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The Best Tailgate Grills in 2022 – Tool For The Tailgate & BBQ Party

If you are looking for the perfect tailgate grill for 2020, we have got you covered. There are tons of incredible tailgating grills that you can find in stores and online, but we have found the ten best tailgating grills of next year so that you can save time on shopping, and get to grilling in no time. Let’s take a look at the best tailgate grills in 2020.

The Best Tailgating Grills - Comparison

Image

Product Name

Burner Heat(BUTs)

Grilling Surface

Price

Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Propane Grill

20,000 BuTs

285 sq. in.

Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill , Gray

12,000 BUTs

280 sq. in.

Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill, 18.5-IN Diameter, Metallic Charcoal

Rot Draft Damper System

280 sq. in.

Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel copy

Solaire Infrared Gas Grill (Currently unavailable)

14,000

155 sq. in.

Coleman RoadTrip LXX Portable Propane Grill, Black

20,000

285 sq. in.

Blackstone Grills Tailgater - Portable Gas Grill and Griddle Combo copy

Blackstone Grills Tailgater (Currently unavailable)

15,000 & 20,000 BUTs

155 sq. in.

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

10,000 BUTs

205 sq. in.

Cuisinart CCG-100 Portable, GrateLifter Charcoal Grill

Charcoal

240 sq. in.

Lodge L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill copy

Lodge L410 PreSeasoned Sportsman's (Currently unavailable)

Charcoal

155 sq. in.

Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black

Charcoal

240 sq. in.

Best Tailgating Grills - Reviews

Coleman RoadTrip LXE Portable Propane Grill

This portable grill from Coleman is your all-in-one handy grill that is perfect for taking to tailgating events. This convenient grill provides 285 square inches of total grilling surface, so that you have plenty of space to cook for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between. On that 285 square inches of grilling space, you are going to be able to cook and prepare your food with 20,000 BTUs of heat that your grill can get up to.

If you are ea big fan of early morning tailgates, this portable grill is perfect for breakfast. This model has an interchangeable cook top design that lets you quickly and easily switch your stove top out for your griddle, so that you can easily cook bacon, eggs, sausage and pancakes. Or you can use the stove or grill top to cook chicken, steak, fish, bratwurst, hot dogs, veggies and so much more. It even has side panels that you can set your food that is done cooking, so that it can cool.

What we liked

  • This portable grill is perfect for camping, tailgating and having picnics
    285 square inches of total grilling surface
  • This portable grill can produce and capture up to 20,000 BTUs of heat
    Interchangeable cooktop: Lets you easily change cooktops between the griddle and stove grates
  • Great for grilling burgers, hot dogs, chicken, steaks, fish and vegetables
  • Griddle top is ideal for cooking breakfast while you are tailgating or on the go
  • Insta-start button: Gives you the ability to start your grill without a match or a lighter
  • Uses a collapsible design which makes this portable grill easy to fit into most vehicles and car trunks so that you can take it anywhere. 

What we didn't like

  • The wheels aren’t stable, so you need a flat surface for your grill
  • This grill is heavy
Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill , Gray

This is an awesome, powerful and compact portable grill from Weber. This grill is another tailgating favorite because it is a hot single-burner grill that provides 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour.

It does not provide as many BTUs of heat as the previous Coleman model that we just reviewed, but it does give you 280 square inches of grilling or cooking area for your grill. One of the aspects of this grill that we really enjoy is the durable, cast aluminum hood and body.

This is a portable grill design that can definitely stand up to the task of getting lugged around to tailgates, and holding up to tough weather. Another aspect of this grill that you may appreciate is that no assembly is required.

You can take it right out of the box and start using it almost immediately. It has a quick-start electronic ignition so that you don’t need a lighter or match to start it, and uses disposable LP cylinder containers for fuel.

What we liked

  • Single burner grill that produces 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour
  • You get a total of 280 square inches of grilling or cooking surface area
  • Durable cast aluminum hood and body 
  • Long-lasting porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates for preparing your food
  • This grill comes fully assembled, right out of the box so that you don’t have to worry about a complicated assembly
  • Easy start electronic ignition so that you don’t need a lighter or match to start your grill
  • This model uses a 14.1 or 16.4 ounce LP cylinder for fuel, which is not included 

What we didn't like

  • Does not include a hose to connect it to a larger propane tank
  • Container not included
Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill, 18.5-IN Diameter, Metallic Charcoal

This awesome portable tailgate grill is the first charcoal based grill that we are going to take a look at. If you love the taste of charcoal-cooked food at a tailgate, you may really enjoy this portable grill for your next tailgate.

It gives you a large 480 square inches of total cooking space, which is a lot for large groups and parties. You are also going to get a 280 inch cast-iron cooking grate included with this grill, and a 200 square inch secondary cooking area that is made of chrome.

This gives you tons to cook and prepare your food, and when it is finished grilling, you can set them on either one of the removable side shelves to cool down. It is trailer hitch adaptable, and easy to connect to your car or truck, and even has a built-in ash collection tray that makes it easier to clean out your grill.

What we liked

  • Provides 480 square inches of total cooking surface area
  • Includes a 280 square inch cast iron cooking grate
  • It even has a 200 square inch secondary cooking area that is made of chrome
  • This model comes with two removable side shelves, which give you space to set your food when it is done grilling
  • Sturdy stand and two wheel design for easy portability
  • This grill is trailer hitch adaptable, and really easy to set up with your truck or car
  • Rot draft damper system
  • Pull out ashtray so that you can easily empty out the ash from the charcoal
  • Comes with its own grilling multi-tool

What we didn't like

  • This grill gets super hot, and it can be difficult to lower the temperature because it is charcoal
  • It is hard to sear foods, because of the distance from the coals to the cooking surface
Solaire Anywhere Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill

This is the first portable tailgate grill that we are covering in this review that uses an innovative, infrared design. This grill uses infrared heat to grill and cook your food, and can easily hook up to a one pound propane tank.

This powerful, yet compact grill produces 14,000 BTUs of heat per hour, and cooks on 155 square inches of grill top space. On the infrared intensity scale, this portable grill scores a 61.1, which provides plenty of power to grill whatever you need to at your tailgate.

This grill is made from commercial grade, stainless steel and has a durable welded construction which can hold up to years of hard cooking and serious tailgating.

What is unique about this model is that it uses v-shape stainless steel grilling grids to reduce the amount of flare-up that your grill creates. This design is also really functional for enhancing the level of flavor that you get from your grilled foods.

What we liked

  • Portable infrared design and grilling technology
  • Uses an electronic push-button start ignition so that you can easily light your grill without an open flame
  • Provides 155 square inches of grilling space
  • Produces 14,000 BTUs of heat per hour
  • Scores a 61.1 on the infrared intensity scale
  • Made from a commercial grade, stainless steel welded construction 
  • The bottom of this grill is compatible with a variety of solaire accessory mounts for your convenience
  • Uses v-shape stainless steel grilling grids to reduce the amount of flare-ups that your grill creates
  • The grilling grids also enhance the level of flavor that you get from your grilled food

What we didn't like

  • Small surface area in comparison to other grills
  • The heating elements on this grill are powerful, so you have to keep a close eye on your food so you don’t burn it
Coleman RoadTrip LXX Portable Propane Grill, Black

This is another reliable, compact and portable tailgate grill from Coleman. This portable grill is also great for picnics, camping and any kind of outdoor cooking event. It gives you serious power with a max of 22,000 BTUs per hour.

This tailgate grill also gives you a massive 285 square inches of grilling space, which makes it perfect for large tailgating parties and making a lot of food. The handy instant push-start button makes it really easy to ignite your grill without the need for a lighter or matches.

We really appreciate the swap top technology that Coleman includes with these grilling models, so that you can easily change back and forth between your cooking surfaces like your grill grates, griddle or stove grates.

The extended side platforms give you plenty of space to set your food to cool, after it is done grilling. This grill is collapsible and compact, so that you can easily slide it into most car trunks.

What we liked

  • Perfect for picnics, camping and tailgating
  • Gives you an immense 20,000 BTUs of heat per hour, with a max of 22,000 BTUs
  • 285 square inches of grilling surface so that you can cook for bigger tailgate parties
  • Swaptops: Interchangeable cooktop technology that lets you easily change between the grill grates and the griddle or stove grates
  • Instant start button gives you the ability to ignite your stove without a match or a lighter
  • Features a collapsible design that makes this grill small enough to fit into most cars and trunk areas for easy transportation 
  • Side platforms for letting your food cool when it is done cooking

What we didn't like

  • Make sure to keep the flame low after igniting. This grill runs really hot.
  • Some of the parts can be a little flimsy
Blackstone Grills Tailgater

This Blackstone grill can provide the heat, durability and versatility that any tailgater can appreciate. The design of the model is incredibly compact, and no assembly is required for setup. You can pull it out of the box and start grilling in no time.

What we love about this grill is that it has two separate, powerful burners that you can use individually or simultaneously. The H-tube burner can provide 15,000 BTUs of heat while the cast-iron burner can put out up to 20,000 BTUs of heat, so that you have ample amounts of grilling power.

You can easily set up your grill to grill in the grill box on one burner, while using an open griddle on the other. Another aspect about this model that we really appreciate is that everything is made out of high quality stainless steel, and most of the parts have a thick powder coating.

What we liked

  • Portable tailgate grill that is easy to travel with, compact, and easy to set up
  • This grill ships fully assembled. No assembly required. 
  • Perfect for the park, camping, picnics, tailgating and afternoon cookouts 
  • The legs on this grill are easily adjustable so you can easily adjust the legs when you are cooking on uneven ground
  • This model has a side griddle that you can use for easily cooking breakfast foods or anything else that you like
  • You can use the grill and the side griddle simultaneously, while you are cooking
  • You can easily remove the griddle to reveal another usable burner for cooking other foods
  • Has a super durable grill box design, with a vent 
  • It has a handle which makes it really easy to open and use
  • Cast iron built grill grates with with a cold-rolled steel griddle plate
  • Everything on this grill has a thick powder coat finish for added protection
  • The H-tube burner and the cast-iron burner can burn at 15,000 BTUs and 20,000 BTUs, respectively

What we didn't like

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

This is the first tabletop tailgate grill that we are going to take a look at in this review. This grill design is easy to set up on a variety of surfaces, and includes stainless steel legs to stabilize the grill.

It gives you 205 square inches of cooking area and even includes a 105 square inch warming surface that you can use to keep your food warm while you are still cooking.

This grill runs off of a one pound propane tank, but can be easily converted to use a 20 pound propane tank for bigger tailgate grilling events. This model uses a U-shaped burner which produces 10,000 BTUs of heat per hour.

What we liked

  • Tabletop gas grill design that is easy to setup on most surfaces
  • Durable stainless steel construction that lets you enjoy the power of this grill for years to come
  • Perfect for tailgates, picnics, boating, camping and other outdoor events
  • Features: Locking lid, folding legs and a large front carry handle for easy portability
  • Uses portable, one pound propane cylinders to light and heat your grill
  • This portable grill can be easily converted to use a 20 pound propane tank. All you need is a Smoke Hollow hose and adapter
  • Includes a 205 square inch cooking surface and a 105 square inch warming surface so that you can keep your food warm after it is done cooking
  • Uses a stainless steel burner that produces 10,000 BTUs of heat
  • Foldable stainless steel legs
  • Stainless steel drip tray for easy cleanup

What we didn't like

  • This grill doesn’t produce as much heat as other models we have looked at
  • Does not include standalone legs, so you need a surface to set this on
Cuisinart CCG-100 Portable, GrateLifter Charcoal Grill

Let’s take a look at a slightly different tailgate grill design from Cuisinart. This grill appears to be another tabletop model, that provides plenty of space for grilling for large or small tailgates.

It gives you 240 square inches of cooking area that you can use for grilling, and it even includes the proper ventilation and an exterior temperature gauge so that you can get a live, accurate temperature reading.

Another nice feature of this grill is that you can access the charcoal bed of the grill without having to touch the grill grate, which makes a nice safety feature. It has a durable and protective porcelain enamel coating that will keep your tailgating grill in quality shape for years of tailgating.

What we liked

  • Uses a compact and portable design that makes it perfect for tailgating, camping and outdoor cooking
  • Uses a lift system so that you can have access to the charcoal bed of the grill without having to touch the cooking grate
  • This model uses a precision airflow system to give you an accurate temperature reading, via the exterior lid-mounted temperature gauge
  • This compact grill gives you 240 square inches of cooking area, which makes it ideal for large tailgating parties
  • Includes a large ash collection bin, which makes this portable tailgate grill really easy to clean after you are done using it
  • Includes a sturdy base which gives you plenty of stability and safety while you are grilling
  • This grill has a durable porcelain enamel cover to give you added durability and protection while grilling

What we didn't like

  • Does not have wheels
  • Doesn’t have a stand for setting it up. You must have a higher, table top or surface. 

9. Lodge L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Grill

Lodge L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Grill

If you are looking for something a bit smaller and a little more portable, this may be the grill for you. Just in case you are looking for a super portable grill for a smaller tailgate or grilling party, this grill from lodge provides the perfect compact grilling companion.

You are not going to get the amount of cooking square inches that you have seen on other models, but this grill is ideal for small tailgating groups of two to four people.

This grill uses a rugged, seasoned stainless steel hibachi design to perfectly grill food over open charcoals. All you need is a stable surface to grill on and you are good to go.

What we liked

  • Super compact grill that is perfect for smaller tailgating parties
  • The grilling grates on this model can be set two two different, adjustable heights that you can use to grill your foods accordingly
  • This tailgate grill uses a high quality seasoned grilling grate so that you can perfectly cook delicious foods for your next tailgate
  • The grill grate design is rugged, hibachi style grill that uses charcoal to cook grill your food. 
  • The grates are made of tough and durable cast-iron that will last for years of tailgates and grilling

What we didn't like

  • Not a ton of grated space for cooking
  • Would not work well for larger tailgating parties
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black

This compact and portable charcoal grill from Weber is the final tailgate grill that we are going to be taking a look at in our comprehensive review of the best tailgate grills. Its design includes a durable and functional porcelain enameled bowl and lid efficient and even grilling.

This model gives you a large 240 square inches of cooking area, which make it a great grill for bigger tailgating parties. This grill uses an 18.5 inch diameter, plated steel cooking grate for a quality grilling experience.

It even features a glass-reinforced, nylon top handle that you can use to safely remove your grill lid, to check on your food.

What we liked

  • Durable and functional porcelain, enameled bowl and lid
  • Provides 240 square inches of cooking area
  • Cooks your food using an 18.5 inch diameter, plated steel cooking grate
  • Uses a rust resistant aluminum dampers to control the release of smoke
  • Comes with a handy ash catcher to simplify the clean up after you are finished grilling and tailgating
  • Features a glass-reinforced nylon for added protection while grilling
  • Ideal for tailgating, camping, picnics and other outdoor cooking events. 

What we didn't like

  • Does not include legs
  • Does not include wheels
  • No alternative cooking surfaces

Conclusion

In our humble opinion, the best tailgate grill in this review happened to come first. In terms of performance, power and convenience it is hard to beat the Coleman Road Trip LXE.

This grill not only gives you plenty of space for grilling your food, it also gives you a lot of room for letting your food cool while you are finishing up cooking. The collapsible design is second-to-none, and the wheels on this grill make it really easy to move and adjust for setup.

There are a lot of excellent grills in this bunch, but when it comes to the best all-around tailgating grill, this is our top pick.

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JB
 

I started this blog to provide advanced material, guiding you towards a better and more comfortable fishing experience. I deliver more than fishing gear guides, and motivate people to hit the water!

  • […] With one of the biggest cooking areas out of all the ones reviewed in this post, you’re going to have no problem cooking all of the food that you want to cook on this grill. Not only is this nice because it allows you to cook bigger foods, but it is also going to allow you to cook for more people, making this the perfect choice for cook outs, hikes or camping trips and even great use for tailgates! […]

  • […] With one of the biggest cooking areas out of all the ones reviewed in this post, you’re going to have no problem cooking all of the food that you want to cook on this grill. Not only is this nice because it allows you to cook bigger foods, but it is also going to allow you to cook for more people, making this the perfect choice for cook outs, hikes or camping trips and even great use for tailgates! […]

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