Are you looking for the best tabletop grill on the market? Your task will be much easier if you narrow it down to the Weber Q1000 vs Q1200.
Although the grills might look similar at first glance, they’re actually two different models. In this roundup, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these offerings.
Weber Q1000 vs Q1200: The Basics
The Weber brand was founded by a man named George Stephen, who invented the first kettle-style grill in 1952. Today, the company is the leading grill manufacturer in the US, representing nearly one-third of the market in terms of dollars spent.
The grills in the Q series are distinguished by the saucer-style shape of the bowl and lid. Most of the units in this line are portable, with the Q1000 and Q1200 serving as two prime examples. There are a couple of electric options available, but these are both powered by liquid propane.
Weber Q1000
Specifications
- Dimensions: 23.5″ H X 27″ W X 20.5″ D (lid open)
- Total Cooking Surface: 189 square inches
- Weight: 26.65 pounds
- Number of Burners: 1
- BTU Output: 8,500
- Warranty: 5 Years (most major components)
Pros
- Reliable ignition
- Easy to care for
- Lightweight, with a small footprint
- Durable construction
Cons
- Regulator may need to be primed before first use
- Doesn’t work well with 16.4-ounce propane canisters
Weber Q1200
Specifications
- Dimensions: 24.6″ H X 40.9″ W X 20.5″ D (lid open and tables out)
- Total Cooking Surface: 189 square inches
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Number of Burners: 1
- BTU Output: 8,500
- Warranty: 5 Years (most major components)
Pros
- Portable, yet versatile enough for home use
- Available in 6 different colors
- Heats quickly and evenly
- Side tables for storage
Cons
- Struggles to maintain temperatures at high elevations
- Takes up a lot of space when the side tables are folded out
Weber Q1000 vs Q1200: Features Face-to-Face
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189...
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and...
- Fully assembled out of box. Dimensions - lid closed (inches): 14.5H x...
- Push-button ignition and infinite control burner valve settings. Fuel...
- Uses disposable 14.1 or 16.4 oz. LP cylinder (sold separately). Grill...
- One stainless steel burner produces 8500 BTU-per-hour to heat 189...
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates and cast aluminum lid and...
- Fully assembled out of box. Battery type: AAA
- Easy-start electronic ignition and infinite control burner valve...
- Uses disposable 14.1 or 16.4 oz LP cylinder (sold...
In this section, we’ll pit the Weber Q1000 vs Q1200 in a side-by-side roundup. To make your decision easier, we’ve included a winner for each category.
Construction
The Weber Q1000 is equipped with a cast aluminum body and lid, along with a glass-reinforced nylon frame. The material is lightweight yet durable, so the grill can be taken along on all your adventures.
This model also offers a single burner, which is constructed of stainless steel. This is the preferred construction for gas grill burners because it’s rust-resistant.
The Q1200 is built from the same materials, so it offers similar dependability. This unit is slightly heavier than the Q1000, but that’s mostly on account of the side tables (see Standout Features, below). Because it offers a slightly more sophisticated design, we’re giving it the edge in this round.
Winner: Q1200
Portability
When it comes to travel-sized grills, this is one of the most important categories of all. The Q1000 weighs in at just under 27 pounds, which is particularly impressive given its small size. It can be packed easily in the trunk of a car and won’t take up too much space on the picnic table.
The Q1200 weighs 30 pounds, so it’s also very light. However, the footprint is slightly larger, especially when the folding side tables are extended. That means that the Q1000 earns slightly higher marks when it comes to maneuverability.
Winner: Q1000
Cooking Surface
These units both offer 189 square inches of grilling space. Although Weber claims that it can only fit 6 hamburger patties at a time, that number assumes the use of their customized burger press. Ordinarily, a grill of that size could be expected to fit 8 or 9 patties at once.
189 square inches is a modest total, even for a travel-sized unit. That said, these grills should be sufficient for serving parties of 2 to 4 people. Because the Q1000 and the Q1200 are the same size in terms of cooking space, we’re calling a draw in this category.
Winner: Tie
Grilling Grates
Weber includes a set of porcelain-enameled cast iron grilling grates with the purchase of the Q1000 and the Q1200. The grates for these models are interchangeable. If you order replacement grates for the Q1000 and invest in a Q1200 the following year, you’ll be able to use the same ones.
Cast iron does an admirable job at conducting and retaining heat. If it’s treated properly, it can last for many years. That’s what makes it a great choice for grilling grates. The porcelain enameling is a nice touch, as it makes the grates easier to clean.
In this case, however, cleanup isn’t as easy as it could be. The grates are designed with a series of grooves that can be difficult to reach, which can lead to grease buildup if you’re not careful.
Fortunately, the grates separate into two halves, so they can fit into most standard-sized sinks. The porcelain coating makes them resistant to rust, so you can leave them to soak for awhile before attacking them with a mildly abrasive sponge.
This design has another key benefit: It allows you to separate the grilling surface into two zones. If you purchase a griddle attachment for one half, you can grill burgers on one side while cooking bacon on the other.
Winner: Tie
Ignition
The Q1200 features an electronic ignition that requires the use of AAA batteries. Meanwhile, the Q1000 offers a standard push-button ignition.
What’s the difference between these two igniter types? In short, the electronic version is what’s known as a continuous spark igniter, while the push button starter is a single spark igniter.
Continuous spark igniters require an external power source, hence the batteries. The single spark method emits just one small flare at a time when you push the starter button, so no electrical connection is needed.
For the consumer, the difference is negligible. Both of these units offer reliable igniter switches. However, since the Q1200’s system is more advanced, we’ll crown it the winner in this category.
Winner: Q1200
BTU Output
The term BTU stands for British thermal unit. A single BTU is the amount of energy required to heat a pound of water by one degree on the Fahrenheit scale.
The Q1000 and the Q1200 are both single-burner models with a total BTU output of 8,500. This is a relatively low number, even by tabletop grill standards.
That said, a low BTU output doesn’t necessarily mean that the grill has poor heat retention. As long as the unit is made of quality materials and offers a tight-fitting lid, it should reach the desired temperature quickly.
The Q1000 and Q1200 are sturdy, well-built models with efficient stainless steel burners. That means that they generally perform well, despite the fact that they offer just under 45 BTUs per square inch of grilling space.
Winner: Tie
Grease Management System
A removable catch pan sits below the firebox of the Q1000 model. This tray is used to collect grease drippings and can be discarded once it’s reached its capacity. The grease is funneled through an angled tube that directs the drippings away from the flames, thereby reducing the risk of flare-ups.
The same components are in place for the Q1200. The tray is just as easy to remove, and it also comes with a disposable catch pan. Overall, we think the grease management systems are similar enough to declare a tie here as well.
Winner: Tie
Temperature Control
Each of these units is outfitted with Weber’s infinite control burner valve. These allows the grills to heat to the desired temperature more quickly than you might expect. Despite the fact that these are both single-burner models, they’re capable of reaching 450 degrees in under 10 minutes.
However, the Q1200 comes with a built-in lid thermometer. Not only does it heat rapidly, but it allows you to keep a close eye on the temperature so you can keep it in the proper range. This is a perk that the Q1000 lacks, which is why we’re awarding this round to the Q1200.
Winner: Q1200
Warranty
Both of these products come from Weber, so it stands to reason that their warranty information would be similar. In fact, it’s identical.
The firebox, lid, burner tubes, cooking grates, and plastic components are all under warranty for 5 years. Be aware that this doesn’t apply to the paint job on the firebox and lid, which is only covered for 2 years. All of the other grill components are also covered by a 2-year warranty.
This is a generous guarantee, and one that makes both of these units worth the investment. In this case, it doesn’t matter if you choose the Q1000 or the Q1200.
Winner: Tie
Standout Features
Does the Q1200 have any benefits that the Q1000 lacks, or vice versa? Let’s take a closer look.
Q1000
- Compact profile—Convenient for traveling and storage
- Lower price point—This unit is more affordable than the Q1200
Q1200
- Folding side tables—Ideal for storing barbecue tools or condiments
- Built-in lid thermometer—Allows you to monitor the interior temperature of the grill
- Higher lid profile—The lid sits farther away from the cooking grates, allowing you to prepare larger cuts of meat (like pork butt, whole chickens, or beef brisket)
- Electronic ignition—Quicker and more sophisticated than the standard push-button version
- Choice of color—The Q1200 is available in the following hues: titanium, blue, black, green, red, and orange
In Conclusion
Give the Weber Q1000 a try if:
- You have a limited budget to work with
- You don’t mind the lack of a lid thermometer
- You’re looking for a unit with a lower profile
- You would prefer a lightweight grill with a small footprint
Does this sound like something you’d be interested in? If so, check out the Weber Q1000.
Check out the Weber Q1200 instead if:
- You want plenty of space to store your utensils and condiments
- You want the color of your grill to reflect your personal style
- You’d like to use the grill to prepare beer can chicken and other large cuts of meat
- You like to keep a close eye on the temperature during cooking
Consider investing in the Weber Q1200 if you want a few extra frills to amp up your grilling experience.
😣 The Baby Q1200 does not come with the side tables. They are extras. Be warned.
Will a Q1000 cover fit over a Q1200 ?