Reviews You Can Rely On

Weber Q 1200 Review

From folding side tables to easy to clean cooking grates, this thoughtfully designed model makes grilling on the go fun and easy
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weber q 1200 portable grill review
Credit: Aaron Rice
Price:  $259 List
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Manufacturer:   Weber
By Aaron Rice ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 19, 2023
70
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 18
  • Output Power - 25% 7.0
  • Control - 25% 8.0
  • Portability - 20% 6.0
  • Cooking Area - 20% 6.0
  • Wind Resistance - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Weber Q 1200 is our favorite for grilling up quick meals. This table-top powerhouse roars to life by pressing the reliable electric starter and quickly preheats thanks to a heavy-duty construction — both in the porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and the cast aluminum body. An easy-to-read, integrated thermometer helps you accurately track temperature, and fold-out side tables offer plenty of space for your BBQ tools. While its weight and lack of latching lid make it less than ideal for carrying into remote picnic sites, the Q 1200 is the ideal companion for road tripping and car-camping. Many portable grills function to cook food but lack the finesse needed for grilling more than hot dogs and burgers. This one brings power and control to this category better than much of the competition. See how it stacks up in our review of today's best portable grills.
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent heat retention
Convenient side tables
Consistent ignition
REASONS TO AVOID
Less portable due to weight and lack of latching lid
Hot even on lowest setting
Editor's Note: We updated this review on December 17, 2023, to add new recommendations for other top portable grills after our latest round of testing.

Compare to Similar Products

 
weber q 1200 portable grill review
This Product
Weber Q 1200
Awards Top Pick Award Best Buy Award Top Pick Award Top Pick Award  
Price $259 List
$248.99 at Amazon
$100 List
$112.00 at Amazon
$71 List
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$50 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
70
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line A thoughtfully-designed grill that has everything you need, and then someAlmost too powerful for its size, this hearty grill specializes in searing steaksA neatly packaged, on-the-go charcoal grill with the capacity for finely tuned pit-cookingThough limited in terms of overall output power and temperature control, this lightweight, electric option offers non-stick performance and exceptional portabilityA cheap, portable, miniature version of their classic charcoal grill
Rating Categories Weber Q 1200 Cuisinart Grillster Weber Go-Anywhere C... Elite Gourmet 12" E... Cuisinart Portable...
Output Power (25%)
7.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
3.0
Control (25%)
8.0
5.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
Portability (20%)
6.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
4.0
Cooking Area (20%)
6.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Wind Resistance (10%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
9.0
4.0
Specs Weber Q 1200 Cuisinart Grillster Weber Go-Anywhere C... Elite Gourmet 12" E... Cuisinart Portable...
Total BTU 8,500 8,000 N/A 1,200 N/A
Weight 31 lbs 13 lbs 12 lbs 5 lbs 4 lbs
Cooking Surface Area 189 sq in 148 sq in 140 sq in 144 sq in 143 sq in
Number of Burners 1 1 N/A N/A N/A
Grill material Porcelain-enameled cast iron Enameled steel Plated steel Stainless steel Chrome-plated metal
Packed Size 15" x 26" x 14" / 3.2 cu ft 20.5" x 12" x 10.2" / 1.5 cu ft 14.5" X 21" X 12.2" / 2.2 cu ft 17" x 17" x 4" / 0.7 cu ft 14.5" x 14.5" x 15" / 1.8 cu ft
Piezo Ignitor Electric Yes No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Weber Q 1200 is a unique portable grill option, mainly in terms of design. Weber is known for their recognizable kettle-bell design — it's even featured as the company's logo — and this grill uses a similar lid design to mimic that reliable heat distribution across its 189 square-inch cook surface. A single, U-shaped burner puts out 8,500 BTU to efficiently heat the porcelain-enameled, cast-iron grill surface. Although it tops our list of portable grills, the 31-pound, 3.2 cubic-foot frame of the Q 1200 is best suited to your tailgate, apartment patio, or as part of your RV setup.

Performance Comparison


weber q 1200 portable grill review - though slightly lacking on space, the weber q 1200 has ample power...
Though slightly lacking on space, the Weber Q 1200 has ample power to cook up any meal you can dream up.
Credit: Aaron Rice

Output Power


The Weber Q 1200 is an unexpectedly powerful grill, resulting in cook times that were much faster than expected for such a petite barbecue. Like other top models, this is all thanks to a single, U-shaped burner that effectively delivers heat across the range of the grill surface.


The grill surface itself also has a lot to do with the effectiveness of the Q 1200. Unlike so many other grills that are outfitted with a simple, stainless steel grate, the range of this barbecue is porcelain-enameled cast iron. While it is likely best known in its skillet form, this material is famous for heat retention and the resulting even distribution across the cook surface.

weber q 1200 portable grill review - don't be fooled by the lower btu output. this grill can effectively...
Don't be fooled by the lower BTU output. This grill can effectively blacken vegetables.
Credit: Aaron Rice

This means that the burner doesn't need to crank out heat at nearly the same rate as other, less well-insulated grills. Even though the small flames of the 8,500 BTU burner don't seem like they are capable of reaching searing temperatures, within mere minutes of preheating with the gas burner opened to the highest setting, the internal temperature of the chamber climbs above 500°F.

weber q 1200 portable grill review - even on high output the flames are small, but they are numerous...
Even on high output the flames are small, but they are numerous. This is key to even heat distribution, while simultaneously avoiding flare-ups.
Credit: Aaron Rice

Control


As a portable gas grill that will likely appeal to novice cooks and experienced chefs alike, the accessibility of the Q 1200 is a major selling point. The battery-powered electronic ignition is the same you will find on a high-end, full-size grill. The integrated thermometer — available from 150°F to 600°F — allows you to accurately monitor internal temperatures without having to lift the lid and lose critical heat. The regulator is integrated into the body and employs an infinite controller that is easily adjusted between clearly marked low, medium, and high settings.


Don't misconstrue manufacturer claims of an "infinite control burner valve." In appliance-speak, this simply means that a controller is "infinitely variable rather than being limited to a few switched levels." So while it may not be as exciting as it sounds, this capability still allows you to accurately dial in precise burner output to help control temperature.

weber q 1200 portable grill review - the control knob, integrated into the regulator unit, is...
The control knob, integrated into the regulator unit, is well-defined relative to propane output and easy to adjust.
Credit: Aaron Rice

All portable grills, in our experience, struggle to control their internal temperature. Not surprisingly, this grill doesn't offer the control of full-size grills. This is not to say that it cannot be controlled, but that it will likely take a bit of a learning curve until you figure out how to do so. Temperature control tends to run away if this grill still has room to heat, i.e., it has yet to achieve its maximum temperature. But if you need to turn the Q 1200 down to a lower heat level, it will adapt within a matter of minutes — albeit, even if you turn the grill down to low, it is unlikely that the cast iron surface will drop below a measured average of 560°F without some time completely shut off. Still, our testers were able to control the heat of this grill better than other models.

weber q 1200 portable grill review - within just a few minutes of preheating, this efficient grill is...
Within just a few minutes of preheating, this efficient grill is already pushing 500-degree temperatures. It is important to control the temperature off-the-bat if you plan on cooking more on the low-and-slow side.
Credit: Aaron Rice

Portability


There's really no way around the fact that at 31 pounds, this is heavy for a tabletop grill — it is by far the heaviest non-rolling unit, and tips the scales at 11-pounds heavier than the next closest competitor in this regard. But behind that weight, you have a glass-reinforced nylon frame, supporting a cast aluminum body and lid, that cover a porcelain-enameled cast iron cook surface. All of these are heavy-duty, making the Q 1200 sturdy, durable, and likely to last a very long time.


But even understanding the reasons behind the weight does not benefit this grill's portability. Again, considering this grill against all other tabletop models in this review, the Q 1200 "packs down" to a less-than-reasonable 3.2 cubic-feet. We put that phrase in quotations because the only thing that packs away are the side tables, which do conveniently fold up securely underneath the lid.

weber q 1200 portable grill review - there really isn't much difference between fully-deployed and fully...
There really isn't much difference between fully-deployed and fully packed-up.
Credit: Aaron Rice

The sturdy handles extend far enough away from the grill body to make it reasonable to pick up and move even while lit. But the positioning of the regulator setup directly underneath the right handle severely limits your grip — so with a disposable propane bottom attached, you are practically lifting this grill with only your fingertips on one side. Last, but certainly not least, we wish this model came with a latch to secure the lid. Though it doesn't solve the issue, the cast aluminum lid is at least heavier than most, so it doesn't bounce around much during normal travel. But if you're planning on four-wheeling into your BBQ site, consider using a bungee cord to help secure it.

weber q 1200 portable grill review - the regulator unit unfortunately occupies the space directly...
The regulator unit unfortunately occupies the space directly underneath the handle. Even if you aren't using a disposable bottle, you can really only hold the back third of the grip, resulting in a rather awkward carry until you remove the regulator for transport.
Credit: Aaron Rice

Cooking Area


The highlight of the Q 1200 is its porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates. This is the same material that is known as the signature of top-quality cookware like Le Creuset. The cooking performance of this naturally non-stick material is rounded out by its ease of cleaning — even at its dirtiest, it can be cleaned with a soapy sponge; at its easiest, these grill plates are dishwasher safe.

Cleaning Enameled Cast Iron
While it is incredibly easy to use, porcelain-enameled cast iron is meant to be treated with a level of respect commensurate with its cooking performance. Unlike a regular grill surface, you never want to use a wire brush, which will destroy the naturally non-stick coating. Instead, for heavy cleanings opt for a soft bristle or nylon brush.


Despite its large frame, the Q 1200 only sports 189 square inches of grill space. While this measurement objectively lands in the middle of the grills we tested, it tends to be plenty of room for most travel-cooking needs. If you are just grilling up the meat portion, it is enough to cook 3-4 servings; if you are cooking just for two, it is ample room to grill up both meat and veggies. Even though the side tables may seem superfluous, they come in handy in places where you may not be cooking on a tabletop — even on a tailgate, these spots tend to come in handy to keep both your food and truck bed clean.

weber q 1200 portable grill review - the enameled cast iron cooking grates are easier to clean and...
The enameled cast iron cooking grates are easier to clean and distribute heat more efficiently.
Credit: Aaron Rice

Wind Resistance


The domed lid of the Q 1200 keeps the wind at bay — even high winds do not affect the flame, even on the lowest setting. Even though it is not necessarily insulated, the heavier-weight cast aluminum lid seems to be well-suited to retaining critical heat when outside temperatures drop. While Piezo igniters can also be finicky in cold weather, the electronic ignition system is entirely dependable (as long as you remember to replace the battery when needed).


The only annoyance in the wind is the disposable aluminum drip tray liner, which is designed to save you from having to clean what can notoriously be the nastiest part of a grill. Without some significant weight added — like a rock — you can expect that this drip pan will pick up and fly away with the first significant gust of wind.

weber q 1200 portable grill review - despite a few hot spots here and there, the only exception to the...
Despite a few hot spots here and there, the only exception to the even heat distribution of this grill are the farthest edges of the grill surface.
Credit: Aaron Rice

Should You Buy the Weber Q 1200?


Like all products, the Q 1200 is not infallible. But weighing grilling performance — the sum total of output power, control, cooking area, and wind resistance — against the minor setbacks related to portability, and this grill is well worth its price tag. Like all Weber products we've tested, the popularity of the brand is backed by quality service and sales, with replacement parts being widely available. But considering the quality of their products, you can expect a long and happy culinary relationship with this grill.

weber q 1200 portable grill review - the robust construction of the weber q 1200 improves durability and...
The robust construction of the Weber Q 1200 improves durability and increases longevity.
Credit: Aaron Rice

What Other Portable Grills Should You Consider?


Unequivocally, the Weber Q 1200 is a fantastic portable grill, taking the top spot as our favorite tabletop option. However, it is relatively expensive compared to other top models we tested. In particular, the Cuisinart Grillster produces a ton of power for a gas grill, and is offered at a phenomenal price. The infrared Solaire Everywhere also packs a punch for its size, and should be on the radar of any meat griller. And if you'd like to invest in the Cadillac of portable grills that we tested, the full-sized Weber Traveler received high marks in every testing metric.

weber q 1200 portable grill review - a colorful meal of chili-pineapple, maduros, and fresh grilled fish...
A colorful meal of chili-pineapple, maduros, and fresh grilled fish compliments of the capable Weber Q 1200.
Credit: Aaron Rice

Aaron Rice