Thermos 265 Gas Grill Review – Budget-Friendly & Portable
Introduction
The weekend barbecue. The Friday night burger. The smoky aroma of grilled delights. For many, these are quintessential moments. But often, those moments are hampered by grills that struggle to maintain consistent heat, deliver a proper sear, or simply can’t handle the demands of a hungry crowd. Flare-ups, uneven cooking, and frustrating assembly are common complaints, turning what should be a relaxing outdoor experience into a stressful chore. The Thermos 265 2-Burner Gas Grill aims to address these frustrations, offering a balance of affordability, portability, and decent performance for the casual griller.
Overview
The Thermos 265 2-Burner Gas Grill presents itself as a practical and compact solution for backyard cooking. Designed with portability in mind, this cart-style grill features two burners delivering 26,500 BTUs of heat across 265 square inches of primary cooking space. The porcelain-coated grates and lid are intended for durability, while the included side shelves and tool hooks enhance convenience. This isn’t a high-end smoker or a multi-zone grilling powerhouse, but rather a straightforward option for individuals or small families looking for a dependable and easy-to-use gas grill for weeknight dinners and smaller gatherings. It’s geared toward the budget-conscious griller who values portability and ease of setup.
Features
Integrated Side Shelves & Tool Hooks: The inclusion of plastic side shelves offers a convenient surface for holding grilling tools, plates, or ingredients. The built-in tool hooks provide an organized storage solution, keeping your essentials within easy reach. This translates to a more efficient grilling process and a tidier outdoor space.
High-Heat 2-Burner System: The grill boasts two burners that provide a combined 26,500 BTUs of cooking power. This heat output is sufficient for quickly searing steaks and cooking a variety of other foods, though it may require careful temperature management on hot days. The benefit of this is faster cook times and the ability to handle larger meals compared to lower-BTU grills.
Porcelain-Coated Grates & Lid: The porcelain-coated grates and lid are designed for rust resistance and easy cleaning. This reduces the likelihood of food sticking and makes cleanup significantly simpler. The advantage here is a longer lifespan for the grill’s components and a more pleasant cooking experience – less scrubbing and more grilling.
Portable Cart Design: Built on two 6” wheels and two stationary legs, this grill is designed for easy portability and stability. This allows for convenient relocation around the patio or even to tailgating events. The advantage is greater flexibility in your grilling location and the ability to store the grill out of the elements when not in use.
Piezo Ignition System: The piezo ignition system provides a reliable and simple way to start the grill. No more struggling with matches or lighters – a single push of a button sparks the burners, ensuring a quick and hassle-free start every time. This benefit significantly enhances the user experience, particularly for beginners or those who value convenience.
Benefits
Consistent Heat for Weeknight Meals: The 26,500 BTU output provides enough heat to cook burgers, chicken, and vegetables quickly and evenly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when time is limited.
Easy Cleanup & Maintenance: The porcelain-coated surfaces simplify cleaning and reduce the risk of rust, minimizing maintenance effort and extending the grill’s lifespan.
Compact and Portable Design: The grill’s size and wheels allow for easy storage and transportation, making it ideal for small patios, balconies, or tailgating events.
Organized Grilling Station: The side shelves and tool hooks provide a designated space for grilling essentials, creating a more organized and efficient grilling setup.
Affordable Entry Point to Gas Grilling: This grill offers a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy the convenience and flavor of gas grilling compared to higher-end models.
Usages
Backyard Barbecues: It’s suitable for hosting casual backyard barbecues with friends and neighbors, handling enough food for a small gathering.
Searing Steaks & Burgers: The burners deliver enough heat to achieve a decent sear on steaks and burgers, although a dedicated searing burner would provide superior results.
Tailgating & Camping: The portability of the grill makes it a great companion for tailgating events or camping trips where space is limited.
Quick & Easy Grilling: The ease of setup, ignition, and cleanup makes this grill a great option for those looking for a hassle-free grilling experience.
Weeknight Family Dinners: With its quick heat-up and sufficient cooking space, this grill is ideal for preparing weeknight meals for a family of four.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Portable design with wheels
- Easy to ignite and use
- Decent cooking space for its size
- Porcelain-coated surfaces for easy cleaning
Cons
- Limited features compared to higher-end models
- Plastic side shelves may not be as durable
- Assembly instructions could be improved
- Not ideal for smoking
- Searing performance is adequate, but not exceptional.
- Some reviewers mention concerns about the quality of the igniter over time.
FAQs
What fuel type does this grill use?: This grill utilizes liquid propane (LP) gas, commonly found in standard propane tanks.
What is the warranty on this grill?: Thermos typically offers a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Please refer to the product documentation for specific warranty details.
How easy is it to clean?: The porcelain-coated grates and lid make cleaning relatively straightforward. A wire brush and soapy water are usually sufficient.
Can I use this grill for smoking?: While it’s technically possible to smoke with this grill by adding wood chips in a foil packet, it’s not designed for true smoking. It lacks a smoker box and precise temperature control.
How difficult is assembly?: Assembly is generally considered straightforward, but some customers have noted that the instructions could be clearer.
Product Specifications
| grate material | Porcelain-coated |
| wheels/mobility | 2 wheels, 2 stationary legs |
| cleaning requirements | Regular cleaning with soapy water and a wire brush |
| fuel type | Liquid Propane (LP) |
| temperature range | Varies based on external conditions, capable of high-heat searing |
| ignition system | Piezo |
| cooking area | 265 square inches |
| material type | Porcelain-coated steel, Alloy Steel Frame |
| warranty | Limited warranty – Refer to product documentation |
| weight | 35 pounds |
| BTUs | 26,500 BTUs |
| dimensions | 49″ W x 21.9″ L x 41.5″ H |
Ratings
| ease of use | 4.0 |
| performance | 4.2 |
| versatility | 3.5 |
| durability | 3.6 |
| overall | 3.9 |
| value | 4.5 |
Recommendation
The Thermos 265 2-Burner Gas Grill is an excellent choice for budget-conscious individuals or small families seeking a reliable and portable gas grill for weeknight meals and casual gatherings. It’s particularly well-suited for those who prioritize convenience and ease of use over advanced features and high-end performance. Compared to more expensive grills, it offers a solid entry point into gas grilling without breaking the bank.
If you’re a serious BBQ enthusiast looking to smoke meats or achieve a perfect sear, this grill may fall short. However, for those simply wanting a straightforward and affordable gas grill for basic grilling needs, the Thermos 265 provides a worthwhile solution. Its portability makes it perfect for smaller patios and tailgating events.
Conclusion
The Thermos 265 2-Burner Gas Grill delivers on its promise of providing a convenient and affordable grilling experience. While it may not boast the features or performance of premium grills, it excels in its simplicity, portability, and ease of use. Its quick heat-up time, decent cooking space, and straightforward cleaning process make it a practical choice for casual grillers. Ultimately, it represents a good value for those seeking a reliable and budget-friendly gas grill for occasional backyard cooking.
With its limitations acknowledged, the Thermos 265 remains a respectable option for those on a budget who want the convenience of gas grilling. It’s a dependable workhorse for weeknight meals, small gatherings, and simple outdoor cooking needs, allowing you to enjoy the taste of grilled food without the expense or complexity of high-end grills.
