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A portable grill is only useful when its fuel, weight and cooking surface match the trip. We compared current manufacturer documentation for a tabletop propane grill and a compact charcoal grill. HandyTested has not cooked on either model. The old under-$300/2025 URL remains for continuity, but this guide does not promise a fixed price or current inventory at any retailer.
Quick picks
- Propane and two independently adjustable burners: Coleman RoadTrip 225 Tabletop (SKU 2000033046).
- Compact charcoal cooking: Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal (part 1500763).
Compare the grills
| Model | Fuel | Cooking area | Maker-listed weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman RoadTrip 225 Tabletop | Propane cylinder, sold separately | 225 sq. in. | 27.6 lb |
| Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal | Charcoal | 160 sq. in. | 11.5 lb |
Cooking area and burner output are manufacturer specifications, not measured cooking performance. Confirm the exact SKU or part number: similarly named RoadTrip and Go-Anywhere variants differ.
Coleman RoadTrip 225 Tabletop: propane with two heat zones
Coleman lists two adjustable burners, up to 11,000 BTU total output, push-button ignition, removable grease-catching water pan and 225 square inches of cooking area. It uses a one-pound/16.4-ounce propane cylinder sold separately. This is the tabletop SKU 2000033046, not the heavier RoadTrip 285 stand-up model with wheels.
Best for: a group that wants separate burner control without carrying charcoal. Trade-off: at a maker-listed 27.6 pounds, it is more of a car-camping or tailgating option than a walk-in campsite choice. Provide a stable, heat-safe outdoor surface and follow the Coleman manual.
Check Coleman RoadTrip 225 Tabletop listings on Amazon → (paid link) (search results; confirm SKU and fuel connection).
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal: compact packable design
Weber documents a 160-square-inch cooking area, two-piece cooking grate, adjustable vents, locking legs and a Char-Rail insert for arranging coals. Its listed 11.5-pound weight is before fuel and tools. The rectangular form packs into a vehicle more neatly than many round kettle grills, but charcoal adds lighting, ash disposal and cooling time.
Best for: trips where charcoal is permitted and packed size matters. Trade-off: less cooking area than the Coleman, no instant-off burner, and coals must be completely out and cool before transport.
Check Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal listings on Amazon → (paid link) (search results; distinguish it from the gas model).
How we chose
We checked exact US manufacturer product pages for fuel type, cooking area, portability and included equipment. We removed Cuisinart CGG-180T because Cuisinart labels its current product page discontinued. We did not treat the RoadTrip 285 as a dependable under-$300 pick: Coleman’s page has shown it unavailable and promotion-dependent. The Blackstone 22-inch tabletop is a flat-top griddle, a different cooking surface from the grate grills compared here.
Before you cook
Location: the US Consumer Product Safety Commission says to use charcoal grills outdoors only. Never use a gas or charcoal grill in a tent, camper, vehicle, garage or other enclosed space; carbon monoxide can kill. Keep the grill away from combustible materials and follow its manual’s clearances.
Fire rules: check the campground’s current restrictions before packing charcoal. Some parks restrict solid fuels while allowing shutoff-capable gas appliances; the rules vary by place and date.
Real trip cost: include fuel, a safe cooking surface, cleaning supplies and replacement parts. Amazon links here lead to model-specific search results, not a verified direct product listing; inspect the final seller offer and included accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Coleman include a propane cylinder?
No. Coleman lists the cylinder as sold separately for the documented tabletop version.
Can I use either grill inside a camper?
No. Use grills outdoors in a well-ventilated location, never inside an enclosed vehicle or shelter.
Is a flat-top griddle the same as a grill?
No. A flat cooking plate and an open grate handle grease and food differently. Choose the surface you intend to cook on.
Sources
- Coleman RoadTrip 225 Tabletop specifications
- Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal specifications
- Cuisinart discontinued CGG-180T
- CPSC charcoal and carbon monoxide guidance