The 5 Best Tailgate Grills To Level Up Your Pregame

July 7, 2022
by Jack Lyons
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Do you love going to football games or other sporting events?

If so, you probably already know that tailgating is a great way to enjoy the game without spending too much money.

Tailgating has become a tradition at many sports venues across the country.

Whether you're looking for a grill for your backyard or want to take it to the next level, these are some of the best tailgate grills out there.

Tailgating is a fun way to get together with friends and family before the big event.

It also gives you plenty of time to prepare food and drinks for everyone.

In addition, you can save money by bringing your own food and beverages instead of buying expensive ones from vendors.

And what better way to feed your friends and family than bringing your own grill? But what tailgate grill is the best? In the article below, we have compiled a list of the 5 best tailgate grills on the market today.

Weber Jumbo Joe 18-Inch Portable Grill

Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black

The Weber Jumbo Joe 18" portable grill is an excellent choice if you're looking for something affordable yet still offers all the features you would expect from a high-quality grill.

The Jumbo Joe comes with a built-in ash catcher, which makes cleaning up after cooking easy.

This model also includes a side shelf, a drip tray, and a removable cover.

This grill weighs only 10 pounds, making it very easy to move around.

You can use it indoors or outdoors, and it even works well as a camping grill.

The Jumbo Joe runs exclusively on charcoal, which makes it the perfect choice for charcoal enthusiasts.

It also has a large capacity and can grill enough meat for up to eight people. 

Pros 

  • The Jumbo Joe evenly distributes heat and retention - this ensures consistent results with each grilling session. 
  • The grill features a sleek and traditional design - this has been reinforced with porcelain enamel to ensure a stable build. 
  • The Jumbo Joe also comes with a range of accessories - such as a side shelf, a drip tray, and all the necessary tools. 
  • The grill comes complete with a detailed user manual - the manual covers everything you need to know about using the product. 

Cons 

  • Despite featuring an ash catcher, the compartment itself isn't shielded - this means ash could fly into the air while you grill. 

Blackstone Grills Tailgater

Blackstone Tailgater Stainless Steel 2 Burner Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo Total 35,000 BTUs for Indoor or Backyard, Outdoor, Patio, Picnic, Garden Cooking

The Blackstone Grills Tailgater is another great option if you're looking for a budget-friendly grill.

This grill features a cast aluminum body, which makes it lightweight and durable.

It also comes with a stainless steel lid, which helps keep the temperature steady.

The grill features a dual burner system that allows you to cook two different types of foods simultaneously.

The burners come with a safety shutoff switch, so you won't be left without power when the fire goes out.

The Blackstone Grilles Tailgater measures 16 inches wide and 12 inches tall, making it ideal for small spaces.

It also comes with an adjustable grate, which lets you control how much space you want between the coals and the food.

You can find more information about this grill on the official Blackstone website. 

Pros 

  • Versatile - the Blackstone Grills Tailgater comes with a versatile set of cooking surfaces, which allow the owner to cook multiple foods at once. 
  • Adjustable - the grill can be adjusted to any height and comes with stable legs that are compatible with most surfaces. 
  • Manual included - the Blackstone Grill Tailgater also includes a detailed user's manual, which contains useful information about the product. 
  • The grill comes complete with standard burners - these are suitable for cooking with pots, pans, and other utensils. 

Cons

  • Ash is hard to remove - like any charcoal grill on the market, it can be difficult to remove the leftover ash after each cooking session. 
  • The grill is also quite large and difficult to disassemble - this means it is not always suitable for outdoor use. 

Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill

Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Anywhere Portable Infrared Warming Rack Gas Grill, Stainless Steel

If you want a portable grill but don't have access to electricity, then the Solaire Anywhere Portable Propane Gas Grill should be your first choice.

This grill is designed to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, and its infrared technology provides fast and even heating.

This grill is made from heavy-duty materials, including 304-grade stainless steel, which means it will last for years.

The grill also features a removable top cover, which keeps the heat stored inside during harsh weather. 

The Solaire Anywhere Portable propane gas grill doesn't require any assembly or maintenance.

Simply fill up the tank, attach the hose, and start grilling!

Pros 

  • Rapid heat time - the Solaire Portable Propane Gas Grill is capable of heating up at rapid speeds, it also features a push-button ignition. 
  • The grill distributes even heat and retention - ensures consistent results with each grilling session. 
  • The Solaire Portable grill comes with a one-year warranty - this protects the product against damage and misuse. 
  • Manual included - includes important information on how to use the product. 

Cons 

  • The grill only comes with a small cooking area - may make it unsuitable for large groups of people. 

Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Propane Gas Grill

Masterbuilt 205 Stainless Steel Gas Grill, Tabletop (Old Version)

Smoke Hollow has been around since 1992, and its products have become some of the best-selling tabletop grills on Amazon.

They offer a variety of models, all of which feature high-quality construction and durable materials.

Their stainless steel grills are easy to clean, they come with sturdy handles, and their lids keep the heat inside when necessary.

This model is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy barbecuing outdoors without having to spend hours assembling the grill.

It's also great for those who like to entertain guests because it can easily fit into smaller spaces.

Among its various features, the Smoke Hollow 205 also comes with a practical warming tray, which can be used to keep your food warm in cold weather. 

Pros 

  • Grills quickly - the Smoke Hollow 205 can be used to grill meat quickly and evenly, it also comes with a large amount of cooking space. 
  • The grill is extremely easy to clean and maintain - lasts for longer periods of time
  • Accessories included - the Smoke Hollow 205 also comes with an adapter hose that can be used for large propane tanks. 
  • Warming rack included - this is a nice touch, as it helps to keep your food warm during cold weather. 

Cons 

  • Unfortunately, the grill is unable to retain heat in certain conditions - it also comes with a small grease pan that may not be suitable for large parties. 

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill, Black

Weber is another company known for making quality grills.

Its charcoal grills are designed to provide reliable performance while being lightweight and compact.

These grills are ideal for camping trips, tailgating events, and other outdoor activities.

This particular model is perfect for campers, as it weighs less than 15 pounds and is easy to transport.

It also comes with an adjustable grate, which allows you to control the level of smoke produced by the grill.

The Weber Go-Anywhere is extremely easy to clean and features a removable lid, which makes it easier to store in tight spaces.

This grill also comes with a storage bag, so you won't need to worry about losing it if you decide to leave it behind.

Pros 

  • Adjustable grate - allows you to control the amount of smoke produced by the barbecue. 
  • The grill is easy to assemble and disassemble - quick to set up and set down  
  • Retains heat well - the Weber Go-Anywhere is capable of retaining heat for long periods of time without consuming vast amounts of charcoal. 
  • The grill is easy to clean - also cools down fast after each session. 

Cons 

  • Can burn yourself - during grilling, the lid handle can become too hot to touch. 
  • Ash builds up - after each use, the ash will need to be removed from the bottom of the grill. 

Buyer's Guide

Best Tailgate Grills

The idea of purchasing a tailgate grill may sound like a simple task.

After all, every grill has been designed for the same basic function.

However, there are certain elements that should be taken into consideration before purchasing a tailgate grill.

Elements that help to ensure that the product meets your needs and expectations. 

In the section below, we have outlined some key points that should be kept in mind when it comes to purchasing a tailgate grill.

By consulting these points, you will be able to select the best grill for your needs, saving you both time and money. 

Cooking Capacity

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a tailgate grill is the capacity.

The size of the grill determines how much food you can cook at one time.

If you plan on using the grill for multiple people, then make sure that the grill is big enough to accommodate everyone.

You don't want to end up having to share your meal with someone else. 

If you only plan on cooking for yourself or a few friends, then you can go ahead and purchase a smaller grill. 

Grill Size

Another factor to take into account when selecting a grill is its size.

A larger grill requires more space, but it does allow you to cook bigger meals.

Smaller models usually come with just two racks, whereas larger ones feature four.

In addition to this, they come with different sizes of grates.

Some are made specifically for smoking meat, while others are designed to work well with any type of food. 

Grill size is also important because it helps determine the overall weight of the grill.

Larger models weigh more than their smaller counterparts.

When choosing between a small and large grill, look for one that offers good value for money. 

Heat Retention

When it comes to tailgating, you want to be prepared for whatever situation might arise.

For instance, if you find yourself stuck somewhere far away from home, you want to be able to cook a quick meal and still enjoy it.

To do this, you must choose a model that retains heat for longer periods of time. 

This means that the grill should not require frequent refueling. It should be able to retain heat for as long as possible.

When looking for a tailgate grill, make sure that it has a high BTU rating.

This ensures that the grill will be able to keep the temperature high even during extended periods of time. 

Portability

A tailgate grill should be portable so that you can move it around easily.

Look for a model that fits inside your vehicle without taking up too much room. Ideally, it should fit underneath the seat. 

You should also check out the dimensions of the grill.

Make sure that it doesn't exceed the maximum height or width allowed by your car. 

Tailgate grills should also be easy to carry, just in case you need to transport them from place to place.

They should be lightweight and compact so that you won't feel burdened carrying them around. 

Temperature Control

Grilling can be a delicate task, especially when it comes to cooking the meat.

You don't want to overcook it, which could result in dry meat. However, you also don't want it to undercook, either.

As such, you should look for a model that features an accurate thermostat.

This way, you can control the temperature of the grill precisely. 

The best tailgate grills have digital controls that let you set the desired temperature.

These include dials, buttons, and knobs. Some models even have LCDs that show the current temperature. 

Design And Features

When it comes to purchasing a tailgate grill, it's important to choose one that features an innovative and top-quality design.

The grill should also be aesthetically pleasing. If you're planning on using it at parties, then you want to ensure that it looks great. 

Some models come with built-in accessories like baskets, shelves, and trays.

Others come with optional accessories that you can add to enhance the functionality of the grill.

For example, some models come with side tables that help you hold your drinks while you're grilling. 

It's also worth noting that there are different types of grills available.

Each type has its own unique features. For example, charcoal grills tend to produce smoky flavors, whereas gas grills tend to give off cleaner flavors. 

Durability

If you plan on using your tailgate grill often, then you want to buy a durable model.

Durable materials are those that last for years. In fact, they can withstand heavy use.

They are usually made from stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron. 

If you decide to purchase a tailgate grill online, make sure that the warranty backs it.

Warranty coverage helps protect you against any potential damages that may occur over time. 

Weighing Your Options

Now that you know what to look for in a tailgate grill, you should start shopping.

There are many brands and models available today. So, how do you go about choosing one? Here are a few tips:

1) Read Reviews

Reviews are very helpful because they provide unbiased feedback from people who have used similar products before.

They will tell you whether the product is good quality or not.

2) Consider The Price

Price plays a big role in determining which model suits your needs.

It shouldn't matter too much if you spend more money on a high-end model.

What matters most is that you get value for your money.

3) Look For Features

You should consider buying a model that offers multiple functions.

For example, some grills offer both indoor and outdoor uses.

This means that you can cook indoors as well as outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can You Grill On The Tailgate Of A Truck? 

Yes, you can! Although this isn't a common practice, you can still enjoy the benefits of grilling outside.

All you need is a portable grill that fits perfectly inside your truck bed. 

How Do You Clean A Tailgate Grill? 

To clean a tailgate grill, all you need to do is wipe it down with soap and water.

However, if you notice rust stains, then you should use a mild detergent. 

You can also keep your grill clean by cooking your meat in aluminum foil, which helps to catch the excess juices.

What Is The Best Way To Store A Tailgate Grill?

The best way to store a tailgate grill is to place it inside a box or bag.

This prevents dirt particles from getting into the grill.

As long as you don't leave the grill exposed to direct sunlight, it won't be affected by heat. 

Do I Need A License To Operate My Tailgate Grill?

No, you don't need a license to operate your tailgate grill.

But, you must ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions when operating it.

Otherwise, you could ruin the meat and place yourself in serious danger.

Related: The 6 Best Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo On The Market

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