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Pellet Grill vs Gas Grill: Know the Differences
Family picnics are always exciting with gossips and food. Imagine yourself with your small griddle: cooking, boiling, and roasting delicious food items and chilling with your friends and family. This ...
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04 February 2021
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Pellet Grill vs Gas Grill: Know the Differences
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The Best Tailgate Grill In 2023: Explore Best-Selling Products
Likes:Views:152Last Updated: 21 March 2023If you are planning a tailgate party with your friends, the essential item that you need is a portable grill that is perfect for a tailgate party. While on a tailgating journey, the last thing that you need is a bulky and massive piece of grilling machine. To stay hassle-free and straightforward, you must get your hands on the best portable grill for tailgating.
If you are looking for that perfect grill for tailgating, this review has got your back covered. Of course, you will find a lot of great units in the market today, but this review has listed down the top ten best tailgating grills. All these units are robust, reliable, portable, and, most importantly, work to perfection.
You must consider a lot of factors while looking for the best tailgating grill. With that being said, here are the top ten best units that you can carry for an epic tailgating party:
Contents
- 1 TOP 10 Best Tailgate Grills: Comparison Chart
- 2 Buyer’s Guide: All You Need To Know About The Best Tailgate Grill
- 3 Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2023
TOP 10 Best Tailgate Grills: Comparison Chart
Sale
Best Overall: Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Gas Grill ReviewThis is the product manufactured by Cuisinart that you can carry along anywhere. It is one of the best choices for tailgating parties, camping trips, family picnics, and even apartment patios where grilling space is a luxury.
The unit features a 5,500 BTU stainless-steel burner, briefcase-style design, and it’s lightweight, thereby allowing you to transport and store easily. The overall convenience offered by the appliance is its main selling point. It is effortless to set up, store, move, and clean. The packaging is exquisite, and the unit is almost pre-assembled in the box itself. Thanks to its design, it has managed to capture the eyeballs of the masses.
All in all, it's the best product on the list, it comes from a reputable brand, and it's also highly portable. It ticks all the features and things that one might be looking for.
Why We Like It
- Perfect for people with limited storage space
- Does not consume a lot of propane
- 145-square-inch cooking area
- Easy to carry around for outdoor activities
- Packed with a 3-year warranty period
Runner-Up: Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill ReviewThanks to its small and unique design, the Weber Q2200 tailgating grill hitch mounted can be carried around and utilized for any sorts of outdoor activities like camping trips, tailgate bbq areas, etc. While the style of the grill might be simple, its build is very sturdy.
Cast aluminum is used to construct this unit. This element makes the item durable without adding any weight to it. It also does not consume a lot of electricity at 12,000 BTU per hour. These are some reasons why Q2200 is more practical and efficient than others. You can easily roast and grill delicious foods like sausages, chicken, burgers, etc. The unit can also be hitch mounted and boasts a built-in thermometer.
Thanks to its foldable design and tailgate grill hitch, the Weber Q2200 is suited for people who love to go camping. Additionally, it is also great for people who live in small homes and apartments.
Why We Like It
- The overall design is flexible
- Porcelain-enameled
- Comprises of good construction
- Large cooking surface area
- Energy efficient
Best Looks: Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill ReviewThe Weber Q1200 is a refined version of the original Q120 design. However, it is fitted with all the same features and a bit more. The Q1200 has a more modern look. The grip handles and the control knobs are more prominent, and the side tables are sturdier. The unit also has a fold-out option so that you can store them easily in a corner.
The item has two separate grill grates. This means that you can replace one of them with a griddle to make other types of foods like pancakes, eggs, etc. It is considered as the best tailgate grills for trucks or camping because it does not utilize much space.
The Q1200 is considered an excellent pick for camping and occasional barbequing. It is very portable and can easily be used for tailgating.
Why We Like It
- Cart for home use available
- Can use a griddle
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates
- Built-in thermometer
- Small size and easy portability
Sale
Best Value: WeberJumbo Joe Charcoal Grill ReviewOne of the main advantages of this Weber Jumbo portable tailgate grill is that it is inexpensive than other picks offering the same features. This unit is a great bargain for any person who wants to buy a Weber product but does not want to spend that kind of money.
The Jumbo Joe, like other Weber picks, comprises of features like the lid hood and the lid handle that can shield the heat. It is also fitted with wheels so that you can move it from one position to another quickly. The tailgate bbq grill will last for a long time to come.
This Weber unit is precisely what you need if you plan on having some friends for some drinks and barbeque. You can easily serve six people. Also, the unit is sturdy enough for heavy cooking.
Pros
- Lid and bowl made of enameled-porcelain
- Packed with a 10-year warranty
- Excellent control of temperature
- Pocket-friendly
Cons
- Minimum bowl depth
Best Features: George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill ReviewGeorge Foreman is quite a famous name when it comes to this type of product. This particular portable grill is capable of serving more than ten people at a single time. It is also covered with a non-stick coating that makes it easy to clean and durable.
The unit is also fitted with a removable stand, which allows you to cook in outdoor environments. Overall, its build is quite solid and priced reasonably. It is fitted with all modern features and can be used all year long (non-stick coating, apartment approved, food moisture control).
This electric unit by George Foreman is one of the most budget-friendly and versatile best portable grill for tailgating in the market today. Its ability to be used in outdoor makes it perfect for a great grilling experience.
Pros
- Great for indoor and outdoor use
- Easy cleanup, simple use, and lightweight
- Can be used on any type of surface
- Large grilling space
Cons
- Easily falls off a small base
Sale
Best For Hands-Free Operation: Char-Broil Portable Tru-Infrared Gas Grill ReviewYou will love a lot of things about this tailgate bbq grill, especially the construction. It is made up of cast-aluminum, and the lids can be locked tightly. While this unit might not be as strong as its full-sized counterparts, it is still stronger than most other portable units.
It is quite an impressive tailgating grill and fitted with an infrared design, which eliminates flare-ups and is comparatively safer. Based on its advanced technology fitted into this small product, the appliance does have a lot of potentials.
This infra-red tailgate gas grill by Char-Broil is a portable unit that is ideally suited for tailgating, road trips, and outdoor camping. It is fitted with a lot of features that you will not see in most tailgating units.
Pros
- Lightweight and small
- Construction is solid
- 200-square-inch cooking space
- Cast aluminum firebox
- Produces high temperatures
Cons
- Limited temperature control
- The cooking temperature may get too hot
Sale
Best For Durability: Weber Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill ReviewThis is a modern and stylish unit by Weber that is easy to use and simplistic. The overall construction is nothing short of amazing and made of cast-aluminum. It also has a sturdy handle that you can use to open or close the lid.
The Q1000 portable grill is more than capable of tackling a wide range of food products like burgers and steaks. You can control the flame. The unit has been designed to be resistant to rust or corrosion. This means that with proper care, the Q1000 will last for a long time and function wonderfully.
The Q1000 tailgate propane grill can be described as one of the lightest products in the market today, weighing just above 27-pounds. Hence it is effortless to carry around.
Pros
- Packed pre-assembled
- 8,500 BTU per hour burner
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Packed with a 5-year warranty
- Cooking crates made of porcelain-enameled cast iron
Cons
- Design is not so pleasing for some people
Sale
Best For Functionality: Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill ReviewThis Go-Anywhere gas tailgater grill is a crowd-favorite! It offers a wide range of convenient features and is one of the least expensive units anywhere. It is quite handy and easy to use. It makes use of propane canisters as its source of fuel.
The flame capabilities are quite decent and offer good performances. The cooking grate is made of porcelain-enameled steel. The grate is flatter-styled, and it stops the grease from dripping into the flames. It is the best portable grill.
Overall, the Go-Anywhere unit is an affordable and lightweight option that will prove to be very useful for your camping and outdoor trips. It offers one of the best tailgate grill 2023 has to offer when it comes to value-for-price ratio.
Pros
- Cleaning and maintenance is easy
- Packed with a 10-year warranty
- Packed with a lot of cooking accessories
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Might be too small for tailgating
Best For Rv/Trailers: Flame King Rv Or Trailer Mounted Bbq ReviewThis is an RV unit that is convenient enough to be used outdoor. It is made from porcelain-coated steel for added resistance to corrosion and rust. It also has side dampeners next to the locking lid. Hence, you can safely store away the unit without having to worry about spilling.
This small tailgate grill can safely be connected to your RV’s external propane system. Additionally, the hanging rack can also be converted into a free-standing base, thereby allowing you to move the unit in case of strong wind. The in-built regulator can be connected to an electric ignition system.
For RV use, this is the best portable gas grill for tailgating. For a pocket-friendly budget, you get a unit that can be connected to your RV’s propane tank.
Pros
- Mounting bracket included
- Designed to work with external propane connections
- Lid is dual-locking
- Perfect for traveling in an RV
Cons
- The free-standing base is a bit wobbly
Best for On-the-go Grilling: Char-Broil Deluxe Portable Grill ReviewThis fold up grill for tailgating by Char-Broil is perfect for parties, small group events, family camping, and tailgating. It is capable of cooking for two people at a time. While the construction might seem simple, it is quite sturdy. This construction will allow you to control the heat perfectly.
You can use it to cook a lot of different types of food items. It offers versatility, minimum fuel input, and excellent heat retention. Additionally, this unit is also quite pocket-friendly.
This unit is perhaps the best hibachi-style one in the market today. It features an impressive design and made only of quality materials. It is the best camping grill.
Pros
- Construction is sturdy and well-built
- Low-maintenance, heavy-duty, and simple
- Very pocket-friendly
- Great heat control and retention
Cons
- Cooking/grilling area is a bit small
- Can face rusting problems
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need To Know About The Best Tailgate Grill
Now that you know what the top stainless steel tailgate grills are, here are some other basics that you should know
Benefits
Some benefits of portable gas grills for tailgating include:
Portability
The best advantage of tailgating grills is that they are portable. Traditional ones are cumbersome and heavy. Since tailgate party grills are portable, they can be carried around anywhere.
Ideal For Individual Or Small Groups
The primary issue with traditional units is that a lot of energy is wasted when grilling for a single person or a small group. Portable ones are smaller, and the cooking surface is mostly enough for small groups of family and friends.
Cheaper
Tailgating grills are much cheaper than their traditional counterparts. Additionally, you do not even have to spend a lot of raw materials like propane, natural gas, or charcoal, since the size is small.
Do I Need Electricity To Run Tailgate Grill?
The answer to this question depends entirely on the type that you choose. These units primarily make use of natural gas like propane, charcoal, and electricity as well. So yes, you will need electricity to run your tailgate grill if it needs it for functioning. Whatever is the source of power, it is always essential that you know what you are doing and keep safety as your main priority.
Can You Smoke In A Tailgate Grill?
Again, the answer to this question depends on the energy source that you use for your tailgate grill. If it makes use of charcoal as its source of fuel, you can smoke in that appliance. Additionally, you also need to make sure that the unit is capable of handling smoke, and the food should not stick on the grate. You also need to know how to start a gas grill.
What Are Tailgate Grill Accessories?
There are a lot of accessories that you can make use of with your product. For instance, you can use a cover; this is a cover that you can use to cover your unit when you are not using it. Also, this cover can also be used to infuse a smoky flavor to the food.
Some other accessories that you can use with your tailgate bbq grills include can coolers, propane tank cover, knife set, mat, spatula sets, etc. The list is nearly limitless.
How To Choose The Best Tailgate Grill
Some aspects that you need to consider while looking for the ultimate tailgating grills are:
Dimensions
The dimensions will dictate how portable the appliance is. If there is no scope of storing it in the corner of your trailer/RV, then the unit cannot be called portable.
Weight
Similar to the above, you need to be able to lift and carry it around from one spot to another. The first main thing about a portable unit is that it is portable, which means it should be lightweight.
BTU
BTU (British Thermal Units) represents the amount of energy that is needed to heat a single pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. For simple meals like kebabs and burgers, you do not need a high BTU. The lesser the BTU, the more energy you can save.
Grilling Surface
The size of the cooking surface will depend on how many people you plan on cooking for. Additionally, you also need to consider whether you will be grilling only meat or vegetables as well for accompaniment.
Temperature Control
The best portable grill is the one that allows you to set different temperatures for cooking a wide variety of food items. This will also depend on the number of burners the unit has.
Number of Burners
The number of burners will depend on two aspects – the size and the variety of food you plan on cooking. If the size is small, it will mostly hold a single burner. If you plan on making different types of food with varying requirements of temperature, you might need more than a single burner.
Portability
Portability is an essential factor to consider since you will be traveling. You do not want to get stuck with a heavy unit that is difficult to move around; this will ruin your tailgating experience.
Durability
You also need to pay your attention to durability. It should be capable of handling outdoor environments and still function normally.
Price
Of course, you will get the best one if you are willing to pay for it. Or, you can opt for something that is more pocket-friendly. With higher prices, you will get more additional features. However, do not opt for extremely cheap tailgate grills.
Best Tailgate Grill Types
There are three primary types. Let’s see them below and explain the details.
Propane
Propane (gas) is the most popular type of backyard grill. You can make use of either natural gas or propane to fuel the heat. The best small gas grill is perfect for people who are in a hurry and cook food without worrying about cleanup.
Charcoal
As the name suggests, they make use of charcoal as the source of heat. While it might be more expensive and time-consuming than propane ones, it adds a very smoky flavor to the food, something the enthusiasts enjoy whole-heartedly.
Pellet
Pellet ones have been around for quite some time. In this tailgate pellet grill, you make use of food-grade wooden pellets for firing up the heat. This type of cooking induces a smoky flavor to the food. However, unlike charcoal ones, the temperatures can reach extremely high, making it perfect for large meat pieces.
Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2023
We hope our reviews and buying guide narrowed down your choices. Anyway, let us help with a recommendation.
As said above, the Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Grill is the best tailgate grill 2023 has to offer. Perfect for any type of outdoor activity, you will not regret traveling with this unit. It is quite lightweight and can be stored easily in the corner of your vehicle. A lot of reviews online have sung praises about its briefcase-style design.
Additionally, it is also packed with a warranty period of three years. The functioning and features of the grills are impressive and will not disappoint you. While the size might be small, it certainly makes up for it in several other ways. Stick to mykitchenadvisor for more such reviews. Thank you for reading!
- Topics:
- BBQ
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Disposing charcoal or pellet ash is quite easy. All you need to do is to wait till they are cooled down completely. The ash will be collected at the bottom of the tailgate smoker grill; make use of an aluminum foil to wrap and collect the ash. Once you do, you can dispose of them in the trash can.Transporting a BBQ tailgate grill will depend on the transportation that you have. If your vehicle has the required space, you can first fold up the best camping grill. Once done, lift it and place it in a safe corner. There, the grill is ready for transportation.Cleaning your unit is very important. Most commonly, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar should be enough to clean the interiors of the grill. You can wipe clean the exterior with a damp cloth.PRODUCTS TESTED BY MyKitchenAdvisor
How We TestedWe used every unit mentioned above for testing purposes. We kept certain judging aspects in our minds like the ease of use, features, durability, size, etc. All the grills were used outdoors in different landscapes like backyards and the wilderness. Suffice to say. These units worked quite well.
We focused on the Cuisinart Portable Tabletop Grill (an excellent tailgate gas grill portable item) for a week. We carried it around in different types of landscapes and weather conditions. Suffice to say, the uni was very impressive. We faced minimum hassles when it came to grilling different vegetables and meat. However, one slight flaw we noticed that it could not cook food for more than four people, but then again, it is a portable one.
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