Review of the Napoleon TravelQ Portable Gas Grill

Napoleon TravelQ TQ285
Napoleon Grills

Grill lovers searching for a new gas grill want to consider how much space they need and how frequently they will be using it to cook food. Potential buyers also want to consider equipment details like how many burners it has, what the energy output looks like, and what the overall design is (if aesthetic preferences matter to them).

Lucky for grillers, this 20-pound TravelQ gas grill is lightweight, compact, and can be easily carried with one hand. Despite this, the gas grill offers plenty of grilling space provided on heavy cast iron cooking grates. In most ways, this grill is comparable with similar portables, especially when it comes to heat output and capacity. One advantage this grill has over similar sized ones is that the twin burner design allows you to cook more versatile foods. Although it's not an inexpensive grill, this is a well-built portable that will work well in the outdoors, like at a park or the beach. 

A Napoleon TravelQ TQ285 Review

The TravelQ is Napoleon's answer to Weber's Q line of portable grills. The biggest feature that this gas grill offers over Weber's is that it's lighter in weight and easier to transport. Weighing in at around 20 pounds, it has folding legs and a locking lid that allows it to be easily moved around. Perfect for a traveler's gas grill, there are notable features like the two-burner design which allows food to be kept warm on one side while you're still grilling hot on the other side. While this grill doesn't have the heat or performance of a full-sized grill, the trade-off of going portable is worth it. In fact, most portables of this size have a single burner, reducing the cooking versatility.

In addition to the feature trade-off, there are some other sacrifices that advanced grillers will have to make. For example, the body is stamped steel, so it quickly gets hot on the outside surface (also due to the limited heat retention.) Additionally, this gas grill body is somewhat fragile and prone to being dented. You have to be careful when transporting it, as the handles and knobs are lightweight plastic, which cheapens the look and feel of the unit.

Pros and Cons

The biggest obvious benefit of the Napoleon is that it isn't a heavy portable gas grill. Its compact design, two independent burners, and porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates (that are good for transferring heat) make this grill a top choice for those who enjoy grilling in the outdoors, away from home. The only disadvantage of this grill is the stamped steel body and its expensive price in comparison to other similarly sized portables.

If taken care of, this gas grill should last you for several years. Plus, there is an optional folding stand for this grill that has a complimentary design. It not only has wheels for easy transport but also comes with a kickstand that lets it stand upright. There are also side tables with a stand for extra workspace.

Whether you're convinced or not, here's an overview of its description:

  • Two 6,000 BTU stainless steel burners
  • 285 square inch porcelain coated cast iron cooking area
  • 12,000 BTU maximum output
  • 20-pound total weight
  • Enameled stamped steel construction with plastic handles
  • Hood-mounted temperature gauge
  • On-knob piezoelectric ignition
  • Folding legs and locking lid for easy carry
  • Used standard 1-pound disposable propane bottles
  • Made in North America 

To purchase this grill, buy it directly from Amazon.