Don't pack away the BBQ just yet - this compact Napoleon grill is made for autumn
Cooler weather doesn't mean that barbecues are off the menu
If you want a barbecue but can't sacrifice the space, the Napoleon is perfect. It gives the authentic grilling experience and then, when you're finished, folds away for easy storage.
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Compact design that's easy to store
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Plenty of space to cook for the family
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Grill technology is quick and realistic
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Quite wide for storing indoors or in a shed
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Heavy on arrival
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The best barbecues aren't just for summer. From Halloween gatherings and Bonfire Night suppers to crisp autumn evenings and festive get-togethers, a compact gas grill can help you make more of your outdoor space all year round. Add a cosy blanket and a hot chocolate, and even a chilly evening in the garden has its appeal.
The Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill makes a compelling case for keeping the barbecue season going. With two stainless steel burners for precise temperature control, a compact design and wheels for easy manoeuvring, it's a versatile option for smaller gardens and patios, whether you're cooking a quick Friday-night dinner or entertaining outdoors.
We put it to the test with our Tester Network to see how it performed through the end of the Summer months and into the early Autumn - and to find out whether it's the perfect patio companion.
Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill review
- RRP: £384.99
- Assembled dimensions with lid open: 131 x 112 x 51 cm (HWD)
- Weight: 23 kgs
- Fuel type: portable propane
- Stand: built-in folding scissor cart with wheels and straps
- Main cooking area: 54 x 37cm
- Burners: 2 stainless steel zones
- Heat Output: 4.1 kW
- Materials: dual stainless steel burners, a high-topped cast aluminium lid, and porcelainized cast-iron WAVE™ cooking grids
- Warranty: 10 years
Who would the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill suit?
- Small gardens and patios that deserve a quality barbecue: If you have a courtyard or compact patio, you'll know that every inch of outdoor space counts. Whilst we have plenty of tips for maximising space, the Napoleon takes a clever approach to compact designs. An integrated scissor cart that makes it easy to wheel out when dinner is on the menu, then fold away to reclaim your space afterwards.
- Passionate cooks who want char-grilled flavour: A compact footprint doesn't have to mean compromising on what you can cook. The high-topped lid gives you more room and versatility than you might expect from a portable grill, with our tester reporting that it can roast whole chickens as well as cook kebabs and burgers. She also praised the two burners for their precise temperature control, making it a good fit for confident home cooks who want more than the basics from their barbecue.
- Outdoor entertainers who want to cook beyond summer: If you love hosting, there's no need to pack away your barbecue as soon as the temperature drops. This portable model makes it easier to serve freshly grilled food at autumn gatherings, Bonfire Night suppers and even festive get-togethers, without needing a large outdoor kitchen. It's best suited to those who want the flexibility to cook outdoors when the occasion calls for it, rather than reserving the barbecue for a handful of sunny weekends.
What is the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill like to use?
One of the biggest draws of the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill is how effortlessly it fits into even the most compact garden. Our tester, Lucy, praised the integrated scissor cart "it's really easy to open out to create a raised cooking station, with wheels that make it easy to put in place." When you're finished cooking, Lucy adds, the cart folds away, which is particularly useful if you don't have the space for a barbecue set-up.
To assess how well the Napoleon performs in practice, Lucy put it through a rage of tests. Burgers and kebabs were a classic choice for an end of summer meal. Lucy was "impressed with how evenly the burgers browned as well as the way that the kebabs held together, tenderised, and tasted in under ten minutes."
Lucy was also impressed with the trademarked WAVE cooking grids, which Napoleon uses to get satisfying sear marks on her burgers, halloumi, and sausages. "The family were seriously impressed, because they make the food look the part." She added "this is a really unique barbecue, because it's so petite and easy to use, you don't expect to get such incredible results."
Lucy's testament is why Napoleon barbecues have seen such success over the years. They offer precision temperature control, fast heat-up, and versatility through small features, which make a big difference when you're working with the oven for a nice grilled barbecue dinner.
As the weather cooled down and we moved into October, Lucy added to her tests with some larger dishes, including a whole chicken. She said "the large, high lid made it easy to pop this in for a low and slow cook and I actually found that the temperature regulation was really good. The roast chicken was a great success with the family. My next plan is to roast some vegetables too."
Once all the cooking was wrapped up, cleaning was really easy. The grill wipes down and "looked as good as new" in spite of multiple days of testing, with the occasional, accidental burnt kebab.
Alternatives to the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill
Portable barbecues are a competitive, ever-expanding category and we've been making our way through the different models. Here are some of the best alternatives to the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill:
A rival to our tester's air fryer, this speedy compact barbecue takes small-space dining to a whole new level. It can be carried around effortlessly, but has less of the BBQ feel.
If you like the look of the Napoleon, but know that you need more space, our Tester Network loved the consistency, versatility and quality of this model.
This charcoal-fuelled barbecue is perfect for more advanced cooks who want to smoke and slow cook as well as grill. This is still relatively compact and our Tester Network loved it for family meals.
Should you buy the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill?
The Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X proves that a good barbecue doesn't need to be big to earn its place in your garden. Teamed with clever lighting tips to make your garden look bigger, the barbecue will make the most compact patio feel like a paradise.
Its clever folding cart, precise temperature controls and versatile cooking space make it a practical choice for smaller spaces and anyone who wants to enjoy outdoor cooking beyond the summer months. While it's an investment for a portable model, the added flexibility means there's plenty of scope to get more use out of it, from casual Friday-night dinners to autumn entertaining. If you're reluctant to pack away the barbecue just because the evenings are getting cooler, this is a model worth considering.
How we test BBQs
The apoleon TravelQ PRO285X Portable Propane Gas Grill was reviewed by xxx who is part of our tester network. Here's a little more about why she's the perfect person for the job...
Lucy is a keen home cook who enjoys making healthy meals and spending as much time outdoors as possible. A single mum who works full time, she values kitchen appliances and cooking gadgets that are practical, quick to use and easy to fit into everyday life. As a complete barbecue beginner, she was particularly interested in finding out whether a portable gas grill could really make outdoor cooking feel simple and stress-free.
