The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill is designed for adventurers who want a full-sized grilling experience on the road. With a roomy cooking surface, three adjustable burners, and a design that folds up for easy transport, this grill is a great choice for camping, tailgating and park picnics. Here, we cover its sturdy construction, high-performance heating, intuitive controls and ease of use. For our review of the grill, we have an in-depth examination of how this grill has actually performed in real-world settings, rounded out with feedback from real users.
Sturdy Build and Quick Setup: Perfect for Outdoor Adventures
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 features a sturdy, rugged design that is meant to withstand the weather. Built with a heavy textured powder‑coated frame, the grill withstands regular use on outdoor outings and trips. At 49 pounds, it’s not the lightest portable grill out there, but its folding legs and large and sturdy wheels still make it manageable, even on uneven terrain. Reviews highlight its speedy setup, with many users noting that putting the grill together takes only a few minutes. The quick‑folding legs and sliding side tables of the integrated stand create a stable cooking area and extra prep space: a critical component for outdoor chefs who want to work as efficiently as possible without sacrificing portability.
The general design caters to outdoor life: the low-profile construction and rugged build of the grill lend themselves to events like tailgating, camping, or backyard parties. Designed for somewhat easier transport, the RoadTrip 285 includes rolling wheels and a long, ergonomic handle that provides ease of movement from the car to a campsite.
High-Performance Heating: Three Burners, Excellent Temperature Control
The RoadTrip 285 features a phenomenal three‑burner system that produces up to 20,000 BTUs of grilling power. Each burner is adjustable separately, allowing for excellent control of various cooking zones. That means you could sear steaks on one burner and grill vegetables over a lower temperature on another. Users say the grill quickly gets hot (usually 450°F or so in under five minutes) and keeps an even temperature across its 285-square-inch cooking area.
Thanks to the push-button Instastart™ ignition, one touch lights the grill, ensuring perfect, hassle-free lighting without matches or lighters. Plus, the integrated thermometer lets you track the internal temperature to make sure your food cooks evenly. For outdoor cooks who seek precision and consistency, the RoadTrip 285 is a performance cooker that offers up high power and control.
User-Friendly Features: Designed for Convenience on the Go
The RoadTrip 285 excels with its host of convenient features that make cooking and cleaning easier. A removable water pan that catches grease and drippings stands out. Doing so not only makes sure that your stovetop doesn’t reflect a greasy mess but also leads to longer-lasting grills due to less build-up. The water pan slides out and is easily cleaned, giving post-grill cleanup a break, users say.
The grill features two sturdy side tables that slide out and provide extra workspace, ideal for setting up utensils, sauces, and side dishes. While some users would like more hooks for accessories, the current design remains very functional. The locking lid allows for safe transport, and the design makes for simple, intuitive use—whether you’re a grizzled griller or stepping outdoors to cook for the first time.
Pros & Cons: Evaluating Strengths and Weaknesses
Pros:
- Spacious Cooking Area: Offers 285 square inches of grilling space, ideal for family meals and gatherings.
- Adjustable Triple Burners: Three independently controlled burners provide versatile heat management.
- Quick Setup: Folding legs, durable wheels, and an ergonomic handle simplify transport and assembly.
- Reliable Ignition: Instastart™ push-button ignition ensures matchless, hassle-free lighting.
- Easy Cleanup: A removable water pan and straightforward design make cleaning efficient.
Cons:
- Weight and Size: At around 49 pounds, the grill is not the most lightweight option, potentially challenging for small vehicles.
- Portability Limitations: Its full-sized design may be cumbersome for those seeking a truly compact, backpacking-friendly grill.
- Wind Vulnerability: Lacks built-in wind blocks, so high winds can affect temperature stability.
- Accessory Shortcomings: Some users desire more integrated utensil hooks or additional storage options.
Real User Experiences: Feedback from Outdoor Enthusiasts
Actual user reviews of the Coleman RoadTrip 285 provide a blend of strong performance and a few minor drawbacks. Most users also point out the large cooking area and the effectiveness of the three-burner system in producing even heat. For instance, many outdoor enthusiasts have observed that the grill heats up quickly and easily, allowing you to sear meats and char vegetables evenly—even in cooler conditions.
User reviewers also highlight the grill’s portability and easy setup. Multiple reviews note that the folding legs and heavy-duty wheels make moving this from car to campsite a breeze (though some warn that the unit’s weight may be difficult for people with smaller vehicles). While the rack performance is impressive, some users have reported a few issues, like a slightly unreliable locking latch on the lid or minor quirks with assembly, but these issues are relatively rare and usually rectified via customer support.
Some reviewers have raised concerns about its performance in windy conditions, commenting that while the grill heats evenly, occasional gusts can throw things off temperature-wise. Despite this, the bulk of review comments agree on one fact; the Coleman RoadTrip 285 quickly heats up, provides precise control and grates with exceptional heat distribution so you can really flex your culinary muscles, while being reasonably easy to use in a design and size made for the outdoors.
Final Verdict: Is the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Worth It?
In summary, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill is a great option for anyone in the market for a dependable, full-size portable grill. With its 285 square inches of cooking area, adjustable three-burner power and easy-to-understand design, the cooking tool is perfect for tailgating, camping and outdoor cooking at large. The weight and some occasional sensitivity to the wind may be a downside for some, but the performance and ease of use far outweigh these concerns.
One of the best investments you could make if powerful heat, generous cooking space and thoughtful features like the Instastart ignition and sliding side tables are high on your priority list, the RoadTrip 285 packs a lot into a portable barbecue. If you can carry a 49-pound unit and are willing to handle his size, this grill will add some serious barbecue luster to your outdoor cooking efforts! Check out our recommended Best Coleman Grill of 2025.
