First Thoughts on the Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black
The Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black promises a restaurant-quality grilling experience, anywhere from the campsite to the tailgate. It’s a portable griddle designed for serious outdoor cooking, a step up from the smaller, less powerful propane stoves I’ve relied on for years. With a 24-inch cooking surface and a lid for added versatility, it seemed like the perfect solution for feeding a crowd after a long day of hunting or fishing.
My biggest challenge with traditional camping stoves has always been their limited cooking surface. I often found myself juggling multiple pans and struggling to cook efficiently when preparing meals for larger groups. The allure of a spacious griddle, capable of handling everything from pancakes to smash burgers, was too strong to resist.
Upon unboxing the Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black, I was immediately struck by its solid construction. The griddle felt robust and well-built, with a powder-coated steel frame and a substantial cooking surface. The lid, a welcome addition, felt equally sturdy and promised to retain heat effectively for roasting and steaming. Compared to my old, lightweight propane stove, this felt like a professional-grade piece of equipment. I briefly considered the Blackstone Tabletop Griddle and the Weber Q 1200, but the Coleman‘s larger cooking surface and included lid ultimately won me over, offering a more complete cooking solution for diverse outdoor scenarios.
My first impression was one of excited anticipation. I was eager to put the Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black through its paces and see if it could truly deliver on its promise of portable, high-performance grilling. Could it handle the rigors of outdoor cooking and consistently deliver delicious results? Only time, and a few well-executed meals, would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black took place at a weekend hunting trip in the Texas Hill Country. I set it up at our campsite, which offered a relatively level surface, critical for even cooking on a griddle. The weather was mild, but a persistent breeze meant I’d be testing the griddle’s ability to maintain consistent heat.
The griddle fired up easily with the integrated ignition, reaching cooking temperature within minutes. I started with a simple breakfast of bacon and eggs, followed by grilled sandwiches for lunch. The Coleman performed admirably, distributing heat evenly across the surface and delivering perfectly cooked food. I experienced no issues with the griddle, and it was easy to control the temperature for cooking different items.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black has become an indispensable part of my outdoor cooking setup. It has accompanied me on numerous camping trips, fishing excursions, and tailgates. The griddle continues to perform reliably, providing consistent heat and a spacious cooking surface for everything from breakfast feasts to elaborate dinners.
Durability has proven to be a strong point. Despite being transported and used in various outdoor environments, the griddle shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The powder-coated finish has held up well, resisting scratches and rust. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, requiring only a scraper and a damp cloth after each use; however, the grease management system could be improved (more on that later). Compared to past portable cooking experiences involving uneven heat and messy cleanup, the Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black has been a significant upgrade, consistently delivering high-quality results with minimal fuss.
Breaking Down the Features of Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black
Specifications
The Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black boasts a substantial 24-inch (diagonal) cooking surface. This ample space allows for preparing meals for larger groups efficiently. It also features a durable, powder-coated steel frame for long-lasting outdoor use.
The Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black also includes an integrated lid. This feature is perfect for roasting and steaming. It uses a propane fuel source and has an Instastart push-button ignition for matchless lighting.
Performance & Functionality
The Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black excels at providing consistent heat across its large cooking surface. It’s capable of handling a wide range of cooking tasks, from searing steaks to cooking delicate pancakes. The lid is an invaluable addition, allowing for covered cooking and adding versatility to the grilling experience.
While the heat distribution is generally good, some users have reported slight temperature variations across the griddle surface. The grease management system, while functional, could be improved to prevent grease from dripping outside the designated collection area. Overall, the Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black meets and often exceeds expectations, providing a convenient and reliable outdoor cooking solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black is designed with portability and ease of use in mind. Its sturdy frame and relatively compact size make it easy to transport and set up. The griddle is comfortable to use, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly design.
The only real downside is the weight, which can make it somewhat cumbersome to move around. There is a slight learning curve in mastering temperature control to prevent flare-ups when cooking high-fat items.
Durability & Maintenance
The Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Its powder-coated steel frame and durable cooking surface promise years of reliable performance.
Maintenance is relatively simple. A quick scrape and wipe-down after each use is typically sufficient. Regular cleaning of the grease trap is essential to prevent buildup and maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black comes with the griddle surface and lid. Aftermarket accessories, such as wind guards and carrying cases, are available from Coleman and other retailers. While the griddle itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, its compatibility with standard propane tanks makes it easy to integrate into existing outdoor cooking setups.
Pros and Cons of Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black
Pros
- Large cooking surface ideal for feeding groups.
- Integrated lid adds versatility for roasting and steaming.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy to use with integrated ignition and intuitive controls.
- Consistent heat distribution for even cooking.
Cons
- Grease management system could be improved.
- Relatively heavy, which can make transportation difficult.
Who Should Buy Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black?
The Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black is perfect for campers, tailgaters, and anyone who enjoys cooking outdoors for a crowd. It’s especially well-suited for families or groups of friends who want a convenient and versatile cooking solution. Those who need a highly portable and lightweight option for backpacking might find this griddle too cumbersome.
A must-have accessory is a quality scraper for cleaning the griddle surface. A wind guard is also recommended for use in exposed locations.
Conclusion on Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black
The Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black is a solid and reliable outdoor cooking appliance that delivers on its promise of a restaurant-quality grilling experience. Its large cooking surface, durable construction, and versatile lid make it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys cooking for a crowd. While the grease management system could be improved, and its weight may be a factor for some, the overall value proposition is strong.
At $358.49, the price is justified by the griddle’s performance and durability. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a convenient and reliable outdoor cooking solution. If you’re tired of struggling with small, underpowered stoves and are ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game, the Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black is definitely worth considering. Invest in the Coleman Roadtrip Griddle Xlt W Lid 24″ Black and transform your outdoor gatherings into culinary adventures!