Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill Review: The Ultimate Portable Powerhouse?

There’s a romantic ideal we all chase on a camping trip: the perfect meal cooked over a crackling open fire. The reality, as we’ve learned through years of outdoor adventures, is often far less idyllic. It’s the frantic search for dry wood after a surprise shower, the unpredictable heat that incinerates one side of a steak while leaving the other raw, and the smoky, ash-flecked food that tastes more of effort than flavor. We’ve been there, juggling finicky single-burner stoves that can barely boil water, let alone sear a burger. The frustration of trying to create a memorable meal with inadequate tools can cast a pall over an otherwise perfect escape. This isn’t just about food; it’s about reclaiming the joy and simplicity of outdoor cooking. We needed a solution that offered the power and control of a backyard grill in a package that could be thrown in the back of a car without a second thought. That’s the exact problem the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill promises to solve.

What to Consider 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 wherever you go. Whether you’re at a tailgate, a remote campsite, or just enjoying a small apartment balcony, these devices offer instant, controllable heat without the mess and unpredictability of charcoal or wood. The main benefits are convenience, precision, and speed. You can go from packed away to cooking in minutes, dial in the exact temperature for delicate fish or a thick-cut ribeye, and clean up with minimal fuss, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your surroundings and less time managing your equipment.

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, dedicated car campers, tailgating superfans, and anyone with limited outdoor space who still craves a genuine grilling experience. However, it might not be the right fit for those who need to feed a massive crowd, as the cooking surfaces are inherently smaller than full-sized backyard models. Likewise, charcoal purists who believe the briquette is the only true source of flavor will likely want to look elsewhere. For those needing an even smaller, lighter option for backpacking, a canister stove would be a more suitable choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Portability is a spectrum. Consider the grill’s packed-down dimensions and its total weight (the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill weighs a hefty 25.6 pounds). Will it fit in your car trunk alongside other gear? Is it light enough for you to carry from the parking lot to your picnic spot? A tabletop design is great for existing surfaces, but some models come with integrated stands for more flexibility.
• Capacity/Performance: Don’t just look at the total BTUs; look at how they are delivered. The 11,000 BTUs of the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill are split across two independent burners. This is a critical feature, allowing you to create different heat zones for searing and warming simultaneously. Also, consider the cooking surface area—225 square inches is generous for a portable unit, easily accommodating a meal for a small family.
• Materials & Durability: The cooking grates are the heart of a grill. This model uses heavy cast iron, which provides exceptional heat retention and professional-grade sear marks but adds significant weight. Other grills use porcelain-coated steel or stainless steel, which are lighter but may not perform as well. The body material, typically a blend of steel and plastic, should feel sturdy and robust.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify the cooking process. A push-button ignition, like Coleman’s Instastart, is a must-have for matchless lighting. For cleanup, a good grease management system is non-negotiable. The removable water pan in the RoadTrip 225 is an elegant solution that catches drips and makes post-meal tidying remarkably easy.

Choosing the right portable grill means balancing these factors to find the perfect companion for your specific adventures.

While the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 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:

Unboxing the RoadTrip: First Impressions and Key Features

Pulling the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill from its box, the first thing we noticed was its substance. This is not a flimsy, disposable piece of gear. The bright red lid has a classic, rugged look, and the overall construction feels solid. However, we immediately understood the user complaints about packaging. The heavy cast iron grates are the star of the show, but they were loose inside the unit during shipping. We were lucky our grill arrived unscathed, but it’s easy to see how they could cause dents, chipped paint, or even break other components if the box were handled roughly—a definite area for Coleman to improve.

There’s no assembly required, which is a huge plus. You simply lift it out, place the grates, and attach the propane regulator. The two heavy-duty grates fit snugly into place, and the push-button Instastart ignition feels tactile and responsive. The control knobs for the two independent burners turn smoothly, offering a satisfying sense of precision. At 25.6 pounds, it has some heft, but it’s a manageable weight that speaks more to its durability than being a burden. It immediately feels like a serious piece of cooking equipment, a cut above many of the more toy-like portable grills on the market. Our initial impression, despite the packaging concerns, was that this grill was built to cook, and cook well. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its robust build.

Putting the RoadTrip 225 to the Test: A Detailed Performance Breakdown

A grill’s true worth is proven over flames and food. We put the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill through its paces over several weeks, taking it car camping, to a local park for a picnic, and even using it on our back patio. We cooked everything from burgers and steaks to delicate fish and grilled vegetables to understand its strengths and weaknesses in the real world.

Burner Performance and Heat Control

The dual-burner system is, without a doubt, the standout feature of this grill. With a total of 11,000 BTUs at our disposal, there was never a moment we wished for more power. The grill heats up remarkably fast, going from cold to ready-to-sear in just a few minutes. The push-button Instastart ignition worked flawlessly on the first or second push every single time, a welcome convenience when you’re eager to get cooking. The real magic, however, lies in the independent controls. We could crank the outer ring burner to high for a beautiful, deep sear on a couple of ribeyes while keeping the inner burner on low to gently warm hot dog buns. This two-zone cooking capability is a game-changer for a portable grill and a feature that really sets it apart, allowing for a level of culinary control typically reserved for much larger, stationary units.

During testing, we confirmed what some users noted: with both burners on full blast, the grill can get incredibly hot, leading to flare-ups if you’re cooking particularly greasy foods like fatty burgers. We found the best approach was to moderate the heat, rarely needing to push both dials past the three-quarter mark. This still provided ample heat for a great sear without scorching. We also inspected the burner connections upon unboxing, mindful of one user’s report of a loose tube. Ours was secure, but it’s a wise five-second check for any new owner to ensure safety and proper function.

Cooking Surface and Versatility

The 225 square inches of cooking space, divided across two porcelain-coated cast iron grates, is the soul of the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill. These grates are heavy, substantial, and perform beautifully. They retain heat exceptionally well, minimizing temperature drops when you place cold food on them and delivering those coveted, restaurant-quality grill marks. We comfortably fit six large hamburger patties at once, making it perfectly sized for a family of four or a small group of friends. The heat distribution was impressively even across each grate, with no significant hot or cold spots to speak of.

We also purchased the optional stove grate accessory to test its versatility. While it’s fantastic for using a pot or a pan, we confirmed one user’s experience that it’s not the most efficient for boiling water. The open design and distance from the flame mean it takes a while, certainly longer than a dedicated jet-style camp stove. For us, this wasn’t a dealbreaker. We view this as a grill first and foremost—a phenomenal one at that—with the ability to occasionally support a pot of coffee or a pan of sautéed onions as a bonus, not its primary function. If you’re looking for a grill that can truly replace your camp stove, you might need to manage expectations, but for its core purpose of grilling, the surface is top-tier.

Portability and On-the-Go Design Flaws

This is where our love for the grill’s performance meets the frustrating reality of its design oversights. As a tabletop unit, it’s compact enough for easy transport. However, the complete absence of a lid latch is a baffling omission. The moment you pick it up by the side handles, the lid flops open, and the heavy cast iron grates can slide and clang around. We immediately resorted to a bungee cord, just as many users suggested. It’s a simple, effective fix, but one that absolutely shouldn’t be necessary on a product designed for travel.

Similarly, there’s no integrated storage for the propane regulator. It’s a small but crucial component that can easily get lost in a gear bin. We followed another user’s clever lead and designated a small pouch for it, which we then tucked inside the grill (after it was fully cooled, of course) for transport. These aren’t dealbreakers, but they are persistent annoyances that detract from an otherwise excellent user experience. Another important note for experienced campers: one user, accustomed to their larger Coleman grill, was surprised that this model has a different propane hose connection for larger tanks. If you plan to use a bulk tank, be sure to purchase the specific adapter hose required for the RoadTrip 225 to avoid trip-ruining frustration. It’s a powerful and portable tool, but you can check the latest price and availability and factor in the cost of a good bungee cord and a small storage pouch.

Cleanup and Maintenance

After wrestling with the portability quirks, our admiration for the grill was fully restored at cleanup time. The grease management system is brilliantly simple and effective. A large, removable plastic tray sits under the entire cooking area. You fill it with a bit of water before you start cooking, and it catches every last drip of grease. When you’re done, you simply slide the tray out, pour out the greasy water, and give it a quick wipe. It completely eliminates the problem of a grease-caked grill interior, prevents flare-ups, and makes cleanup take about two minutes. The cast iron grates are also easy to scrub clean with a grill brush while they’re still warm. Of all its features, the water pan system is perhaps the most thoughtfully designed, turning what is often the worst part of grilling into a complete non-issue.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our experience largely mirrored the consensus we found among other users. The praise for the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill‘s cooking performance is nearly universal. People consistently rave about how well it cooks and how easy it is to clean. One user on a boat highlighted its great heat control and the quality of the heavy iron grates, stating it “Cooks food really well. Grill heats up really fast.” Another summed it up as the “Perfect travel, personal, or single family grill.”

However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses on two key areas: shipping and design oversights. A significant number of reviews mention the product arriving damaged—dented lids, broken legs, chipped paint, and even missing regulators—all pointing back to the poor packaging. As one disappointed buyer wrote, they “Received the item smashed from the weight of the cast iron grill which was loose.” The other major complaint, which we wholeheartedly agree with, is the lack of a lid latch. One resourceful user even provided a link to a latch kit they installed themselves, noting, “A few drilled holes and some short rivets did the trick.” This feedback is crucial: you’re likely getting a fantastic grill, but you should inspect it carefully upon arrival and be prepared to devise your own solution for securing it during transport.

How the Coleman RoadTrip 225 Stacks Up Against the Competition

The portable grill market is crowded, but the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill holds a unique position. It prioritizes cooking power and surface area over ultimate compactness. Here’s how it compares to three popular alternatives.

1. Char-Broil 1-Burner Portable Propane Grill

The Char-Broil portable grill is a more compact and budget-conscious choice. Its primary difference is the single burner, which means you lose the two-zone cooking capability that makes the Coleman so versatile. With a smaller cooking surface, it’s better suited for solo travelers or couples rather than families. While it’s lighter and easier to store, its lower BTU output and single burner make it less of a powerhouse. Someone might prefer the Char-Broil if their top priorities are a minimal footprint and a lower price point, and they’re willing to sacrifice the advanced cooking control and capacity of the RoadTrip 225.

2. Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand

The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet’s standout feature is its clever VersaStand, which allows it to function as either a tabletop grill or a freestanding unit. This adds a layer of versatility the Coleman lacks. However, its performance is more modest, with a single 5,500 BTU burner and a smaller 150-square-inch cooking surface. It’s an excellent choice for someone who values setup flexibility and an all-in-one solution. A user might choose the Cuisinart if they often find themselves in places without a suitable table and prefer the convenience of an integrated stand over the raw grilling power and larger cooking area of the Coleman.

3. PIT BOSS Two-Burner Portable Grill

The PIT BOSS portable grill is perhaps the most direct competitor, offering a similar two-burner design for zoned cooking. Its key differentiator is its full stainless steel construction, which gives it a premium look and excellent corrosion resistance. It also features a latching lid, directly addressing one of the Coleman’s biggest flaws. The trade-off may be in the cooking grates, which are stainless steel rather than the Coleman’s heavy cast iron. A griller might opt for the PIT BOSS if they prioritize a more polished aesthetic, superior rust resistance, and the convenience of a secure lid latch, and prefer the maintenance of stainless steel grates over cast iron.

Final Verdict: Is the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill is a portable cooking powerhouse with a couple of frustrating, but ultimately fixable, quirks. Its core function—grilling food—is executed brilliantly. The combination of powerful, independently controlled burners and heavy-duty cast iron grates delivers an experience that rivals many full-size backyard grills. The simple and effective grease management system makes cleanup an absolute breeze. It is, without question, one of the best-performing tabletop grills we have ever tested.

However, the lack of a lid latch is a significant design flaw that impacts its “grab-and-go” appeal, and the risk of shipping damage due to poor packaging is real. If you can overlook these issues and are willing to employ a simple bungee cord for transport, you will be rewarded with exceptional outdoor meals. We recommend it for the serious car camper, tailgater, or RVer who prioritizes cooking performance above all else. If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor culinary game and leave lackluster campfire meals behind, the Coleman 2-Burner RoadTrip 225 Grill is an outstanding choice that you can order today.