For outdoor enthusiasts, campers, tailgaters, and backyard chefs alike, having a reliable grill that offers power, portability, and versatility is essential. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill stands out in the crowded portable grill market by delivering on all these fronts and more. This grill is designed to meet the needs of those who want professional-level cooking performance without being tied down to a bulky or complicated setup.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deeply into the design, cooking capabilities, portability, ease of use, durability, and overall value of the Coleman RoadTrip 285. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a casual outdoor cook, this guide will help you understand if the RoadTrip 285 is the right choice for your adventures.
Design and Build Quality: Robust and Thoughtfully Engineered
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 features a solid steel construction with a powder-coated finish that provides excellent resistance against rust, scratches, and outdoor wear. This grill is built to withstand the rigors of frequent travel and outdoor exposure.
Its foldable stand and locking lid make it uniquely versatile. You can use it as a full stand-up grill or remove the legs to convert it into a compact table-top unit, ideal for picnics, camping tables, or small patios. This flexibility caters to a wide range of outdoor cooking scenarios.
At roughly 42 inches tall when fully assembled, the grill offers a commanding presence but folds down to a manageable size for transport. It weighs approximately 41 pounds, balancing portability with the sturdy feel that comes with a quality grill.
Cooking Surface and Performance: Plenty of Space and Power
With 285 square inches of cooking space, the RoadTrip 285 offers enough room to grill meals for family and friends comfortably. The grill features three independently controlled burners delivering a combined output of 20,000 BTUs — plenty of power for searing, grilling, and slow cooking.
The cooking grates are made from porcelain-coated cast iron, which is prized for its excellent heat retention, durability, and ability to create those sought-after grill marks that lock in juices and flavour.
The dual burner control knobs allow precise temperature control across the grill, enabling you to cook different foods at varied temperatures simultaneously — a huge advantage for preparing complex meals.
Ignition System and Fuel Source
The grill uses Coleman’s InstaStart™ push-button ignition system, which simplifies lighting the burners, eliminating the need for matches or lighters. This feature enhances safety and convenience, especially in outdoor conditions where wind or moisture can complicate manual ignition.
The RoadTrip 285 operates on standard 20-pound propane tanks (sold separately), which provide a long cooking duration and are readily available at most outdoor stores. Although propane tanks add some weight and bulk, their convenience and availability make them a preferred fuel source for many outdoor cooks.
Portability and Setup: Ready When You Are
Despite its robust build, the RoadTrip 285 is designed with portability in mind. The foldable legs and compact design let you fold it down into a transportable unit with integrated wheels and a telescoping handle, similar to luggage. This design makes moving the grill across campgrounds, parking lots, or backyards effortless.
Setup is straightforward and takes only minutes. Simply unfold the legs or detach the stand to convert to table-top mode, connect the propane tank, and ignite the burners. This ease of use makes it ideal for quick meals or extended cooking sessions alike.
Additional Features and Versatility
What sets the Coleman RoadTrip 285 apart is its modular design. It supports interchangeable cooktops including:
- Grill grates (included) for traditional grilling.
- Griddle plates (sold separately) perfect for pancakes, eggs, or stir-fries.
- Two-burner stove top accessory (sold separately) allowing you to use it as a dual burner camp stove.
This versatility means you can cook an extensive variety of meals without needing multiple appliances, saving space and weight.
Other notable features include:
- WindBlock™ panels on the sides shield the burners from wind, improving fuel efficiency and maintaining steady heat.
- Integrated thermometer on the lid lets you monitor internal temperatures for better cooking control.
- Grease management system collects drippings away from burners, reducing flare-ups and simplifying cleanup.
- Secure locking lid to keep the grill protected during transport.
Durability and Maintenance: Built to Last Outdoors
Coleman has a longstanding reputation for durable outdoor equipment, and the RoadTrip 285 is no exception. Its powder-coated steel body resists corrosion and damage from exposure to the elements, making it suitable for years of outdoor use.
Maintenance is straightforward with removable grates and a grease tray that slides out easily. Regular cleaning will extend the grill’s lifespan and ensure consistent cooking performance.
Replacement parts and accessories are widely available through Coleman’s customer service, meaning you can maintain and upgrade your grill as needed.
Cooking Experience: Flexibility Meets Performance
With three burners and a large cooking surface, the RoadTrip 285 is versatile enough for everything from quick burgers to full-on grilled dinners. The ability to control each burner independently means you can sear meat on one side while gently cooking vegetables or warming sides on the other.
The included grill grates distribute heat evenly, while the WindBlock™ panels maintain steady temperatures even on breezy days. Whether you’re cooking in the backyard or deep in the wilderness, the RoadTrip 285 consistently performs.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Powerful 3-burner design with 20,000 BTUs total output
- Convertible between stand-up and table-top configurations
- Portable with integrated wheels and telescoping handle
- Interchangeable cooktops for diverse cooking styles
- WindBlock™ panels enhance heat retention and fuel efficiency
- Easy, reliable InstaStart™ ignition system
- Durable powder-coated steel construction
- Grease management system for cleaner cooking
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than ultra-portable grills (41 lbs)
- Requires standard propane tanks, which add to transport weight
- Some versatile accessories like griddles and stove tops are sold separately
- Setup may be less compact than smaller backpacking grills
Who Should Buy the Coleman RoadTrip 285?
The RoadTrip 285 is an excellent choice for:
- Campers and RVers who want versatile cooking options without sacrificing power.
- Tailgaters and outdoor entertainers needing a portable grill that handles large meals.
- Families and groups who want a reliable grill for backyard and outdoor use.
- Anyone seeking the flexibility of interchangeable cooktops for various recipes.
Final Thoughts: A Top-Tier Portable Grill That Delivers
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill offers an outstanding balance of portability, power, and versatility. Its thoughtfully engineered features, durable construction, and powerful burners make it ideal for anyone who enjoys cooking outdoors regularly.
Whether you’re grilling in the campsite, hosting a tailgate party, or barbecuing in the backyard, this grill delivers professional-level performance with convenience and flexibility. Though it carries a bit more weight than ultra-light grills, the extra features and durability justify the trade-off.
If you want a portable grill that adapts to many cooking needs, offers easy transport, and delivers consistent results, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 should be at the top of your list.
