I still remember the first time I set up my Weber Q1200 on a camping trip by the lake. The compact design, the satisfying click of the electronic ignition, and the smell of sizzling burgers on porcelain-coated grates—it felt like grilling freedom in a box. Fast forward to last summer, when I decided to step things up with the Weber Q2200 for a big family picnic. That’s when I realized these two grills, while from the same beloved Weber Q series, deliver very different experiences.
If you’ve been stuck deciding between the Weber Q1200 and the Weber Q2200, let me walk you through how they stack up. I’ve cooked on both, tested them outdoors, and cleaned them after more than a few messy cookouts. Here’s my take.
Key Difference Between Weber Q1200 vs Q2200 Portable Gas Grill
The Weber Q1200 is all about portability—it’s lighter, more compact, and perfect for road trips, tailgating, or a quick backyard meal for two. The Weber Q2200, on the other hand, is built for capacity and performance. It’s bigger, heavier, and ideal if you’re feeding more people at once while still enjoying Weber’s portable design.
Think of the Q1200 as your weekend getaway grill, while the Q2200 feels more like your “small backyard party” grill.
- The Black Weber Q1200 Travel Grill features porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates; Grates offer superior heat retention, flavor infusion, and an...
- Compact Design, Small enough to barbecue on-the-go, with enough barbecuing space to execute an entire meal.
Comparison Table: Weber Q1200 vs Q2200 Portable Gas Grill
| Feature | Weber Q1200 | Weber Q2200 |
| BTU Output | 8,500 BTU | 12,000 BTU |
| Cooking Area | 189 sq. in. | 280 sq. in. |
| Weight | ~13 kg | ~20 kg |
| Dimensions | 20.5″D x 40.9″W x 24.6″H | 49.5D x 131W x 39.4H cm |
| Side Tables | Yes (Folding) | Yes (Folding, larger) |
| Ignition | Electronic Push Button | Electronic Push Button |
| Thermometer | Built-in lid thermometer | Built-in lid thermometer |
| Best For | Travel, small groups | Backyard meals, families |
| Check Latest Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Design and Build
The Q1200 looks sleek and compact. I love how it sits perfectly on a portable cart or even a picnic table. The folding side tables are handy when prepping ingredients, and they tuck away easily when it’s time to pack up.
The Q2200, though, feels like the Q1200’s big brother. It’s significantly bulkier, with a wider footprint and a heavier body. The larger lid gives you more room to cook whole chickens or roasts, something that always felt tight with the Q1200. Both grills are built with Weber’s signature cast aluminum lid and porcelain-enameled grates—durable, heat-retaining, and built to last.
- The Black Weber Q1200 Travel Grill features porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates; Grates offer superior heat retention, flavor infusion, and an...
- Compact Design, Small enough to barbecue on-the-go, with enough barbecuing space to execute an entire meal.
Ease of Use
With the Q1200, I found setup to be effortless. Push-button ignition fires it up instantly, and within minutes, it’s hot enough for burgers or veggies. Because it’s smaller, it heats up fast and doesn’t guzzle propane like larger grills.
The Q2200 also has electronic ignition, but because of its higher BTU and larger cook space, it takes a little longer to heat evenly. That said, once it’s going, the control is fantastic. You can sear steaks on one side while letting veggies roast slowly on the other.
Cleanup is a breeze on both, thanks to removable grease trays. I personally found the Q1200 easier to handle just because it’s lighter and quicker to scrub down after use.
- The Black Weber Q1200 Travel Grill features porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates; Grates offer superior heat retention, flavor infusion, and an...
Cooking Performance
This is where the real difference comes in.
- On the Q1200, I could comfortably fit about 6–8 burgers. It’s ideal for small groups or a couple’s camping weekend. The heat is even, and I never worried about hot spots. But if I tried to cook larger cuts of meat, space became an issue.
- With the Q2200, I cooked a whole spatchcock chicken without struggling for lid clearance. It easily handled 10–12 burgers in one go, making it much more practical for family gatherings. Plus, with 12,000 BTUs, it sears faster and gives you that restaurant-style crust on steaks.
Both grills shine in their own lane, but the Q2200 gives you more versatility if you’re planning bigger meals.
- Compact Design, Small enough to barbecue on-the-go, with enough barbecuing space to execute an entire meal.
Portability
Here’s the real-world trade-off.
The Q1200 is genuinely portable. I’ve carried it from my car trunk to a beachside spot without breaking a sweat. It runs off small 16.4 oz LP cylinders, making it truly “grab-and-go.”
The Q2200 is portable in theory, but its weight (nearly 20 kg) makes it less convenient to lug around frequently. I’d say it’s “moveable” rather than portable—it works great if you want to reposition it in your backyard or occasionally load it into your car for a picnic, but it’s not something I’d want to carry far.
Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill
- The Black Weber Q1200 Travel Grill features porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates; Grates offer superior heat retention, flavor infusion, and an...
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Quick heat-up with 8,500 BTUs
- Great for 2–4 people
- Folding side tables for convenience
- Affordable compared to Q2200
Cons:
- Limited cooking space (189 sq. in.)
- Can’t handle large roasts or meals for bigger groups
- Lower heat output compared to Q2200
Weber Q2200 Portable Gas Grill
- Compact Design, Small enough to barbecue on-the-go, with enough barbecuing space to execute an entire meal.
Pros:
- Larger cooking space (280 sq. in.)
- Higher BTU (12,000) for faster searing
- Built-in thermometer and high-dome lid
- Great for families and small backyard parties
- Same durable build as Q1200
Cons:
- Heavier and less portable
- Costs more
- Longer heat-up time than Q1200
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re a traveler, camper, or someone who just wants a reliable grill for small gatherings, the Weber Q1200 is the one to get. It’s light, affordable, and built for adventures without compromising on Weber’s signature grilling performance.
But if you’re like me and often find yourself cooking for a family of four or more, or you want the flexibility to grill everything from burgers to whole chickens, the Weber Q2200 is worth the upgrade. Yes, it’s heavier and pricier, but it pays off in versatility and cooking power.
At the end of the day, it’s not about which is “better” overall—it’s about which fits your lifestyle. For portability, grab the Q1200. For performance and capacity, the Q2200 is the way to go.
