Are you someone who enjoys the occasional outdoor grilling a few times a year? If so, a good tailgating can be just the thing you need! Investing in one these will give you some delicious steak and chicken to make your celebration and events even better.
You may be wondering, what exactly is that? Well, this thing is a portable grilling system that allows you to easily carry a grill at the back of your vehicle or even in a carry bag for tailgating parties or social events.
We want you to have the best tailgating grills, that is why we have put together a list of 10 such products that you can choose from to make your grilling experience even better.
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Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill, Titanium Cuisinart Flat Top Professional Quality Propane CGG-0028 28" Two Burner Gas Griddle Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill, Gas Grill with 3 Adjustable Burners & Instastart Push-Button Ignition; Great for Camping, Tailgating, BBQ, Parties, Backyard, Patio & More
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Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill, Titanium
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Cuisinart Flat Top Professional Quality Propane CGG-0028 28" Two Burner Gas Griddle
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Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill, Gas Grill with 3 Adjustable Burners & Instastart Push-Button Ignition; Great for Camping, Tailgating, BBQ, Parties, Backyard, Patio & More
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Best Portable Gas Grills for Tailgating
With a portable gas grill you can enjoy cookouts while camping or after a concert. The best tailgating grill will allow having some deliciously grilled food on the go, just put it at the back of your car and take it wherever you want. Here, the following are 10 such products we have picked just for you!
1. Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill, Chrome
We are starting off this list with the Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill. Weber is known for its elegant-looking products that perform exceptionally well; this particular item is no different. It is one of the best portable gas grills for tailgating and we will tell you why!
First things first, this product measures 20.5 x 27 x 23.5 inches in dimensions and weighs about 26.6 pounds, so it will not be that difficult to carry it around. This thing is also beautifully designed with a sleek and modern look.
Its cast aluminum lid and body account for its high durability. The stainless steel burner generates 8500 BTU per hour to effectively heat up the 189 square inches of cooking area.
In terms of performance, this liquid propane grill does not leave much room for disappointment. This product that an excellent job at making sure the heat is distributed evenly.
It has a push-button type of ignition with infinite control burner settings and runs on liquid petroleum gas. This thing comes with porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and also has a large grip handle and knobs that make usage more convenient.
You need to preheat it about 10 to 15 minutes before use. This thing is very easy to assemble and maintain; cleanup is made convenient thanks to the coated porcelain. The drip tray for the escaping grease also contributes to the ease of cleaning and adds to the advantages of this product.
One minor drawback here is that you have to buy the propane separately. This is not a deal-breaker as only some other similar product comes with a small supply, but it is surely a good thing to include. All of these things qualify this product as the best tailgate grill.
Pros
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Fast and even cooking of food
- Sleek and somewhat lightweight design
- Large cooking area
Cons
- Does not include a supply of gas
2. Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Propane Tabletop Grill, Two-Burner, Stainless Steel
If you are looking for the best portable grill for tailgating or outdoor cooking, this Cuisinart product is a great option. The CGG-306 model is quite lightweight, which makes it perfectly portable and allows you to enjoy a nice grill cookout wherever you want.
What is better than a powerful stainless steel burner? Two of those 20000 BTUS burners, of course! This thing has a powerful two-burner system where each generates 10000 BTUS and has an electronic ignition, along with two temperature control knobs to set different temperatures for each burner.
With this, you can simultaneously grill on both sides, which comes especially handy if you are grilling for a large number of people.
This thing gives you the ideal heat control as there is a built-in thermometer which, along with the adjustable burner knobs, helps control the heat. Although it is not included, this grill works with a 20lb tank of propane. It also includes a stainless steel cooking grate that is perfect for cooking large cuts of meat thoroughly and evenly.
The grill is quite lightweight and can be easily carried around in the trunk of your car, especially thanks to the locking mechanism and folding legs, along with the carrying handle.
This product features a drip tray that collects the dripping grease and makes the whole thing much easier to clean and ensures it last a long time. With its incredible performance, great portability, and small design, this thing is perfect for outdoor grilling.
Pros
- Features a drip tray for grease
- Lightweight and portable
- Features a two system burner
- Good for cooking for multiple people
Cons
- Complaints about the warping of the thin lid
3. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
The next product we have on this list is the Coleman RoadTrip 285 propane grill that is just as good as any of the other products on this list. It is not only incredibly powerful but also very convenient to use, which makes it one of the best tailgate grills.
First of all, this thing has the dimensions 30.2 x 19.2 x 16.1 inches and weighs about 46.7 pounds, which makes it heavier than some of its competitors. This propane-powered grill and is extremely effective and efficient.
One of the best things about this product is that it features quick-fold legs and 2 wheels for you to easily carry it around set it up as you please. It has a large grilling area, which makes it perfect for social events.
There is an integrated thermometer that gives accurate temperature readings. The ignition is the push button to start type for matchless lighting. Here we have the 20 percent more enhanced temperature control of the 3 adjustable burners for much better results.
The cast-iron cooking grates are coated in porcelain, which gives you perfectly cooked meals and also makes it easier to clean up afterward.
These cast-iron grates are interchangeable with griddles and stove grates for your convenience. Overall, this is an excellent product that deserves all the recognition it gets. If you want a reliable portable propane grill for your next outdoor social event, this is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Extremely powerful
- Porcelain cooking grates that are interchangeable
- Features quick-fold legs and two wheels
- Integrated thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring
Cons
- A bit on the heavier side
4. Camp Chef Professional Barbecue Grill Box for 3 Burner Stove
When it comes to portable grills, the best are the ones that are small-sized, like the Camp Chef Professional Barbecue Grill Box. This compact grill box is super easy and convenient to carry around, which makes it ideal for tailgating.
You definitely want to get the most delicious flavors out of the meat you are grilling, and that is exactly what this product does. It has a seasoned finish cast iron grill grate that not only does a great job at holding the heat but also sears the meat well.
This thing measures 16 x 24 x 7 inches in overall size and weighs about 33 pounds. So, you can easily fit it in all of the Camp Chef 16 inch stoves.
The product features specially designed heat diffuser plates that turn the burning flames into heat, which then immediately vaporizes the drippings of grease. There is also a lid damper valve that assists in keeping the heat under control while still sealing the flavor in.
It is very convenient to open and lock the lid thanks to the hinged lid and handle, so you can easily use it for transportation. The built-in temperature gauge is a great help when it comes to keeping an eye on the temperature.
Besides, it is specially designed to perfectly fit the left two burners from a 3 burner stove. All in all, this is a great product; it is versatile and offers top-notch performance. One drawback here, as is the case with most gas grills, is that it has a tendency of flaring up.
Pros
- Ideal for tailgating
- Includes heat diffuser plates for grease drippings
- Vented lid
- Compact and versatile
Cons
- Has a tendency of flaring up
- A bit heavy for a grill box
5. Giantex Propane Tabletop Gas Grill Stainless Steel Two-Burner BBQ
Another top quality product we could not help but mention is the Giantex Propane Gas Grill. There are days when we just want to go out to the green fields for a picnic, this thing is absolutely perfect for that.
This is a 22 by 18 by a 15-inch tabletop grill that features a foldable design, so you can just fold the legs and lock the lid, and it is ready for transport. As a result, it is perfect for camping out or tailgating parties every once in a while.
The fact that it is lightweight helps too, weighing about 26.5 pounds overall. This thing is very easy to assemble and pretty much comes with all the hardware needed with the package itself.
It is not only easy to set up but also very convenient to work with. There are push and turn ignitions burners that make start-ups super quick and easy. The total BTU it offers is 20000 and does not take much time to reach the highest temperature, and the temperature of each burner can be adjusted independently.
This thing is made from 430 stainless steel, and so it not only promises durability but is also very easy to clean up afterward.
You can use this tabletop gas grill very widely, from camping outdoors to a social event. It has a large cooking area and even looks great! One thing to note here is that it has a tendency of flaring up due to the grease not being able to drip. So, if you can work around that, this is really a great grill!
Pros
- Can be widely used
- Foldable design for easy portability
- Highly durable with stainless steel construction
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Causes flare-ups
6. Kuuma Premium Stainless Steel Mountable Gas Grill w/Regulator by Camco
Moving on to the next product on this list, it is the Kuuma Premium Stainless Steel Gas Grill. This thing is known for its solid look and exceptional performance, this particular item is just as good as any of its competitors. It is one of the best portable grills for tailgating, and let us tell you why!
First things first, this product measures 20 x 11.5 x 11 inches in dimensions and weighs about 8 pounds, so you can imagine how lightweight it is! This thing is also nicely designed with a sleek and classic look.
Its 300 series marine grade stainless lid and body account for its high durability. The stainless steel burner generates 9000 BTU per hour to effectively heat up 125 square inches of the cooking area.
When it comes to performance, this gas grill does not leave much room for disappointment. This product that an excellent job at making sure the heat is distributed uniformly.
It has a regulator with 1 inch to 20-inch throwaway cylinder threads. The entire thing comes fully assembled, so you will not have to worry about setting it up.
One of the good things about this is that it can be easily mounted on a rail mount, especially on any Kuuma rail or rod. This thing is very easy to assemble and maintain — cleanup is made convenient as well.
However, the handle does tend to get every hot, so opening it can be a bit of a struggle. So if that is not a deal-breaker for you, by all means, give the product a shot!
Pros
- Good value for money
- Sleek and classic design
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
- Easy and convenient to use
Cons
- There are some complaints about handle getting too hot
7. PUPZO Liquid Propane Grill,2 Burner Grill/Stove Portable Barbecue Grill Outdoor Cooking Camping Stove Stainless Steel Red
If you are looking for a portable grill for social events like tailgating parties, this PUPZO liquid propane grill is a great option. This model has a nice design, and it perfectly portable, which allows you to enjoy a nice grill cookout wherever you want, whenever you want.
It features two 10000 BTUS powerful burners for the best cooking experience. With its two in 1 design, it is both a grill and a stove and does not fail to impress with both! It is highly durable with its cast iron grill grates and the whole thing having a powder coat finish.
It has a collapsible design and includes a carrying handle for easy portability and can fit almost any trunk of a car. The grill features wind block panels that do an excellent job shielding the burners from wind and can be adjusted for different pan sizes.
Furthermore, it includes a grill pan and a grease tray, both of which can be removed for easy cleaning and are also dishwasher safe. The burners are adjustable, which means you get all the control to alter the temperature as you see fit.
This product has detachable legs, so whether you want to leave it standing up or place it somewhere is up to you. It is also incredibly stable, making grilling a lot easier. With its top-notch performance, great portability, and small design, this thing is ideal for outdoor grilling.
Pros
- User friendly
- 2 in 1 grill and stove
- Features wind block to shield burners from wind
- Collapsible design for ultimate portability
Cons
- Nowhere to place propane bottle
8. Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Cube Portable Charcoal Grill Perfect for Picnics
The next product we have on this list is the Everdure portable charcoal grill that is just as good as any of the other products on this list. It is not only incredibly powerful but also very convenient to use, which makes it one of the best portable charcoal grill for tailgating.
First of all, this thing has the dimensions 16.7 x 13.7 x 7 inches and weighs about 19.55 pounds, which makes it lighter than some of its competitors. This is a charcoal powered grill and is super effective and efficient.
One of the best things about this product is how stylish and compact it is, it actually looks like a mini suitcase! This thing has a food-grade storage stray and a bamboo board for preparing, which are smartly integrated into the design, while still leaving space for storing coal.
Its integrated base plaque does a great job protecting any surface underneath so that you can place it just about anywhere. The grill can be safely secured using the two safety latches.
It is very easy to clean up, especially thanks to the removable grill and charcoal tray and porcelain enamel firebox, all of which contribute to its high durability.
The product even has built-in heat protection shields and features chrome handles that are cool to touch for safety from burns. Overall, this is an excellent product that deserves a lot of recognition. If you want the best portable charcoal grill tailgating for your next outdoor social event, this is the perfect option to consider.
Pros
- Great portable charcoal grill
- Unique design
- All in one design for easy transport
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Surface friendly
Cons
- Not ideal for a large number of people
9. NOMADIQ Portable Propane Gas Grill | Small, Mini, Lightweight Tabletop BBQ
When it comes to portable grills, the best are the ones that can be stored easily or are compact, like the NOMADIQ Portable propane gas grill. This foldable grill is super easy and convenient to carry around, which makes it absolutely perfect for tailgating.
You surely want to get the most delicious flavors out of the meat when grilling, and that is exactly what this particular model does. It not only has a sleek and elegant look but is also foldable so it can be stored without taking a lot of space.
This thing measures 19.2 x 18.8 x 8.2 inches in overall size when opened and weighs about 15 pounds. So, it is not only lightweight, but you can easily fit in the trunk of your car.
The product has two separate grilling sides, each producing about 5000 BTUs, and you can barbeque on just one or both sides while independently controlling the temperatures. It opens and closes very quickly and easily; all it takes is just three simple moves and you can unlock it, open it, and start grilling.
Along with the stainless steel burners, there is also the cast iron grill grates that can handle almost anything you throw at it.
It is beautifully designed and made to be very long lasting. All in all, this is a great product, it is versatile and offers excellent performance. The 226 square inch ceramic coated non-stick grates make cleaning up afterward very easy.
So, if you are not sure which grill to get for your next tailgating party, you should definitely give this one some thought.
Pros
- Foldable design for portable transportation
- Can be stored easily
- Easy clean up with non-stick grates
- Big enough cooking area
Cons
- Slightly expensive for a small grill
10. Fire Sense Urban Portable Gas Grill
Finally, the last product on this list is the Fire Sense Urban Portable Gas Grill. This thing is known for its unique design and excellent performance, making this particular model just as good as any of its competitors.
To begin with, this product measures 37 x 17 x 13 inches in dimensions and weighs about 31 pounds. This thing also has a unique but nice design with a sleek and classic look.
Its cast aluminum body only adds to its high durability and makes it somewhat lightweight. The two stainless steel burners generate 13700 BTU per hour to effectively heat up the cooking area.
When it comes to performance, this gas grill works to impress, and we are confident you will be taken away but how efficient it is. This product that a great job at making sure the heat is distributed uniformly. It uses propane as its fuel and features two independently adjustable burners.
One of the best things about this is that it is highly durable and will likely last you a long time if taken care of carefully. This thing is very easy to assemble and maintain, cleanup is made convenient.
Portable and travel friendly, this thing is ideal for outdoor cooking of any sorts. However, there have been some complaints from users about the ignition not working well.
Pros
- Unique design
- Easy to use
- Great performance and results
- Small and compact for easy storage
Cons
- May face issues with ignition
6 Tailgate Food Ideas
Are you thinking about hosting a tailgating event for Game Day? You will need a lot of food for the party. So after doing some research, we have come up with some food ideas for you. Here are 6 tailgate food ideas for your next part.
Homemade Dishes
Tailgating parties are supposed to be fun, so your guests are probably not expecting a full seven-course meal. You can opt for some homemade dishes to show off your cooking skills.
There are a lot of easy dishes you can make at home for a lot of people without too much effort. You can make some cheese or garlic bread meatball sliders, some buffalo wings.
To make it even better, you can add some tasty dip to that list. Here is a recipe by Tasty you can use for your garlic bread meatball slider that will absolutely wow your guests:
Portable Foods
Since these events are held outdoors, you and your guests are likely to spend a lot of time standing up. In that case, portable foods will be your savior. Search for some food that can be relished while standing or sitting down on a lawn chair.
You also want dishes that will not go bad while traveling. Any food that does not have perishable ingredients in them are perfect for traveling. For that, you can check out some bacon-wrapped chicken roll-ups. Here are 5 recipes you can try:
Grilled Meat
Since we are reviewing grills for tailgating, we have to mention grilled meat as well! You can serve your guests with some delicious hot dogs and burgers. Or, you can make all your barbeque loving friends and family happy with some BBQ meat.
Another thing you can do is grill the perfect steak. Yes, you saw it correctly. We have found the perfect steak recipe and want to share it with you:
Snacks
If your guests get tired of the main dishes, some light-hearted snacks will get their spirits right back up! You can get some store-bought tortilla chips or bake some yourself.
Do you know what would go great with that, though? Some tasty dill or onion dip to, well, dip it into! Here is a great recipe we found for dill dip:
Cold Drinks and Beverages
When you are with your friends and family, you can toast to your team with some fun and cool beverages. You can go for something fresh with the Grapefruit Beergarita. Hold on; we know it does not sound the best. But you really will not know until you try it!
Here is a recipe for you to try:
Desserts
We are sure your sweet-toothed guests will love a little bit of dessert at the end of the day. There are a lot of deserts you can go with. You can get some donuts, or go a little out of the box and bake some fresh chocolate chip cookies.
Again we have done the work for you and found this easy recipe you can try:
Buying Guide for Newbies
So that is all for the products, but if you are new to this whole outdoor grilling thing, you may still have questions. Do not worry, because we are here to answer them. Buying the right grill is not easy, so we have listed some of the things you need to look for when buying one.
Fuel Type
The very first thing to be considered is the power source of your grill. It is a matter of personal choice, so you need to decide whether you want a gas-powered grill, charcoal, or one that runs on electricity.
However, since we are talking about tailgating here, electrical grills are probably not the way to go as you will be using it outdoor. As for the other two, they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
If you prefer to have that smoky flavor to your grilled meat, you may want to go with a charcoal powered grill. Otherwise, you can also go with a propane-powered one as even that has its benefits.
Cooking Capacity
Now, you need to know the overall cooking capacity of the grill you are buying. You need to think about the number of people you are planning to serve during your tailgating party.
Even for other uses like outdoor cooking while camping, if you have a big family or a lot of friends, you will do well to get a grill with a generous amount of cooking area.
You do not need to be worried about getting a giant grill just to get a large cooking space. There are many products, like some mentioned on our list, that offers a large cooking area while still being compact and easy to store.
Portability
Portable grills are extremely important, especially for tailgating. Also, make sure it is lightweight so that carrying it around becomes easier. You even have a higher chance of breaking a heavy grill while also harming yourself.
So, if you get a product with high portability, you can use it for any outdoor cooking event, be it camping or any other social event.
Build Quality
Speaking of breaking grills, you do not want something that will break easily; you definitely want it to last! A high-quality grill will give you years of loyal service, so make sure you check out the quality of construction.
Is it made of stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum? These porcelain-coated grills tend to be highly durable as they are not only strong but also resistant to rust.
The quality of construction also plays a part in determining how easy it is to clean. Not just that, but a grill with a solid build is also more likely to heat up better, so keep all of this in mind when making a choice.
Temperature Control
A grill where the temperature is easy to control can be super convenient. Those with a propane-based power source have an advantage here as they are easier to manage than charcoal ones when it comes to controlling the temperature.
Propane gas grills light up immediately and heat up the grill, so you can save time by not having to wait for it.
These are easier to control because all you have to do is twist the dial, and you can adjust the temperature. In the case of charcoal, you need to deprive the fire of oxygen to change the temperature, which takes work and time. However, if you want to go with a charcoal grill, make sure to choose one with a lot of vents to help adjust the heat.
Design
Make sure you always go for a top quality grill with a nice but beneficial design. Design can include how compact the product is or how it helps to get the best results. Is it easy to store?
As some of the products mentioned on our list, there are many that are uniquely designed to be more portable and compact. So look for these kinds of grills so that they not only look good but also help you in getting the best out of it.
Features
Most of these grills, be it a gas grill or a charcoal one, come with a lot of great features. Some of these include foldable legs so that you can place them on any surface if you cannot adjust the height. Or a wind block to protect the burners from the wind.
Like these, there are many great features to look out for, so try to find a product that has all the things you need.
Price
Lastly, we have the price of the product. It is said that the value of the product reflects its quality. However, that is not always the case. Sure there are many top quality products that are also quite expensive, that does not mean you cannot get a good quality product by spending a bit less.
A lot of the grills mentioned on this list are of excellent quality, offering great performance while still being quite affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is needed for tailgating?
If you are thinking of arranging a tailgating party, there are some things you need. These include a grill, propane or charcoal depending on the type of grill, cool beverages, and utensils, among some others.
- Is gas grill the same as propane?
Yes, propane gas and liquid propane all refer to the same thing.
- Are propane grills safe to use?
Propane grills are actually completely safe if used properly and with caution. However, if a gas build-up occurs, there is a high chance of explosion.
- Is a gas grill better than a charcoal one?
Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. Propane grills are cheaper and also easier to clean. While with the charcoal ones, you get the smoky flavor, possibly making the meat taste better.
- Is grilling with charcoal bad for you?
Charcoal grills tend to be messier and can even leave ashes on your food. However, there are no high risks that generally come from grilling with charcoal.
- Can a dirty grill make you sick?
Research has shown that dirty grills tend to contain a lot of bacteria. So if not cleaned properly, these bacteria can make you sick.
- How to dispose of charcoal after tailgating?
After you are done grilling, allow the charcoal some time to cool off completely before you get rid of the ashes. You can do that either by letting the coal burn down or close the lid to deprive it of oxygen.
Final Words
So, that is all for the best products for tailgating. We hope you found the reviews and our buying guide helpful. It is time for you to go out and buy the best tailgating grill for your own event! Make sure you check out the food ideas listed to impress your guests with great grilling skills.