Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill Review: The Ultimate On-the-Go Grilling Companion?

There’s a specific kind of disappointment that comes with a failed outdoor meal. We’ve all been there: lugging a flimsy, unstable grill to a tailgate, only to spend an hour trying to get it hot enough to put a decent sear on a single burger. Or perhaps you’re at a pristine campsite, the scenic beauty ruined by a portable grill that either turns your food to charcoal with uncontrollable flare-ups or barely cooks it at all. For years, the promise of a truly “portable” grill felt like a compromise. You could have portability, or you could have performance, but you couldn’t have both. This search for a grill that could break free from the patio without sacrificing the quality of the cooking experience is what led us to rigorously test the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill, a product that aims to deliver backyard-quality grilling in a package you can roll to any adventure.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill

A portable propane grill is more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary possibilities beyond your backyard. It’s about grilling burgers by the lake, searing steaks at a tailgate before the big game, or even just making the most of a small apartment balcony. The primary benefit is freedom—freedom from the constraints of a stationary setup, offering instant, controllable heat wherever you have a flat surface and a small propane cylinder. They eliminate the mess and time commitment of charcoal while providing a level of heat control that campers and tailgaters crave.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who lives an active, on-the-go lifestyle. This includes RV enthusiasts, frequent campers, sports fans who love to tailgate, and city dwellers with limited outdoor space. It’s for the person who values convenience, quick setup, and easy transport. On the other hand, this might not be the right choice for someone who hosts large neighborhood barbecues and needs to cook for 15-20 people simultaneously. For those scenarios, a larger, stationary 4 or 5-burner grill would be more appropriate. If you prioritize bulletproof construction and predictable performance over a rolling stand, a premium tabletop model might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to two sets of dimensions: its operational footprint and its collapsed size for transport and storage. A grill like the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill is designed to fold compactly to fit in a car trunk, but you still need adequate space for it to stand safely during use. At 35 pounds, consider if you can comfortably lift it in and out of a vehicle.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and cooking surface area. The 11,000 BTUs of the RoadTrip 225 are split between two burners, which is a critical feature. This allows for two-zone cooking—searing on high on one side while keeping food warm on low on the other. Its 225 square inches of cooking space is ample for a small family or a few friends, but it’s important to have realistic expectations of how much food it can handle at once.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of a portable grill is determined by its construction. Look for cast iron grates for superior heat retention and sear marks, and a sturdy frame that can withstand being folded and transported repeatedly. While stainless steel components resist rust, be wary of thin metal and plastic parts in critical areas like hinges, latches, and handles, as these are common failure points in portable models.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like push-button ignition, a built-in grease management system, and easy-to-remove grates can make or break the user experience. Cleaning is a huge factor for portable grills, as you often have to pack them up shortly after cooking. A well-designed grease tray or water pan can simplify this process immensely, preventing messes in your vehicle on the way home.

While the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill is an excellent choice for many, 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:

First Impressions: Unboxing the RoadTrip 225

Pulling the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill from its box, the first thing we noticed was its clever, self-contained design. Everything is integrated into a single, rolling unit that feels substantial without being excessively heavy. The iconic Coleman red lid is vibrant and gives it a classic, adventurous look. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward. While a few users have reported missing hardware online, we found our package complete, with the small bag of screws and pins securely taped inside a piece of the protective foam packaging—a smart touch that likely prevents them from getting lost in transit. The process mainly involves attaching the wheels, the handle, and the side table, taking no more than 20 minutes with a single screwdriver.

Once assembled, the quick-fold legs deploy with a satisfying motion, transforming it from a rolling suitcase-like form into a stable, waist-high grilling station. The cast iron grill plates feel heavy and durable, promising good heat retention. The Instastart push-button ignition feels responsive, and the two burner control knobs offer smooth adjustment. Our initial impression is that Coleman has poured its decades of outdoor gear experience into a design that truly understands the needs of a portable user. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its innovative design.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the RoadTrip 225 to the Test

A grill’s true worth is only revealed under fire. We put the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill through its paces over several weeks of testing, from backyard burger nights to a weekend camping trip, to see if its performance lives up to its clever design. We focused on the core aspects that matter most to an on-the-go griller: how easy it is to move and set up, its actual cooking power, and how it holds up to the rigors of travel and repeated use.

Portability and Design: The RoadTrip Promise

The standout feature of the RoadTrip 225 is, without a doubt, its integrated stand and transport system. This is where Coleman’s design truly shines. Collapsing the grill is intuitive: you simply fold the legs underneath the body, and it locks into a low-profile, suitcase-like shape. The sturdy wheels and large handle make pulling it across a parking lot, field, or campsite path remarkably easy. At 35 pounds, it has enough heft to feel stable, but not so much that a single person can’t lift it into the back of an SUV. This design eliminates the need to find a separate, stable table to grill on—a common headache with other portable models.

However, our testing confirmed a crucial design nuance pointed out by other users: the wheels are only effective when the grill is fully collapsed. We found that trying to grab the handle to reposition the grill while it’s standing will cause the legs to start folding, creating a potentially dangerous situation. You must collapse it to move it. The side table is another thoughtful addition, providing just enough space for a plate of uncooked food, spices, and a set of tongs, keeping your prep area organized. While the concept is brilliant, we did note that some users have experienced issues with the latching mechanism and handle durability, which we’ll address later. Still, for pure transport and setup convenience, this feature really sets it apart from tabletop-only competitors.

Cooking Performance: Dual-Zone Power on the Go

With 11,000 BTUs of power, the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill heats up surprisingly fast. From ignition to a sizzling-hot grate took under 10 minutes in calm conditions. The real game-changer here is the two-burner system. Having independent controls for the inner and outer ring burners provides a level of versatility rarely seen in this category. We were able to crank one burner to high for a beautiful, deep sear on steaks while simultaneously grilling delicate vegetables on low heat on the other side. This two-zone capability is invaluable for cooking a complete meal without burning one component while another is still raw.

The 225-square-inch cooking surface was sufficient for about eight burgers or four medium-sized steaks, making it ideal for couples or small families. We also tested the user-noted water trough feature, which sits below the burners. Filling it with water not only prevented flare-ups when grilling fatty meats but also seemed to keep the food moist and made cleanup significantly easier. Now, some users have complained about the grill not getting hot enough. Our assessment is that this is a matter of expectation management. It will not replicate the roaring inferno of a 50,000 BTU stationary grill, but for a portable unit running on a 16.4 oz propane cylinder, its heat output is more than adequate for grilling classics. The most significant oversight is the lack of a built-in lid thermometer. This is a baffling omission, forcing you to guess temperatures or use a separate probe, which is a definite drawback for anyone wanting to do more than just burgers and dogs.

Assembly, Cleanup, and Long-Term Durability Concerns

This is where our review becomes more nuanced. The design and performance concept of the RoadTrip 225 is a home run. The execution, however, appears to be inconsistent, a sentiment echoed strongly in a significant number of user experiences. While our assembly was smooth, we can’t ignore the chorus of buyers who received units with missing parts, misaligned legs that wouldn’t fold correctly, or damage right out of the box.

Cleanup is a mixed bag. The removable water pan and grease tray are excellent, catching most of the drippings and making the firebox easy to wipe down. The cast iron grates, however, can be a chore to clean at a campsite without a proper utility sink. For long-term durability, the reports are concerning. We saw numerous complaints about the rivets holding the lid together failing, the plastic handle on the side table snapping, and the main lid latch becoming sprung or misaligned, preventing the grill from closing properly. Several users even reported the connection point between the grill and the stand being rusted and broken upon arrival. These issues suggest a potential weakness in quality control that prospective buyers must be aware of. The included 3-year warranty is a safety net, but it’s only useful if customer service is responsive, which at least one user found to be a problem. This is the grill’s Achilles’ heel: a brilliant design let down by potential manufacturing inconsistencies. It’s important to check the latest price and availability and factor in the warranty as part of its overall value proposition.

What Other Users Are Saying

After compiling our own findings, we delved into a wide array of user feedback to ensure our experience wasn’t an outlier. The sentiment is sharply divided and often comes down to the specific unit a customer received. On the positive side, many users, like one who called it “perfect for me and my small patio,” praise its compact size and easy storage. Another happy camper “loved its easy to transport setup” and found that “it grilled well and had a decently even heat.” The core concept of a folding, rolling grill is clearly a winner for its target audience.

However, the negative feedback paints a consistent picture of quality control problems. One user noted, “the rivets that attached the red top of the grill were loose on our second camping trip” and eventually came clean off. Another buyer was frustrated that their unit “will not close and lock with the plates in place.” The most severe reports mention critical failures, such as a connection between the grill and stand that was “completely rusted and broken” upon delivery, rendering it unusable. These aren’t just minor cosmetic blemishes; they are functional failures that undermine the grill’s core purpose. This divide in experiences suggests that buying the RoadTrip 225 can be a bit of a gamble.

How the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill Compares to the Competition

No product exists in a vacuum. To give you the full picture, we compared the RoadTrip 225 against three notable alternatives, each catering to a slightly different user need. The right choice for you depends on whether you prioritize portability, power, or build quality.

1. Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill

The Weber Q1200 is often seen as the gold standard in premium portable grilling. It takes a different approach than the Coleman. It’s a tabletop grill, meaning it lacks the integrated rolling stand. Its main selling point is Weber’s legendary build quality and exceptional cooking performance. With 8,500 BTUs and a single burner, it produces incredibly even heat across its porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates. It also includes features the Coleman lacks, like a built-in lid thermometer and sturdy fold-out side tables. If you prioritize bulletproof reliability, even heating, and superior materials over the convenience of a built-in stand, and you don’t mind providing your own table, the Weber Q1200 is arguably the better long-term investment.

2. EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill

This EUHOME grill represents the other end of the spectrum. It is not a portable grill in the traditional sense but a full-size backyard barbecue. We include it as a point of comparison for those trying to decide if a portable unit is truly sufficient for their needs. With a massive 46,500 BTUs across four main burners and a side burner, it offers immense cooking power and a huge surface area suitable for large gatherings. The trade-off is its complete lack of portability. If your grilling is confined to your patio and you value maximum power and capacity above all else, this type of full-size grill is the logical choice and demonstrates what you sacrifice in performance for the Coleman’s portability.

3. Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill

The Kenmore 3-Burner grill sits in a middle ground between true portability and stationary power. It’s a compact cart-style grill with folding side tables and wheels, making it easier to move around a patio or into a garage for storage than a larger grill. However, it’s not designed to be thrown in a car for a camping trip. With 30,000 BTUs, it offers significantly more power and cooking space than the Coleman. This is an ideal alternative for someone who primarily grills at home but has a smaller patio or wants a grill that can be easily stored out of the elements without the heavy lifting a full-size model requires.

Our Final Verdict on the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill

So, where do we land on the Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Portable Grill? In terms of pure design innovation for portability, it is a triumph. The integrated folding legs and wheel system is brilliantly executed and solves the biggest problem with grilling on the go. When it works as intended, it’s a fantastic companion for camping, tailgating, and small-space living, offering good heat, versatile two-zone cooking, and unmatched convenience.

However, we cannot overlook the significant and recurring reports of quality control issues. The risk of receiving a unit with broken parts, misaligned components, or premature failures is a serious consideration. We recommend this grill to the user who prioritizes the unique stand-up-and-roll design above all else and is prepared to inspect it thoroughly upon arrival and utilize the 3-year warranty if needed. If durability and flawless construction are your top priorities, the Weber Q1200 might be a safer bet. But if you’re willing to take a chance on getting a “good one,” the RoadTrip 225 offers a level of portable grilling freedom that is hard to beat. For those ready to roll the dice on this innovative design, you can find the best price and order yours here.