Weber Traveler Review

The Weber Traveler is the Cadillac of portable grills. Even though this stand-up grill weighs 49 pounds, it is easy to set up and break down with one hand. The compact, portable design is easy to transport thanks to durable, all-weather wheels. The grill features a large cooking area and 13,000 BTUs of output power that is consistently distributed over the porcelain-enameled cast iron grilling surface. This is a top-of-the-line grill perfect for the chef who wants to prepare delicious meals from the backyard to the campsite.

Performance Comparison

Output Power

The Weber Traveler puts out 13,000 BTUs per hour, offering consistent temperatures throughout the entire cooking surface. It heats up relatively quickly, achieving maximum temperatures in 10-15 minutes, on average. We love that the grill features an accurate thermometer on the lid, so it's easy to know the internal temperature of the grill without having to lift the lid and lose essential heat.

Rather than take the manufacturer's BTU rating at face value, our testing team carefully evaluated the Traveler's output power by firing up the grill to its highest setting and monitoring the grilling surface with an infrared thermometer. After 5-10 minutes, the grill measured 400 °F, achieving a maximum temperature of 575 °F after about 15 minutes. Testers continued to evaluate temperatures in 20-minute intervals, noting a variance of only 5-10 °F while cooking. Even though the Traveler doesn't offer the highest power output of the grills in our lineup, it features a wide temperature range with sufficient capability for searing large cuts of red meat.

Control

The Weber Traveler was deliberately designed to optimize gas use with excellent temperature control. We prefer a temperature reading on the control dial, but the low-to-high range is consistent with our expectations. You can accurately monitor the internal temperature via the thermostat on the top of the lid, though it will adjust to the surrounding air temperature if the lid is left open for more than a minute. For right-handed operators, the temperature dial is conveniently located on the right side of the grill, near the side table which is perfectly sized for our grilling tools and cutting board.

During testing, we loaded up the large cooking area with kimchi burgers and carefully monitored the temperature of each burger while they cooked, noting only a few degrees of difference in overall temperature between each patty. The combination of propane optimization and consistent cooking temperatures earns the Traveler high marks for temperature control.

Portability

The 49-pound Weber Traveler is a large, heavy-weight standing grill, which makes it difficult to compete against the more petite grills in our lineup. However, the designers at Weber truly put a lot of thought into the ease of transport by including a mechanism that allows for a slow lowering into a compact position. Combined this with durable, all-weather wheels, the Traveler is relatively easy to load into a pickup truck or even a compact vehicle.

The Traveler measures 42" x 43" when folded into the compact traveling position and can be lowered by one hand, making it even easier for solo users to set up and break down. It also has a lock that securely fastens the lid, locking any leftover ash inside while loading into a vehicle or rolling into position for your next cookout. Thoughtful details like the compact fold, the durable wheels, and the ease of lowering help this grill stand out from other wheeled, stand-up grills that we tested for this review.

Cooking Area

The Weber Traveler offers a high-quality cooking surface designed to be large enough to prepare a meal for a small group. Measuring 26" x 15", the cooking surface is the perfect size to prepare an entire meal. The sturdy, porcelain-enameled cast iron grate effectively and evenly distributes the heat from the propane flame, and is very easy to clean thanks to the smooth, porcelain-enamel finish.

The Traveler also features a catchment tray below the center of the cooking area for any excess grease that accumulates during cooking. Any other grease is distributed into the bottom of the oval-shaped grill body and is easily wiped clean thanks to a smooth, powder-coated finish. The large cooking area and luxurious, high-quality cast iron grate make this grill a joy to cook on.

Wind Resistance

If you find yourself grilling in inhospitable locations, the enclosed lid of the Weber Traveler effectively shields the internal propane flame from high winds. Four hooded vents on the back of the lid allow the grill to release pressure from the interior while also minimizing interference from wind.

If you've spent much time in the Eastern Sierra, you know that it's the perfect testing ground for high winds. During our fall testing period – a season we like to think of as winter fighting with summer – the intermittent storms brought gusts up to 30+ mph on one of our evenings of testing. Luckily, the fully enclosed lid and thoughtful grill placement (deliberately opposed to the dominant wind direction) allowed us to maintain the desired temperature and cook a delicious meal for a group of four, all at once.

Should You Buy the Weber Traveler?

The Weber Traveler is the perfect grill for folks who want to invest in a high-quality grill. This grill will afford you a luxurious cooking experience whether you're cooking in the backyard, at a pre-game tailgate party, or at your favorite campsite. Sufficient and consistent output power over a large grilling surface provides more than enough heat to sear thick-cut meats. Yet, it is versatile enough to put beautiful grill marks on veggies or thinner cuts like a tri-tip without burning them. The fully enclosed lid offers protection from high winds, and the wheeled, stand-up design is so easy to transition that you can do it with just one hand. The Traveller is a top-of-the-line grill built to last and features performance that can't be beaten.

What Other Portable Grills Should You Consider?

If the large, stand-up design of the Weber Traveler is appealing, but the price is outside your budget, consider the Coleman Roadtrip 285. The Roadtrip 285 is an affordable wheeled model that offers slightly more control but is a bit less portable. If performance is paramount, but you prefer a lightweight grill that you can easily load into a small vehicle or use on top of a picnic table, check out the Cuisinart Grillster, available for a price that won't break the bank.