Most people think great campfire cooking means lugging a beast of a barbecue to the site. Trust me, you don’t want that drama—not when it’s pelting down in the Lake District and your tent’s half packed.
That’s where the Weber Traveler BBQ promises a clever fix: proper grilling anywhere, without the hassle or wasted boot space. I’ve grilled on everything from disposable trays to “premium” portables. Let’s see if this one really earns its keep.
What Is the Weber Traveler BBQ – And Who’s It For?
The Weber Traveler is a portable gas BBQ designed for campers, festival-goers, tailgaters and anyone who wants good food outdoors but doesn’t fancy burnt sausages from a flimsy tin.
Weber claim it gives you a proper barbecue experience wherever you roll out your mat. If you camp in unpredictable British weather, host small garden parties, or find yourself grilling at the beach, this is the sort of kit worth looking at.
I discovered the appeal on a sodden trip near Coniston. Four of us, battered by wind, yet still wanting a hot meal. All the little disposable grills fizzled out, but the Weber Traveler kept going like a trooper.
Build Quality, Size and Portability: Proper Design or Just Bulky?
Speaking honestly: this isn’t something you’ll haul up a hill in a rucksack. At 47 to 68 pounds (calls it about 28kg in UK terms), it’s heavier than a lot of “portable” BBQs. But—and this is a big but—the wheel system makes all the difference.
Roll it from car to pitch or over rough ground, and you won’t burst a vein. No more awkward bear hugs, wobbling plastic handles, or carrying a pile of gear.
Folding and unfolding is a doddle. The scissor-legged trolley clicks securely into place with one hand. There’s a built-in locking system so the lid won’t flap open on bumpy tracks. No need to faff with spanners. Collapse it down and it’s flat enough to slide into the car—about 15 inches high. Up, it stands at just over a metre.
It’s sturdy. You get heavy-duty porcelain-enamel grates and a solid steel body. I’ve clattered mine against concrete and over boggy grass, and it just shrugs it off. The finish even seems to resist rust better than the average bargain BBQ.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better – How Much Grub Can It Handle?
This is where the Weber Traveler really earns its stripes. You get around 320 square inches of cooking space—enough for roughly 15 burgers or 20 sausages at once. That’s not just marketing blurb. I’ve actually fed ten hungry campers without playing food Tetris.
The single burner kicks out 13,000 BTUs per hour. In plain English? It gets hot—fast. Want steak with proper sear marks? No problem. Chicken with crispy skin? Easily done.
I’ve even rustled up breakfast pancakes on a cast-iron griddle, though you’ll want to bring a pan for eggs. Heat spreads evenly too, thanks to the cast iron. No more burnt edges and raw middles.
On a gusty day in North Wales, I once finished grilling when my friend’s “budget” BBQ barely melted cheese on his burger. You pay for the extra oomph.
Set-Up, Fuel and Cleaning – The Practical Stuff Matters
No-one wants kit that takes longer to set up than your tent. The Weber Traveler is quick—click up, connect your gas, and go. The ignition rarely lets you down (unlike those annoying disposable lighters). Controls are simple, even with cold fingers.
Fuel-wise, it uses common 1lb propane canisters. You can usually pick these up at camping shops. If you’re staying somewhere longer, or grilling for a crowd, you can fit a 5kg or 13kg patio gas bottle (adapter sold separately). That’s handy for long weekends when the small cans get through fast.
One heads-up: in cold weather, those little gas canisters can freeze and lose pressure. I once spent a frustrating 20 minutes coaxing some heat, until I switched to a bigger cylinder—then it ran like new. Bring a spare if you’re cooking for a big group, or switch bottle mid-way on winter trips.
Cleaning is easier than most. The fat tray slides out, and the enamel surfaces wipe down after a quick soak. Don’t be tempted to let the grates “self-clean” on high—burned-on sausages will haunt you for weeks. Give everything a once-over when cool, and it’ll last for ages.
Where It Shines – Not Just for Camping
Here’s something I didn’t expect when I got mine: it’s not just for camping. I use it at home for impromptu garden BBQs, and it’s turned up at my local cricket club more than once. The wheels mean you can drag it across grass, gravel, or even onto the beach. Set-up takes about as long as finding your tongs.
Unlike tinier models, it actually copes with a small party. You can grid up snags and burgers for ten, or pop a bit of steak and veg on for two, and not feel you’re wasting fuel. It even doubles as a backup at home when the main BBQ is out of action.
In my opinion, there’s no point buying a cheap one-use grill if it’ll end up in landfill after one wet evening. The Weber Traveler saves hassle (and money) if you actually use it year round.
How Does It Compare – Is It Worth the Price or Just a Fancy Name?
It’s not the cheapest. Let’s be real—at £400–£440, a lot of folks will wonder if the badge is worth it. Some cheaper folding gas BBQs hover around the £120 mark. They might claim “portability,” but they’re often rickety, or have uneven heating that’ll ruin your dinner.
The two big differences: build quality and cooking space. Those cast iron grates and the solid steel trolley aren’t going to crumble when you bash them against a stone wall at a windswept site. And you don’t have to cook in shifts if your family’s bigger than three.
Some rivals are a bit lighter (and slightly easier to carry longer distances), but none I’ve tested have matched the solid feel or warranty. Weber offer five years as standard—decent peace of mind if you’re fed up with gear that breaks after a summer.
I have tried the lighter, compact BBQs. Great for solo hikers or when boot space is tight. But the Weber Traveler is about reliable, stress-free group meals.
The Good Bits, Gripe Points – And Which Campers Should Buy It
Pros
- Solid wheels – saves your back on rough ground.
- Big cooking area – feeds a crowd in one go.
- Even, strong heat – steaks done right, not just sausages.
- Folds flat – fits in the car with the rest of your kit.
- Build quality – feels built to last, not just to sell.
Cons
- Heavier than some: not for hikers or car-free trips.
- Pricey: it’s an investment, not an impulse buy.
- Gas canisters can freeze – bring spares, or use a bigger bottle in cold weather.
- Must remove the gas canister to fold it – a small pain.
Who should grab the Weber Traveler? Anyone camping from a car, with hungry friends or family, who values a no-fuss, reliable BBQ. It’s spot-on for UK weather—won’t blow over in the wind or shiver to a halt. It’s also a winner if you barbecue at home and want something that won’t rot in the shed by October.
Who should look elsewhere? If you're cycling, hiking, or wild camping—something much smaller and lighter will do you better. Don’t haul this up Helvellyn.
Final Word: A Trustworthy BBQ for Real-World Camping
Over years of soggy tents, burnt toast, and heroic camp meals, I’ve learned the hard way: some kit is worth spending on, and the rest is just landfill with a handle. The Weber Traveler BBQ isn’t just another shiny gadget. It turns out proper food wherever you are—rain, wind, or surprise sunshine. Yes, it costs more, and yes, it’s heavier than it looks in the photos.
But if you want BBQs that turn out right every time, with mates or family, in real British weather—this is a grill you’ll use again and again. Just pair it with a decent windbreak and bring extra sausages, because you’ll draw a crowd.
Still undecided? Think how much bad BBQs and disposable trays have cost you in cold bangers and wasted time. The Weber Traveler pays you back in stress-free, proper grilling, on campsite, beach or back garden.
That’s the honest verdict—none of the sales fluff, just what works. See you out there, mate. I’ll be the one by the tent, grilling steaks, rain or shine.
