Head-to-head · Best Portable Grills

Weber Smokey Joe Premium vs Weber Traveler

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Weber Traveler comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 4.3). Weber Traveler is best for: Users seeking robust portability and strong searing performance for flat foods like burgers. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Portable Grills

Weber Smokey Joe Premium

4.3

2 sources$226.31as of Oct 24

The Weber Smokey Joe Premium delivers durable, rust-resistant cooking via its porcelain-enameled steel bowl and lid, which retain heat effectively across its 147 sq in surface. Grillwizardoz found that the compact footprint fits four burgers or two steaks, while Expert Reviews highlighted the Tuck-N-Carry lid lock as a key feature for secure transport and convenient handling during use. However, the single bottom vent restricts fine airflow tuning compared to full-size kettles, limiting precise temperature control for low-and-slow smoking sessions. This model suits couples or small families seeking portable charcoal grilling for tailgates or camping, but those requiring advanced smoke management should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Porcelain-enameled steel bowl and lid provide durable, rust-resistant construction that retains heat effectively.
— Tuck-N-Carry lid lock secures the lid for transport and doubles as a convenient lid holder during use.
— Lightweight design at approximately 10 lbs (5.48 kg) allows for easy one-handed carrying to campsites or tailgates.

Watch-outs

— Single bottom vent restricts airflow fine-tuning compared to full-size kettle grills with dual vents.

$226.31 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Portable Grills

Weber Traveler

4.7

4 sources$449as of Oct 24

The Weber Traveler offers a generous 320 square inch cooking surface and powerful 13,000 BTU single burner that OutdoorGearLab found capable of reaching high searing temperatures quickly. T3 praised the elegant scissor-legged folding mechanism for one-handed setup, while Top Ten Reviews noted the space can feed a family of four or up to ten people with simple fare. However, Foodfirefriends and Smoked BBQ Source identified the single burner design as a major drawback because it prevents creating separate high-heat searing zones and low-heat indirect cooking areas simultaneously. The unit also features large all-weather wheels for easy transport despite its 47-pound weight, but CNET warned that this mass makes carrying inconvenient. This grill fits users seeking robust portability and strong searing performance for flat foods, while those needing two-zone versatility or the ability to cook tall items like whole chickens should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Generous 320 square inch cooking surface capable of feeding a family of four or up to ten people.
— Ingenious scissor-legged folding mechanism allows for one-handed setup and collapse into a compact, trunk-friendly footprint.
— Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates provide excellent heat retention and high-quality searing performance.

Watch-outs

— Single burner design prevents two-zone cooking, limiting versatility for different food types simultaneously.
— Low lid height restricts the ability to cook tall items like whole chickens or vegetable trays.

$449 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Weber Smokey Joe Premium

The Weber Smokey Joe Premium utilizes charcoal for authentic smoky flavor, contrasting with the propane systems of the Coleman Fold N Go + Propane Grill. While its single bottom vent restricts airflow fine-tuning compared to dual-vent full-size models, it offers a secure Tuck-N-Carry lid lock that many open-frame portable grills lack.

Weber Traveler

The Weber Traveler offers a generous 320 sq in cooking surface, significantly larger than the Cuisinart Grillster's 146 sq in grate. However, its single burner design prevents two-zone cooking, limiting versatility compared to the multi-burner capabilities of the Coleman RoadTrip 285.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Weber Smokey Joe Premium	Weber Traveler
Weight	10 lbs	47 lbs
Cooking Area	147 sq in	320 sq in
Fuel Type	Charcoal	Liquid propane
Material	Porcelain-enameled steel	aluminum frame
Dimensions	36 x 42 x 43cm (WDH)	Upright: 37.2” H x 43.6” W x 23” D
BTU Output	—	13,000 BTU
Burner Configuration	—	single burner

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