Best Grills for Tailgating

We have reviewed the best tailgate grills and the best camping grill offered so you can stop second-guessing. The list of models that can surprise you with their work is endless, take, for instance, heritage portable gas grill or weber tailgate grill.

Best Tailgate Grills in 2019

 

You don’t need to buy the latest and most expensive model. To help you pick the right option, check out the most desirable features plus our handpicked models that will hopefully interest you.

 

First, you must determine how you want to use and what size is convenient to transport. There is a wide range of features to look for in portable grills review as will be discussed herein. The features you need to look for depend on how you plan to use the device.

That is why the internet is full of articles like “martin bbq grill review,” “cuisinart portable grill review,” and “coleman portable bbq reviews,” because the choices on the market can confuse customers.

Types of tailgate grills

The 3 main categories are gas, charcoal, and pellet grills. Let’s take a look at each type in detail.

Best portable propane grills

They are the easiest to light and relatively inexpensive to operate and make great material for the portable propane grill review. One of the greatest advantages of using gas is that there is no ashe or coal to clean up after use.

However, they get greasy and require regular cleaning. Best cheap portable gas grill comes with portable canisters that contain propane and are available in different designs and cost. But if you’re looking for gas grill under 200 – just click on the link.

 

 

 

Best portable charcoal grill

Like tailgate charcoal grills, these models require starting a fire with charcoal. So, you will have some ash and coal residues to clean up afterward but there’s not much grease.

Charcoal smokers are perfect for searing meat as they can reach extreme temperatures. What’s more, they give your meat a smoke flavor and may be used with different wood flavors.

To have a safe grilling experience, you have to look for a portable gas grill with stand. If you’re get more interested in charcoal grills you can read our best charcoal grill smoker reviews.

 

Best portable pellet grill

These are the ultimate barbecue models which you can get at affordable rates. The coolest thing about pellet grills is they incorporate food and technology in an outdoor environment which makes them one of the best camper gas grills.

The main fuel used is hardwood pellets which are fed into the combustion section via an electric auger which uses a thermostat to get the job done.

Once you set the thermostat and light up the portable gas grill with side burner, the auger starts loading the heating area with wood pellets. When temperatures go too high, the machine slows down to minimize the number of pellets being fed into the heating chamber.

Pellet grills are ideal options when you want a stronger smoke flavor to your meals so you should choose best portable gas grill for camping. Wood is fresher than charcoal but it can produce excess heat so you must keep an eye on it.

Tired of reading about tailgate grills? That’s not a problem. You can make a break and then read our best wood pellet grills reviews. If not, then move on.

 

Size of grill is important

There are various shapes and sizes to choose from when shopping for portable models. You can have flat and rectangular, barrel shape, or a stove top pot design with a domed lid.

Most of them can fit in the trunks of most cars but you must ensure sufficient space is available. The convenience of the smaller models is the reason why so many small tailgate grill solutions are available on the market.

 

 

 

Which cooking area is better

Most portable models have cooking areas that fall between 210 and 285 sq. inches. If you are cooking 12 burger patties, a 200 sq. inch cooking area can suffice and you will still have adequate space between the patties for proper cooking.

For regular cooking, consider models with 285 to 755 sq. inches of cooking area so you can have room for about 8 burgers and other meals.

Generally, 100 sq. inch per person should help you determine the size of the cooking surface area you need for tailgating. These measurements may seem insignificant but they can make a huge difference when looking for the best compact grill.

 

 

Cooking grate materials

These are grids which are fitted across the surface of the device. Their role is to contain heat in the cooking area. Cooking grate materials differ significantly.

They come in several designs such as stainless steel, cast iron, nickel, and chrome. Cast iron is the perfect grate material for conducting and holding heat but it is prone to rust.

However, you can control rust by spraying oil on the two sides after cleaning. Nickel and chrome grates have a wire core and are very light so they cannot contain heat as well as their iron counterparts.

They also tend to rust and are mostly found on large portable grill models. Stainless steel grates have superior quality and are very easy to clean up. When portability is a priority, you might want to consider stainless steel grates.

Ease of assembly of the tailgate grill

The time you take to set up a grill is very important. You don’t want to waste time with the assembly when you have an important event going on like a summer party that is practically impossible without best portable grill for beach. There are certain models which are ready to use after opening the box.

Some require technical knowledge to set up. If a model requires assembly, find out if it is going to be a struggle. First of all, of course, remember that you need a transportable grill because you are going to take it outdoors.

Also, consider how much you need to pre-assemble and whether an instruction manual is available. The manual should be very clear and that’s why you should buy the best beach grill that includes instructions in your language.

Weber Smokey Joe – best tailgate grill

Are you on the lookout for a portable charcoal grill with a rich history and flawless performance? Your search should end at Smokey Joe- a perfect model for tailgate parties and car camping. Here are the features of this mighty performer.

As far as user-friendliness is concerned, Weber kettle grill is among the easiest smoker for camping. Its performance is very straightforward and you don’t need to be an expert BBQ buff to use it.

The dynamic features of the device such as nylon handles and adjustable vents make the grilling process simple and safe. However, you must find an elevated ground to place the best portable grill for tailgating to avoid kids and pets from knocking it over.
 

 

We can conclude that this is the best tailgate grill that offers excellent value for the money. Online reviews reveal that it performs as well as some top barbecue smoker brands. It is a wonderful choice whenever you want to taste delicious meals with your friends and family.

Char-Broil Deluxe Portable – tailgate propane grill

Of all the models we have reviewed in this post, none is as light as the Char-Broil Deluxe Portable grill. It has a reasonable size and weighs only 9.5lbs. There are two models of the best grill for camping you can choose from – the Standard model with a simple grill without frills and the deluxe model that features several features.

The standard model doesn’t have an automatic ignition system so you must use a matchbox or lighter. The Deluxe model comes with a piezoelectric igniter, extra heat shielding, and distinctive handles. Here are other remarkable features of this tabletop gas grill- Char-Broil portable gas grill.

 

 

You may use this tailgate gas grill to cook steaks, pizza, burgers, etc. It is an easy to assemble sturdy model and you may cook four steaks at a go. You will also find the push button igniter of the deluxe model very handy. Plus, propane cooks your food evenly. We highly recommend this simple grill for campers.

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill – tailgate grill with folding legs ID 1088

Weber Go-Anywhere offers a unique and satisfactory barbecuing experience if you are on the lookout for the best travel grill. As the name implies, you can take the portable grill with folding legs wherever you want to go.

There is no unit in the market today that can match the performance of this tailgate charcoal grill. The low price tag explains why it has been on the market for a long time and remains a favorite for many consumers.

Features

From the online testimonials, the Weber charcoal model cooks burgers perfectly without any temperature control issues. It is best rv grill for a group of two to four campers.
 

 
We haven’t found a best portable grill for rv at such a low price the Weber goes for. With a tremendous reputation from the brand and proven track record, the value is not a question in this case.

If you purchase Weber Go Anywhere, you are assured a lifetime device. It is not only of great value but also reliable, easy to use, and fun. We recommend the small Webber grill for road-trippers, campers, and tailgaters.

Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 – Best portable gas grill for tailgating

Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is another compact traveling example ideal for road trips, camping, and tailgating. It uses infrared cooking technology and the burner are fueled by standard 1lb disposable propane cylinders found in stores.What we love most is the overall construction of this portable propane grill.

Features

The portable BBQ grill is constructed in cast aluminum, making it a convenient smoker while on the go. The lid secures the cooking area while the handles and legs are sturdy.

The best portable grill for rv models are not as powerful as this one. With TRU-Infrared technology, the model is powerful and produces very high temperatures, rendering it unsuitable for low-heat or slower grilling.
 

 
The cast aluminum shell has a rugged look but it is loaded with power. Despite issues with temperature control, the Char-Broil propane camping grill promises fewer flare-ups and juicier meals. The Infrared waves heat food directly thereby cooking it faster which economizes energy and money.. While, it gets hot quickly it cooks in almost half the time most non-infrared units take.

If you are used to slow-cookers, you might need more time to get accustomed to this powerful best rv grill. Don’t worry because the heat control knob and the temperature gauge will help you monitor the amount of heat.

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet – portable tabletop gas grill

Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet is the perfect definition of a portable tabletop gas grill, which is a favorite for on-the-go activities. There may be a few reservations about the model but the design features are great and you can make the most of what it offers.

Features

Cuisinart portable grill can hold 8 steaks, 10 chicken breasts, 4-pounds of fish, and 8 burgers. Assembling the device is quite straightforward and it takes only a few seconds to heat up and start cooking. The foldable legs can extend downwards and outwards.

Petit Gourmet, with the exception of the cast iron grate, is easy to carry thanks to its lightweight materials, which makes it the best tabletop grill. Despite the extra weight, storage, and transportation of the RV grill are easy. This trailer hitch grill takes less space and fits into the trunk of just about any vehicle.
 

 

Do you have an upcoming tailgate BBQ involving a few people and want something easy to carry around? Cuisinart CGG-180 would be your best bet.

Cuisinart CCG-100 GrateLifter – Portable Charcoal Grill

Do you need a small portable charcoal grill for outdoor adventures? The Cuisinart CCG-100 Gratelifter must have been designed for you. It is lightweight and you will enjoy it wherever you go. Take a look at the features that make it a wonderful BBQ model.

Also, if you want a portable bbq grill, which might be helpful while camping you should consider this model.
 

 

Cuisinart portable grill is good for traveling but you might want something more robust. It doesn’t compromise on performance so you don’t need to worry about poorly cooked meals during your beach excursions or road trips.

Whether you are heading out for a picnic, weekend camp, or enjoying a Sunday afternoon with family, you need the best tailgate grill to fire up your outdoor experience. A compact design offers great flexibility and convenience and you don’t have to sacrifice quality and the above models are affordable.

If you are serious about getting a compact model for RV tailgating, find out how small and simple the unit is to transport in a car. A few accessories would be great additions such as a lid latch, travel case, wheels, and convenient collapsed dimensions.

From our point of view, the Weber Smokey Joe charcoal grill is the king of tailgate models. As one of the innovators in the barbecuing industry, it is simple to use yet so efficient. It is not only a great portable grill for camping but also a must-have accessory for any casual meeting.

One of the reasons we named it our winner is the patented triple nickel-plated model. The crucial parts of the model are coated with porcelain, making it easy to clean as well as weather-proof. The handle is made of glass and reinforced with nylon material to prevent overheating. Even better, the manufacturer stands behind their product and provides a 10-year warranty. This shows you confidence in this affordable charcoal model.

Have a nice grilling experience!