Weber Master-Touch 22 vs Weber Q 1200
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Quick take: The Weber Q 1200 costs $10 less; the Weber Master-Touch 22 offers more cooking space (363 vs 189 sq in); the Weber Master-Touch 22 reaches a higher max temp (700 vs 500°F).
| Spec | Weber Master-Touch 22 | Weber Q 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$289 | ~$279 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (4,432) | 4.6★ (7,712) |
| Type | Charcoal Grill | Gas Grill |
| Cooking Area | 363 sq in | 189 sq in |
| Max Temp | 700°F | 500°F |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Propane/Natural Gas |
| Build Material | Porcelain-Enameled Steel | Cast aluminum body and lid, glass-reinforced nylon frame |
| Hopper Capacity | — | — |
| Burners | — | 1 |
| WiFi / App | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Meat probe | No | No |
| PID controller | No | No |
| Side burner | No | No |
| Rotisserie | No | No |
| Searing | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 30 x 25 x 42 in | 40.9 x 16.5 x 15.5 in |
| Weight | 32 lbs | 31 lbs |
| Warranty | 10 years | 5 years |
Pros & cons
Weber Master-Touch 22
- ✓It's incredibly versatile - direct high-heat searing, two-zone grilling, and even low-and-slow smoking with the Snake method all work great in one inexpensive grill
- ✓The hinged Gourmet BBQ System grate lets you add charcoal mid-cook and drop in accessories like a sear grate, pizza stone, or wok
- ✓The One-Touch cleaning system sweeps ash into a sealed catcher, making cleanup faster and tidier than basic kettles
- ✓Porcelain-enameled steel bowl and lid resist rust and hold heat well, and routinely last 10-15+ years
- ✓At ~$235 with a built-in thermometer and Tuck-Away lid holder it's an outstanding value in charcoal
- ✓It reaches blazing searing temps that no pellet grill can touch, giving real charcoal flavor and crust
- ✓It's light and portable at 32 lbs, easy to move around the yard or take to a campsite
- ✓Weber's 10-year warranty and universal parts availability mean you can keep it running indefinitely
- ✗Charcoal cooking has a learning curve - managing vents and fuel for steady temps takes practice versus push-button gas or pellets
- ✗There's no app, probe, or automation, so long smokes require hands-on vent adjustments and refueling
- ✗363 sq in is modest, so cooking for a big crowd means batching or stepping up to the 26-inch model
- ✗Holding low temps for a long brisket is doable but fiddly compared to a dedicated smoker, with temps prone to drifting
- ✗Ash and charcoal handling is messier than gas or pellets, and you deal with lighting and disposal every cook
- ✗The lid thermometer is approximate, so serious cooks add a separate probe
- ✗Wind can swing temperatures noticeably, requiring vent babysitting on gusty days
- ✗It needs a chimney starter and charcoal on hand, adding small ongoing fuel costs and prep steps
Weber Q 1200
- ✓Heavy cast aluminum construction retains heat far better than thin portable rivals
- ✓Porcelain cast iron grates produce genuine sear marks
- ✓One of the most-reviewed and highest-rated portables on the market
- ✓Fold-out side tables and electronic ignition are rare at this size
- ✓5-year warranty and decades of parts availability
- ✓Compact enough for balconies where full-size grills are banned
- ✗Single burner rules out two-zone or indirect cooking
- ✗189 sq in maxes out around four people
- ✗Burns through 1 lb canisters fast - the tank adapter hose is a near-mandatory extra
- ✗Regulator low-flow lockout after canister swaps is a common owner annoyance
- ✗At $279 it costs more than some full-size 4-burner grills