Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill Review

Our Verdict: Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill

A big, hot, even-cooking stand-up grill for tailgates, held back by thin metal and real weight.

A three-burner 20,000 BTU stand-up grill on quick-fold legs with wheels and the largest cooking area on this list.

What's the bottom line?

285 square inches is the largest here, hence the top cooking-area score.

Enough grate to feed a tailgate crowd of burgers and dogs in one go.

It hit temperature fast and cooked a full grate of burgers evenly for the whole lot, though the thin body and a bit of rust on the tray tell me it needs to live under cover.

Shaun, Top-Notch field tester

Reasons to buy:

• Largest cooking area at 285 sq in
• Fast, even, high 20,000 BTU heat
• Built-in stand with wheels
• Three-zone burner control

Reasons to avoid:

• Thin metal, rust-prone parts
• Heavy at about 46 to 49 lb
• Bulky to store and transport

Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results

The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill scored 84 out of 100 overall.

It is strongest on cooking area and weakest on build quality.

Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.

Value

Priced mid-pack, and you get a full stand, three burners and wheels rather than a bare tabletop.

The three independent burners let you run heat zones, which is a lot of grill for the money.

The catch is thinner metal and rust-prone parts, so long-term value depends on how you store it.

OutdoorGearLab rates its cooking among the best they have tested for a portable.

Value	Rating
Best in test	9/10
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill	7/10
Category average	7.7/10
Worst in test	6/10

Heat Output

20,000 BTU across three burners is among the highest here and heats up fast.

Testers hit 450F in about 5 minutes and saw temps settle near 696F on high with little drift.

But here is the catch:

Between the 15 and 20 minute marks the temperature moved only about 5 degrees, so it holds heat well.

Three separate burners give real zone control for searing on one side and warming on the other.

Heat Output	Rating
Best in test	9/10
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill	8/10
Category average	7.4/10
Worst in test	5/10

Build Quality

This is the weak point, the body metal is thin and some owners report the regulator and water tray rusting.

The score reflects durability worries, not cooking, which is strong.

The quick-fold leg mechanism is handy but is a moving part that can loosen over time.

Store it dry and covered and it lasts, leave it out and rust shows up early.

Build Quality	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill	6/10
Category average	7.1/10
Worst in test	5/10

Portability

It weighs around 46 to 49 lb, so it is heavy, but the wheels and fold-flat legs do the work for you.

You roll and fold it rather than carry it, which suits a parking-lot tailgate more than a hike.

Folded, it is bulky and takes a good chunk of trunk or truck-bed space.

The built-in stand means no table needed, a real plus for tailgating.

Portability	Rating
Best in test	9/10
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill	7/10
Category average	7.4/10
Worst in test	6/10

Cooking Area

285 square inches is the largest here, hence the top cooking-area score.

Enough grate to feed a tailgate crowd of burgers and dogs in one go.

The three-burner layout heats the wide surface evenly when all burners are lit.

You can swap in a griddle plate for more versatility on the big surface.

Cooking Area	Rating
Best in test	10/10
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill	10/10
Category average	7.3/10
Worst in test	5/10

Should You Buy the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill?

A big, hot, even-cooking stand-up grill for tailgates, held back by thin metal and real weight.

It is best suited to tailgaters and groups who want big, even heat and a built-in rolling stand.

Want to know the best part?

The big win: Largest cooking area at 285 sq in.

The main compromise: Thin metal, rust-prone parts.

We scored it 84 out of 100.

What Other Portable Gas Grills Should You Consider?

Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.

The Napoleon TravelQ 285 Portable Propane Grill is our best 2-burner gas grill. A well-built two-burner grill with even heat and true dual-zone control, priced at a premium.

The Nexgrill Stainless Steel 2-Burner Portable Grill is our best stainless steel grill. A hot, roomy two-burner stainless grill at a fair price, let down by patchy welds and weight.

The Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Portable Grill is our best portable gas grill. The most even and best built portable gas grill here, worth the price if you cook on it often.

Specifications

Burners	3 burners, 20,000 BTU total
Cooking area	285 sq in
Stand	Quick-fold legs with wheels
Ignition	Instastart push-button
Weight	about 46 to 49 lb
Grates	Porcelain-coated cast iron
Fuel	1 lb propane, adapter for 20 lb tank

Conclusion: Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill

After testing it against the other top portable gas grills, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill earns its place as our best gas grill for tailgating pick.

Its standout strength: Largest cooking area at 285 sq in.

So:

The main thing to weigh before you buy: Thin metal, rust-prone parts.

If you want tailgaters and groups who want big, even heat and a built-in rolling stand, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.

Still comparing? See exactly where the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Propane Grill ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Portable Gas Grills guide.

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