Weber Traveler review: a portable, versatile gas grill for on-the-go

Ideal for outdoor cooking, camping, or tailgating

Weber Traveler being tested in writer's home
(Image: © Future)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

The Weber Traveler is a semi-portable gas grill that is easy to use and foldable for storage and transportation. It has a decent grilling area and durable construction, but small gas bottles can be expensive to run. It is ideal for outdoor cooking, camping, or tailgating.

Pros

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    Quick and easy assembly

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    Simple and intuitive to use

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    Durable and sturdy construction

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    Portable and easy to transport

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    Large grilling area that can cater to a family of four

Cons

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    Requires removal of gas bottle before folding

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    Grill is heavy and may require assistance to move

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    No side burner or rotisserie compatibility

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    Lack of multiple temperature controls may limit cooking options

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The Weber Traveler is a gas grill that is designed for cooking while on the go. Whether you want to head to the beach, park, or go camping, this folding grill will make it easy for you. Although it is not entirely portable due to its size and weight, it is still semi-portable, which means it can be wheeled out of the garage and into the yard whenever you want to use it, or loaded into an RV or trunk for cooking on the move.

The Traveler aims to make things simple for you. You can use it straight out of the box, and its single burner covers the entire grilling area, making it ideal if you want to get cooking quickly! The grilling area is a decent size and can cater to a family of four. If you're keeping things simple with just burgers, for instance, you could probably cater for up to 10 people.

What sets the Traveler apart from other grills is the fact that it can be folded up and laid flat or stood upright, making it easy to store and transport. You can easily wheel it to your desired cooking spot, whether it is for outdoor cooking in the backyard or for an al fresco cooking experience while on the road in your RV or car.

If you're interested in purchasing the Weber Traveler, you might want to read this Weber Traveler review to find out if it's worth the price tag. You can also check out our guide to the best gas grills to see how it compares to other grills on the market.

Naomi MacKay
Naomi MacKay

Naomi MacKay is a versatile freelance writer and editor with over 20 years of experience. She has a diverse professional background, having worked for local newspapers, consumer technology magazines, and even the Royal Horticultural Society. Naomi's expertise extends to testing gas grills as well, and she has written extensively on the subject in her garden columns for various publications. She also served as the Assistant Editor at Garden Answers magazine, where she honed her skills in garden writing and editing.

Weber Traveler: Key specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0 Row 0 - Cell 1
TypeGas (propane)
Cooking surfaceGrate
Cooking surface area320 square inches
Burners1
BTU13,000
Side burnerNo
Rotisserie compatibleNo
DimensionsH37.2 x W43.6 x D23 inches
Weight68 lbs

Weber Traveler: Price & Availability

The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill is slightly cheaper than the Weber Traveler, currently selling for $255.99/£319.99 on Amazon. Unlike the Traveler, it has three different temperature controls and two side return tables for food prep, standing dishes, etc. However, it does have a slightly smaller cooking area.

For a similar price on Amazon, you can look at the Cuisinart CGG-240 All Foods. Again, it has a built-in stand that folds up so you can wheel your grill anywhere. I liked the stainless steel shelves on either side (the Weber Traveler only has one side return), which fold in when not in use.

Weber Traveler: Setup

The Weber Traveler grill is easy to assemble, and you can start cooking in just 15 minutes. The only part of the assembly that requires some effort is fixing the wheels. Attaching the wheels is quite simple. Slide them through the axle, secure them with a couple of pins, and then attach them along with the 'hubcaps.' After that, all you need to do is place the cast iron grill plates and disposable drip tray, and you're ready to cook.

Although there is quite a bit of packaging, the good news is that much of the polystyrene has been replaced with solid cardboard tubing, which makes it easier to recycle. The included foil tray catches the grease which can be easily slid in under the grill.

However, the grill is quite heavy due to its high-quality construction, so if you're not very strong, you may need help maneuvering it while putting it on wheels.

Weber Traveler: Design

Most Weber products are known for their durability and reliability, and the Weber Traveler is no exception. Despite being a folding barbecue, it doesn't feel flimsy or poorly constructed. The grill has an attractive black and chrome design, and setting it up is easy - simply press your foot on the pedal at the base and pull the handle up and out. It may take a bit of practice to get the hang of it, especially if you don't have a lot of strength in your wrists, but it's relatively straightforward.

When I received the Traveler, the lid handle was a bit loose, but I was able to quickly tighten the bolts with a screwdriver to make it more secure. The grill folds up into a trolley-like structure with a handle that you can pull along. The rubberized wheels are sturdy enough for most terrains, although they may not be suitable for very rocky areas. However, they won't get punctured or damaged from being outside in different weather conditions.

Although the Weber Traveler isn't the lightest grill out there, it's compact enough to fit in a decent-sized trunk or back seat for camping trips or outings. One useful feature is that the lid locks automatically when folded, preventing it from opening while you're moving the barbecue around.

Weber Traveler folded down during testing

(Image credit: Future)

The Weber Traveler is a basic grill with one burner and a solid side return that can hold a dish or a couple of plates. There are hooks for utensils and a side table on the right. However, left-handed people might find this a bit tricky. The standout feature of this grill is the way it folds up. Unhook the red clip, push the handle in, and it slowly folds down to the floor, almost in slow motion. It is very classy, and there is no risk of catching your finger or squashing a wandering pet as it folds down.

The only downside is that the small gas bottle has to be unhooked before folding the grill up. This means it's another thing to carry if you are trekking some way into a national park or similar. However, this is not a game-changer. Where the gas bottle screws onto the grill is on the underneath of the top, and you need to be careful not to cross-thread it.

You can buy another attachment that allows you to use a full-size gas bottle when cooking at home in the yard. This is definitely worth considering, as I used half a small bottle for the 20-minute burning-off time that you must do before using the grill for the first time and the 15 minutes or so it took to cook my steak, burgers, etc.

If you're planning to cook for quite a few people for a length of time, you'd probably want to take a spare bottle with you. After all, you wouldn't want to be stranded out in the wilds with a barbecue you can't use!

Weber Traveler folded down during testing

(Image credit: Future)

Weber Traveler: Performance

The Traveler is a portable grill that is perfect for those who want to cook outdoors. It is easy to use and cooks food perfectly. I cooked chicken, burgers, steak, and vegetables, including asparagus, and everything came out great without any sticking, burning, or charring. It is a foolproof way of cooking outdoors! 

It heats up quickly and gets to a temperature of 500 degrees, which makes it ideal for steaks and burgers. However, it only has one temperature control, and you may have difficulty cooking at very low temperatures. If you need precise temperature control, this may not be the grill for you. But for your average barbecue cook, it is perfectly adequate. 

It is a decent size, and you can easily feed around ten people without having to cook twice if you keep it simple with burgers. You can also cook burgers, steak, and veggies for 4-6 people, all on one grill.

Weber Traveler cooking food during testing

(Image credit: Future)

Weber Traveler: Maintenance

The grill has a foldable design, allowing you to store it in a shorter space. The handle folds up and over, making it a nice touch. However, you should be cautious while storing it in a shed or somewhere where it might get knocked over, as the lid tends to open under the weight of the heavy grills. It's not a significant problem, but something to be aware of.

Weber suggests cleaning the cooking grates after every use. They recommend preheating the grill on a high setting for 15 minutes with the lid closed and then using a stainless steel grill brush to clean. After my first cook, the grates were so clean that I just took them to the sink to clean. If you need to do a more thorough cleaning, Weber has a cooking grate cleaner and scrubber pads in the Weber Maintenance Kits.

Weber recommends that you clean the Traveler thoroughly if you're planning on storing it vertically. Otherwise, you should clean it at least twice a year, or four times if you use it frequently. You should also clean the inside of the lid to remove any carbonized grease deposits, using a stainless steel bristle barbecue brush.

To prevent grease-catching fire, two other areas that need to be cleaned are the burner - which should be cleaned with a clean stainless steel bristle brush, and the spider screen at the end of the burner - which should be tackled with a soft bristle brush.

To avoid grease accumulation or leftover food particles, you should also keep the cookbox clean. Weber recommends using a plastic scraper for this job. The drip tray can be scraped clean of grease once it has cooled. Although it is disposable, you can put it in the dishwasher and use it again.

For the outside of the grill, just use warm soapy water - and a stainless steel cleaner for any of those components, such as the side return tray.

Weber Traveler: User reviews

The Weber Traveler has received a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon. Although the majority of reviews for the Weber Traveler are positive, some customers have pointed out some issues. They have warned that the product is quite heavy when delivered.

The grill is also quite large when it is folded, which means that you need a spacious vehicle to transport it. A few customers have also reported that the latch on the lid gave way when the grill was folded, causing the heavy cooking grills to fall on the ground.

We became full-time RVers and used our grill all the time. We are traveling around the country, so we have to set it up and break it down frequently, and it’s so easy. It is also easy to start up and clean afterward. It has room for a bunch of food. I was really amazed. The grill has an area where you can put veggies so they won’t fall through the grates. We have cooked burgers, wings, grilled potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and shish kabobs with onions and mushrooms. Nothing falls through the grates.

Amazon customer

Some people found the grill's simplicity of operation appealing, as it was easy to set up and fold down. Its portability was also praised by some, as it made it easy to move the grill around for cookouts.

One reviewer mentioned that the grill was not small and would barely fit in the trunk of a standard sedan. They added that if you managed to fit it in, there would not be much room for other things.

Another reviewer disliked the low lid, which prevented them from cooking a whole chicken. They also wished that the grill was split so they could control the heat better, as there was only one burner to control all the cooking space.

However, most reviews were positive, with one even stating that the grill was one of the best they had ever owned.

Weber Traveler: Expert opinion

I spoke to Ross Bearman, the Founder of the BBQ Gifting company Ross & Ross Gifts. Ross is also a Great Taste Judge with over 25 years of experience working in fine food and restaurants, creating premium food products for some of the country’s finest retailers.  

The Weber Traveler is ideal for a family of four to six who are looking for a taste of outdoor life. The fact it can simply fold into the boot of your car means it’s perfect for a vacation by the sea or perhaps a day trip to the park.

Ross Bearman, BBQ gift company founder

“If you’re looking for a barbecue that specializes in grilling (as opposed to long, low, and slow cooks), then the Weber Traveller is excellent for this," Ross told Top Ten Reviews. "The Weber Traveler is great for breakfast grilling as there’s enough room to cook bacon, sausages, tomatoes, etc., all at the same time - plus there’s room for saucepans or beans or fried eggs too! Likewise, it’s also perfect for an evening BBQ of burgers, grilled meats such as steak and chicken as well as kebabs.” 

Should you buy the Weber Traveler?

The Weber Traveler is an ideal option for people with limited space who need to move their grill out of sight after cooking. It is also a great choice for those who want to take their grill on a trip in an RV or move it around the yard to avoid the sun. Although it may seem a bit expensive for an additional grill, the Traveler is sturdy enough to be your primary grill at home while also being portable for outdoor adventures.

How does the Weber Traveler compare?

The Royal Gourmet GD401 4-Burner Folding Gas Grill and Griddle is marketed as a semi-portable grill, lacking the clever trolley feature found on the Weber Traveler. Nonetheless, it can be folded down and easily transported in the trunk of a decent-sized car. However, the combination of a grill and griddle (with no option of changing out the griddle for another grill) may not suit everyone and could seriously limit the cooking area if you are cooking for a family. It also lacks a lid, which would otherwise enable it to maintain a consistent temperature that a lidded grill can provide.

It offers no protection from the elements, either, and several users have cited that it rusts easily. At $257 on Amazon, it is certainly cheaper than the Weber Traveler, but unless you really need to save that $100, you would be better off with the higher-quality Weber grill.

For about $40 more than the Weber Traveler, the Cuisinart CGWM-056 30-inch 360° XL Griddle is an option worth considering. Rather than a grill, it is a griddle, making it great for cooking basic food such as burgers, eggs, and bacon for an outdoor breakfast. It offers almost twice as much cooking space as the Traveler, so if you consistently cook for large groups, this is an excellent choice. However, you won't get the sear marks you do on the Traveler grill, but you can still cook a decent steak.

If you're looking for a truly portable grill and are willing to pay a similar price to the Traveler, the Weber Q1200 Gas Grill is the one for you. It is easy to use and can handle food for a family of four. Therefore, if you're not worried about feeding large groups and want a grill that can be easily transported for a day trip, this is a great option. However, it's quite expensive for what will probably be an 'extra' grill rather than your go-to choice for regular outdoor cooking.

How I tested the Weber Traveler

At Top Ten Reviews, we are dedicated to providing consumers with the best possible purchasing advice. To achieve this, we conduct extensive testing of products, from unboxing and assembly to performance, storage, and maintenance. 

When reviewing gas grills, we time and evaluate the ease of assembly. Our reviewers then conduct precise cooking tests, including cooking chicken breasts, steaks, burgers, whole chicken, and vegetables. During these tests, we assess the range of temperatures the grill can reach, the cooking times, the evenness and regularity of the temperature, and any accessories that come with the grill. 

Once the cooking tests are complete, we consult with experts and seek advice on the best ways to clean, store, and maintain the grill. For more, head to our dedicated page on how we test.

  • First reviewed: 29th June 2022
Naomi MacKay
TTR Contributor, Gardening & Yard Care

Naomi MacKay, a seasoned freelance writer and editor, boasts two decades of experience in gardening and yard care. She's proficient in reviewing various products and has covered numerous gardens and garden shows in the UK, including the renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Additionally, she's working on a book about historic UK gardens.