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Review: Coleman RoadTrip Grill LX


Reviewed by:
Rating:
4
On July 12, 2011
Last modified:May 6, 2012

Summary:

Coleman 9941-768 Road Trip Grill LX (Blue)

The Coleman RoadTrip Grill LX is as close to a full-size grill as you can get while remaining compact and easy to store. Though all Coleman RoadTrip Grills are known to be very practical and have a lot great features, the LX model is really the cream of the crop.

This grill is ideal for camping and tailgating, and works well under colder conditions and in higher altitude areas.

Not only is it easy to set up and store, but it can also cook a wide variety of meals.  If you want to cook typical bbq fare such as steaks and burgers, the LX can handle it. But why limit yourself to just that when you can create lovely meals any time of day.  Pancakes and bacon are no problem with the optional griddle plates. Stove plates will not just boil a pot of water for coffee or cleaning, but will help you create a masterful pot of chili.

If you are considering a portable grill, I suggest that you read on to learn more about the Coleman Roadtrip LX Grill.  You can also take a look at my RoadTrip Grill Comparsion Chart, or read my review on the newer model: the RoadTrip LXE.

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Full Review: Coleman RoadTrip LX Portable Grill – Model 9941-768

Features

My favorite feature is the interchangeable cooking plates that you can mix and match. This means that no matter where you intend on using it, you have plenty of meal options. While the unit itself comes with a half-size grill grate and a half-size griddle plate, full sizes of each as well as stove plates for pots and frying pans are available separately.

Another feature that I like is the size of the cooking surface. At 285 square inches, it’s very large for a portable grill – even comparable with some high quality full-size grills.

But a grill of that size wouldn’t mean anything if it didn’t cook well. This Coleman portable grill features two large burners with enough heat to cook everything on the grill. It’s also designed to distribute heat evenly, which means that everything will cook properly.

Other Noteworthy Features

  • Removable lid allows for cooking with big stock pots
  • Setting up and tearing down takes seconds
  • Grill can be used on included stand or as a tabletop unit
  • Includes a water pan to collect drippings to help keep your grill clean
  • Stand includes telescopic legs that retract and fold in

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How Portable Is It?

The Coleman LX Grill is primarily designed as a portable grill. But how does that portability stand up?

While it is a very large grill, the stand does fold up very neatly, which makes it very convenient to store. The grill has built in handles on the side as well as a lock on the lid to make it easier to carry it around.

The entire unit is very compact when in its collapsed mode, but both the stand and the grill weigh in together at 41 lbs, which does make it a little heavy for hiking. With that said, there is a wheeled carrying case available to help you with transporting it from one point to another.

Overall, this grill is still quite portable, though it might not be the right solution for everyone, such as people looking to hike longer distances to get into their favorite camping spot.

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Cooking Capabilities

As I previously noted, what you can do with the Coleman RoadTrip LX is really what makes it stand out from any comparable grill available.

When was the last time you saw a portable grill that could cook pancakes and sausages at the same time? How about steaks with grilled mushrooms and onions? Or that pot of chili that you love to make from scratch?

You can see where I’m going here – there isn’t anything else like it. This grill is by far the most versatile grill available when it comes to what you can cook.

Another point I’d like to make is that each of the two burners has its own control knob that will allow you to have different cooking temperatures on each side.

The only downside is that the lid is really shallow. Combine that with the high heat output, and grilling with the lid down on anything but the lowest setting and very well supervised is impossible.

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Cleanup and Storage

There are very few issues with cleaning a RoadTrip LX.

The grill and griddle grates are dishwasher safe, which I really like – though when out camping, you don’t exactly have a dishwasher to rely on. In that case, washing the grates in warm, soapy water with a soft cloth is recommended. Some have stated that to get all of the food debris off of the grates, placing a paper towel soaked in water on the grate while it’s still warm will help get them clean.

The body of the unit is easily cleaned with a soft cloth and some soapy water as well. Make sure to be careful not to clog the burner holes with any sort of debris as that will cause problems.

But cleaning the water pan / grease tray is a bit of a disgusting job for some. Others appreciate why Coleman included it in the design and have no problems with it as they find it keeps food a little more moist.

It is important to empty and clean the water pan after every use to prevent grease build up that could cause a fire.

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What’s Included?

The Coleman LX 9941-768 includes:

  • Grill
  • Stand with telescopic legs and height adjustable feet
  • Two side shelves that connect to the stand
  • Propane regulator that fits 16.4 oz LP bottles
  • One half-size grill grate
  • One half-size griddle grate

Initial Assembly

There is a little bit of extra assembly when you first get a RoadTrip LX, but it isn’t at all difficult.

The stove is already assembled and ready to go, but stand does need to be put together. Fortunately, the instructions are very clear on how the stand goes together, and anyone could have it together in five minutes or less.

The Regulator is a separate piece. You need to attach it to the propane bottle before placing in its correct spot on the grill.

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Dimensions and Weight

Fully assembled and ready-for-use dimensions are 36”H x 50”L x 19”W.

The stand and grill together weigh 41 lbs, but the grill itself weighs 24 lbs.

Fuel Sources

The Coleman RoadTrip LX Grill is designed to use 16.4oz disposable liquid propane bottles.

If you prefer to use your own refillable propane tank instead of using expensive disposable bottles, you can purchase a regulator and hose to convert your grill.

Accessories

There are several accessories available for this model that can help you cook better, save on fuel expenses and to protect your grill.  Read more about Coleman RoadTrip Grill Accessories to see what you can do with this and other RoadTrip grills.

 

Warranty

A limited 5 year warranty is included with the purchase of this grill. This warranty covers defective materials and workmanship. Keep your receipt, and if you have problems, get in touch with Coleman directly.

You should also know that Coleman sells a variety of replacement parts as well. If your grill needs a part that isn’t covered by the warranty, there is a good chance that you will be able to replace the part.

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Pros

This is a great grill because:

  • It’s very large while remaining portable
  • You can cook practically anything with mix-and-match cooking grates
  • Very hot and even cooking
  • Can be used as a tabletop grill

Cons

  • Can be difficult to get level
  • Some people don’t enjoy cleaning out the water pan
  • Not much room under the lid, making it useless for cooking
  • Can be awkward to carry around without buying a carrying case

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Consumer Opinions

The Coleman RoadTrip Grill LX has enjoyed a very high customer rating, leaving the majority of customers completely satisfied with it. This makes it a pretty safe choice.

But, as with anything else, there were a very small amount of customers that were not completely satisfied. Most of the complaints were from people who didn’t know how to operate it properly, or didn’t like the water pan that oddly enough others rave about.

Still others didn’t realize how hot this grill could get and left it unattended with the lid down, causing the handle and/or lid to melt.

 

Compare Prices and Availability

Available AtProductPrice
AmazonColeman 9941-768 Road Trip Grill LX (Blue)

$213.10

used from: $160.00

Visit Store
Prices last updated at 7:07AM EDT May 20/12 and are subject to change at any time. Updated hourly.

 

Overall Recommendation

I think that this is a fantastic grill, though I do realize that it’s not for everyone. The price is a little high, but I think that the way this grill is designed and what it allows you to do is well worth the cost.

For those that want to cook a variety of foods, this could be your grill.

If you’re looking for a grill to take to the park, in the RV, or to the tailgate party, this is an excellent option.

If having a truly portable grill that you can pack up and take on long hikes, you may be interested in something a little more like the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet.

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Specs and More Information

Brand: Coleman
Model Name: RoadTrip® Grill LX
Model Number: 9941-768
Dimensions: 36”H x 50”L x 19”W
Weight: 41lbs (Grill Only: 24lbs)
BTU’s: 20,000
Main Fuel Source: 16.4oz propane Cylinders, sold separately.
Upgradeable to 20lb LP tank: Yes, with adapter hose, sold separately.
Cooking Surface Area: 285 sq. in.
Body Materials: Enamel-coated steel
Grill Materials: Nonstick Cast-Aluminum
Burner Materials: Steel
Number of Burners: 2 x 10,000 BTU burners, each with separate control
Ignition System: push-button
Built In Thermometer: no
Side Tables: 2, detachable from stand
Stand: Folding, removable leg stand
Warranty: 5 Year Limited Warranty
Manufacturing Country: China
Product Manual: Click to View (opens in new window)
Price Range: $200-$300

Need more help deciding which portable grill is right for you? Check out our buyer’s guide for some helpful information.

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