sturdy box. Upon opening it, we were met with well-organized components encased in styrofoam. It’s worth noting that some users have reported receiving units with cosmetic damage or even broken parts from shipping, so we made sure to conduct a thorough inspection before assembly. Luckily, our unit was in pristine condition, with the vibrant blue powder-coated finish looking sharp and ready for action. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward. As one user noted, it took about 20 minutes from start to finish, with clear instructions that were easy to follow. The main body comes pre-assembled; you’re mostly just attaching the wheels, legs, and handle.

Our initial hands-on impression was a mix of admiration and slight concern. The core of the grill feels solid. The scissor-leg frame is made of steel, and the heavy-duty cast iron grates have a satisfying heft that promises excellent heat retention. However, some of the plastic components, particularly the large red handle used to collapse the stand and the lid-locking mechanism, felt less robust. It immediately brought to mind user feedback about these specific parts being potential weak points. The slide-out side tables are a nice touch, providing much-needed prep space, and the built-in lid thermometer is a welcome feature for more precise cooking. Overall, the initial impression is of a thoughtfully designed, powerful portable unit whose long-term durability may hinge on a few key components. For those interested in its full feature set, you can find detailed specifications and see it in action.

In-Depth Performance Analysis: How the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Cooks in the Real World

A grill’s true character is revealed not on a spec sheet, but over hot coals—or in this case, propane burners. We put the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill 3 Burners through a series of tests, from backyard cookouts to a weekend camping trip, to see if its performance lives up to its promise. We focused on the entire user experience, from loading it into the car to cleaning it up after a hearty meal.

Portability and Setup: From Trunk to Tailgate in Minutes

The “RoadTrip” name sets a high bar for portability, and for the most part, this grill delivers. The design is ingenious. To collapse it, you simply pull up on a large red handle, which releases the lock, allowing the entire grill to pivot downwards into a compact, dolly-like form. You can then wheel it around like a piece of luggage. We found this incredibly convenient for moving it from the garage to the patio or across a paved parking lot for a tailgate. The wheels are sturdy enough for hard surfaces but, as expected, they can struggle a bit on uneven grass or gravel.

At 46.7 pounds, lifting it into the back of an SUV is a manageable one-person job, but it’s not feather-light. We were impressed by one user with a bad back and knees who confirmed they could still lift it alone, a testament to its balanced design. Setting it up is just as easy: simply pull the handle and lift, and the legs lock securely into place. From there, you slide out the side tables, attach the propane cylinder, and you’re ready to cook in under two minutes.

However, we must address the most consistently criticized component: the lid latch. This simple S-shaped rod is meant to secure the heavy lid and grates during transport. In our testing, and as echoed by numerous users, the latch is poorly aligned and too short to engage properly, especially when the weighty cast iron grates are inside. This is a significant design flaw. It makes transport feel precarious, as you’re constantly worried the lid might pop open. It’s a frustrating oversight on an otherwise brilliantly portable design, and one that detracts from the user’s confidence when moving the grill.

Three-Burner Powerhouse: Heat Control and Cooking Versatility

This is where the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill 3 Burners truly distinguishes itself from the pack. The 20,000 BTU output is immense for a grill this size. Firing it up with the Instastart ignition is instantaneous and reliable. With all three burners on high, the grill gets screaming hot in just a few minutes, a feature praised by users who were “wowed” by its performance. One user noted it gets so hot you don’t need to use a ton of propane, reporting four separate grilling sessions from a single 16oz canister.

The real magic lies in the three independent control knobs. This system transforms the grill from a simple burger-flipper into a versatile outdoor cooking station. We were able to create distinct heat zones with ease. For one meal, we seared thick ribeye steaks directly over the high-heat center burner while simultaneously grilling delicate asparagus and corn on the cob over the outer two burners set to low. This level of control is typically reserved for much larger, stationary grills and is a massive advantage. We also confirmed a user’s finding that it has enough power to keep up when cooking for a crowd of 10+ people on a camping trip, churning out burgers and sausages without missing a beat. While the heat is slightly concentrated over the center burner, the overall distribution is impressive and allows for great flexibility. The ability to harness this three-burner power is what makes this grill a top-tier choice.

The Cooking Experience and That Controversial Grease Pan

Cooking on the 285 is a genuine pleasure. The 285 square inches of cooking space felt generous, easily accommodating eight large burgers or a dozen hot dogs. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates are the unsung heroes here. They retain heat exceptionally well, creating beautiful, deep sear marks and ensuring a consistent cooking temperature even when the lid is opened. We did heed the advice of one reviewer and made sure to season the grates with oil before our first cook, which prevented any sticking issues with leaner meats like chicken breasts.

Now, we must discuss the grill’s most polarizing feature: the grease management system. Instead of a small, removable cup, Coleman has opted for a full-size, shallow pan that sits directly beneath the burners. The instructions direct you to fill this pan with a layer of water before cooking. On the one hand, this system is incredibly effective at catching drips and preventing flare-ups. The grease mixes with the water, which makes the inside of the grill surprisingly easy to wipe down.

The problem arises when it’s time for cleanup. You are left with a large, shallow tray full of greasy, dirty water. As one user bluntly put it, there’s “no easy way to remove it,” and you “end up having water splash and drip all over. Nasty!” We can confirm this experience. Emptying it without spilling is a delicate and unpleasant operation, especially in a rustic campsite setting with limited disposal options. Many users, including us, feel this is a major step backward from older models that featured a simple, slide-out grease tray. It’s a design choice that complicates an otherwise straightforward cleanup process.

What Other Users Are Saying

After extensively testing the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill 3 Burners ourselves, we dove into the collective experience of other owners to see how our findings aligned. The consensus is clear: this is a grill that people love for its raw cooking power but are often frustrated by a few key design choices. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding its heating capabilities.

Many users echo the sentiment of one who was initially hesitant about the price but found it was “So worth every penny!!” due to the cast iron grates that hold heat extremely well and its powerful performance on their condo balcony. Another long-term user highlighted its durability and value, stating they had a previous model for years, took it everywhere, and was “so happy to see the newer model.”

However, the criticisms are just as consistent. The flimsy lid latch is a recurring complaint, with one detailed review noting, “The rod is too short to reach the lock, AND the housing for the locking rod is aligned too…” This flaw is a significant source of frustration for those who frequently transport the grill. The most common negative point, by far, is the cleanup process. One user perfectly summarized the issue: “The grease pan which is the size of the whole grill requires water to trap the grease and difficult to clean and empty, which unlike the older model my friend has, the grease is contained in a slide-out grease tray. I wouldn’t buy again because of the grease…” This feedback confirms our own experience and highlights a major consideration for potential buyers who prioritize easy maintenance.

How Does the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Compare to the Competition?

The portable grill market is crowded, but the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill 3 Burners holds a unique position due to its combination of a stand-up design and three burners. However, several strong competitors offer different strengths that might better suit your needs.

1. PIT BOSS 75275 Two-Burner Portable Grill

The PIT BOSS 75275 offers a more rugged, industrial aesthetic with its full stainless steel construction. It matches the Coleman’s 20,000 BTU output but spreads it across two powerful U-shaped burners instead of three. It’s a tabletop model, meaning it lacks the integrated stand, so you’ll need a picnic table or tailgate to place it on. For those who prioritize raw durability and a simpler, robust build over the convenience of an all-in-one stand, the Pit Boss is a formidable alternative. Its straightforward design and stainless steel body may appeal to users who are tough on their gear and prefer a more traditional tabletop form factor.

2. Royal Gourmet GT1001 Portable Tabletop Gas Grill

The Royal Gourmet GT1001 exists on the other end of the portability spectrum. It is significantly smaller, lighter, and more budget-friendly. With a single 10,000 BTU burner and a more compact cooking surface, it can’t compete with the Coleman’s cooking capacity or versatility. However, its folding legs and lockable lid make it incredibly easy to transport and store. This grill is the ideal choice for a solo camper, a couple, or anyone for whom minimizing weight and space is the absolute top priority. It’s a no-frills, highly portable solution for basic grilling on the go.

3. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Gas Grill

The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is built like a small tank. Its defining feature is the TRU-Infrared cooking system, which is designed to heat food directly, prevent flare-ups, and cook more evenly. It has a single 9,500 BTU burner and a cast-aluminum firebox and lid, making it exceptionally durable. While it has less raw power and a smaller cooking area than the Coleman, it appeals to the griller who values cooking technology and rugged construction. If you’ve ever been frustrated by flare-ups charring your food, and you need a grill that can handle being tossed in the back of a truck, the Grill2Go X200 is a very compelling choice.

The Final Verdict: Is the Coleman RoadTrip 285 the Right Portable Grill for You?

After countless burgers, steaks, and grilled vegetables, our verdict on the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill 3 Burners is decidedly positive, albeit with important caveats. This grill is a performance powerhouse in a portable package. Its three-burner system provides a level of heat control and cooking versatility that is virtually unmatched in the stand-up portable grill category. It gets incredibly hot, cooks for a crowd, and its folding design is both clever and convenient for transport.

However, it is not without its flaws. The flimsy lid latch and the messy, cumbersome water pan for grease management are notable design shortcomings that prevent it from being perfect. Potential buyers must weigh the phenomenal cooking power against these daily usability annoyances. We recommend this grill for the serious tailgater, RVer, or apartment dweller who refuses to compromise on grilling performance and wants the convenience of an integrated stand. If you can overlook its quirks, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most capable and versatile portable grills on the market. If its powerful three-burner system and all-in-one design sound like the perfect fit for your adventures, you can check the latest price and get yours here.