BIG HORN vs Coleman Grills: Which Brand Fits You?
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The BIG HORN vs coleman grill debate comes down to cooking style. Both use propane fuel for outdoor heating. The BIG HORN is a compact tabletop infrared unit built for high-heat searing. The Coleman is a larger stand-up grill with traditional burners. You need to decide if you want intense, direct infrared heat or versatile, adjustable burner control for your next meal.
Key differences
| Aspect | BIG HORN 21-Inch Infrared Propane Grill | Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Tabletop | Portable Stand-Up |
| Heat Output | 19,000 BTU | 20,000 total BTUs |
| Burner Count | 2 | 3 |
| Heating Method | Infrared | Traditional Burners |
| Material | Stainless steel | not listed |
| Dimensions | 21.2 x 21.4 x 14.1 inches | 32.1 x 18.5 x 15.5 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose BIG HORN 21-Inch Infrared Propane Grill if
- You need intense, rapid infrared heat for searing steaks.
- You want a compact tabletop unit for small spaces.
- You prefer stainless steel construction for durability.
Choose Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill if
- You want a stand-up grill for easier access.
- You need three adjustable burners for precise control.
- You require push-button ignition for easy lighting.
Verdict: Choose the BIG HORN if your priority is high-heat searing and a compact footprint. Pick the Coleman if you prefer a traditional stand-up design with multiple burners and easier setup. Both are propane-powered, so your choice depends on your preferred cooking style and space.
BIG HORN vs Coleman Specs
Heat Output
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 offers 20,000 total BTUs across three burners. This provides steady, consistent heat for general grilling tasks. The BIG HORN delivers 19,000 BTUs through two infrared burners. While slightly lower in total output, the infrared design concentrates heat intensely. You get rapid heating to 1500°F in just five minutes. This makes the BIG HORN superior for quick searing. The Coleman is better for even cooking over a larger area. Choose the Coleman for volume, or the BIG HORN for speed and intensity.
Form Factor
The Coleman is a portable stand-up grill with quick-fold legs and wheels. It stands at 15.5 inches high and weighs 46.7 pounds. This design suits tailgating and camping where you want a traditional grill height. The BIG HORN is a compact tabletop unit measuring 21.2 inches wide. It sits lower, making it ideal for small spaces or counters. The BIG HORN is portable but meant for table use. The Coleman offers easier access without bending down. Your choice depends on whether you prefer standing or tabletop cooking.
Cooking Area
The Coleman provides a large 285 square inch grilling area. This space accommodates multiple burgers or steaks at once. The BIG HORN features a spacious cooking chamber with a 7-tier adjustable rack. However, specific square footage is not listed in the data. The BIG HORN is narrower at 21.2 inches wide. The Coleman is wider at 18.5 inches but longer at 32.1 inches. You get more total surface area with the Coleman. The BIG HORN focuses on vertical flexibility with its adjustable rack. You should pick the Coleman for larger batches.
Heating Method
The BIG HORN uses professional top-down infrared heating. This method mimics a restaurant salamander broiler for intense direct heat. It creates a perfect Maillard reaction for searing steaks and ribs. The control knobs allow precise searing and finishing. The Coleman uses three adjustable traditional burners. This setup offers more precise temperature control for varied cooking. It is better for indirect heat or slower cooking. The BIG HORN excels at high-heat searing. The Coleman offers more versatility for different cooking styles.
Build Quality
The BIG HORN is crafted from rust-resistant stainless steel. All components are detachable for easy cleaning. Parts are dishwasher-safe, which simplifies maintenance. The Coleman is made of durable materials suitable for outdoor use. It includes a built-in thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring. The data does not specify the exact material for the Coleman body. Both units are designed for outdoor placement. The BIG HORN offers easier cleanup with dishwasher-safe parts. The Coleman provides better temperature monitoring with its integrated gauge.
Ignition and Controls
The Coleman features push-button ignition for matchless lighting. It also has three adjustable burners for precise control. This makes setup and adjustment straightforward. The BIG HORN has independent control knobs for each burner. This allows you to prepare two different doneness levels simultaneously. The data does not mention an ignition system for the BIG HORN. You may need to light it manually. The Coleman is easier to start and control. The BIG HORN offers better zone separation for complex meals.
Which Grill Matches Your Cooking Style
Steak enthusiasts seeking high-heat searing
The BIG HORN uses dual infrared burners to reach 1500°F quickly. This intense top-down heat creates a perfect Maillard reaction for seared steaks. Its tabletop design focuses on precision cooking rather than large volume. You get independent control knobs to manage doneness levels efficiently.
Campers needing versatile cooking space
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 offers 285 square inches of grilling area. Three adjustable burners provide steady heat for general tasks. Its stand-up form factor with wheels and quick-fold legs makes setup easy. You can cook diverse meals without the intense direct heat of infrared systems.
Users wanting precise temperature control
Three burners allow you to create distinct zones for different foods. The integrated thermometer helps monitor internal temperatures accurately. Push-button ignition ensures reliable lighting every time. This setup suits those who prefer traditional grilling methods with consistent, adjustable heat across a larger surface area.
The products compared
BIG HORN 21-Inch Infrared Propane Grill
Best for: high-heat steak searing
- Fuel Type
- Propane
- Heat Output
- 19,000 BTU
- Burner Count
- 2
- Form Factor
- Tabletop
- Primary Material
- Stainless steel
- Placement
- Outdoor
View on Amazon: BIG HORN 21-Inch Infrared Propane Grill Affiliate link
This tabletop propane grill uses dual infrared burners to reach 1500°F quickly. It delivers intense top-down heat for professional-style searing. The 19,000 BTU output supports high-temperature cooking for steaks and ribs. You get a 21.2-inch cooking width with a 7-tier adjustable rack. The stainless steel construction is rust-resistant and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Pros
- Reaches 1500°F in 5 minutes
- Dual independent infrared burners
- 19,000 BTU heat output
- Dishwasher-safe stainless steel parts
Cons
- Tabletop form factor requires a sturdy surface
- No side shelves for prep space
- Limited to propane fuel source
Good fit if
- You need intense searing heat for steaks
- You want quick preheat times
- You have limited counter space
Skip if
- You prefer charcoal flavor
- You need a large main grill
- You want electric ignition
Verdict: BIG HORN 21.2 Inch Infrared Propane Grill delivers restaurant-quality searing for users who prioritize high heat and fast cooking. It fits best for steak enthusiasts who want a compact, high-performance sear station.
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill
Best for: precise heat control and stable setup
- Fuel Type
- Propane
- Cooking Area
- 285 sq. in.
- Heat Output
- 20,000 total BTUs
- Burner Count
- 3
- Form Factor
- Portable Stand-Up
- Placement
- Outdoor
View on Amazon: Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill Affiliate link
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is a portable stand-up propane grill designed for camping and tailgating. It delivers 20,000 total BTUs across three adjustable burners, allowing for precise temperature control. The 285-square-inch cooking area fits a standard meal, while the integrated thermometer helps you monitor heat. With quick-fold legs and wheels, you can set it up easily and move it around your outdoor space.
Pros
- 20,000 total BTUs for strong heat output
- Three adjustable burners for precise temperature control
- 285-square-inch grilling area
- Push-button ignition for easy lighting
- Integrated thermometer for monitoring heat
Cons
- 285-square-inch cooking area is smaller than competitors
- 46.7-pound weight is heavy for frequent transport
- Propane cylinder sold separately
Good fit if
- You need precise heat control for varied cooking
- You want a sturdy stand-up design for stability
- You prioritize easy setup with quick-fold legs
Skip if
- You need a larger cooking surface for big groups
- You prefer a lighter unit for easy carrying
- You want a grill with included fuel cylinder
Verdict: Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill suits you if you need precise temperature control and a stable stand-up design for tailgating or camping. It is less ideal if you require a larger cooking surface or a lighter unit for frequent transport.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | BIG HORN 21-Inch Infrared Propane Grill | Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Propane | Propane |
| Cooking Area | not stated | 285 sq. in. |
| Heat Output | 19,000 BTU | 20,000 total BTUs |
| Burner Count | 2 | 3 |
| Form Factor | Tabletop | Portable Stand-Up |
| Primary Material | Stainless steel | not stated |
| Placement | Outdoor | Outdoor |
| Application | not stated | Camping, Tailgating |
| Material | Stainless Steel | not stated |
| Use | Searing | not stated |
| Heating Method | Infrared | not stated |
| Dimensions | 21.4 × 21.2 × 14.1 inches | 32.1 × 18.5 × 15.5 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 46.7 pounds |
| Size | 21.2 inch | One Size |
| Color | Silver | Black |
| Model | SRGG22502 | 2000033052 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the BIG HORN grill better for searing than the Coleman?
Yes, the BIG HORN is designed specifically for high-heat searing. It uses infrared heating technology to reach 1500°F quickly. This creates a strong Maillard reaction on steaks. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 uses traditional burners for steady, consistent heat. It is better for general grilling than intense searing.
Which grill is more portable for camping trips?
Both grills are portable, but they serve different needs. The BIG HORN is a compact tabletop unit with a 21.2-inch width. It fits easily in small spaces. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is larger and weighs 46.7 pounds. It includes a stand-up design that offers more stability but takes up more room.
Does the BIG HORN grill use propane or gas?
The BIG HORN grill uses propane fuel. It is classified as a gas grill in the outdoor cooking category. The fuel type allows for quick ignition and precise temperature adjustments. You connect it to a standard propane tank for outdoor use.
What is the cooking surface size difference between the two?
The BIG HORN features a 21.2-inch circular cooking surface. The Coleman RoadTrip 285 has a rectangular cooking area that is 32.1 inches long and 18.5 inches wide. The Coleman provides more total square inches for larger meals. The BIG HORN focuses on concentrated heat for smaller portions.
Can I use the Coleman grill for tailgating?
Yes, the Coleman RoadTrip 285 is ideal for tailgating. It features a stable stand-up design that keeps you upright while cooking. The application is listed for both camping and tailgating. Its propane fuel system makes it easy to set up in parking lots or outdoor venues.
Is the BIG HORN grill made of stainless steel?
Yes, the BIG HORN 21-Inch Infrared Propane Grill is constructed from stainless steel. This material helps it withstand outdoor conditions. The color is silver, and the form factor is portable. Stainless steel provides durability for high-heat infrared cooking tasks.
Which grill has more burners for heat control?
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 has three burners. This allows for precise heat control across a larger cooking area. The BIG HORN uses two infrared burners. While it has fewer burners, the infrared technology concentrates heat for searing. The Coleman is better for zones, while the BIG HORN is for intensity.