Coleman 9940-A55 Roadtrip Party Grill

Features

Legs detach and fit inside grill
Compact, lightweight and easy to transport
8000 BTU burner control system
Matchless lighting with easy to use Instastart ignition
Easy to clean; components are dishwasher safe except for valve/burner assembly and lid

Amazon.com Review

The propane Coleman party grill is easy to carry, easy to assemble, and most importantly, easy to use. If you're searching for a reliable, portable grill for tailgate parties, fishing trips, or quick backyard barbecues, don't overlook this Coleman. Besides grilling burgers, the Coleman party grill is also great for boiling: simply remove the nonstick grill and place your pot of water (or soup or veggies) on the grate to boil. Then replace the grill to prepare burgers, chicken, or even salmon. A small section of the grill is solid and flat for use as a griddle: cook morning eggs or thin slices of meat such as bacon or fish. The cooking speed is greatest in the center of the grill and slower toward the edges.

Detailed instructions are included, but the whole grill can be assembled in less than 10 minutes, and no tools are required. Connecting the propane cylinder (sold separately) is simple: remove the plastic cap from the top of the cylinder, and screw the cylinder into the regulator. To prepare a feast, fill the steel bowl with water, open the burner valve, push a button, and a small spark will ignite the burner. Adjust the button for desired heat. Every part of the Coleman party grill is dishwasher-safe except the burner assembly, and a blue plastic lid can be used to steady your grill on soft surfaces like sand and also protects your grill while on the road. Our only suggestion is this: once you get the grill in place, leave it there--the removable legs can fall out if you're moving the grill from place to place. Limited warranty. --Rhonda Langdon

Reader Reviews
This is a great little portable grill - if you don't expect too much! (Too many people write reviews here expecting inexpensive items to be gold plated and nuclear powered). It's not meant to replace a regular full-size grill and shouldn't be compared to one. Use it for car camping or a tailgate party for cooking for two or three people (maybe four but that's pushing it) and just realize it has limitations, though they are easy to work around. I got it on sale for only $25 so consider it an excellent value. It was simple to put together, no directions required and takes about a minute. My legs stay in well once inserted and come back out with a good tug. There is an included nylon carry-bag which works fine for keeping the parts together (the grille, two legs, gas bottle, pan support and plastic grille cover). It also functions well as a regular single-burner stove when you take the grill off. It feels stable and solid if set on a good surface. The burner adjusts well from off to low to high and is quick and easy to start by pushing the burner control knob in. The drippings collect well in the pan below the burner. There is a small griddle on one side of the grill that will hold one egg or pancake (or two small ones). The biggest drawback is the heat distribution. Since it uses a small burner in the middle and has no heat distribution baffle; it is much hotter in the center than towards the edge. You get around this by actively moving your burgers around to keep them cooking evenly (this can be an advantage if you want something to cook slower by pushing to the outside). Coleman says you must put water in the catch basin, which seems to distribute the heat a little better but I think that is also to reduce the possibility of a grease fire. I tried it a couple of times without the water and it worked OK. Overall, it is a good value when used for what it is intended for. I think Coleman could have designed the grill with better heat distribution without significantly adding to the cost, so I give it four stars.

Available from Amazon
Price: $51.58
Updated on 3-19-2010.