The Coleman RoadTrip Pro SS Grill 9928-A60 exceeded our expectations in both performance and reliability. All of Coleman's RoadTrip grills are known for their solid overall metal construction, however, the RoadTrip Pro SS knocks the others out of the water. This unit is constructed from durable commercial-grade stainless steel components that will stand up to the rigorous demands of frequent outdoor grilling. Plus, the RoadTrip's folding leg construction adds portability so you can take the grill with you to campouts, ballgames and other tailgating venues.

A step up from the RoadTrip LX and LXE models, the RoadTrip Pro SS boasts 24,000 Btu (4,000 Btu more than LX or LXE) and 345 square inches of primary cooking space (65 square inches more than the LX and LXE). In fact, this unit is so solidly built, it rivals even many full-size units on the market.

This unit consists of a 26x16-inch oval cookbox that is roughly 7-1/2 inches deep. A domed stainless steel hood with black die-cast aluminum end caps adds another 6 inches to the overall height. The grill stand is essentially two reinforced steel leg assemblies, which are connected via a pivot rod so they can flip outward to support the grill body or fold flat for storage. Each leg assembly consists of two 1-1/2-inch-diameter steel tubes connected to a wheel base on one side and a leveling support on the other. The grilling surface is two 12x15-inch enamel-coated steel grates, which are reminiscent of a basic wire grate design, but with added strength and durability. The open-style cooking grates enable you to achieve full flame-cooked flavor.

The two side shelves on this model are upgraded as well, with stainless steel insert panels and a hinged design that allows them to flip up and store neatly atop the cooking grates when not in use. We found the side tables to be sturdy and roomy enough to accommodate a large dinner plate or 10x12-inch platter. There are three utensil hooks molded into the right side shelf.

Another upgraded feature is the hood temperature gauge, which is not commonly found on travel grills. The built-in gauge was extremely helpful for monitoring the preheating and cooking temperature. We were impressed by the unit's fast preheating. The gauge registered 450 degrees Fahrenheit after only 5 minutes of preheating; within 10 minutes, the temperature rose to 600 degrees. We expected that the close proximity between the flame/grill surface and the hood had something to do with the quick and steady rise in temperature. As with any grill, we noticed a rapid drop in temperature when the lid was opened. Even so, once the lid was closed again, the RoadTrip Pro recovered the lost temps rapidly.

The RoadTrip Pro has two independently controlled 12,000-Btu stainless steel burners. The adjustable temperature controls let you set the desired heat for one side (if you are grilling a smaller amount) or each side individually. You also can achieve an indirect grilling effect by lighting one burner and placing food above the opposite burner.

Performance-wise, you can't beat the standards set by the RoadTrip Pro. The unit's dual burners delivered a searing heat, which was most concentrated in the center of each burner area, but then fanned out for a fairly consistent heat throughout the grilling surface. The unit's two wide heat tents, placed above each burner, not only protect the burners from excess grease and drippings (which could clog the burner holes) but also help fan the heat over a wider area. We did notice a slight drop in temperature near the outside edges of the grill. The RoadTrip is a master when it comes to cooking hamburgers, hot dogs and other tailgating favorites. It also excels with steaks, chicken and pork chops, cooking foods quickly and thoroughly. In fact, the RoadTrip is so efficient, it could easily replace a full-size grill for small to medium-size households.

One aspect of the grill that was both a blessing and a curse is the heavy-duty construction. The thick-gauge legs and commercial-grade components lend strength and stability but add a considerable amount of weight to this grill. The assembled unit weighs about 69 pounds, making it difficult for one person to lift into a car or truck. Even using the tow handle takes a bit of strength since you need to support a good deal of the grill's weight when pulling it from one place to another.

The grill is powered by a 16.4-ounce LP cylinder or 20-pound tank with optional hose, which screws in place on the side of the grill. We're split over whether the side placement was preferable to the rear placement (as found on the LXE model); however, we noted that the cylinder required a bit of maneuvering to get the exact angle needed for the threads to engage.


Pros: Extremely sturdy, two independently controlled burners, folds for portability, 24,000 Btu, quick heating
Cons: Heavy design makes it difficult for one person to lift grill, attaching LP cylinder is tricky

Warranty
3 years