I bought my first portable grill seven years ago. It was garbage. The burners barely got hot enough to toast bread. One side scorched everything while the other side stayed cold. I ended up giving it away after three disappointing camping trips.
Fast forward to last year. I picked up the Napoleon TravelQ gas grill on a friend’s recommendation. I’ll cut to the chase—this thing changed how I think about portable grilling.
Why This Grill Actually Works
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Here’s the deal. Most portable grills fail because they’re too weak. They compromise on everything to save weight and size.
The Napoleon TravelQ doesn’t play that game. It pumps out 12,000 BTUs through two separate burners. The cast aluminum body traps heat like my full-size home grill. I can hit 550°F in about ten minutes, which is hot enough for proper steaks with a real crust.
Those wavy cast iron grates? They’re not just pretty. They grab food and leave perfect grill marks. More importantly, my asparagus doesn’t fall through the gaps anymore. Neither do my shrimp. Small win, huge difference.
Read more: Char-Broil Electric Patio Bistro Review 2025
The Scissor Cart Version: Do You Need It?
I bought the standard tabletop version first. It works great on picnic tables, tailgates, or any flat surface.
Then I tried my buddy’s Napoleon TravelQ with scissor cart. I immediately regretted my choice.
The cart folds completely flat. You unfold it in seconds, and suddenly you have wheels, side tables, and hooks for your tools. It’s night and day for convenience.
The cart version costs about $150 more. For RV camping or home use, it’s worth every penny. If you’re strictly doing backcountry camping where weight matters, stick with the tabletop model.
Size and Space: The Practical Stuff
The grill is 44.25 inches wide, 20.25 inches deep, and 39.75 inches tall. That cooking surface gives me 285 square inches to work with.
I’ve cooked 15 burgers at once. A whole chicken fits with room to spare. Last weekend I did a full rack of ribs. For a portable grill, that’s impressive.
It weighs about 50 pounds. Heavy for backpacking, perfect for car camping. It slides into my Subaru’s trunk next to the cooler without issue. At home, it sits on a shelf in my garage and takes up less space than a microwave.
Compare this to something like the char broil analog electric smoker 18202077. That needs way more space and requires an outlet. Napoleon TravelQ gives me freedom to cook anywhere.
Temperature Control That Actually Matters
My old portable grill had two settings: barely warm or volcanic. The Napoleon TravelQ gives me real control.
Each burner has its own dial with smooth adjustment. I can run one side at 250°F for slow cooking while the other side hits 500°F for searing. This two-zone setup is a game changer.
The built-in thermometer works correctly. I tested it against my digital probe thermometer multiple times. It’s accurate within five degrees, which is rare for built-in gauges.
One quirk I’ve noticed: This grill runs hot naturally. If I want really low temps with the lid closed, I need to dial way back or crack the lid open. Not a deal-breaker, just something to know.
Napoleon TravelQ Accessories I Actually Use
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I’ve bought three accessories that transformed this grill.
Solid Cast Iron Griddle Plates: These changed my camping breakfasts. I cook eggs, bacon, and pancakes right on the grill. I bought two plates so I can run both at once. Makes morning cooking for six people actually manageable.
The Smoke Tube: I’m not expecting Texas smokehouse results from a gas grill. But this tube adds enough wood smoke flavor to make chicken and ribs taste legit. I fill it with hickory chips, let it smolder under the grates, and get decent smoke without dealing with charcoal.
Napoleon TravelQ Cover: Boring but necessary. My grill sits outside my RV between trips. The cover keeps it clean and protects it from weather. Thirty bucks well spent.
Napoleon TravelQ vs Weber Traveler: I’ve Used Both
| Feature | Weber Traveler | Napoleon TravelQ |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Approx.) | $399 | $499 |
| Burners | 1 Stainless Steel | 2 Stainless Steel (Individual Control) |
| Total BTU | 13,000 | 12,000 ($6,000$ per burner) |
| Cooking Area | 320 sq. in. | 285 sq. in. |
| Grate Material | Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron | WAVE™ Iconic Cast Iron |
| Dimensions (Open) | 37.2" H x 43.6" W x 23" D | 39.75" H x 44.25" W x 20.25" D |
| Weight | 47 lbs | 50.5 lbs |
| Fold Mechanism | One-hand hydraulic "scissors" fold | Manual "X-frame" collapsible cart |
| Warranty | 5 Years (Cookbox/Lid) | 10 Years (Lid/Aluminum components) |
Napoleon TravelQ vs Weber Q2200: The Classic Matchup
| Feature | Napoleon TravelQ | Weber Q2200 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Approx.) | $349 - $399 | $269 - $329 |
| Burners | 2 Stainless Steel (Dual Zones) | 1 Stainless Steel (Single Zone) |
| Heat Output | 12,000 BTU | 12,000 BTU |
| Cooking Area | 285 sq. in. | 280 sq. in. |
| Weight | ~40 lbs | ~35 lbs |
| Dimensions | 20.25"D x 44.25"W x 39.75"H | 15.5"H x 51.4"W (with tables) x 19.5"D |
| Cooking Grids | Porcelain-coated Cast Iron (WAVE) | Porcelain-enameled Cast Iron |
| Best For | Indirect grilling, roasting, and versatility. | Simplicity, reliability, and ease of transport. |
How It Performs When I’m Actually Cooking
Theory is boring. Let me tell you about last weekend.
I grilled eight ribeyes for my family. The Napoleon TravelQ hit 525°F in twelve minutes. I seared each steak for three minutes per side directly over the left burner. Then I moved them to the right side, turned that burner down to medium-low, and let them finish to medium-rare perfection.
Every steak came out with a dark crust and juicy interior. No rotating to avoid hot spots. No burning the outside while the inside stayed raw.
I’ve done chicken wings, pork chops, vegetables, burgers, and salmon on this grill. Everything cooks evenly. The high heat output gives me proper searing and char.
For larger cuts, I turn off one burner and use indirect heat. I’ve roasted three whole chickens this way. The tall lid gives enough space, and the results rival my kitchen oven.
The JETFIRE ignition lights instantly every time. I’ve used this grill in 20°F weather with strong winds. One push, one turn, immediate flame. Never fails.
Durability After Heavy Use
I’ve owned my Napoleon TravelQ for 14 months. Here’s what’s happened:
- Two dozen camping trips
- Weekly backyard grilling all summer
- Full football season of tailgating
- One rough drive where it bounced around in my truck bed
The grill still works perfectly. The cast aluminum body has a few scratches but no dents or damage. The burners light on the first try every time. The grates still look great after basic cleaning.
Napoleon covers this with a 10-year warranty on the body and lid, 5 years on burners and grates, 2 years on everything else. That’s serious backing.
Pros and Cons
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
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FAQs
1. Can I use a full-sized 20lb propane tank?
Yes. While it comes ready for 1lb portable canisters, you can connect it to a standard 20lb tank using a Napoleon TravelQ adapter hose (Part #66085). This is highly recommended for backyard use.
2. Is there a Natural Gas version available?
No. Napoleon TravelQ does not manufacture a Natural Gas version of the TravelQ, and they strictly advise against using conversion kits. If you need Natural Gas, you would typically need to look at their larger built-in or freestanding series.
3. Why are the grates S-shaped?
Those are Napoleon TravelQ’s signature WAVE™ cooking grids. The shape prevents smaller foods (like shrimp or asparagus) from falling through and provides more surface area for even heat transfer and distinct sear marks.
4. Can I bake or roast on this grill?
Yes. Thanks to the dual burners, you can turn one side off and place your food there for indirect cooking. The high-top lid provides enough clearance for a whole “beer can” chicken or a small roast.
5. How many burgers can it fit?
The 285 sq. in. cooking area is surprisingly large for a portable; it can comfortably fit up to 17 large hamburgers at once.
6. Why is the inside of my lid peeling?
It is likely not painted. It is a buildup of carbonized grease and smoke (creosote). It flakes off looking like black paint, but it’s harmless. You can remove it by scrubbing the lid with a brass grill brush.
7. Does it come with side tables?
The tabletop model (PRO285-BK) does not. To get side tables, you need to purchase the PRO285X model (which comes on a folding scissor cart) or buy the stationary stand separately.
8. Is the ignition battery-powered?
No. It uses the JETFIRE™ ignition system, which shoots a mechanical flame to light each burner. It doesn’t require batteries, making it more reliable for long-term travel.
9. Can I use a rotisserie with it?
Yes. Napoleon sells a specific Napoleon TravelQ Rotisserie Kit that includes a stainless steel shroud to lift the lid higher and a motor/spit assembly.
10. What is the warranty?
The Napoleon TravelQ features an industry-leading 10-year limited warranty on the lid and aluminum base, with 5 years on the burners and 2 years on most other parts.
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