Top 12 Best Tailgating Grills
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Is it the game itself or a pregame tailgate with fresh beverages and great food that makes you more enjoyable? I bet many will vote for the latter.
Standing enjoying grilling delicious food with friends and family while waiting for the game is an experience not less expected than any exciting match. So, what ensures the best experience of such outdoor meals?
The answer is a good tailgating grill, which can provide you a feast with authentic grilling taste and make later clean-up just a breeze.
Unfortunately, at the moment you decide to own a tailgating grill for the next games, you also find yourself buried under so many products that choosing the best tailgating grill is never an easy task.
Type of Tailgating Grills
Before jumping in to waste your money and time on no end of products on the market, take your time to learn about tailgate grill types with the pros and cons of each one.
Once you already distinguish these types, it will be easier and quicker to find the best suitable for your needs. Based on the power source of the grill, there are typically three main types:
Gas Grill
The gas type is the most popular among outdoor grills. They usually run on bottles propane. Each 20-pound propane tank can give about 25 hours of grilling time before needing to be refilled.
If you are not a patient cook, a gas grill is the best choice. With this type, you do not have to worry about the preparation and clean-up of charcoal and have the meal cooked conveniently.
Gas grills might feature more than a burner, so they can create different heat zones for cooking many recipes at the same time. Furthermore, this type commonly features an ignition button for quick-and-easy lighting.
The downside of this type is flavor and price. Compared to a genuine charcoal grill, your meats will only have a hint of smoke flavor. And though both gas and charcoal grills are available in a wide range of prices, the former will always cost more than the latter (with comparable features).
Charcoal Grill
Chefs who insist on barbecue tasting with delicious smoky flavor will prefer charcoal grill to other types. Grilling with charcoal is more time-consuming than a gas grill when you have to prepare fuels, make it get fire, and clean the ash afterward.
The cost to run this type of grill might be higher than the others because the charcoal might be more expensive than other types of fuels.
A charcoal grill is the only way to have genuinely smoky meats, especially when charcoal is made of natural wood. Last but not least, cooking with charcoal brings a truer feeling of a romantic outdoor party than any other way.
Electric Grill
An electric grill can be powered either by electric or wood pellets.
Requiring nothing more than an electric source, fully electric grills can heat up quickly and cook food evenly. The meat is cooked on gates or griddles with enough heating, no fire required, and less smoke.
They are typically the smallest grill sizes, so they can be used indoor or outdoor. Fully electric grills are a great choice for city dwellers who live in residential areas where fire regulations prohibit gas or charcoal grilling.
Electric grills powered by wood pellets are more expensive to run than their gas or charcoal counterparts. But make up for this, wood pellet grills allow temperature preset for precise heat control, consistent heating, and evenly cooking as a result. Plus, the food grilled in this type takes wood-smoked flavor like that cooked by a charcoal grill.
What Are The Best Tailgating Grills?
To equip you with an overview of each candidate on my top 12 best tailgating grill, I label and give short descriptions of their outstanding features. Do not skip this section.
- Best Overall: Coleman RoadTrip 285 Tailgating Grill
With a powerful heating system and an easy-to-transport design, plus added usage space for cook pre, this grill ensures an enjoyable outdoor meal. - Best Propane Grill: Weber 54060001 Q2200 Tailgating Grill
A powerful propane heating system coming along with remarkably user-friendly features makes this grill the best choice for your trip. - Best Pellet Grill: Green Mountain Davy Crockett Pellet Tailgating Grill
Clean and convenient, this pellet grill comes loaded with numerous advanced features to ensure you have more time to hang out with friends and family. - Best Electric Grill: George Foreman GGR50B Tailgating Grill
This fully electric grill allows you to enjoy high-quality grilling with less smoke, no gas or charcoal, and no flare-ups. Perfect for both outdoor and indoor BBQ. - Best Charcoal Grill: Weber Jumbo Joe 18 Tailgating Grill
Guarantee the most authentically barbecued flavor by using charcoal. This grill provides perfect size and portability for delicious smoky steaks, chicken, sausage, and burgers. - Best Grill-Griddle Combo: Blackstone 1555 Tailgating Grill
Best electric BBQ you can get; ensure convenient grilling meals for a condo or apartment with small balconies or houses with a spacious courtyard. - Best Tabletop Grill: Masterbuilt 205 Tabletop Tailgating Grill
A powerful heating system packed in a compact build to not only ensure shorter cooking times but fit perfectly on any tabletop or the back of any car or truck. - Best Portable: Cuisinart CGG-180TB Tabletop Tailgating Grill
A great grill comes in an extraordinary lightweight and portable construction for tailgating, camping trips, fishing, and grilling on the beach. - Budget Pick: Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Tailgating Grill
This grill is an affordable alternative in case of occasional BBQ parties but still ensures the classic grill steaks wherever you go. - Best with Griddle: Blackstone 1666 22 inch Griddle Tailgating Grill
Spacious griddle top heated by two powerful propane burners makes the grill perfect for cooking steaks, burgers, hot dogs, mushrooms, eggs, pancakes, and more. - Best Freestanding Grill: Coleman RoadTrip LXE Tailgating Grill
A must-to-have freestanding grill which provides spacious cooking surface and can be set up at ultimately convenient positions for an outdoor party. - Best for Durability: Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Tailgating Grill
The Broil King offers users an amazing grill with high-end materials and superb-efficient features as a guarantee for quality meals and its long lifespan.
Tailgating Grills Comparison Chart
The following comparison chart of 12 best tailgating grills aims to figure out what are the best features for your unique needs. Let check it out.
Top 12 Best Tailgating Grills Reviews
Already being equipped with some summary information in mind, you now can go into detailed reviews of the top 12 best tailgating. I will try to show all features of each grill as detailed as possible.
1. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Tailgating Grill
(Best Overall)
Powered by a 1-pound propane cylinder, this portable grill delivers a range of grilling heat from 3,250 to 20,000 BTUs on 285 sq. in. of porcelain-coated cast-iron grates.
It sports three separate burners along with an integrated thermometer that allows you to adjust the heating independently and precisely for several tailgate recipes at the same time. For a quick start, the burners ignite at the touch of a button.
Two sliding side tables provide plenty of space to keep sauces and utensils handy, making the cooking as convenient as possible. Plus, a removable water pan comes to catch cooking grease and for easy cleaning.
Key features
- Propane power of 3,250 to 20,000 BTUs
- Two sliding side tables
- Three independent burners
- Primary cooking space of 285 sq. in
- Collapsible, wheeled legs
- InstaStart ignition
- Compatible with 1-pound propane tank
- Integrated thermometer
Pros
- Very portable with two smoothly-rolling wheels
- Two side tables provide much added space for utensil
- The grill starts without a match or a lighter
- Three independent burners for several cooking options simultaneously
- Little assembly required
- The removable grease tray helps clean-up
Cons
- Some users found the stand is not stable enough for uneven surface
Product specification
Brand | Coleman |
Grill Fuel Type | Propane grill |
Grill Category | Freestanding |
Cooking Grate Material | Cast iron |
Dimensions | 30.2 x 19.2 x 16.1 inches |
Item Weight | 46.7 pounds |
Why do so many people go crazy for this grill? Just what a video about it:
2. Weber 54060001 Q2200 Tailgating Grill
(Best Propane Grill)
This beast has everything for delicious meals on the go, including a stainless steel burner of 12,000 BTU-per-hour, 280 sq. in. of cooking space, porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates.
These powerful features allow it to perform effectively like a full-size grill. The grill can get hot fast and maintain intense heat for a long course of time to cook large food. The interchangeable split grates can be swapped for the griddle.
As one of the practical features for an on-the-go meal, the grill comes with two folding work panels for quick and easy food prep, which is found to be very handy for outdoor cooking.
Key features
- Propane power of 12,000 BTUs
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates
- Cooking space of 285 sq. in
- Built-in thermometer
- Two folding side tables
- Electronic ignition
Pros
- Much added space thanks to the side table
- Electronic ignition allows the grill to start easily
- Lightweight, compact construction makes it transport-friendly
- Modern design
- Temperature gauge help control the temperature precisely
Cons
- Need some assembly
- Do not have authentically barbecued flavor
Product specifications
Brand | Weber |
Grill Fuel Type | Propane |
Grill Category | Tabletop |
Cooking Grate Material | Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grate |
Dimensions | 25.1x 51.4x 26 inches |
Item Weight | 42.5 pounds |
This video provides a visual view of all advances and drawbacks of the grill:
3. Green Mountain Davy Crockett Pellet Tailgating Grill
(Best Pellet Grill)
This grill burns compressed pure wood that is transported from a large hopper via an electrically-powered auger to provide heat for a surface cooking area of 219 sq. in..
With an awesome digital WiFi controller running with an Android or iOS application, which includes a meat probe and a thermal sensor, you can monitor the temperature inside the grill remotely.
It allows you to program several temperature settings into your cook for varying grilling styles.
It also features alligator clips for hook-up to your car battery, which makes it perfect for home, camping, music festivals, sports, or anywhere you can take it.
Key features
- The 9-pound capacity pellet hopper
- A digital WiFi controller
- A meat probe and a thermal sensor
- Compatible with a 12-volt or 110-volt outlet
- Folding legs
- Cooking space of 219 sq. in
Pros
- Clean burning and precise temperature control
- The digital WiFi controller allows you to monitor the temperature remotely and program several temperature settings
- Delivery natural wood-fired flavor
- High-quality build to long-last use
Cons
- A little large for small vehicles
- Costly
Product specifications
Brand | Green Mountain Grills |
Grill Fuel Type | Electric, Pellets |
Grill Category | Freestanding |
Cooking Grate Material | Stainless steel |
Dimensions | 20.5 x 27.75 x 17.5 inches |
Item Weight | 57 pounds |
Not yet decided? Just watch this video to have more reasons:
4. George Foreman GGR50B Tailgating Grill
(Best Electric Grill)
There is plenty of cooking space for up to 15 or 16 good-sized burgers, so the grill can be used to serve large groups of people. Five heat settings with a temperature probe allow you to get the best cooking condition for any kind of food.
For mobility, this electric tailgating grill has a removable plate, an easy-to-remove stand, and a handy domed lid that all allow you to take it down, transport, and set it up from the patio to countertop in no time.
The dishwasher-safe removable plates are easy to clean and non-stick, ensuring the minimum time of cleaning after grilling meal.
Key features
- Five heat settings and a temperature probe
- Removable legs
- Cooking space of 240 sq. in
Pros
- Needs a little assembly
- Removable grates and fat-removing slope for easy clean-up
- No need gas, charcoal to run
- Preset temperature settings for simple cooking
- Compact design for small families
- Affordable price
Cons
- Low-end plastic and aluminum material off the legs
Product specifications
Brand | Spectrum Brands |
Grill Fuel Type | Fully electric |
Grill Category | Freestanding/Tabletop |
Dimensions | 31 x 20.5 x 13 inches |
Item Weight | 21 pounds |
Material | Metal |
Need more information? Just watch this video:
5. Weber Jumbo Joe 18 Tailgating Grill
(Best Charcoal Grill)
With its reputation and experience of making quality grill, Webber offers this lightweight grill that can be used at home, on a tailgate, or anywhere.
With a plated steel cooking grate of 18-inch diameter, it provides up to 254 sq. in. of heating surface a which holds up to eight burgers.
The bowl-shaped grill coming completed with a hooded lid creates good convection heat inside to cook the food evenly and faster.
The porcelain enamel coating prevents rusting or peeling and make the clean-up easier and quicker. The plated steel cooking grate is resistant to corrosion and sticks by food.
Key features
- Adjustable folding legs
- A cooking space of 254 sq. in
- Three air vent holes to control the temperature
- Hooded lid
Pros
- Light-weight and easy to assembly
- Foldable legs and compact design for great portability
- High-quality materials mean long-last use and easy clean-up
- Ensure the smoky flavor of grilling food
- Very affordable price
Cons
- The legs are a little weak
- Not enough space for grilling large pieces of food
Product specifications
Brand | Weber |
Grill Fuel Type | Charcoal |
Grill Category | Freestanding /Tabletop |
Dimensions | 19.75 x 20.50 x 19.75 |
Item Weight | 18 pounds |
Material | Bright nickel-plated steel cooking grates |
The following video sums up what you need to know about the unit:
6. Blackstone 1555 Griddle Tailgating Grill
(Best Grill-Griddle Combo)
Sometimes, it is worth sacrificing the portability of the grill to some extent to add more recipes on your menu and feed a crowd.
In this case, I recommend Blackstone 1555 Tailgating Grill for your consideration with the largest cooking area among the tailgating grill on this list.
There are two separate burners: one H tube burner generates 15,000 BTUs and one cast-iron burner can produce 20,000 BTUs, which power a grill box on the left and a versatile flat griddle on the right, respectively.
For more convenience, in case you prefer either the grill or the griddle, you can remove either side to double the cooking space for your favorite one.
Key features
- Two separate burners: 20,000 BTUs (cast iron burner); 15,000 BTUs (stainless steel burner)
- Features a multi-purpose grate-grill box and a flat griddle
- The total cooking surface of 512 sq. in.
- Independently adjustable legs
Pros
- Great grill-griddle combo to cook many recipes at once
- Adjustable folding legs are easy to settle on any surface
- Large cooking area
- Comes in nearly fully-assembled form, almost no assembly required
- Cost-effective
Cons
- A little bulky and heavy
Product specifications
Brand | Blackstone |
Grill Fuel Type | Propane |
Grill Category | Freestanding /Tabletop |
Dimensions | 52.00 x 38.50 x 24.00 inches |
Item Weight | 75 pounds |
Material | Cast iron grill grates, cold-rolled steel griddle plate |
Watch more about the Blackstone grill in this video:
7. Masterbuilt 205 Tabletop Tailgating Grill
(Best Tabletop Grill)
This portable stainless steel tabletop gas grill delivers 10,000 BTUs of heat per hour on 240-sq. in. of cooking surface.
In addition to this primary grill surface, the grill has 105 sq. in. of chrome-plated warming rack to keep cooked food warm while you are continuing with other uncooked ones.
There is a temperature gauge that helps you control the temperature with ease.
It runs on a 16 oz. disposable cylinder, perfect size to not take up much space on the table. Besides the compact body, the legs can fold to minimize the storage space when it is not in use and comes to your vehicles.
Key features
- 240-sq. in. of cooking surface
- 105 sq. in. of chrome-plated warming rack
- Propane burner produces 10,000 BTUs of heat per hour
- Folding legs and front carry handle
- Be compatible with 16oz. disposable cylinder
- Temperature gauge
Pros
- High heat output for a quick warm-up and short cooking time
- Compact, lightweight, and portable construction
- Foldable legs to save the storage space
- Assembles easily
Cons
- It is a little hard to achieve even cooking temperature for certain meals
Product specifications
Brand | Masterbuilt/ Outdoor Leisure Products |
Grill Fuel Type | Propane |
Grill Category | Tabletop |
Dimensions | 15.8 x 26.9 x 11.8 inches |
Item Weight | 20.3 pounds |
Material | Stainless steel grates |
Take a few minutes to watch this video. You will understand why I recommend it:
8. Cuisinart CGG-180TB Tabletop Tailgating Grill
(Best Portable)
Just stop your hunt for a portable tailgating grill for your next trip with this amazing grill. This model is, by far, the most transport-friendly of all the different grills in all senses.
It boasts an excellent briefcase-style design with a carrying handle and folding legs to travel and cook your meals whenever and wherever you go, the sports stadium, the campsite, or the beach.
Measuring 18.0 x 17.5 x 11.5 inches, the grill weighs only 17 pounds, being remarkably compact and lightweight for a grill. When it comes to cleaning, removable grates are easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher.
Key features
- Propane burner produces 5,500 BTUs of heat per hour
- 145-square-inches of porcelain-enameled grates
- Thermometer gauge
- Briefcase-style design with foldable legs and carrying handle
- Electric ignition for a quick start
Pros
- Super-portable and ultra-lightweight
- Convenient design for transport
- Be compact, ideal for small space like decks, camping, tailgating, etc.
- Easy to light and control the temperature
- Decent price
Cons
- It takes a long time to cook large meals
- Drip tray tends to small and needs to empty often
Product specifications
Brand | Cuisinart |
Grill Fuel Type | Propane |
Grill Category | Tabletop |
Dimensions | 18x 17.5x 11.5 inches |
Item Weight | 17 lbs |
Material | Steel grates |
Do not make any purchase before watching this video:
9. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Tailgating Grill
(Budget Pick)
Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Tailgating Grill is a great choice to have a delicious BBQ party with your lovers without spending a fortune.
It has 160 sq. in. of heating space on durable plated steel cooking grates, offering plenty of cooking area for steak, hotdogs, veggies, and more BBQ recipes. The shallowness of the grill body helps the meat be cooked faster with less charcoal.
There are two dampers mounted on the lead for temperature adjustment. The sturdy handle allows you to remove the unit even when it is being used safely.
Furthermore, the trim-built construction makes the assembly easy as a pie.
Key features
- 160 sq. in. of heating space
- Foldable legs
- Glass-reinforced nylon handle
- Two dampers, each with 3 vent holes
Pros
- Compact, trim-built construction for easy transport
- A typical charcoal grill ensures the delicious, smoky flavor
- Unbeaten price
- High-quality material
- Shallow grill body to cook faster
Cons
- The cooking space is quite small for a large group of guests
- The legs start to bend and misshape over time
Product specifications
Brand | Weber |
Grill Fuel Type | Charcoal |
Grill Category | Tabletop/ Freestanding |
Dimensions | 14.5 x 21 x 12.25 inches |
Item Weight | 14.53 pounds |
Material | Plated steel /porcelain-coated cast-iron grates |
This video will provide you with a more detailed guide to use the grill:
10. Blackstone 1666 Griddle 22-inch Tailgating Grill
(Best with Griddle)
The grill is fueled by a disposable propane cylinder and can produce 24,000 BTUs, an impressive amount of heat for a small-size grill. This means a faster warm-up and significantly shorter cooking times.
The griddle top is made of heavy-duty, cold-rolled steel, which ensures consistent temperature for even cooking. With a rear grease tray, you can have fatty meals drained well without worrying about flare-up or flavor loss from leaked juices.
Made of heavy materials, this grill quite weighs. Thanks to its compact design, however, the unit has a perfect size to fit on any table or cars of any size.
Key features
- Two separate propane burners produce 24,000 BTUs
- Heavy-duty, cold-rolled steel griddle
- Rear grease management system
Pros
- Less risk of flare-ups and flavor leaks thanks to the rear grease tray
- Two independent burners to have more grill recipes at once
- Durable construction for long use
- Perfect size and compact construction for tabletop
Cons
- No lid to prevent the
Product specifications
Brand | Blackstone |
Grill Fuel Type | Propane |
Grill Category | Tabletop |
Dimensions | 22.5 x 19 x 9 inches |
Item Weight | 32 pounds |
Material | Heavy-duty, cold-rolled steel griddle top |
Here is a thorough review of Blackstone 1666 Griddle Tailgating Grill:
11. Coleman RoadTrip LXE Tailgating Grill
(Best Freestanding Grill)
The Coleman RoadTrip LXE grill wow you with distinct advantages in comparison with its near cousin I have mentioned above. Like its cousin, it features multiple burners as independent heat areas to cook many recipes at once.
Though having one burner less than the Coleman RoadTrip 285, this grill boasts the cooking space of 285 sq. in., not smaller than that Coleman at all. On the other side, it is lighter and simpler to control with two burners.
And do not forget that this grill also comes featured with sturdy quick-fold legs and two wheels for easy-to-transform setup, which is super convenient.
Key features
- Propane power of 3,250 to 20,000 BTUs
- Two sliding side tables
- Two independent burners
- Primary cooking space of 285 sq. in
- Collapsible, wheeled legs
- InstaStart ignition
- Compatible with 1-pound propane tank
Pros
- Interchangeable cooktop to change grill grate to griddle or stove grates
- Collapsible design makes it super portable and effortless to fit into most vehicles
- Two independently adjustable burners for more food options
- Two side tables provide added space for meal prep
- Durable cast-iron grill grates
- Quick and easy to assembly
Cons
- Some users find the water tray a little bit difficult to remove
- Some users found the stand is not stable enough for uneven surface
Product specifications
Brand | COLEMAN |
Grill Fuel Type | Propane |
Grill Category | Freestanding |
Dimensions | 32 x 35 x 19 inches |
Item Weight | 44.00 pounds |
Material | Cast-iron grates |
Watch this video to have a closer look at this product:
12. Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Tailgating Grill
(Best for Durability)
The Broil King tailgating grill belongs to the high-end side with the price many times higher than many grills on this list. And high-end price comes with high-end quality, which is shown via its mind-blowing features.
The outstanding advantage of this unit is its capacity to reach a certain temperature and held the temperature for an extended period with significantly less charcoal than a typical charcoal grill. This is thanks to its insulated steel grill body that retains heat and moisture efficiently.
You can check the internal temperature via temperature gauge and make the adjustment if needed.
Key features
- 480 sq. in. of cooking surface
- 200 sq. in. of secondary chrome cooking surface
- Two removable side tables with hooks
- Wheeled base
- Trailer-hitch adaptable
- Removable trash catcher
- Two dampers
Pros
- Heats up quickly and retains heat well
- Ideal for slow-cooking meal
- There is roomy space for utensils thanks to two side tables
- Removable ash catcher for easy dumping
- Large overhead to cook whole chickens and turkeys
- Sturdy wheeled base for portability
- Durable construction with insulated steel to prevent cracking and damages
Cons
- Costly
- Very heavy
Product specifications
Brand | Broil King |
Grill Fuel Type | Charcoal |
Grill Category | Freestanding |
Dimensions | 47 x 41 x 27.5 inches |
Item Weight | 126 pounds |
Material | Steel grates |
Watch this video to understand more about the unit:
Buying Tips for Tailgating Grill
To select the best tailgating grill, you should consider your personal preference regarding fuel type, cooking time, and size that decide on flavor or convenience. Here are some aspects that you should take in your consideration.
Fuel
There are three main types of fuel for a tailgating grill: charcoal, propane, and electric. Charcoal, first of all, ensure the most authentic taste. But the heat produced by charcoal is not consistent and hot enough to cook certain large food.
In comparison with charcoal, propane light faster and produce more consistent heats for longer cooking time. On the other hand, many favor propane over charcoal because the former are usually more space-efficient.
Sometimes, gas or charcoal grilling is not permitted in a condo, an apartment, or some places because of fire-safe regulations. In this case, there is no choice than an electric type.
Electric is a cleaner-burning and cost-saving fuel. However, the feeling of enjoying a BBQ party that it gives you might not be as much as other types.
Cooking Capacity
Your plan of a pleasant tailgate will be at risk of failure if you can’t feed all diners or serve uncooked food.
To avoid this awkward situation, you had better measure how many diners will be served and decide if a grill with a cooking capacity of three burgers or ten burgers will be the best choice.
If you have a big group to feed, make sure the grill has enough cooking space and power to prepare food for many people and at a certain time.
On the other hand, you do not want to transport, heat, and clean a massive grill for the sake of a couple of burgers. In this case, there are tailgate grills built to cook for just a few people.
Space
There’s nothing worse than finding out the tailgating barbecue you have just purchased doesn’t fit in your car. Even if you are proud of owning a big car that can hold a massive grill, give the size some thought.
Estimate the containing capacity of the back of your trunk to decide the suitable size of the grill. Remember that you have to spare not only the grill but also that food, beers, charcoal (if needed), and other equipment.
And one more thing, you might concern where you will store the grill when it is not in use. You will realize how wise it is to think about this in advance of the actual circumstance.
Weight
The weight of the grill should be taken in your consideration. How much a grill weighs also affects to its portability. Imagine how you can take a heavy grill in and out of your car on your own?
It is not always lucky to have help from others any time you need it. Check the product specifications to make sure you get the grill with suitable weight for your trip.
FAQ
Comparing with buying the best tailgating grill, using it is not simpler at all. Let’s join the discussion of grill lovers to figure out what they concern about tailgating.
My Top Pick
My top pick comes to the Coleman RoadTrip 285 Tailgating Grill. The grill owns all qualities that the best tailgate grills should have: portability, reliability, versatility.
Powerful burners and ample cooking space make it super easy to cook various food by this unit. What is more? The easy-to-transport build with wheeled legs will help fit it to any place with limited space like the back of your car.
I hope my best tailgating grill reviews can guide you to the right one. If there are any questions not yet answered, leave a message to me.