The Q 300 is the largest of Weber's Q portable grill line. Rather than boasting the fold-down portability offered by the other models in the series, the Q 300 has a stationary cart, but it beefs up the power and available cooking space.

The Q 300 comes with a compact cast-aluminum, clam-shape grilling bow with two stainless-steel tube burners, a two-piece porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate, a push-button igniter, two removable flip-open hard-plastic side shelves and a reinforced nylon grill frame with bottom shelf and two large wheels. The total heat output is 21,700 Btu.

While this grill doesn't deliver the same amount of heat as a full-size model, it does provide ample power for a backyard barbecue or tailgating party. And although the Q 300's stand doesn't fold for full portability, the grill's lightweight construction makes it suitable for transporting to the park, beach or neighborhood block party, provided you have sufficient room in your vehicle. The Q 300's real advantage is as a stationary backyard or deck barbecue for locations with limited storage space. Plus, at under $400, this is a great choice if you are on a budget yet still want the quality and durability for which Weber is known.

With the lid open and tables folded down, the Q 300 measures 55-1/2 inches tall by 36-1/2 inches wide and 22 inches deep, so this unit is quite compact for easy storage. Unlike most other portable models, the Q 300 hooks up to a full-size 20-pound cylinder LP tank (not included), which can sit next to the grill or on the stand concealed behind a curved plastic panel. A locking clip holds the tank securely in place.

As far as cooking performance goes, the Q 300 can stand with the big boys. With both burners set on high, the grill reached 325 degrees Fahrenheit in less than 5 minutes, and it quickly climbed to 500 degrees by the 10-minute mark. The Q 300 is designed to be energy efficient, and it operates at an economical low Btu rate.

The total usable cooking surface measures 393 square inches. It consists of two removable 12x18-inch grids of heavy-duty, semi-solid cast-iron sheets with raised ridges and equidistant slotted openings ranging from 1 to 3 inches in length for grease to drain through. The design is quite effective at capturing heat and transferring it to the food.

The Q 300's igniter is a pushbutton flint-style igniter, which sends a spark through the electrode to light the burners. Rather than two parallel burners, the Q 300 has a smartly designed outside oval ring burner surrounding an inner straight burner. With this design, it is possible to leave the inner burner off to achieve indirect cooking, which is ideal for roasts or larger cuts of meat that need to cook longer but would singe if placed over a direct flame. The two burner control knobs are made from hard plastic and have graduated markings to indicate the settings, from Start/Hi to Low and Off. The knobs turn smoothly and lock in the Off position for safety.

Much of the Q 300's maneuverability is due to the lightweight nylon frame. The cast-aluminum grill body sits upon two cradle-like handles, which are in turn bolted to the two-legged wheeled cart. All of the thermoplastic pieces are glass-reinforced for added strength. In addition to being much more lightweight than metal, the plastic components have the added advantage of being rustproof. The Q 300's two folding side tables are approximately 13x14 inches, and each has three molded utensil hooks. A final convenience feature is the removable drip tray, with foil insert for easy cleanup.

While it lacks the cooking surface and high-end features of larger, more expensive grills, the Weber Q 300 gas grill's compact size, lightweight design and very capable cooking abilities make it a fine choice if your deck or patio space is at a premium.


Pros: Two burners producing 21,700 Btu, compact and lightweight construction, folding plastic side shelves, weather-resistant plastic parts, uses standard LP tank
Cons: Legs don't fold for transport

Warranty
1 year, stationary cart and painted components (excluding fading or discoloration); 5 years, aluminum castings, burners, igniter, cooking grates and remaining parts; 5 years, Thermo plastic/thermoset parts