Have you ever had a tailgate grilling party? If your answer is negative, you haven’t really lived the American-spirited adventure. They are simply amazing. Besides being a great way to enjoy oneself, meet friends, and spend quality time outside, tailgate parties present perfect opportunities to enjoy good food and company. You wouldn’t want to eat Canned Chicken or Canned Sardines during such an event now, would you?
The thing is, while we’re all for gender equality, there’s no sense denying that grilling is more of a man thing, especially when it comes to tailgate grill parties, a true tradition that has been seeping into the lives of thousands of Americans for years. Of course, girls can tailgate as well, whether in the park, stadium, or wherever they deem suitable.
It’s simple; tailgate partying is an activity that can render any gathering into a fantastic experience.
There’s one thing to keep in mind though, which is that tailgate grill parties involve preparing food, and when it comes to food, nothing’s more critical than choosing the right equipment to get mouthwatering dishes.
If you feel overwhelmed because of the choice that you have to make, do not panic, as we took care of the heavy lifting and tested some tailgate grill models to help you choose the best tailgate grill for your next party.
Without further ado, fill your Coffee Mug, get your Grilling Tools and let’s get to the list.
Tailgate Grill Review Center 2021
| Image | Tailgate Grills | Rating |
|---|---|---|
 | #1 - Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Propane Grill | 99% |
 | #2 - Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill | 96% |
 | #3 - Weber Q 100 Portable Grill | 92% |
 | #4 - Smoke Hollow 205 Tabletop Propane Gas Grill | 89% |
 | #5 - Blackstone Grills Tailgater Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo | 85% |
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Now that you’ve seen our top 5 recommendations, we’ll give you more detail on each of them, including why we liked them. When you’re ready, click the yellow button to get the best price on Amazon!
#1 – Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Propane Grill
Experience is one thing, and producing quality appliances is a different ballgame – one that Coleman plays well. Not only is the RoadTrip LXE rugged, well-built, and beautifully made, but it’s also easily portable, making it the perfect companion for your outdoor tailgating parties, especially considering that it’s made of high-quality materials in a way that makes the grill virtually indestructible, no matter the weather, season, or environment.
The RoadTrip LXE boasts 2 independent 20,000-BTU burners that can produce enough strength for any adventure. Just get a 20-pound propane tank or a 16.4-ounce propane cylinder, and you’re good to go with your grilling party.
If you’re a man (or a woman) of practicality, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this tailgating grill as it provides mix-and-match cooking surfaces: grill, Griddle, and stove. Besides, you can easily collapse the side tables to get some extra space for your cooking needs. The cooking space measures 285 square inches, and it can be folded for easy transportation.
The practicality perks don’t end there though, as setting everything up and the aftermath cleaning are a piece of cake with the RoadTrip LXE. Yep, you can enjoy your time and forget about everything thanks to the lift and lock system that ensures smooth and quick setup.
Add all that to the utensil storage hooks, InstaStart matchless ignition, and detachable grease pan, and you’ve got yourself a nearly-perfect grill.
What we like about the grill
Compact, portable, easy to use, and innovative. What else could you ask for in a tailgate grill? If you’re willing to put in the money in exchange for the best tailgate grill, the RoadTrip LXE is definitely worth considering.
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#2 – Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
On a budget and you need a tailgate grill for your next outdoor adventure? No problem, Cuisinart is here to save the day with its Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill.
Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also portable and can be easily moved around as it can be folded to resemble a briefcase. Not any briefcase though, but one that packs a lockable handle that ensures safety while on the move. And if that’s not enough for you, you can get a carry bag that works as a cover for extra convenience.
For power, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill features a stainless steel 5,500-BTU burner that can take up to four pounds of meat at a time on the 145-square inch grilling area.
This tailgate grill is also easy to set up and clean thanks to the foldable legs, porcelain-enameled grate, and the drip tray, which makes the Petit Gourmet a convenient cooking companion.
Being a wallet-friendly grill, it’s totally normal to expect some minor drawbacks, which are, in this case, the fold up legs, which could be sturdier, and the drip tray, which could be bigger.
What we like about the grill
The Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill is a beast when it comes to portability, mainly thanks to its compact size and lightweight, as it weighs 13.5 pounds. Being on the smaller size, it’s suitable for small tailgate parties, ones that you want to arrange without breaking the bank.
So, if you’re on a budget and need a portable solution, the Petit Gourmet can definitely be the best tailgate grill for you.
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#3 – Weber Q 100 Portable Grill
Weber’s Q100 is yet another great grill that’s suitable for small gatherings and tailgate parties. Why? Because it’s super portable thanks to its small size and compact, ergonomic, and modern design. Don’t mistake small for weak though, as the Q100 is rugged and built of premium materials that ensure durability and protection against different weather elements.
This tailgate grill boasts an 8,500-BTU burner, with which you can use either a 16.4 or 14.1-oz disposable propane tank. What we really like about this portable grill is the precision of the heat control which is something that you rarely find in portable grills.
As for the setup and cleaning, they’re also easy and fast in this grill. For the setup, you just need to push the ignition button, and the 189-square inches will be ready for the meat you’re cooking. Once you serve the food and time comes for cleaning, you won’t find it hard as the grill is made of cast aluminum while the cooking grates are built with stainless steel, porcelain steel, and cast-iron.
For even more convenience, you can remove the greased pan and split the grate in two which makes it easier to maintain.
Talk about convenience, huh?
What we like about the grill
Weber’s Q100 is beautiful, ultra-portable, easy to set up, and effortless to clean and maintain. Besides, it can do wonders when it comes to barbecue and meat grilling to perfection. Sure, the price is steep, but if you’re someone who understands that quality and portability come at a price and that doesn’t need a big cooking area, the Q100 can be the bets tailgate grill for you.
Do not forget your Meat Grinders, Meat Slicers, and Meat Tenderizers when hitting the road!
You can also find a similar product at the grills superstore.
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#4 – Smoke Hollow 205 Tabletop Propane Gas Grill
Still looking for a budget-friendly tailgate grill? You should check Smoke Hollow’s 205 model. Granted, it’s not the most aesthetically-pleasing appliance out there, but considering the price you’re paying, it’s definitely worth a shot. Despite being made of stainless steel, the quality is a bit questionable, but it’s to be expected considering the low price point.
Measuring 27 x 17 x 12 inches when assembled, this unit is compact compared to other outdoor grills, with a 205-square inch cooking area that can be extended with the 105-square inch chrome-plated warming rack for a total of 305 sq. inches.
The grill boasts a U-style stainless steel 10,000-BTU burner along with a practical igniter and uses disposable propane cylinders for power. Be careful when using this grill though as controlling the heat can be tricky despite having a thermometer on the hood, so you need some experience to get your meat evenly cooked and avoid overheating and undesired flare-ups.
Portability-wise, Smoke Hollow’s 205 Tabletop Propane Gas Grill can compensate for the average build quality, as it features foldable legs along with li locks and a practical handle, so you can easily store and transport it in your car.
As for the cleaning, it’s not that big of a deal when using the Smoke Hollow 205, especially considering the stainless-steel drip tray.
What we like about the grill
It’s cheap. Yep, the main perk of the Smoke Hollow 205 is that it comes at a really affordable price. It’s also practical and easily portable, making it potentially the best tailgate grill for people on a budget. Just keep in mind that you need to operate it with care to avoid burning or overheating the meat, and you’re good to go.
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#5 – Blackstone Grills Tailgater Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo
Unlike our other recommendations, which are intended for small gatherings and tailgate parties, Blackstone Grills Tailgater is quite big and suitable for big gatherings and can feed many mouths. Do not worry though, as it’s still a portable grill, one that’s easy to set up and clean as well.
Sure, it’s a bit bulky compared to the other products on our list, heavy too as it weighs around 78.7 pounds, but thanks to the sturdy, adjustable legs, you can get the grill to any terrain. It’s also quite versatile, as it can work as both a griddle and a grill box.
The unit boasts two independent burners; a 20,000 BTU cast iron burner and a 15,000 BTU stainless steel H tube burner, along with independent controls for you to unleash your creativity by trying a different cooking style on each side.
The only downside to this unit is the tricky cleaning, but that’s to expect with any unit intended to feed a considerable crowd.
What we like about the grill
The thing we dig the most about this grill is what others may consider a downside, which is the big size. People may argue that the size and weight may defy the whole purpose of a portable grill, but it’s actually quite the contrary if you’re preparing for a big tailgate party.
This is a durable, multi-purpose grill that has a robust powder coat finish and two independent burners, so if you have a big party ahead, this is definitely the best tailgate grill for your needs. Just fill your Whiskey Barrels and prepare your Whiskey Stones, and your party will be fabulous for sure.
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Which is the Best Tailgate Grill?
Our award for the best tailgate grill goes to Coleman’s RoadTrip LXE Portable Propage Grill. Not only is it practical, portable, and easy to maintain, but it also comes at an affordable price point, which can spare you some money that you can invest in the parties themselves. Besides, if you’re someone who prefers to have their tailgate parties with just a few friends, you’ll find the 285-square inch cooking area more than enough for your equipment, Spice Grinders, and Spice Racks.
How to Choose the Best Tailgate Grill?
There are several factors that you need to consider when choosing the best tailgating grill to make sure you’re getting the most fun when having your party.
Size
It’s essential to choose the right size when searching for the best tailgate grill as it’s the number one factor when it comes to how much food you can serve. After all, the faster you can cook your food (on a large area), the sooner the real fun starts. Besides, you need to consider how much space your Steak Knife Sets will take.
Weight
Needless to say, the best tailgate grill is not the only equipment that you’re going to need when tailgating, which means that you need to choose a light grill that you can easily pack, transport, and set up so you can enjoy an effortless, relaxing gathering.
Portability
Obviously, you need a grill that’s portable, easy to maneuver, and effortless to move around so that you can take it with you when having an outdoor party or gathering.
Type
Almost any type of grill can be used for tailgate parties and picnics, so make sure to get one that complies by the rules of the park or stadium you’re visiting. Most people prefer a charcoal grill that offers a heat control system or a gas grill for which you need to get a disposable propane tank. Before purchasing your grill, make sure to determine your needs, preferences, and expectations for the grill to last for a lifetime.
Maintenance
Tailgating parties are followed by a lot of cleaning, so make sure to choose a grill that doesn’t require heavy maintenance if you don’t want to spend hours scrubbing after every gathering.
How to Have the Best Tailgate Grill Party?
Despite what most people believe, which is that no rules are set on stone when it comes to tailgate parties, there’s actually a certain etiquette that you need to follow if you want your gathering to be amusing and safe.
- Pick the Best Tailgate Grill
Not every grill can be used for tailgating. When you’re choosing your grill, make sure that it can be stored and transported in your car’s trunk, that it respects the safety rules of the park or stadium you’re visiting, and that it follows the latest safety standards.
- Operate the Grill Safely
Safety is a priority when having a tailgate party as anyone getting hurt would result in ruining the event. The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that you should avoid open flames. Also, make sure to follow the rules of the park or stadium you’re visiting. If the event’s location forbids using a Deep Fryer, which is what almost all stadiums do, avoid it at all cost, as breaking the rules may result in a catastrophe.
- Get Rid of the Waste Properly
Once you finish your party, don’t forget to dispose of hot coal properly to avoid any hazardous situation that could endanger you, your friends, and anyone in the park or stadium. Also, remember to place all the waste in a proper Garbage Disposal to keep the location as clean as you found it.
Final Thoughts
Tailgate parties represent great social events in the American tradition, ones that you shouldn’t miss if you’re one to enjoy outdoor gatherings.
When choosing the best tailgate grill, make sure to set your expectations right, know your budget, and identify your needs and preferences for you to have the best picnic with your friends.
While you’re here, check out some of our other kitchen appliances!
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