The Perfect Grill for Every Flame Master
The Napoleon TravelQ PRO285 is a portable grill that combines high-quality materials and high-end features to satisfy even the most discerning grill enthusiasts. Whether you’re grilling burgers on a balcony or cooking up a feast in a small backyard, this grill is the perfect companion for all your culinary adventures.
About the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285 Portable Grill
The Napoleon PRO285-BK is not your average tabletop grill. It’s a ‘professional’ portable grill that is designed to elevate your grilling experience beyond just burgers and hot dogs. With its sleek matte black cast-aluminum finish and chrome detailing, this grill brings a touch of class to the world of portable grilling. And if you’re looking for even more versatility, you can purchase extra accessories like the warming rack and griddle grate to expand your cooking options.
Features that Make the Difference
One of the standout features of the Napoleon PRO285 is its construction. The cast aluminum body and lid ensure durability and heat retention, while the stainless steel burner tubes offer low maintenance and rust resistance. The cast-iron cooking grates not only provide excellent searing but also withstand high temperatures without warping. Additionally, the PRO285 is compatible with bulk propane tanks, making it a cost-effective choice for those who prefer larger tanks over disposable ones.
Another notable feature is the JetFire ignition system. With its piezo igniter and gas range-like functionality, lighting the burners is a breeze. Each burner has its own independent JetFire ignition, so you can easily achieve the perfect flame without the need for batteries.
Other Noteworthy Features
- 12,000 BTUs over two burners for quick and high-temperature grilling
- Chrome-embellished hood thermometer and burner controls for easy temperature monitoring
- 285 square-inch grill with enough space to cook 15 burgers at once
- Tall lid that allows you to roast a whole chicken
- No hot spots for even cooking
- Supports indirect cooking methods with the accessory warming rack
In-Depth Review of the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285
While the PRO285 is marketed as a professional portable grill, its size limits its capacity to feed large crowds. However, it excels at grilling for smaller groups, making it ideal for backyard cookouts and intimate gatherings. Napoleon, a reputable grill manufacturer known for their high-end products, has crafted the PRO285 with quality in mind. Although it doesn’t come with their typical warranty, it still boasts one of the best warranties in its class, with certain parts covered for up to 10 years.
How Portable Is It?
In terms of portability, the Napoleon PRO285 is moderately portable. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces like backyards, patios, and balconies. For added convenience, you can opt for the optional stand, which features a beverage shelf and a built-in bottle opener. Alternatively, you can place the grill on a small weather-resistant table.
RV owners and campers will also find the PRO285 to be a suitable choice. With the RV adaptor kit, you can easily connect it to your onboard propane system. However, make sure to check your available storage space, as the grill’s dimensions are 14.75″ high x 29″ wide x 18.5″ deep.
While the PRO285 is compact and easy to handle, it lacks some key features that would make it even more portable, such as a latch or lock to keep the lid closed during transit. Additionally, it can only use bulk propane tanks, which can be heavy and cumbersome compared to the smaller disposable propane bottles commonly used with portable grills. However, these drawbacks can be overcome with the use of a folding wagon for easier transportation.
Cooking Capabilities
When it comes to grilling, the Napoleon PRO285 performs almost as well as a full-sized grill. Lighting the grill is a simple process – just turn the burner knobs, and the built-in mini-flamethrower will ignite the burners. With two looping burners running under wavey cast-iron grates, the grill ensures even heat distribution and eliminates hot or cold spots. It takes approximately 10 minutes to reach grilling temperatures of 500-600°F with both burners set to high.
The tall dome-shaped lid provides ample space for roasting or indirect cooking with one burner turned off. You can even expand your cooking options with accessory griddle grates, perfect for cooking toppings or whipping up a delicious breakfast. While wind may affect temperature maintenance, the PRO285 can withstand most moderate winds with minimal impact on grilling performance.
Clean-Up Made Easy
Keeping the Napoleon PRO285 clean is a breeze. A good grill brush is essential for cleaning the cooking grates, and Napoleon recommends using a brass wire brush to clean the inside walls of the grill’s base and unclog burner holes. Interestingly, the manual suggests pre-cleaning the grates before each use by spreading vegetable shortening and preheating the grill. Not only does this cleaning method remove debris, but it also helps season the grates.
The grill features a small grease pan at the bottom, which collects grease and debris during grilling and cleaning. While aluminum liners are available, they are not necessary. It’s important to note that the manual advises against lining the drip tray with aluminum foil but instead suggests scraping it clean after each use. Cleaning the grill’s exterior is as simple as wiping it down with warm, soapy water. Overall, the Napoleon PRO285 is quick and easy to clean.
Unmatched Quality
The Napoleon PRO285 stands out for its exceptional quality. From its solid look and feel to the premium materials used in its construction, this grill is built to last. The cast aluminum firebox and lid offer durability and excellent heat resistance without the added weight of cast iron or the flimsiness of pressed steel. The stainless steel burners are rust-resistant and require minimal maintenance. Even the exterior, though susceptible to scuffing, can be easily restored with a bit of sanding and high-temp BBQ paint.
One notable advantage of the PRO285’s high-quality materials is their resistance to rust and deterioration, making this grill a great choice for coastal areas. The only part that may require attention is the Jetfire ignition, as igniters may fail without warning. In case of ignition failure, the grill comes with a lighting rod/matchstick holder for manual ignition.
Warranty You Can Rely On
The Napoleon PRO285 comes with an outstanding warranty that sets it apart from its competitors. While it doesn’t feature the typical Napoleon warranty, it still offers an impressive level of coverage. Some parts are covered for up to 10 years, ensuring peace of mind for grill owners. It’s important to note that Napoleon may require proof of adherence to their maintenance schedule for warranty work, so keeping a small notebook to track maintenance tasks is recommended. For complete warranty information, refer to the manual.
What’s in the Box?
When you purchase the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285, you’ll receive a fully assembled grill, two grill grates, a drip pan, and a 20-inch long propane hose.
The Perfect Companion: Napoleon PRO285 Accessories
Enhance your grilling experience with Napoleon’s range of PRO285 accessories. From grill brushes to griddle grates, these accessories allow you to tailor your cooking to suit your preferences. Create mouthwatering dishes and explore new culinary horizons with these versatile add-ons.
Pro’s & Con’s
Pros:
- High-quality construction
- Powerful heating capabilities
- Spacious grilling area
- Versatile cooking options
- Even heat distribution
- Supports indirect cooking methods
Cons:
- Bulkier and heavier than some portable grills
- Lid lacks a latch or lock for secure transportation
- Limited compatibility with disposable propane bottles
Ratings & Recommendations
Customer Ratings:
While customer ratings for the Napoleon PRO285 are limited, the existing reviews are intriguing. Positive reviews highlight the grill’s design, cooking capabilities, and overall quality. Out of the reviews available, 84% are positive, 11% are negative, and the remaining 5% fall in the middle. The majority of negative reviews express concerns about the propane hose’s length, which is a known limitation of the grill. Although Napoleon doesn’t offer a longer hose or recommend converting it for use with disposable propane bottles, you can easily find alternative solutions.
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My Recommendation
If you’re searching for a grill that combines portability with high-quality construction, the Napoleon PRO285 is an excellent choice. It excels as a backyard or balcony grill, delivering impressive cooking performance and durability. Investing in the optional cart and a cover can further enhance your grilling experience. RV owners and campers will also appreciate its features, although vehicle campers and tenters should consider the storage and transportation space required. For tailgating purposes, keep in mind that transporting a bulk propane tank can be challenging. Alternatively, explore other options that offer greater convenience for transportation.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Napoleon PRO285, consider the following options:
- Napoleon TravelQ PRO285X: This sister model offers even more portability with its scissor cart, latches, and wheels. It runs on 1lb disposable bottles out of the box, giving you flexibility in fuel options.
- Weber Q2200: With a similar build quality and grilling surface area, the Weber Q2200 is an excellent alternative to the PRO285. It features side tables and compatibility with disposable propane bottles. Although it has only one burner, it offers excellent value for your money.
Prices & Where to Buy the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285
Please note that as of spring 2021, the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285 may be out of stock in many places. However, sporadic availability can be found on Amazon, and Appliances Connection currently offers the grill at a reasonable price with free shipping.
More Information
For more information about the Napoleon TravelQ PRO285, refer to the following resources:
- Napoleon – Company History – Wikipedia
- Napoleon TravelQ PRO285 Manual (Oct 2019)