Weber Q1200: The BEST Gas Grill for Backyard Parties

Specs:

Model Number: 51010001

Cooking Area: 189 square inches

Body Material: Cast Aluminum

Weight: 31 pounds

Price:

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Pros:

Available in 6 colors (black, blue, green, orange, red, and white).
Offers great quality and build due to its cast-aluminum lid and body and glass-reinforced nylon frame.
Cleanup of the burner tube is easy with just a brush and the porcelain-enameled steel cooking grates can be wiped easily.
Easy to transport, thanks to its compact design and ergonomic side handles.
Has 3D interactive assembly instructions that can be accessed on its free BILT app.
Boasts an 8,500 BTU-per-hour input main burner.

Full Review:

We have reviewed full-sized grills before and there is no doubt that they are the best of the best after we witnessed how they performed in the actual grilling test. And while the Weber Spirit II E-310 is the king of gas grills in the said roundup, its size might not be for everyone due to the space it needs. If what you only have is a condo balcony, you might want to consider a smaller model. This is why in our next grill reviews for 2022, we have a huge hunch that Weber Q1200 will steal the crown from Weber Spirit II E-310 as the best gas grill in the market. With this, our SolidSmack Household Appliance and Tool Research Team decided to give it a try.

Weber Q1200 gas grill on portable stand — Q1200 works with Weber’s portable stand.

The Weber Q1200 can be the best gas grill mainly for a lot of reasons. One of these is portability. It measures 24.6” x 40.9” x 20.5” and only weighs nearly 31 pounds which is far from the full-size models we tested before. It can also be placed on tables as a portable grill due to the absence of a bulky bottom but in case you might want a stand for it, Weber sells a portable cart for it.

side tables of Weber Q1200 gas grill — Weber Q1200 has two foldable side tables.

And though Weber Q1200 is portable, its cooking surface is enough for 4 to 6 cuts of steaks (thanks to its 189 sq. in. capacity). With this, it can be the best gas grill for unplanned grilling moments and you can be sure it can still handle a good amount of food in each batch. We also love the added fold-out side tables which allow you to place one plate on each as you are working.

Further, what makes Weber Q1200 the best gas grill in terms of portability is its fuel system. You can use disposable 14.1 or 16.4 oz. LP cylinder if you are planning to bring it in your outdoor trips, making it ideal for park picnics and tailgating. On the other hand, it can also work as a permanent grill at home using the brand’s optional LP adapter hose for 20-pound tanks.

burner tube of Weber Q1200 gas grill — The burner tube of Weber Q1200 is made of a singular piece of steel with no welds which makes it stronger. It is also covered with countless holes to promote uniform heating across the surface of the grate.

As for its performance, our team was pleased that we got what we were expecting from Weber. Despite the size of Q1200, its grilling system is truly the best. It starts with the burner tube that is made of just one piece of metal. No welds at all. Instead, it is shaped to cover the entirety of the cooking surface and holed perfectly to assure optimum results from the fire.

infinite control valve of Weber Q1200 gas grill — The infinite control valve of Weber Q1200 allows you to fine-tune heat levels.

There is also an infinite control burner valve setting which makes it possible for users to get the exact heat level they need. There is also a built-in thermometer which is a huge plus for us. And the ignition? Effortless due to the easy-start electronic system.

cooking grate of Weber Q1200 gas grill — The cooking grate of Weber Q1200 can be split into two sections.

The cooking grate of Weber Q1200 is made of porcelain-enameled cast iron and can be split into two sections. The removal grates let you replace one with a Q 1000-series compatible griddle that is sold separately. We weren’t able to try the griddle but our experience with the grate of Q1200 was one of a kind. Besides leaving beautiful sear marks, the distribution of the heat by the countless holes of the tube was great. From end to end, it cooked the steaks perfectly. The lid also helped us to fully take advantage of the fire and grill foods fast and easily. The height of the lid allowed us to grill small-sized chicken and close it without problems.

catch pan rack of Weber Q1200 gas grill — Weber Q1200 has a designated rack for a catch pan that you easily slide out anytime.

We also enjoyed the ease of cleanup of this best gas grill model. Besides the grates that can be cleaned with a single wipe, the grease management is designed for pure convenience. Unlike others, the Weber Q1200 has a designated rack for a catch pan that you easily slide out anytime you need to empty it!