Outdoor activities lovers know the importance of owning a portable grill. Even when you are out hiking, backpacking, and camping, you can still have the same kind of fun you would while dining indoors, right? To achieve this desire, you need to, of course, purchase the best tailgate grill you can find for a proper amount of money.
While buying the grill you need to realize that it’s not just mere purchasing. You are instead making an investment that can make friends and family enjoy a nice dinner and create memorable moments in life.
One terrible mistake while buying your grill is enough to turn a meat eater into a vegetarian for the rest of their lives. The wrong choice while purchasing a grill, can give you a running stomach or more, get you or your surroundings on fire! With this kind of impacts, it is, therefore advisable that you are very careful while buying your grill
With all said, the choice on tailgating is entirely a personal choice ad there is no tailgate grill is perfect. Therefore, in this article, we will explain which features are the most important ones to keep an eye on, and also present you reviews of the best models on the market. Hopefully, this will help you in finding that perfect model that you need.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Weight | Material | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Smokey Joe | 9 lb | Steel | 22 in | Check price on Amazon |
| Cuisinart Cgg-220 | 40 lb | Steel | 26 x 18 x 19 in | Check price on Amazon |
| Weber Q3200 | 1 lb | Iron and steel | 55.5 x 50.2 x 30 in | Check price on Amazon |
| Char-Broil Grill2go X200 | 26 lb | Iron and steel | 13.6 x 26.2 x 15.7 in | Check price on Amazon |
| Son Of Hibachi | 19 lb | Iron and steel | 10.25 x 13.69 x 9 in | Check price on Amazon |
| Coleman Roadtrip LXX | 50 lb | Steel | 13.6 x 34 x 19.1in | Check price on Amazon |
| Portable Kitchen Pk 99740 | 35 lb | Steel | 35 x 20.5 x 35.5 in | Check price on Amazon |
Things to Consider Before Buying
Most of the tailgate grills being sold on the market today are claimed to be the best, are they the best? Before a tailgate grill can be said to be the best, some certain features must be present in the tailgate grill. Without these functions, the proclaimed tailgate grill cannot be called the best. Below are the features the best tailgate grill should possess:
Weight
Weight is significant when considering a tailgate grill. Firstly, you need to look at what you’ll be using the grill to do. Do you intend to take it with you on your camping trips or just a family gathering? For camping trips, you want your tailgate grill to be as light as possible.
A huge tailgate grill will slow you down on your adventures. A big tailgate grill is manageable for picnics whereby there’s no long distance involved. If you didn’t think the weight was important, well the weight of a tailgate grill is everything.
Design
Apart from the sturdy materials and quality craftsmanship involved in the making of a reliable product, you will need a tailgate grill that is easy to transport from one place to another. So, look for tailgate grills that have a smaller looking design.
Look for products with a straightforward design. A tailgate grill should be simple and not complicated. There are tailgate grills that offer more functions apart from its primary features, but the best is to keep it simple.
Material
You want a tailgate grill that’s going to last you. If you’re going to buy a tailgate grill that’s cheap in price, don’t expect it to last. You want to make sure that you get a tailgate grill that won’t rust. Moisture can affect the tailgate grill and cause the iron to weaken. Also, who wants to use a rusty tailgate grill?
Warranty
A high-quality tailgate grill with usually come with an at least ten-year warranty. However, that still shows the reputation of the brand and the quality of the tailgate grill. If your tailgate grill doesn’t even come with store warranty, well, then you know that it’s cheaply made.
It may cost you a couple of extra dollars; however, it’ll pay off in the long run. Now that you’re aware of all the features and types of tailgate grill, you’ll be able to find a tailgate grill that properly fits your needs.
Top products on the market
After considering the relevant features a good tailgate grill should possess, we have selected seven of the best on the market today. Most of them are expensive but rest assured they are worth every penny. So, here are the seven reviews of the best tailgate grill that are currently on the market.
Weber Smokey Joe
Price: Approx. $40
Weight: 9 pounds
Dimensions: 22 inches
Specific features: Glass-reinforced nylon handles, triple nickel plated cooking grate, durable all weather wheels, rust resistance ash catcher, lid hook inside the grill.
Best use: Picnic, car camping, tailgating, and portable grill cookouts
Description: The Weber Smokey Joey is your best solution if you are planning a tailgating party, or are going on camping and don’t want to miss your grilled meat flavor.
This grill is a lightweight, weighing around 9 when empty and 11 pounds when loaded with charcoal loaded. The nylon glass reinforced handle is one of the best features you will probably note when you purchase this grill. It doesn’t go hot when touched by fire and can withstand all environmental conditions.
It has a Tuck and Carries lid holder and lid lock. The top of the grill is tapped in the Tuck and Carry for cradling when moving the grill when hot.
The entire Tuck-n Carry lid allows easy transportation of the grill without it moving all over the place. With all the unique features, it is safe to say this grill is worth every penny you spent on it.
PROS:
- The grill is lightweight
- The handle does not get hot
- Can withstand all environmental conditions
- Possesses a lid cover and lock
- The Tuck-n-Carry lid allows easy transportation
- Comes with a dust resistance ash catcher
- Durable
- Affordable
- Limited warranty
CONS:
- Does not reach minimum cooking temperatures
Related: While using this tailgating grill, you might also require a Weber Compact Rapidfire Chimney to help control the fire and smoke while a Weber Cooking Grate is necessary to help you efficiently cook your meat.
Cuisinart Cgg-220
Price: Approx. $200
Weight: 40 pounds
Dimensions: 26 x 18 x 19 inches
Specific features: 240 SQ inch porcelain enamel, temperature gauge, two removable side tables, twist start electric ignition, removable drip tray
Best use: Camping, tailgating, backyard grilling
Description: The Cuisinart CGG-220 weighs less than 40 pounds, making it an easy one to carry when you want to do an outdoor grilling for your family or when you are out camping with your friends.
The grill has a 240 SQ inch porcelain enamel cast iron grill which heats fast and efficiently hence helping save on time. The integrated precision temperature gauge helps you have full control of your grilling. The removable side table offers the invaluable benefit of countertops where you can place your beverages, prep, and tools.
The grill was made from heat resistant stainless steel together with the handle. The grill is specifically designed for users who intend to use it for camping, tailgating and backyard camping.
The TwistStart electric ignition, on the other hand, makes grilling easy every time you use this tailgating grill. It is not complex to operate and can be moved easily from one spot to another.
PROS:
- Removable side table
- Removable drip tray
- Comes with a temperature gauge
- The handle does not get hot
- Can withstand all environmental conditions
- Possesses a lid cover and lock
- Comes with a dust resistance ash catcher
- Durable
- Electric ignition
- Limited warranty
CONS:
- Heavy
- Pricey
Related: The Cuisinart QG 012B Adaptor Hose will be helpful while using this grill. With a 4-foot hose, you can place your propane cylinder a little further from your grilling location, hence minimizing chances of gas leaking and causing a fire.
Weber Q3200
Price: Approx. $500
Weight: 1 pound
Dimensions: 55.5 x 50.2 x 30 inches
Specific features: Aluminum hood, large cooking surface, push button ignition, porcelain enameled iron cooking grates, stainless steel burners, hose and regulator
Best use: Picnic
Description: The Weber Q200 Liquid Propane Grill is an excellent model for someone who lives in an apartment and without ample space. It has 468 SQ cooking areas, which is big enough for you to cook your meat, burgers and hot dogs without congestion. The cast iron grates retain heat for heating up your food later.
Many people prefer this grill due to its large size, which enables one to cook for up to six people without much struggle. It has a sleek design, and the food comes looking yummy. This grill assures your services as the burners are stainless and highly durable.
These grills do not live up to their names alone; they also live up to the Weber custom of quality, performance and long life. The Weber57060001 is perfect for almost all outdoor adventures like camping, parties, picnics, cookouts and so on and so forth. It is easy to operate and durable.
PROS:
- The grill is lightweight
- The handle does not get hot
- Can withstand all environmental conditions
- Large cooking surface
- Comes with a push button ignition
- Consists of a hose and regulator
- Durable
- Limited warranty
CONS:
- Very expensive
- Too large
Related: You should consider getting these Lighter Cubes to start the fire quickly whenever you need to.
Char-Broil Grill2go X200
Price: Approx. $210
Weight: 26 pounds
Dimensions: 13.6 x 26.2 x 15.7 inches
Specific features: Die-cast aluminum design, TRU-infrared technology, porcelain-steel coated cooking grate, 200 SQ cooking area, hood mounted temperature gauge, piezzo ignition
Best Use: Camping ad canyon tailgating
Description: The piezzo ignition allows quick, light up without necessarily using a lighter of matches hence saving time. The porcelain steel coated cooking grate, on the other hand, heats up fast and also maintains the heat.
While cooking, you can control the temperatures of the Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 using the hood mounted temperature gauge. By controlling the heat of the grill, you can cook at your pace.
The TRU-infrared technology ensures there are no flare-ups and hence helping retain the flavor of your food.
Grill all your desired dishes from large roasts to subtle fish and vegetables. The inestimable control burner valve locks in your preferred cooking temperature to cook well at any temperature from low to high.
The grill can be easily converted into a 20pound propane tank simply by disconnecting the hose and adapter which are sold separately. You can cook up to 12burgers in the large stainless steel cooking grate.
PROS:
- The grill is lightweight
- The handle does not get hot
- Can withstand all environmental conditions
- The piezzo ignition allows quick, light up
- Comes with a TRU-infrared technology
- Hood-mounted temperature gauge
- Durable
- Affordable
- Limited warranty
CONS:
- Expensive
Related: While buying this tailgate, you might also consider buying Char Broil 4 Foot Hose and Adapter for connecting with your 2PK 16 4OZ Prop Bottle Pack. The two are usually sold separately, hence the need to consider purchasing them.
Son Of Hibachi
Price: Approx. $100
Weight: 19 pounds
Dimensions: 10.25 x 13.69 x 9 inches
Specific features: Improved ash drawer, self-cleaning, self-extinguishing, 170 SQ. Inches cooking area, easy to light up (in under ten minutes), snuff of the pouch, battery operated, built in chimney
Best use: Camping, fishing, hunting, picnic, and tailgating
Description: The snuff pouch is insulated with a burn elastic fabric which helps the Son of Hibachi helps you safely pack your grill after cooking and hence saving on charcoal.
It uses less coal and remains hot for a long time. Being battery operated means, you can use this grill no matter where you are without lighting stress.
Son of Hibachi is a multipurpose charcoal barbecuing system either for use at home or outdoor adventures. The clever blast furnace idea with the chimney effect permits you to be cooking in less than 10 minutes and guarantees steady heat under the grills.
Son of Hibachi is not like the regular grills out there because it is battery operated and possesses unique features. The grill is best used for camping activities and other outdoor related activities. It is easy to use and affordable even to the little salary earner.
PROS:
- The grill is lightweight
- The handle does not get hot
- Battery operated
- Self cleaning
- Built-in chimney
- Easy to light up
- Comes with a dust resistance ash catcher
- Durable
- Affordable
- Limited warranty
CONS:
- Uses only coal
Related: To keep your Son of Hibachi grill clean, you might consider using Alpha Grillers 18″ Grill Brushes.
Coleman Roadtrip LXX
Price: Approx. $230
Weight: 50 pounds
Dimensions: 13.6 x 34 x 19.1 inches
Specific features: Push button igniter, 285 SQ inch cooking area, towing handle and wheels, detachable side tables, supports mix and match cooking surface
Best use: Camping
Description: With the ability to accommodate mix and match cooking surfaces, this Coleman RoadTrip LXX offers you the flexibility of cooking food of your taste.
The detachable side tables give you the invaluable benefit of placing props, beverages, and cooking utensils. The grill is Towable, making it easy to move to the desired grilling spot. It also comes with a push button igniter making it easy and fast to start the fire.
The towing handle of this grill makes it very easy to transport from one place to another. Also, it comes with a unique feature that is absent in most of the grills in this review. The mix and match cooking surface feature are one of the best if not the best. Women, especially, appreciate this feature as it makes the cooking process much faster.
Many people prefer this tailgating grill because it is easy to clean, provides a steady heat and cooks grill flavored meat.
PROS:
- Push-button igniter
- Comes with a towing handle and wheels
- Detachable side tables
- Supports mix and match cooking surface
- Durable
- Limited warranty
CONS:
- Costly
- Heavy
Related: For more comfortable transportation of your grill, you might consider buying Coleman RoadTrip Wheeled Carry Case. A Coleman 5Ft High Pressure Propane Adaptor, on the other hand, will help you connect the grill with the gas cylinder. The fact that it’s five feet long, you can place the cylinder at a safer distance.
Portable Kitchen Pk 99740
Price: Approx. $365
Weight: 35 pounds
Dimensions: 35 x 20.5 x 35.5 inches
Specific features: Detachable charcoal carriage, hinged cooking grid that is easy to refuel, thick cast aluminum that provides maximum heat rotation, adjustable vents, and dampers that help you control the temperature
Best use: Tailgating, patio/garden grilling
Description: The Portable Kitchen PK 99740 has many desirable features that should prompt you into buying it. The grill is very flexible, and with it, you can cook almost all the foods you cook in your kitchen.
The grill has a detachable charcoal carriage which is a nice touch considering the weight of the grill. That way, the grill will be easy to transport from one place to another with little effort.
The semi-pneumatic rubber wheels make the cooker highly flexible depending on where you want to place your grill. The temperature control also offers a lot of flexibility, depending on what you are cooking, you can set the temperatures, high as long as it takes, and reduce when you want to cook something that doesn’t require too much heat.
The aluminum cookers are also highly durable, and you can rest assured that once you buy it, it will be several years before you think of replacing it.
PROS:
- Detachable charcoal carriage
- Thick cast aluminum that provides maximum heat rotation
- Controls cooking temperature
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Easy to refuel
- Adjustable vents
- Limited warranty
CONS:
- Expensive
Related: If you are purchasing new outdoor grilling tools, you might consider Grill Grates PK GrateTool to go with this aluminum grill.
To Wrap it Up
We have reached the end of our article. Now, with so many tailgate grills, your needs should be the primary guide in making a decision on which is the best cooker. Also, remember to make a cost comparison. Some grills will come at a lower price, but lack essential features and by adding just a few bucks to the cost might land you a good cooker.
In case you are a novice in grills, remember to go through the features of every tailgate grill discussed here and compare them with your requirements. That way, you will choose a cooker that perfectly suits you.
Hope this article helped you in making the right choice, and remember, if you want to find out more on this topic, feel free to leave a question in the comments section below.
I use this numerous times a week. It’s my favorite way to cook any meat or grill veggies. The Smokey Joe is the appropriate size for grilling. The locking lid is a great convenience. Works well as a small-batch smoker, too. Works perfect! I am very happy that I have this grill.
I’m glad that you like the Smokey Joe. It is a good product to have. Most people can’t seem to decide whether to use a gas or charcoal type grill. I often advise them to pick one that suits their requirements. I wonder what’s your preference John?
Tailgating is a cool way to spend an afternoon with friends and a good grill adds some hot tasty goodness to the experience. It is not tailgating if my Weber Smokey Joe Portable Grill is not present. My friend always count on me to bring the grill and it never disappoints.
I love how they have come up with affordable grills that can fit anyone’s budget nowadays. The Weber is a great buy and you can expect it to perform well in all circumstances. It can be easily transported anywhere and cleaning it after is a breeze!