Editor’s note: Originally published August 2018. Reviewed and updated November 2026. Some models mentioned here may have been updated or discontinued since; check current availability and specifications before buying.
The Weber Q1000 and Q2000 are the two core sizes of Weber’s portable propane grill line, and the Q1200 and Q2200 are their better-equipped versions. The 1000-series grills are the compact pair at 8,500 BTU per hour and 189 square inches; the 2000-series grills step up to 12,000 BTU per hour and 280 square inches, with more weight to carry. Below is how all four compare, based on the manufacturer’s listed specifications.
Quick answer
- Choose the Q1000 for the lightest, simplest grill for small groups (28 pounds, 189 sq in).
- Choose the Q1200 if you want the same size with folding side tables, electronic ignition and a choice of colors.
- Choose the Q2000 for more cooking space and power (280 sq in, 12,000 BTU) for larger groups.
- Choose the Q2200 for the largest cooking area plus a built-in lid thermometer and electronic ignition.
- All four run on disposable 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz propane cylinders and use porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates.
Prefer to cook without propane? See our Weber Q1400 vs Q2400 electric grill review.
Weber Q1000 vs Q2000 vs Q1200 vs Q2200 at a glance
| Feature | Q1000 | Q1200 | Q2000 | Q2200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burner output | 8,500 BTU/hr | 8,500 BTU/hr | 12,000 BTU/hr | 12,000 BTU/hr |
| Cooking area | 189 sq in | 189 sq in | 280 sq in | 280 sq in |
| Listed weight | 28 lb | Not listed | 41.7 lb | 42 lb |
| Ignition | Push-button | Electronic | Push-button | Electronic |
| Folding side tables | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lid thermometer | No | Not stated | No | Yes |
| Optional griddle | Not stated | Yes (one side) | Yes (sold separately) | Yes (half the surface) |
| Fuel | 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz disposable propane cylinder | |||
Features all four share
- A single stainless steel burner with an infinite control valve, so you can go from a low simmer to high searing heat.
- Porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates that leave sear marks and are easy to clean.
- A cast aluminum lid and body that hold heat while cooking but cool down fairly quickly for packing up.
- A removable catch pan for drippings.
- They arrive fully assembled.
The grills
Weber Q1000
The Q1000 is the most basic grill in the group and the lightest at a listed 28 pounds. It puts out 8,500 BTU per hour across 189 square inches, enough for a family or a small group of friends. A push-button ignition handles starts, and the infinite control valve covers everything from slow cooking to searing.
It has no side tables and no built-in thermometer, and the grates don’t get as hot as open stainless grates. Attaching a wider propane cylinder can also be awkward.
Listed specifications
- 8,500 BTU per hour
- 189 square inches of cooking area
- 28 pounds
- Takes 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz propane cylinders
- Push-button ignition
Pros
- Lightest and most compact of the four
- Easy-to-clean porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates
- Durable, light cast aluminum lid and body
- Removable catch pan
Cons
- Doesn’t get as hot as grills with open stainless grates
- Hard to screw on wider propane cylinders
- No thermometer
- No side tables
Weber Q1200
The Q1200 keeps the Q1000’s 8,500 BTU burner and 189 square inches but adds two fold-out side tables for tools and condiments, an electronic ignition and a range of colors. You can swap one grate for an optional griddle to cook breakfast or sides alongside your main dish.
Listed specifications
- 8,500 BTU per hour
- 189 square inches of cooking area
- Takes 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz propane cylinders
- Electronic ignition
- Two fold-out side tables
Pros
- Folding side tables add prep space
- Easy-start electronic ignition
- Available in several colors
- Optional griddle for more versatility
Cons
- Small gas cylinders can be fiddly to attach
- Control knob sits near the handle, which can make carrying awkward
- Griddle covers only one side of the cooking surface
Weber Q2000
The Q2000 steps up to 12,000 BTU per hour over 280 square inches, enough for a larger group at a campsite or a backyard barbecue. The grate is split, so you can grill, use an optional griddle, or both. Folding side tables, large grip handles and ergonomic side handles help with prep and moving it around.
It is sturdy and large enough to serve as a main home grill for some households, but at a listed 41.7 pounds it is noticeably heavier than the Q1000.
Listed specifications
- 12,000 BTU per hour
- 280 square inches of cooking area
- 41.7 pounds
- Takes 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz propane cylinders
- Push-button ignition
- Folding side tables
Pros
- Much larger cooking area than the 1000 series
- Split grates for grill and griddle cooking
- Folding side tables
- Can double as a primary home grill
Cons
- Griddle sold separately
- No thermometer
- Side tables may not sit perfectly level
- Somewhat harder to clean
- Heavy for a portable grill
Weber Q2200
The Q2200 has the Q2000’s 12,000 BTU burner and 280 square inches, plus a built-in lid thermometer and electronic ignition. An optional griddle can replace half the grates. Like the Q2000, it is large enough to use as a main grill but still portable enough for trips.
The lid thermometer shows the air temperature inside the grill, not the temperature of your food. For that, use a probe thermometer; our guide on how to choose a meat thermometer explains the options.
Listed specifications
- 12,000 BTU per hour
- 280 square inches of cooking area
- 42 pounds
- Takes 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz propane cylinders
- Electronic ignition
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Folding side tables
Pros
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Largest cooking area of the four
- Electronic ignition
- Folding side tables
Cons
- Easy to spill the drip pan if you forget to empty it before moving the grill
- Can be hard to light in windy conditions
- Flame does not go especially low or especially high
- Heavy for a portable grill
Weber Q Portable Cart
Weber’s Q Portable Cart works with the Q1000/Q1200 and Q2000/Q2200 and turns a tabletop grill into a standing grill. The grill slides in from the front, a loop strap and hook hold it in place for transport, and a wire handle, all-weather wheels and tool hooks make it easier to move and use.
Which should you choose?
- Mostly cooking for one to three people, or tight on space and weight: the Q1000 is the simplest and lightest. Pick the Q1200 if side tables and electronic ignition are worth having.
- Cooking for a crowd or using it as your main grill: go with the 2000 series for 280 square inches and 12,000 BTU.
- Want a built-in lid thermometer: the Q2200 is the only grill here listed with one.
- Need to carry it often: remember the 2000-series grills weigh around 42 pounds, roughly 14 pounds more than the Q1000.
Bottom line
All four grills share the same basic build: a single stainless burner, porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and a cast aluminum body. The real choice is size and convenience features. The 1000 series is for light travel and small meals; the 2000 series trades extra weight for much more grilling space. For a broader look, see how the Weber Q compares in our Coleman RoadTrip vs Weber Q guide, and check how long Weber grills last.
FAQ
Are the Weber Q1200 and Q2200 electric?
No. Like the Q1000 and Q2000, they run on 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz propane cylinders. Weber’s electric versions are the Q1400 and Q2400.
What is the main difference between the Weber Q1000 and Q2000?
Size and power. The Q1000 offers 189 square inches and 8,500 BTU per hour at 28 pounds; the Q2000 offers 280 square inches and 12,000 BTU per hour at 41.7 pounds, and adds folding side tables.
Which Weber Q models have a thermometer?
Of the four covered here, only the Q2200 is listed with a built-in lid thermometer. The Q1000 and Q2000 do not have one.
