Best Tailgate Grill

Tailgating parties or get-togethers are fun and spur-of-the-moment activities, which usually entail devouring mixed drinks and delicious grilled food items.

If you are an individual who enjoys this fun social activity, then one of the best tailgate grills in this article will be just what you need.


Getting the Best Tailgate Grill

If you are looking for the best tailgating grill, the good news is that there are plenty to choose from.

However, before you choose one, here are some tips to consider;

  • Fuel Source – You can choose between Gas or Charcoal Grill types regarding fuel sources. Charcoal Grill gives great flavor and sears foods easily, giving you that original barbeque smokey flavor, though a charcoal grill needs to be filled with charcoal, left to cool afterward, and all the ash needs to be cleaned up. A Gas Grill already has a gas tank for fuel; it grills exquisitely, and there is not much cleanup or waiting for coals to cool afterward. However, a Gas grill cannot replicate the smoky flavor; a grill may be more expensive initially.
  • Size – When it comes to the Tailgate Grill, you need to consider compact and portable sizing for easy storage and traveling in your car, yet also look at enough cooking space for the amount of food you want to prepare for your friends and family members.
  • Additional Extras – Depending on the back of your car, you may need a stand for your grill if you can not accommodate a tabletop standing design, and also consider wheels for portability. Other features such as a Thermometer and side shelves always come in handy.

While looking for a tailgate grill, you may go through a boat grill as they offer cheap and good quality grills. So it will last for a long time.


Some Tailgate Grilling Tips

The food to bring is usually the first on your mind when you think of Tailgating get together; however, there are a few other factors that could make the experience so much more enjoyable;

  • Prep – Prep your Grill, make sure it is clean, and that you have enough gas or charcoal to fuel your grill. Prep your foods and marinate them beforehand so you can take them out and place them on the grill.
  • Smokey Ribs – You can cook the most succulent and flavorful smoky ribs by placing a tin foil full of wood pellets on the burner and drizzling some apple juice over the ribs on the grate.
  • Corn – Precise your corn in boiling water in the husk for 5-7 minutes before placing it on the grill until it is dark.
  • Wieners – Cut your weiners with a stick and blade so that they cook thoroughly. Also, utilize one biscuit holder or tip for your success rather than many small bowls that need to be cleaned afterward.
  • Burgers – Set your patties on the grill to sear and cook properly, and then let them rest for ten minutes before placing them in aluminum foil to keep them warm and moist.

Features of a Good Tailgate Grill

Tailgate Grill

  • The small and compact foldable size is easy to transport.
  • With or without a stand and wheels.
  • Additional side shelves and hooks, and thermometer.
  • Gas or Charcoal fuelled option.
  • For a gas Grill, at least 80-100BTU per hour per square inch of cooking space.
  • It is made from durable stainless steel or cast iron.
  • Porcelain enamel-coated or stainless steel cooking grates.
  • Durable stainless steel burners on a gas grill.
  • Large ashtray on a charcoal grill.

How We Test and Score Tailgate Grills

These reviews are based on intense research, analysis, and feedback from our experts and real users from different digital platforms.

We spent 29 hours trying, testing, and scoring these Tailgate Grills for different key parameters and then shortlisted the best products in the market, saving you time and effort.

We used the following parameters for our tests and analysis.

  • Accessibility – We assessed how easy to use the functionality of the grill was.
  • Size and Space – We checked if the grill was compact and portable for easy storage.
  • Adjustable – We tested the grill’s adjustability to check whether it is useful for grilling.
  • Heat Retention – We observed how quickly the grill absorbed heat and produced conduction.

Reviews: The Best Tailgate Grills

We hope you love the tailgate grills we recommend!
So that you know, We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.


1
Reviewed by: John Max Score: 97.25

The Coleman Road trip is a tough, durable, highly portable grill ideal for Tailgating.
  • It offers three enhanced temperature zones, which are better for heat controllers.
  • It has 285 square inches of cooking space with an interchangeable grill and griddle top.
  • Two sliding side tables keep your sauces and utensils clean and organized.
  • It comes with quick-fold legs and two rugged wheels, which are easy to transport.


Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Accessibility35%100
Size and Space25%100
Adjustable25%95
Heat Retention15%90
Total Score100%97.25


2
Weber is one of the best Grill brands you can invest in, and this is their smaller portable model, which is perfect for Tailgating.
  • A single burner grill puts out 12 000 BTU of heat per hour.
  • There is a large 280-square-inch cooking surface with porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates.
  • The grill comes fully assembled already for your convenience.
  • Easy push-start ignition button and gas-fueled grill.
  • It features two foldable side tables that can be used for keeping grill accessories.

Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Accessibility35%100
Size and Space25%95
Adjustable25%95
Heat Retention15%90
Total Score100%96


3
The Broil King Porta Chef is a small and compact carry, and the Tailgate grill.
  • A large surface space with durable cast iron cooking grates, perfect for grilling beef, chicken breast, and vegetables.
  • It comes with two removable side storage that helps to enhance your space and gives the best way to cook.
  • Trailer and hitch adaptable design for easy portability.
  • Three burners for direct cooking without requiring a pan
  • A grease tray that can be removed for cleaning.
  • It comes fully equipped with its grilling Multi-Tool.

Rating CategoryWeight %Score
Accessibility35%100
Size and Space25%95
Adjustable25%90
Heat Retention15%90
Total Score100%94.75


4
The Solaire Anywhere is a Portable Infrared Gas Operated Grill for Tailgating Parties and get-togethers.
  • A portable and infrared design and grill technology.
  • There are 155 inches of grilling space and a 14 000 BTU burner with an intense infrared intensity.
  • It is made from welded stainless steel in a V-shape with stainless steel grilling grates to prevent flare-ups.
  • The grilling grid is also designed to enhance flavors.


5
The Coleman Roadtrip is another perfect addition to our Gas fueled Tailgating Grill collection from a reputable brand.
  • It perfectly fits in the trunk of your car for convenient portability.
  • There are 285 square inches of cooking space and an interchangeable cooking top design with a grill and griddle.
  • An instant push-button ignition starts, so no matches or lighters are required.
  • Collapsible and compact design.


6
  • This is the perfect tailgate grill designed by Blackstone, with an easy portable setup and no assembly required.
  • The grill features a grill box and griddle simultaneously for ample cooking space.
  • It is built to last, and the heavy-duty grill box comes with a vent, handle, and durable Cast Iron grill grate, along with a cold-rolled Steel Griddle plate.
  • The grill comes with two independently controlled burners, with the H-tube burner producing 15,000 BTUs, whereas the cast iron burner produces 20,000 BTUs.


7
  • Blackstone designed this portable grill for camping, traveling, etc.
  • The grill has a built-in electric ignition and operates on one lb-pound Propane bottles as fuel.
  • It offers 260 Square inches of heavy duty cooking surface for versatility and durability.
  • The grill features a Stainless steel H-shaped burner that quickly heats up and offers even distribution with a 12,000 BTU heat output.


8
  • This is a mini-size Tailgate grill designed by NOMADIQ.
  • It weighs 12 pounds and is ideal for use while camping, tailgating, RVs, boats, decks, and patios.
  • It has a ceramic-coated non-stick grate for easy cooking.
  • It features a cooking area of 226 Square inches.
  • Very easy to clean as the grates are removable, dishwasher-safe, and rust-resistant.
  • The two separate grilling sides produce 5,000 BTUs for even cooking.


9
  • This is a mountable charcoal grill with 160 Square inches of cooking area.
  • It is constructed with 300 series Marine grade Stainless Steel for durability and resilience, making it excellent for outdoor usage.
  • This premium grill by Kuuma is operable only with Charcoal and is ideal for use while camping and traveling,
  • It features a removable liner and an inner lid to help prevent the cover from high heat discoloration.


Index Table: Top Rated Tailgate Grills

No.ProductImageFeaturesBrandScore
1Coleman Road Trip - Gas Tailgate Grill
  • Portable
  • Gas Grill
  • Griddle Top
Coleman97.25
2Weber Liquid Propane - Tailgate Grill
  • Gas Operated
  • Portable
  • Die Cast Aluminium
Weber96
3Broil King Porta Chef - Carry Along Tailgate Grill
  • Foldable
  • Carry Design
  • Cast iron Cooking Grate
Broil King94.75
4Solaire Anywhere - Portable Infrared Tailgate Grill
  • Infrared Design
  • Portable
  • Propane Gas Fueled
Solaire98
5Coleman Roadtrip - Gas Tailgate Grill
  • Portable
  • Gas Fueled
Coleman98
6Blackstone Combo - Tailgater Gas Grill
  • with Griddle
  • Portable
Blackstone95.3
7Blackstone Table Top - Tailgate Grill
  • Propane Fueled
  • 17 Inch
Blackstone96.7
8NOMADIQ Portable - Small Tailgate Grill
  • Propane Gas
  • Lightweight
NOMADIQ96.2
9Kuuma Premium - Mountable Tailgate Grill
  • Stainless Steel
  • 160 Inch
Kuuma95.8


About the Author

John Max

John Max is a registered dietitian and certified strength and conditioning specialist based out of Manhattan, NY. He has worked with people of all age groups. In addition, John also has years of practical food knowledge, and hands-on cooking led John to create this website and contribute his knowledge on healthy grilling techniques. John also regularly tests and analyzes the benefits and features of as many grills as possible. Without a surprise, many of our readers love his reviews and testing style for how thorough and straightforward they are.