Do you want to be able to grill food wherever you go? Cooking food on the grill is the perfect way to enjoy food in the Great Outdoors. However, it is essential to find a grill that is especially portable while also being durable enough to go the distance.
The best tailgate grill models have been designed especially for this purpose. Although they boast a compact design, they come with a sturdy design and a wide range of features.
The Best Tailgate Grills Reviews
Let’s now go through some of the most popular products and find the perfect grill for your needs…
1. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill – Best Propane Tailgate Grill
Trying to prepare food while away from home can be a bit tricky. Having a strong and sturdy grill is only part of the issue. You also need a reliable space where you can create and serve your food without worrying about cross contamination.
Time to hit the road…
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill has perfectly solved this issue. This model boasts side tables on either side of the grill. You can use one side table to prepare your food and the other to serve the cooked dishes.
You are provided with 285 square inches of cooking space and 20,000 BTUs of power. This allows you to reach temperatures high enough for searing steak to perfection. There are three different burners, which can be adjusted independently for optimum versatility.
Quick and efficient…
Coleman’s patented push-button ignition makes lighting the grill quick and efficient. Even on a windy day, you won’t have to worry about getting the grill started. The large water pan catches grease as you cook and can be removed to make the cleanup process a breeze.
This grill is able to hold a lot of food. Even when fully loaded, the overall structure is especially sturdy. The cast iron grate is very durable and is backed up by a comprehensive three-year warranty.
Versatile and portable…
At a weight of 44 pounds, this is not the lightest grill around. However, this model boasts a compact footprint and is especially portable. You are able to break down this grill quickly and wheel it to the desired location to set it up.
PROS
- Three adjustable burners.
- 285 square inches of cooking space.
- Three-year limited warranty.
- Push-button ignition.
- Wheels and quick-fold legs.
CONS
- A bit on the heavy side.
2. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill – Best Tabletop Gas Grill for Tailgating
With its bright red finish and sturdy design, this model really stands out from the crowd. However, the Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill is much more than a pretty face. It features a large grill and is able to reach up to 500°F.
Small yet perfectly formed…
This model has been designed to fit easily on a tabletop. The overall size is 16 inches by 16.5 inches by 31.5 inches. The single burner heats up quickly and maintains its heat remarkably well.
You are provided with enough space to cook up to eight burgers at the same time. This should be sufficient to satisfy the average family. The porcelain-enameled grate heats up evenly and is very easy to clean after use.
Helps eliminate the mess…
There is also a spill-resistant drip tray, which helps to eliminate mess. When not in use, the legs fold away to make this model extra compact. You are also able to lock the lid firmly in place to prevent scratches and spills during transportation.
However, you should be aware that the drip tray is quite small. This may allow grease to build up quite quickly. You will need to monitor this carefully to prevent the grease from spilling over.
Large enough for…
Still, with 145 square inches of cooking space, you are able to cook for up to five people. This is likely to be sufficient for family gatherings. This model weighs just 13.5 pounds and features a sturdy grab handle to make it easy to carry.
PROS
- Weighs just 13.5 pounds.
- Aluminum legs and stabilizing feet.
- 5,500 BTUs of power.
- Sturdy carrying handle.
- 145 square inches of cooking space.
CONS
- The catch basin is rather small.
3. Blackstone Grills Tailgater Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo – Best Portable Grill and Griddle for Tailgating
Blackstone has created a wide range of different types of grills and accessories. Their products are known for being especially sturdy and reliable. They tend to be compact, yet packed with a range of features that help to make grilling easy.
But is this the best grill for tailgating?
The Blackstone Grills Tailgater Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo sits on four legs. Each of these legs can be adjusted independently. This makes the grill ideal for use on rough terrain.
You are provided with a total of 512 square inches of cooking space, distributed over two burners. As a result, you are able to cook different types of dishes at the same time. The large and flat surface at the side can serve as a warming area or a preparation station if you prefer.
But be careful…
You need to take extra care when using the lid handle, as it can get scorching hot. While this can be remedied by using an oven mitt, it is important to keep this firmly in mind. Dumping out the ash from this model can also be rather messy.
If you are looking for a tailgate grill that is truly versatile, this model is an excellent option. You are able to use it to boil pots, fry eggs, grill steaks, and much more. The ability to choose from gas or charcoal is another touch that helps to give this model the edge.
PROS
- H-shaped tube burner.
- Adjustable legs.
- 512 square inches of cooking space.
- Runs on propane and charcoal.
- Two standard burners.
CONS
- The lid handle gets very hot.
4. Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill – Best Weber Tailgate Grill
If you love to grill, you are likely to be familiar with the Weber Smokey Joe. This grill is well-known for being especially reliable and easy to use. The Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill promises to deliver the same high quality on a smaller scale.
But does it truly make the grade?
This model boasts the same impressive features of the full-sized version. You are treated to an especially strong and sturdy construction. It is set with a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl that seal in heat and speed up the cooking process.
The steel grates are durable and very easy to clean while delivering excellent heat retention. You are treated to a special ash catcher underneath the bowl of this model. This helps ensure that the cleanup process is very quick and easy.
Designed to stay cool…
You are provided with a total of 147 square inches of cooking space. This is enough to hold up to seven hamburgers at a time. The lid is set with a glass-reinforced nylon handle, which has been designed to stay cool during use.
Easy control…
The lid is set with a top vent that makes it easy to control the interior heat. This is perfect for cooking in windy conditions. You simply need to close the lid while your steaks sizzle and the chicken cooks to perfection.
Although not necessarily a deal-breaker, the addition of side handles would help make this model more portable. Fortunately, this model weighs just 9.5 pounds and is especially compact. In fact, the overall dimensions are just 17 inches high by 14.2 inches wide by 14.5 inches deep.
PROS
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl.
- Excellent heat retention.
- Sturdy carrying handle.
- Weighs just 9.5 pounds.
- Easy to assemble and use.
CONS
- No side handles.
5. Green Mountain Davy Crockett Pellet Grill – Best Portable Pellet Grill for Tailgating
Are you ready to take your cooking experience to the next level? The design of the Green Mountain Grill 2019 Davy Crockett Pellet Grill with Cover is sure to appeal to technology lovers. It is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to download a special app to keep an eye on the cooking process.
Time to get connected…
This is ideal for occasions when you want to entertain. You will be able to step away from the grill and spend time with your guests. The app will alert you to the cooking temperature and the amount of time remaining before your food is ready.
This model also boasts a number of advanced features that make it stand out from the crowd. The wire rack on the side is a great area for preparing and serving your food. The rack is also set with hooks where you can hang your oven mitts, tongs, and other tools.
For a great smoky flavor…
This model uses wood pellets, which produce less mess than charcoal while still producing a smoky flavor. You are provided with a nine-pound hopper, which doesn’t need to be filled too often. The wood pellets also maintain temperature easily, eliminating a lot of the effort while cooking.
However, it should be noted that the Wi-Fi connectivity and feeder need to run on electricity. This should not be an issue if you are grilling in your backyard. However, the usability of this model is likely to be limited if you are in the Great Outdoors.
PROS
- Three-year warranty.
- Water-resistant cover included.
- Nine-pound hopper.
- Automatic ignition.
- Three power options.
CONS
- Feeder and Wi-Fi need electricity to work.
6. Masterbuilt 205 Stainless Steel Gas Grill – Best Portable Tailgate Grill with Warming Rack
With its solid stainless steel build, this tailgate grill is sure to go the distance. The Masterbuilt 205 Stainless Steel Gas Grill provides you with 205 square inches of cooking space. This is enough space to hold up to eight burgers, several sausages, or anything else that takes your fancy.
Warm and tasty…
This model comes complete with a chrome-plated warming rack measuring 100 square inches. This allows you to prepare a large batch of food in advance and keep it warm and fresh. This is perfect for occasions when extra guests turn up to eat with you.
The warming rack is set on top of the grill to help minimize the required space. This is the perfect place to toast your burgers buns or simply keep your food warm. The excess grease from burgers and steaks will fall onto the grill to help minimize the mess.
Especially stable…
The foldable stainless steel legs help to keep the grill stable at all times. The U-shaped burner is also made of stainless steel and helps to evenly distribute heat. The overall dimensions of the grill are 27 inches long by 17 inches wide by 12 inches high.
At 21 pounds, this is not the lightest grill around. However, you are sure to find that it is especially strong and sturdy. You are able to lock the lid into place and use the handle on the lid to carry the grill.
PROS
- 205 square inches of cooking space.
- 10,000 BTUs of power.
- Foldable stainless steel legs.
- Large warming rack.
- U-shaped burner.
CONS
- Small grease pan.
Best Tailgate Grill Buying Guide
As you are sure to have noticed, tailgate grills vary widely in terms of size, features, and materials. This can make choosing the perfect grill rather tricky. Here are some things to think about when choosing the best grill for your tailgating needs.
The Heat Source
First and foremost, decide whether you prefer a charcoal grill or a gas grill. While generally messier than gas, charcoal grills provide food with a smoky flavor and are ideal for searing steaks.
On the other hand, gas grills are typically easier to use as well as faster and cleaner. They also tend to require less maintenance, although you may need to pick up a disposable liquid propane container. Ultimately, the type of grill that you prefer is likely to come down to personal preference.
The Materials
The perfect tailgate grill should offer the perfect blend of durability and portability. Therefore, the materials should be both durable and light. A stainless steel construction is ideal for this type of grill.
The Lid
Portable grills should come with a lid to help keep them clean during transportation. Ideally, the lid should also be lockable. It will be a real bonus if handles are set into the top and sides of the lid.
The Cooking Area
Although portability is key, make sure that the grill is large enough to meet your needs. If the grill is too small, you will have to spend longer cooking your food in small batches. Choosing a model with a warming rack allows you to prepare your food in advance to save time and trouble.
Legs
Tailgate grills that come with legs tend to be especially sturdy. Of course, it is important to make sure that it is possible to fold up the legs when not in use. Propping the grill up on legs will also help to avoid scorching your table or another surface.
Preparation Areas
Trying to prepare and serve food while you are outdoors can be tricky. Choosing a tailgate grill that comes with side tables will help to solve this issue. The grill gets extra points if there are places to hang your tongs and other tools.
Ease of Cleaning
The last thing you want is to waste a lot of time and energy scrubbing your grill before heading home. Therefore, the cleanup process should be as quick and easy as possible. Grills that are coated with porcelain can generally be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
A grease tray will also help to make the cleanup process quick and easy. Make sure that the grease tray is large enough and easy to remove so it can be emptied. If you are cooking with charcoal, a removable ashtray will also be especially convenient.
So, what is the Best Tailgate Grill?
In terms of advanced features, there is one model that really stands out from the crowd, and that’s the…
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
This has been perfectly designed for cooking on the go. Everything about this model speaks of convenience, from the foldable side tables to the large side handles. The lid is set with a thermometer, while each of the three burners can be adjusted independently.
No matter what and where you want to cook, you can be sure that the process will be smooth and simple.
Happy grilling!
