Review
Posted in: Outdoor > BBQ
26 / 05 / 2008
Most Aussie’s have a large BBQ in the backyard for grilling and barbequing. However with the rising trend of people living in city units and townhouses, people don’t have the room for a huge 6 burner grill BBQ anymore. For those limited to a small balcony the selection is rather limited. I recently was on the search for a portable grill for filming my cooking videos, and it had fit the following criteria;
- small enough to be put in the back of my SUV
- had to have a lid so I can roast meats
- extremely portable to take bush, on the beach or on a boat
- be easy to clean
- robust and made with quality parts
So after looking over a dozen BBQs I stumbled over the Weber Grill Q220 Portable BBQ.
There are several reasons why I liked the Weber Grill Q220 BBQ. First off, both of the side tables fold up easily, like a suitcase which can easily be packed away in the car. This was important as when filming we’ll be on the beach one day and then up in the mountains the next.
Secondly, the majority of small portable BBQs on the market don’t have lids and the Weber Grill Q220 has a large cast aluminium lid which means I can cook a whole leg of lamb, prime rib roast or whole chicken easily. Unlike the other Q series grills, the lid has a built-in thermometer which helps control the temperature underneath just like a regular oven. The handle on the lid is heat proof which prevents you from burning your hand when lifting the lid.
The Weber Grill Q220 BBQ can either be placed on a table for cooking, but is also available with the added option of a Weber Q Rolling Cart. This fold up stand allows you to have the grill at the regular height of full sized BBQ. Simply unfold the rolling cart and attach the Weber Grill on top and your ready to grill.
The cooking surface is a porcelain-enamel cast-iron cooking grate which prevents food from sticking to it like cheaper grills. The grill is large enough to fit food for between 8 – 12 people and also due to the Weber’s construction I found that I didn’t get many flame ups. If you want a hot plate to grill onions or to cook those early morning flap jacks then you can purchase Weber’s removable griddle with handles.
As my Weber Grill Q220 will primarily live in the back of the SUV, I’ve just ordered a Weber Duffle Bag to keep it clean. The duffle bag comes with wheels to make it easy to move around.
All in all the Weber Grill Q220 is a fantastic portable grill BBQ unit which fits my needs for filming and entertaining. It’s built with all the features you’d expect from a Weber Grill including ignition that lights the grill at the push of a button as well as an adjustable burner valve with a high-quality regulator. The best part is that it’s pretty much assembled at the factory which means no screw drivers after you’ve bought it!
For more information about the Weber Grill Q220 visit www.weberbbq.com.au
Full disclosure: I have a relationship with Weber Australia.