When getting set up on family BBQs out in the fresh air, one of the biggest nuisances is making sure that your grill is nice and sturdy, and that you can easily cater to all needs and tastes.
Thankfully, Coleman is a leading brand that really does tap into this need. This particular gas grill, the RoadTrip 225, is not only ready to go, but is extremely easy to move around and position as and where you wish. Why? It’s all in the wheels!
If you’re looking for a lightweight grill that’s easy enough to move around and fold up again, this is going to be a perfect choice.
There are a few tradeoffs, such as in the power and the sheer size of grill available, but I’ll come to that shortly.
More About The Coleman RoadTrip 225
The Coleman Road Trip 225 is an ideal grill model for packing up and taking for a day out in the countryside, on the beach or on a camping holiday. Of course, it can easily be used at home in the garden or on a balcony, too.
Coleman’s RoadTrip range pretty much sells itself in the name – it’s built for use on the go, and without spoiling anything too much for later on in my review, it’s the casters that are likely to get your attention the most. How many grills have their own built-in legs and transportation? Not many, I’d wager!
Let’s take a look at the vital specs to see how everything weighs in.
Specifications and Essential Facts
- Manufacturer: Coleman
- Fuel: Propane Gas
- Weight: 35.12lbs
- Build: Heavy Duty
- Dimensions: 28.78 inches x 18.31 inches x 14.17 inches
- Grill Area: 225 square inches
- Added Features: Grease management, interchangeable cook tops, push button ignition, folding legs and wheels, side table surface, circular drip pan, 3-year warranty
- Burners: 2
- Power: 11,000 BTU
What are the Best Features / Main Selling Points of the Coleman RoadTrip 225?
First, it is a truly, fully portable cooking appliance. Some portable cookers require a table or surface on which to be used – but this comes with easy-fold supporting legs, so there’s no need to look around on arrival for a suitable flat surface.
There’s not even any need to bring a separate table for ingredients and tools – as that’s built in here, too.
This unit has lockable wheels, which means that you’ll be able to trundle it around and lock in place without any concerns. Great if you want to move from place to place.
As the model comes with its own instant ignition system via simple push buttons, you don’t even need matches or a lighter! This is by far the safest method to light a portable grill and one of its most popular features.
Depending on the quantity of food you wish to cook, it is only fair to say that this grill is ideal for two hungry people, or maybe four small appetites. To cook for four adults, you may need to consider preparing and serving food for only two at a time.
Once you’re finished cooking, you will find a drip pan is fitted under the grill area – so no residue falls through to the bottom of the grill. As the pan is purpose built to fulfil a protective function, it makes cleaning up easier than with some competitor models.
What are the Benefits of Using the Coleman RoadTrip 225?
On the whole, I found the Coleman RoadTrip 225 to be surprisingly easy to get used to. It’s extremely easy to set up and move around thanks to the folding legs and locking casters. Therefore, it’s of huge benefit to anyone who has to fumble around with moving big grills around.
After sales support is fantastic. This is one of the key benefits to buying from Coleman at all, and while the three-year warranty should more than cover you, if you do need help, it’s always there.
This is also extremely likely to appeal to people who want less fuss when building their grills. The Coleman RoadTrip 225 comes pretty much built to go right out of the box, meaning all you have to do is unfold and click together, and away you go. Nice and easy.
A major benefit of the Coleman RoadTrip 225 is the cleanup – the drip tray and the streamlined design of the unit means it’s never a hassle to get all of that cooking gunk up and out in no time.
The propane cylinder is nice and quick to attach, though you will need to make sure you buy it separately. That won’t put your budget too far back, which is a huge bonus in my book.
Does the Coleman RoadTrip 225 Have Any Drawbacks?
There are only a handful of points I’d raise against the RoadTrip 225, but that’s largely as a result of suitability. For one thing, the size is not always going to be ideal for bigger camping trips.
As mentioned earlier, it’s likely to be a safe fit for those who are cooking small meals for one to three people, max. You might have to take on some tiered cooking.
There’s no weatherproofing available for this model available at purchase, but you can invest in one if you’re likely to leave your grill out in the wet.
Do also keep in mind that there’s no internal temperature control here, so you’re going to need to keep a thermometer handy.
Overall, the cost is reasonable for the grill and its supporting legs and wheels. However, as mentioned, you will still have to buy the propane cylinder and the protective cover separately if you need or want to.
Otherwise, think carefully about the supporting legs and wheels – these aren’t necessary for all users, as some people may need bigger surfaces for extra tools, etc. – and will be taking tables and platforms to stand grills on in any case. However, for the average al fresco diner who will benefit from that extra portability, this is a brilliant unit to hold out for.
It’s worth noting that the majority of user feedback for the Coleman RoadTrip 225 is positive, and deservedly so.
CONCLUSION
Customer ratings for the 225 compare very favorably to competitor appliances of this type on the market. Ease of assembly, versatile and time saving come as standard.
All you really need to do when opening up the box for the first time is to pop up the grill, give it a quick wipe down, dry, and you’re good to go. Therefore, I can confidently say there are few grills like this out there that are quite as convenient.
Pricing may vary for this grill and – yes – there are a few components and pieces you are going to need to invest in to make the most of it. However, it’s more than worth the price of admission – and when you just want to get cooking oil in the go, convenience really is everything.
Sure – there are bigger, more powerful grills out there, but for smaller trips and demands, this is a surefire winner. Give it a look and see what you think of Coleman’s other grills, too.
