The Weber q 2200 vs 3200 is a comparison between two high-quality compact gas grills from the iconic Weber brand. These models are very similar and share a lot of common features and benefits but there are some differences that could help to make your choice a little easier.
I’ve researched these products top to bottom. Below you will find all of the details that will influence your purchase decision.
Click here to see price for the Weber Q 2200
Click here to see price for the Weber Q 3200
Where can these grills be used?
When you first take a glance at the Weber Q2200, without proper perspective or background on this product, there is no way to know whether this is an outdoor or indoor product. It looks like it could be an indoor grill but it is a propane burning compact outdoor grill.
The sleek and compact design is best for tail gating, camping, but large enough to accommodate a small family thanks to the large grill surface.
Table of Contents
Appearance and Size
Both the Q3200 and the Q2200 are small in size compared to most propane grills. That’s because they aren’t originally designed to replace your heavy duty grill. But depending on your family size and habits, they could.
When you tailgate or camp, you probably don’t have the room to bring your gigantic grill and accompanying accessories with you. With either of these models, Weber gives you a practical solution. If you have a small family, this unit could definitely be your starter grill.
The Q2200 measures 25.1 x 51.4 x 26 inches and has a shipping weight of about 42 pounds while the Q3200 measures 30 x 50.2 x 55.5 inches and has a shipping weight of about 84 pounds. If you are buying this as a travel companion to sporting events then this info can give you some perspective as to what dimensions your vehicle can accommodate.
The most noticeable difference between the Q2200 and the Q3200 is that the latter has a stand. This stand makes up the difference between the height of the two machines. Also, you can buy a separate detachable stand for the weber q2200. With the Weber q3200, the stand is mounted and not detachable.
Replacement grates for griddle side, allows you to grill and griddle at the same time.
Click here to get more details on the Weber Q2200
Click here to get more details on the Weber Q3200
Thermometer
Both of these grill come with built-in thermometers. These thermometers suck. You will never have an accurate read-out of the temperature. For the most accurate results use an infrared thermometer.
Construction
The construction is the same for both grills. The cooking grates are made of porcelain enameled cast iron while the body and lid is constructed of cast-aluminum
Power and Performance
The Q2200 is claimed to be pre-assembled, but according to customers there is some minor assembly required. Assembly is required to get the Q3200 ready for action.
The Q2200 has just one stainless steel burner with an output of 12,000 btu’s per hour that is capable of heating a 280 square inch grilling surface. The Weber Q3200 has a grilling surface of 393 square inches. Unlike the Q 2200, the 3200 has two stainless steel burners with an output of 21,500 btu’s per hour.
The Weber Q2200, with its lone burner and lower btu output, has limitations that you might not have thought about. For example, you won’t be able to have multiple “zones” that would allow you to cook different types of food at the same time.
The single burner Q2200 will take longer than the Q3200 to preheat, sear and maintain high heat. On the plus side, according to customer accounts, hotspots – areas on the grill that are significantly hotter than others, aren’t an issue. The heat from the burners is spread across the grates pretty evenly. This is a huge issue for lesser portable grills.
I think that you will get the best use of the q2200 for one to three people. The Weber Q3200 is best for three to six people. I was surprised to come across people that claimed to use the q 2200 to regularly feed a family of four and even six people. It’s all about what performance level you expect and what you plan to cook on your grill regularly. Cooking eight burgers at once might be fine, but you probably couldn’t cook eight steaks at once.
Both of these grills are flexible. The grill grates can be swapped out for griddle inserts. This can afford you a new tasty way to prepare your meals.
Fuel
The Weber q2200 uses disposable propane canisters but you can also buy an adapter hose to make it compatible with regular propane tanks. The small disposable canisters fall directly in line with the q2200’s portability. Your results will probably vary but according to customers you will probably use about one cartridge per hour. The Weber q3200 uses standard twenty pound propane tanks.
Warranty
The warranties for these and other Weber grills are a little more complex as compared to other products. Each section of the grill is covered for different terms. The warranty for both the Weber Q-2200 and Q-3200 is as follows:
- Cook box: 5 years, no rust through/burn through (2 years paint excluding fading or discoloration)
- Lid assembly: 5 years, no rust through/burn through (2 years paint excluding fading or discoloration)
- Stainless steel burner tubes: 5 years, no rust through/burn through
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates: 5 years, no rust through/burn through
- Plastic components: 5 years, excluding fading or discoloration
- All remaining parts: 2 years
Click here to check price for the Weber q2200
Click here to check price for the Weber q3200
Customer Reviews
There is a variety of customer reviews for both of these grills and many of these customers are happy with the performance. These satisfied customers point to the consistent results and convenience as pros for these grills. The 2200 gets extra points for its portability while the 3200 is praised for being a high quality entry-level gas grill.
Still, I read through the poor reviews for both grills. Some reviewers for either grill stated that the grill didn’t get hot enough. Others complained about how long it took to assemble (particularly the 3200). Some pointed to the grill’s limitations, i.e. it’s only good for burgers and hotdogs but it doesn’t have enough space to use pots or pans with it. That may or may not be important to you.
These negatives mostly seemed to be customers whom were surprised by the grill’s limitations. The other complaints were mostly from customers with one-off defects. Still, there are many customers whom are satisfied with their purchase.
Summary
There is no “best choice” in the Weber q 2200 vs 3200 grill comparison. These grills serve customers whom could have different interest, lifestyles and family sizes. These grills carry unique features and benefits. For example, the weber q2200 is designed more for portability. It’s a great choice if its primary use will be tailgating or camping.
On the flip side, the weber q3200 comes with a stand. It is a better choice if you plan to have a more stationary grill. It also heavier than the 2200. And it’s more powerful. This is a decent choice for a lighter weight, sleek, propane grill.
Bottom line, if you need a high-quality portable grill go for the q2200. If you’re looking for a small-ish, high-quality, entry-level propane grill for your home then go for the weber q3200.
Weber Q2200 – Click here to see price
Weber Q3200 – Click here to see price
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