Whenever you are doing any type of grilling or cooking out for dinner, everyone knows that a burger or steak is only as good as the chef and their grill. When cooking your perfectly charred foods, it’s important that your grill has certain qualities that make your food have everyone shouting for more at the cookout. And then, when you consider that tailgate grilling has its own complications and specific things you’ll look for in a grill, it can seem like a lot. There are so many great tailgate grill options out there; how do you choose?
This article will help you become more informed about cooking on a tailgate grill, what to look for while shopping for a tailgate grill, and how to find the best tailgate grill option for you and your buddies to enjoy the next game day. Once you’ve found the perfect tailgate grill, your hangouts will just become that much better. Your burgers will turn out perfectly every time, and everyone will want to tailgate with you! For the best tailgate grill options, look no further.
Comparison Table
Product FAQ
What Is Tailgating?
What Is a Tailgate Grill?
How Does a Tailgate Grill Work?
Where Can You Buy Them?
How We Reviewed
We took the time to search through plenty of reviews and best of lists so that we could find the best possible tailgate grill options for you and your needs. While reading through product descriptions and reviews, we took care to take an unbiased note of the features, pros, cons, and price of each option. This ensures that you, the buyer, can make an informed and trusted decision when looking for your next tailgate grill. Surely whichever tailgate grill you choose will impress the crowd!
Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)
The lower price range of these tailgate grills is from $30 – $86 for a grill. On the higher end, there are models that are $392 and $855 if you want a luxury tailgating experience.
What We Reviewed
Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Propane Grill
- Portable propane grill ideal for tailgating, picnicking, and camping
- Delivers 20,000 BTUs of heat across 285 square inches of grilling surface
- Swaptop interchangeable cooktops allow you to switch grill grates out for griddle and...
- Instastart button ignites grill without the need for a match or lighter
- Collapsible design is easy to transport and fits into most car trunks
Features
This tailgate grill is sure to impress anyone, from its sleek design that you can fold down and roll for easy storage to the interchangeable surface. If you wanted, you could buy a separate griddle and have another setup at your tailgate!
PROS
CONS
Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill
- Total cooking area = 280 Square Inches
- Stainless steel burner puts out 12,000 BTU-per-hour
- Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
- Electronic ignition with built in thermometer
- Two folding work tables
Features
This propane tailgate grill has a sleek design with folding side tables for all of your food to rest on while you cook. The cast iron cooking grates produce delicious results for those who don’t mind waiting a little while for their grills to heat up.
PROS
CONS
Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Charcoal Barbecue Grill
- DESIGNED FOR DURABILITY AND PERFORMANCE - the Keg features an insulated double-walled...
- COOK MORE, USE LESS CHARCOAL - with its insulated steel design, cast iron top damper,...
- QUICK & EASY CLEAN UP - a removable steel ash catcher makes it quick and easy to clean out...
- PACKED WITH EXTRAS - unlike many kamado grills the Keg 5000 comes out of the box with...
- BUILT TO LAST - with a 10-year warranty on the grill body and a 2-year warranty on the...
Features
This grill was almost made for tailgating considering its trailer hitch adaptability and up to 280 square inch grilling surface. Perfectly suitable for parties, this grill is great for any tailgate party on game day, and as a bonus, it conserves charcoal when it cooks.
PROS
CONS
Picnic Time Vulcan All-In-One Tailgaiting Cooler/BBQ Set with Trolley
- Vulcan all-in-one cooler/propane BBQ nested set with wheeled trolley by Oniva, a Picnic...
- Durable polyester tote with adjustable shoulder strap, two drawstring pockets for propane,...
- Includes three multi-functional stainless steel barbecue tools that feature aluminum...
- Removable, PVC cooler equipped with carry straps and interior lid pocket; Cooler holds up...
- Measures with trolley up 21 by 12 by 39 inches; Backed by the Picnic Time Family of Brands...
Features
This small cooler and barbecue set-up would be perfect for any small to medium sized group looking to get together before a big game. While the grilling surface isn’t as large as some choices or perfect for huge groups, it comes with a cooler that fits 22 cans for you and your friends to sip while you grill.
PROS
CONS
Solaire Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill
- Portable infrared grill with electronic push-button ignition; uses 1 pound propane...
- 155 square inches of grilling space (fits eight 4-inch hamburgers); 14,000 BTU/hour; 61.1...
- Stainless steel (commercial grade) welded construction; bottom rails accept a variety of...
- V-shape stainless steel grilling grids increase flavor while reducing flare-ups; includes...
- With lid down, grill measures 21 wide by 13 deep by 12 inches high; shipping weight 27...
Features
This infrared grill will have you feeling like a professional at your next game day tailgate. With an electronic push button and a specially designed grilling grid, your steaks and burgers will be your juiciest yet.
PROS
CONS
Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
- Holds up to six burgers made with a Weber burger press
- Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
- Porcelain-enameled lid and base retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
- The lid locks for easy portability and dampers allow you to easily control the temperature...
- Durable plated steel cooking grate retains heat and is easy to clean.Primary cooking area...
Features
This super affordable grill allows any fan of a good barbecue to be a winning game day chef. With up to 160 square inches of grilling surface, this grill is perfect for up to four thick steaks to fit comfortably inside for cooking.
PROS
CONS
Blackstone Grills Tailgater
- PORTABLE - The perfect tailgater grill and griddle for any event. Easy portable setup,...
- VERSATILE – enjoy several different setup combinations. Utilize the grill box and...
- DURABLE - Built to last this Blackstone grill includes a heavy-duty grill box with vent,...
- TWO BURNERS – two independently controlled burners (1 stainless steel H tube burner and...
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEE - if you are not completely satisfied at any point please feel free...
Features
Ever struggled to keep your tailgate grill steady when you’re on uneven ground somewhere outside? With the adjustable legs on this grill that’s a problem of the past. This tailgate grill also comes with a griddle so you have both options without buying expensive attachments.
PROS
CONS
Weber 10020 Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill
- Holds up to five burgers made with a Weber burger press
- Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
- Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat, and won’t rust or peel
- Dampers allow you to easily control the temperature inside your grill
- Durable plated steel cooking grate retains heat and is easy to clean. Dimensions - Lid...
Features
If you’re not looking for a serious grill but still want to have a good time tailgating, this budget tailgate grill may be the perfect option for you. For only $30, you can have a portable standard lightweight grill that’s great for a small to medium sized crowd who aren’t looking for frills.
PROS
CONS
Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel TableTop Propane Gas Grill
- 205 sq. in. primary stainless steel cooking area 105 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack
- 10,000 BTU stainless steel "U" burner
- Fold-able stainless steel legs; Uses 16oz. disposable cylinder
- Stainless steel drip tray; Temperature gauge
- Assembled Size: 19 L x 32 W x 33.5 H inches
Features
This propane grill is fine for any tabletop or for use on the back of your truck, considering there’s a stainless steel drip tray. With a decent grilling surface and a nice sleek design with safety in mind, this grill is great for folding down on the go.
PROS
CONS
Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill
- Lodge Logic Sportsmans Grill, 17-1/4" x 9" unit size, 19"L x 10-1/4"W x 8-1/4 H" grill...
- This rugged, charcoal hibachi-style grill is perfect for picnics, tailgating, camping, or...
- Cast Iron Grill Grate produces superior results.Door allows for coals to be added.Sliding...
- Sportsmans Grill Cover is constructed of heavy duty black polyester with PVC backing and...
- Made in USA.
Features
If you’re more of a traditionalist and just love cast iron and that seasoned flavor in your cooking, this tailgate grill could be perfect for you. With it’s small and portable design, this tiny grill was made to last and save you money on charcoal while you celebrate.
PROS
CONS
The Verdict
Though there are tons of tailgate grills out there from cast iron to porcelain-enameled, we’re certain this list has narrowed it down to a handful of choices for your next tailgating party. While you can’t go wrong with any of these grills, we determined that the best tailgate grill was the Blackstone Grills Tailgater. For one, the griddle attached pretty much sealed the deal for us when, for most tailgate grills, the griddle is just a pricey add-on feature. But once we found out how difficult it was to find a bad review for this grill and saw how much space it had to grill on, we realized this grill would be sure to please anyone at a game-day tailgate party. From a small crowd of close friends to a bigger crowd with strangers at the stadium, you could cook anything you wanted with this amazing tailgate grill. Hopefully, now you feel inspired to throw some charcoal on and get to grilling!
