The Best Tailgate Grills For The Tailgate Party

Are you planning to have a tailgate party with your friends? Then, you need the best tailgate grill for a portable grilling setup. There are various means you can fire up your grill. Here, we’re going to discuss tailgate gas grills. Read our best tailgate grill reviews to learn more about each product.

Top 7 Best Tailgate Gas Grills on the Market

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1. Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

Weber 51010001 - best tailgate grill

Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill, Black

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This Weber grill is one of the best tailgate grill options. It has a cooking area of 189 square inches with heat production of 8500 BTUs. The burner is made of stainless steel. The cooking grates are made from porcelain-enameled cast iron while the lid is of aluminum material. All these contribute to the durability of this grill.

You can connect this grill to either a 14.1 oz. or 16.4 oz. liquid propane cylinder. You will need to buy it separately. When it comes to cooking, light this grill up simply by turning on its electronic ignition tap. Thanks to its infinite control burner valve and built-in thermometer, you can cook at any temperature range, from low to high.

2. Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Propane Gas Grill – Perfect for tailgating

Smoke Hollow 205 - best tailgate grill

Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel TableTop Propane Gas Grill, Perfect for tailgating,camping or any outdoor event

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This Smoke Hollow grill is a good option for people searching for portable tailgating solutions. This gas grill is portable, thanks to its carry handle, foldable legs, and small-sized body. To fuel this grill, you need to attach a one-pound propane cylinder. For prolonged use, you can connect it to a 20-pound propane tank by using a hose and adapter.

It has a grill surface cooking area of 205 square inches and a warming rack of 105 square inches. The burner gives off the heat of 10,000 BTUs. It comes equipped with a stainless steel drip tray to make your outdoor activity mess-free. If you are searching for stainless steel BBQ grills for tailgating, this one is a good option.

3. Blackstone Grills Tailgater – Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo

Blackstone Grills Tailgater - best tailgate grill

Blackstone Grills Tailgater – Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo – Barbecue Box – Two Open Burners “ Griddle Top – Adjustable Legs – Camping Stove Great for Hunting, Fishing, Tailgating and More

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This Blackstone tailgate grill can help you cook meals easily with the help of its versatile features. It comes pre-assembled, so you don’t have to waste your precious time setting it up.

With its adjustable legs, you can put it in any type of surface. Best of all, this is a grill and griddle combo, opening a variety of cooking options for users. What is a griddle? It is a flat surface heated by a fuel source that can be used for cooking. You can use the griddle and grill simultaneously.

The heavy-duty grills are made of cast iron, and griddles are made of cold rolled steel material. A powder coating is applied as a finishing. Its grill box has vent and handles for your convenience.

This tailgate grill has two burners. One is a stainless-steel H tube burner that produces 15,000 BTUs. The other cast iron burner produces 20,000 BTUs.

Its remarkable features notwithstanding, you should also consider its weight. This is a bit heavy, as it is an adequate-sized grill that offers lots of cooking space.

4. Char-Broil Gas Portable Tabletop Grill

Gas Grill 190 Deluxe with Cool Clean 360 Brush - best tailgate grill

Gas Grill 190 Deluxe with Cool Clean 360 Brush

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You can grill anywhere with the help of the Char-Broil Gas Tabletop Grill. This sleek and durable grill allows you to cook your favorite foods while tailgating, camping, or relaxing at the beach.

Simple and lightweight at only 10 pounds, with a securely latching lid and folding legs, this one is a truly transportable grill. But don’t let its size deceive you. Its 190 square inches of primary cooking surface on porcelain-coated wire grates means you will have enough space to grill 8 burgers or 12 hot dogs at once.

The stainless steel burner provides 11,000 BTUs, heating up fast to grill your meats, chicken, fish, vegetables, and more. A hook allows you to hang the lid while you grill. Packing up is also hassle-free. The legs fold over, and the heat-resistant handles enable you to move the grill anytime you wish. The rust-resistant steel firebox and lid construction with a black porcelain finish help extend the life of this grill. The cooking grate is dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. This lightweight grill measures 12.3″ x 24.1″ x 15″ and is designed for use with 14.1 oz. or 16.4 oz. disposable propane cylinders.

5. Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill, Red - best tailgate grill

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill, Red

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This red-colored grill is another contender for best tailgate gas grills. This is a good choice for people looking for a portable solution to feed 4 or more guests.

This Cuisinart tailgate grill has a cooking area of 145 sq. in. If you’re a bit confused about the size, just imagine an area that can cook 8 steaks, 8 burgers, 6 to 8 chicken breasts, or 4 pounds of fish. That is what this grill can cook for you.

Moreover, it comes with foldaway legs. Unfold them to use the grill as a standalone system. When you’re done, you can just fold them up again.

The stainless steel burner produces 5,500 BTUs while the grates are porcelain-enameled. The legs are made of aluminum so they are very durable. The grates provide even heat across your meals.

Setting up this grill up is easy. It also has an integrated lock that keeps the lid secure. This grill weighs only 13.5 pounds. With its carrying handle, you can carry it like a briefcase. This nice-looking tailgate grill is affordably priced.

6. Char-Griller 3001 Grillin’ Pro 40,800-BTU Gas Grill

Char-Griller E3001 Grillin' Pro 40,800-BTU Gas Grill, Black - best tailgate grill

Char-Griller E3001 Grillin’ Pro 40,800-BTU Gas Grill, Black

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This tailgate gas grill is a good choice for those who want to feed a large group. The main grilling area is very large at 438 square inches. This gas grill can kick out 40,800 BTUs.

Besides the main area, it also comes with a 192 square inch warming rack and a 12,000 BTU side burner. It has a durable steel construction, porcelain coated cast iron grates and utensil hooks. The electronic ignition and side shelf makes this grill easy and convenient to use. However, it is a bit heavy at 88 pounds.

7. Smoke Hollow VT280SS1 Vector 3-Burner Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

Smoke Hollow VT280SS1 Vector 3-Burner Tabletop Propane Gas Grill with Smoke Tray - best tailgate grill

Smoke Hollow VT280SS1 Vector 3-Burner Tabletop Propane Gas Grill with Smoke Tray

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This Smoke Hollow Gas Grill is equipped with two 6,500 BTU stainless steel burners. Aside from that, there’s also a smoke tray burner that gives off 3500 BTU heat. Meanwhile, the total cooking area is 367 square inches.

The cooking grids are porcelain-coated while the warming rack is chrome plated. Moreover, the finishing is done using high-heat paint to enhance durability.

For your convenience, this tailgating grill comes with foldable legs and locking hoods. These attributes make cooking and transporting easier. This gas grill gets its fuel from a propane cylinder. With all its remarkable features, it can very well be one of your best tailgate gas grill options.

What Is a Tailgate Grill?

A tailgate grill is a portable grill that can be used for outdoor cooking, specifically for tailgate parties. It can be a propane grill or a tailgate charcoal grill. A tailgate party is a social event that’s held around the open tailgate of a vehicle. Believed to have originated in the US, tailgating involves grilling food, barbecue, and consuming beverages. Popular tailgate grill recipes include hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.

Tailgate parties usually occur in parking lots of stadiums and arenas, before (or sometimes after) games and concerts. They are typically held at sporting events such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and baseball, but can also occur at non-sporting events like weddings, barbecues, and concerts.

How to Choose the Right Tailgate Grill for Your Needs

Want to buy a tailgate grill? Aside from thinking how to use the grill, you should also consider its weight, durability, and price. For example, those made from cast iron will weigh around 40 pounds and are more expensive. Those made of less durable materials weigh about 20 pounds and can be purchased for less. Once you have an idea what to look for, you will be well positioned to consider the options available.

What Features to Look For When Buying a Tailgate Grill?

There are various features available in portable grills. Some of the things to consider when buying a tailgate grill include temperature control, cooking surface area, quality of construction, burners, number of shelves, among others.

Temperature Control

Some portable barbecue grills have just one temperature control. In case there are two burners, it’s preferable that there be 2 temperature controls so you can cook at 2 different temperatures, adjusting when necessary.

Surface Cooking Area

The surface area is the space available for cooking. Tailgate grills usually have anywhere from 180 to 285 square inches of cooking area. Make sure to choose one with enough space to cook burgers, bacon, or eggs for your entire group.

Number of Burners

Whether you should buy a tailgate grill with more than one burner depends on your specific requirements. You may want to look for a grill with two burners if you want to cook different types of food simultaneously. But if you’re mainly looking to grill just hot dogs and hamburgers, a one burner tailgate grill may be sufficient.

Grates

Grates are panels which fit across the surface of the grill. They can be made from cast iron, stainless steel, nickel, and chrome. Here are some important things to remember. Chrome and nickel don’t hold heat as well as stainless steel and cast iron grates. Stainless steel grates are easy to clean. Meanwhile, cast iron grates which are covered in porcelain perform well, although the porcelain may chip or crack. Cast iron grates not covered with porcelain can rust if they are not “seasoned” or treated.

Ignition

A portable grill typically has a spark ignition system. The ignition system may either run on a battery or work through the friction of turning a dial or pushing a button to get a spark.

Quality of Construction

What materials the tailgate grill is made of and how well it’s constructed will affect its longevity. When it comes to safety, the stability of the grill is important. You want to make sure that the grill and stand are stable. Typically, grills that are welded are more stable than those held together by nuts and bolts. Cast iron, cast aluminum, and stainless steel are the best materials for durability.

Ease of Transportation

A portable tailgate grill allows you to cook amazing food on your trip. A grill’s portability depends on its weight and physical size. Preferably, it shouldn’t take up too much space, so it will be easy for you to load it into your vehicle.

Fuel Tanks

A tailgate gas grill usually runs on small propane cylinders. Some grills have adapter hoses that can be purchased so you can connect your grill to a larger 20-pound propane tank.

Number of Shelves

Shelves or side tables may be removed so they don’t get in the way when cleaning or transporting your grill. They are also useful when preparing and putting your meal together.

Safety Tips for Grilling

Grilling with family and friends can be really fun. But, there are safety tips to consider during all this amusement. It’s important to follow these tips not only for you but for everyone around you as well.

    • Choose a location wisely. There shouldn’t be any wooden material hanging above the grill.

 

    • Before lighting up the fire, clean your grill of any grease and previous fats that may have accumulated over it.

 

    • If you have a gas tailgate grill, make sure the connections are tight.

 

    • Keep water close by.

 

  • It is a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Final Review of the Best Tailgate Grill

Grilling is a tricky task, especially for beginners. It can make your day with delicious food or turn it into a mess. It all depends on grilling skills and the tools you will have for this purpose.

That is why it’s important to consider various aspects before buying a tailgate grill. In this review, we have provided a list of the best tailgate grill options. We hope you can find the perfect tailgate grilling solution that will satisfy your needs.

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