It was one of those crisp Saturday mornings when I packed the car for a day by the lake—folding chairs, fishing rods, and of course, the trusty grill. For years, I’ve been the go-to guy for lakeside barbecues, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the right portable grill can make or break the outing. That’s when the Weber Q series came into play. The Q1000 and Q1200 both promise compact power and flavor on the go, but which one actually deserves a permanent spot in your trunk or backyard setup?
After cooking everything from burgers to chicken breasts on both, I’ve got some clear insights. Let’s dive into this side-by-side comparison.
Key Difference at a Glance: Weber Q1000 vs Q1200 Portable Propane Grill
The biggest difference between the Weber Q1000 and Q1200 is that the Q1200 comes with extra features like folding side tables, an electronic ignition, and a built-in lid thermometer, making it better for those who want convenience and versatility. The Q1000, however, is a simpler, lighter, and more compact grill, perfect if you just want no-fuss portability without the bells and whistles.
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
- The Black Weber Q1200 Travel Grill features porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates; Grates offer superior heat retention, flavor infusion, and an attractive appearance as you elevate your...
- 8,500 BTU Burner: Provides robust level of heat output, making outdoor grill highly versatile; Suitable for high-heat searing and lower-temperatures; Fine-tune temperature to suit different cooking...
Comparison Table: Weber Q1000 vs Q1200 Portable Propane Grill
| Feature | Weber Q1000 | Weber Q1200 |
| Dimensions | 16.5″D x 27″W x 14.5″H | 20.5″D x 40.9″W x 24.6″H |
| Weight | Lighter (more portable) | Heavier (extra features add bulk) |
| Burner | 1 Stainless Steel, 8,500 BTU | 1 Stainless Steel, 8,500 BTU |
| Cooking Area | 189 sq. in. | 189 sq. in. |
| Ignition | Push-Button | Electronic Push-Button |
| Lid Thermometer | No | Yes |
| Side Tables | No | Yes (folding) |
| Material | Cast Aluminum body, Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates | Cast Aluminum body, Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates |
| Portability | Very lightweight and compact | Slightly bulkier, less travel-friendly |
| Best For | Tailgating, light travel, minimalists | Backyard use, campers who want more control |
| Check Latest Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design and Build
The Q1000 feels like that classic, no-nonsense grill. Its compact size and lighter frame make it incredibly easy to load into the car for spontaneous picnics. The chrome finish gives it a clean, rugged look, and I’ve found it sturdy despite its smaller footprint.
The Q1200, on the other hand, feels more premium. The high-dome lid offers more room for larger cuts of meat, and the extra folding tables are a real lifesaver when you’re juggling seasonings, plates, or tongs. It’s bulkier, yes, but when you set it up, it feels like a mini outdoor kitchen.
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
- The Black Weber Q1200 Travel Grill features porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates; Grates offer superior heat retention, flavor infusion, and an attractive appearance as you elevate your...
- 8,500 BTU Burner: Provides robust level of heat output, making outdoor grill highly versatile; Suitable for high-heat searing and lower-temperatures; Fine-tune temperature to suit different cooking...
Ease of Use
I appreciate the Q1000’s simplicity—press the push-button ignition, adjust the infinite burner valve, and you’re good to go. It’s the kind of grill I hand over to friends without worrying they’ll mess something up.
The Q1200 adds an electronic ignition and a lid thermometer, which makes grilling more precise. When I tried cooking salmon fillets, that thermometer helped me keep the heat steady without opening the lid too often. It’s definitely more beginner-friendly if you’re not used to “guessing” grill temps.
Cooking Functions and Performance
Both grills pack the same 8,500 BTUs and a 189-square-inch cooking area. I’ve cooked nine burgers at once on both models, and they handled it just fine. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates heat evenly and give you those satisfying sear marks every griller loves.
Where the Q1200 shines is with its dome and thermometer—it allows you to roast small chickens or even try indirect grilling with better control. The Q1000 can roast too, but it feels a little less forgiving without that built-in thermometer.
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
Space Considerations
If you’re always on the move—tailgates, camping, or beach cookouts—the Q1000’s smaller size is a blessing. It fits in tighter spaces and is easier to haul.
For backyard use, or if you don’t mind a bit more bulk, the Q1200 makes sense. The folding side tables are convenient, but they also add to the width, making it less compact in tight storage spaces.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Both grills use the same removable catch pan, and cleanup is straightforward. After a lakeside cookout, I simply pulled out the tray, tossed the grease, and gave the grates a quick scrub. No difference here—the Q1000 and Q1200 are equals when it comes to maintenance.
Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189 square-inch total cooking area
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and body
Pros:
- Lightweight and ultra-portable
- Simple push-button ignition
- Durable build with porcelain-enameled grates
- Affordable compared to Q1200
Cons:
- No built-in thermometer
- Lacks side tables
- Slightly less versatile for roasting larger cuts
Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
- The Black Weber Q1200 Travel Grill features porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates; Grates offer superior heat retention, flavor infusion, and an attractive appearance as you elevate your...
- 8,500 BTU Burner: Provides robust level of heat output, making outdoor grill highly versatile; Suitable for high-heat searing and lower-temperatures; Fine-tune temperature to suit different cooking...
Pros:
- Built-in lid thermometer for precise cooking
- Folding side tables add prep space
- High-dome lid accommodates larger foods
- Electronic ignition for reliable starts
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier
- More expensive than Q1000
- Folding tables can feel unnecessary if space is limited
My Recommendation / Conclusion
After using both grills, here’s my honest take:
If you’re someone who’s always on the go, loading the car for tailgates or spontaneous beach cookouts, the Weber Q1000 is your grill. It’s lighter, simpler, and gets the job done without taking up much space.
But if you’re more of a backyard entertainer or weekend camper who likes control, space, and convenience, the Weber Q1200 is worth the extra investment. The thermometer and side tables really do make a difference when you’re juggling multiple dishes or cooking something beyond burgers.
For me personally? I keep the Q1200 on my patio for those lazy weekend roasts, but the Q1000 rides in my trunk for spontaneous adventures. If you can swing it, having both isn’t a bad idea at all—but if I had to pick just one, I’d go with the Q1200 for its versatility.
