8 Best Tailgate Grill According To The Chefs
Best tailgate grill. Without a barbecue, no tailgate is amazing. “If I pull up to a tailgate and see a grill, I know they are serious about their food,” says Pitmaster Nate Figaro. However, grilling on a grassy quad or stadium lot demands a portable alternative that can handle the food. The best tailgate grill allows you to choose the best BBQ meals for your family to ensure a variety and an appealing camping menu.
Southern fall showcases long-standing sporting rivalry. Great teams compete in enormous stadiums, and tailgates are pep rallies, class reunions, friends and family time, and especially food competitions. “Having the best tailgate grill lets us enjoy hot food,” explains Chef Roscoe Hall. “A portable grill crushes everything. From breakfast to supper, it’s your stovetop.”
A tailgate barbecue is vital for introducing aromas and scents to unify fans and feed friends, much like camping. The best tailgate grill can cook burgers, hot dogs, barbecue, and ribs on the go, making it ideal for entertaining hungry foodies who go from tent to tent to obtain new recipes and ideas.
Check out these top tailgate grill suggestions for Southern Smoke BBQ enthusiasts. Thousands of supporters organize major parties in parking lots and parks before games every fall to support their favorite team. These barbecues can cook for serious tailgating in any season or sport. This list includes huge and small, costly and cheap. You may also get charcoal and propane grit here. Find your ideal BBQ by reading the whole list.
Contents
- 1 Our Top Picks
- 2 8 Best Tailgate Grill
- 2.1 1-Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill
- 2.2 2-Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black
- 2.3 3-Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill
- 2.4 4-Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Anywhere Portable Infrared Warming Rack Gas Grill
- 2.5 5- Cobb Premier Grill
- 2.6 6- Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill, Titanium
- 2.7 7-Orion Cooker Outdoor Convection Steam Cooker Barbecue Smoker
- 2.8 8-Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill, 19.38 inches
- 3 The Verdict
- 4 Best tailgate grill. Queries and Answers
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill
- Runner-up: Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black
- Best High-end: Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill
- High Quality: Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Anywhere Portable
- Best Feature: Cobb Premier Grill
- Best Value: Weber Q-2200 Portable Grill
- Best Function: Orion Cooker Outdoor Convection
- Great Choice: Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill, 19.38 inches
8 Best Tailgate Grill
1-Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill
The Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who value portability and smart design. Built with a compact, lightweight body, this tabletop charcoal grill is perfect for tailgating, beach trips, patios, and camping adventures. It features an integrated food storage tray and a bamboo preparation board, making meal prep simple and organized. Despite its small size, the grill delivers impressive heat performance for quick searing and even cooking. The matte black finish adds a modern, stylish look, while the secure latching system ensures safe transport. For solo cooks or small gatherings, the Everdure CUBE offers convenience, durability, and versatility in one compact grilling solution.
Specifications:
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Cooking surface: Compact tabletop size
- Built-in prep board and food storage tray
- Lightweight, portable cube design
Pros:
- Extremely portable and stylish for tailgating
- An integrated food storage and prep board adds convenience
- Ideal for small groups and quick grilling
Cons:
- Limited cooking space
- Not suitable for large tailgate parties
2-Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch Black
The Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill is a classic favorite for grillers who want reliable performance in a portable size. With its 18-inch cooking grate, this grill provides ample space for burgers, steaks, and vegetables while remaining easy to transport. The porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat efficiently and resist rust, ensuring long-term durability. Its adjustable dampers allow precise temperature control, making it suitable for both direct and indirect grilling. The sturdy legs and lightweight design make it ideal for camping, tailgating, or backyard use. Known for consistent results and solid construction, the Weber Jumbo Joe is a dependable charcoal grill for beginners and seasoned grillers alike.
Specifications:
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Cooking area: 18-inch diameter
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid
- Adjustable dampers for temperature control
Pros:
- Excellent heat retention and classic Weber durability
- Larger cooking surface than most portable grills
- Great charcoal flavor for tailgate favorites
Cons:
- Bulkier than tabletop grills
- No built-in carrying handles
3-Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill
The Broil King Keg 5000 Kamado Charcoal Grill delivers exceptional heat retention and versatility for serious outdoor cooking. Constructed from durable steel with high-quality insulation, this kamado-style grill heats up quickly and maintains consistent temperatures for hours. It excels at grilling, smoking, roasting, and slow cooking, making it a true all-in-one solution. The large cooking surface easily handles family meals or entertaining guests. Its heavy-duty build, integrated thermometer, and precise airflow controls provide excellent temperature management. Finished in a sleek charcoal grey, the Keg 5000 combines performance with modern aesthetics, making it a premium choice for grill enthusiasts who demand professional-level results at home.
Specifications:
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Insulated steel kamado-style body
- Large primary cooking area
- Heavy-duty locking lid
Pros:
- Exceptional heat retention and fuel efficiency
- Versatile for grilling, smoking, and roasting
- Premium build quality for serious tailgaters
Cons:
-
Heavy and less portable
4-Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Anywhere Portable Infrared Warming Rack Gas Grill
The Solaire SOL-IR17BWR Portable Infrared Propane Gas Grill is designed for fast, high-heat cooking on the go. Utilizing powerful infrared technology, it reaches intense temperatures quickly, delivering restaurant-quality searing and locking in juices. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, corrosion resistance, and a polished look. Its compact size and included carrying bag make it ideal for tailgating, camping, or RV travel. The built-in warming rack adds convenience for keeping food ready to serve. Easy ignition and consistent heat output make this grill user-friendly and efficient. For those seeking premium gas grilling performance in a portable package, Solaire is a standout option.
Specifications:
- Fuel type: Propane gas
- Infrared burner technology
- Stainless steel construction
- Includes warming rack and carrying bag
Pros:
- Extremely fast heat-up time
- Even heat distribution with infrared cooking
- Easy to transport and clean
Cons:
-
Requires propane canisters
5- Cobb Premier Grill
The COBB Grill America Premier Air offers a unique all-in-one outdoor kitchen solution designed for versatility and portability. This innovative grill utilizes efficient airflow technology to cook food evenly while maintaining a cool exterior. It supports grilling, baking, roasting, and smoking, making it ideal for a wide range of outdoor cooking needs. The compact, lightweight design is perfect for camping, boating, tailgating, or backyard use. Included accessories enhance functionality and eliminate the need for extra equipment. With minimal charcoal usage and easy cleanup, the COBB Premier Air is both eco-friendly and convenient. It’s an excellent choice for outdoor cooks seeking flexibility and efficiency.
Specifications:
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- All-in-one grill with accessories included
- Cool-touch exterior design
- Compact and lightweight
Pros:
- Very safe and easy to use at tailgates
- Includes multiple cooking accessories
- Efficient fuel usage and minimal smoke
Cons:
-
Smaller grilling surface
-
Limited temperature control compared to larger grills
6- Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill, Titanium
The Weber Q1200 is a top-tier portable gas grill designed for campers, tailgaters, and travelers who want reliable performance in a compact size. It features a single stainless-steel burner that delivers consistent heat, making it ideal for grilling burgers, steaks, and vegetables evenly. The cast-iron cooking grates retain heat well and create excellent sear marks. With electronic ignition and infinite control burner valves, temperature management is simple and precise. Its durable cast aluminum lid and body ensure long-lasting use, while the fold-out side tables add convenience. Overall, the Weber Q1200 is a premium choice for anyone seeking portability without sacrificing grilling quality.
Specifications:
- Fuel type: Liquid propane
- Cooking area: ~189 sq. in.
- Burner output: 8,500 BTUs
- Weight: ~31 lbs
Pros:
- Excellent heat retention with cast-iron grates
- Compact yet powerful for tailgating
- Easy push-button ignition
Cons:
-
Slightly heavier than other portable grills
7-Orion Cooker Outdoor Convection Steam Cooker Barbecue Smoker
The Orion Cooker Convection BBQ Smoker offers a unique approach to outdoor cooking by combining smoking, roasting, and grilling in one compact unit. Using convection heat, it cooks food faster while locking in moisture and flavor, making it perfect for ribs, poultry, and large cuts of meat. The small 30-inch height model is ideal for backyard use or small gatherings. It requires minimal fuel, making it efficient and eco-friendly. With its simple design and easy cleanup, this smoker is great for both beginners and experienced pitmasters. The Orion Cooker stands out for delivering tender, flavorful results with minimal effort.
Specifications:
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Cooking style: Convection smoking
- Capacity: Up to 4 racks of food
- Height: 30 inches
Pros:
- Produces juicy, smoke-infused food quickly
- No flare-ups or constant monitoring
- Great for ribs, chicken, and roasts
Cons:
-
Bulkier than traditional tailgate grills
8-Lodge Sportsman’s Pro Grill, 19.38 inches
The Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Pro Grill is built for durability and classic charcoal grilling performance. Made entirely from heavy-duty cast iron, it offers excellent heat retention and even cooking, ideal for steaks, burgers, and campfire meals. Its adjustable height charcoal tray allows better control over cooking temperature, which is a rare feature in portable grills. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this grill is perfect for camping, hunting trips, and backyard use. While it’s heavier than modern portable grills, its rugged construction ensures decades of use. If you value traditional grilling and long-lasting quality, this Lodge grill is a dependable choice.
Specifications:
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Material: Cast iron
- Cooking area: ~120 sq. in.
- Weight: ~34 lbs
Pros:
- Outstanding heat retention and durability
- Classic charcoal flavor
- Simple, rugged design
Cons:
-
Heavy for frequent transport
The Verdict
Our finest tailgate grills, including the best tailgate grill, cook well and are easy to put up, so you won’t miss the game. Grilling for a crowd is simple with the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill. One-hand set-up and a foldable prep table make many grilling luxuries portable.
The Weber Go Anywhere Gas Grill is ideal for smaller groups or longer trips. The Traeger Tailgater Portable Pellet Grill can serve a crowd if you have electricity and like smoked food. Grilling is easy—unfold the legs and set the temperature.
Our Testing Method
To evaluate each grill outside of controlled conditions, we tried it. We tested how much effort and how many people were needed to build and operate the grills from the box. Using trucks, SUVs, and cars, we tested how well they fit and how hard they were to load and unload. At park picnics, friends’ backyard parties, game-day tailgates, and camp-outs, we tested the best tailgate grill’s maneuverability on concrete, grass, gravel, and dirt.
We considered cooking and shipping considerations while designing each grill, including the best tailgate grill options. We took into account lid design and movement, materials, drip pan size, grill grate width, prep tables, and hooks during cooking. For travel, we noticed how simple it was to fold each grill, how easy it was to roll or hand-carry it to the vehicle, and how well the closed grill kept food particles and ash out.
To test each grill’s capacity and convenience of use, we grilled and smoked a range of foods for four to 10 people using the best tailgate grill options available. We checked grill temperature gauges against our infrared thermometer to see whether they maintained heat and had hot areas, cold spots, or uneven cooking. After each test, we cleaned the grills per manufacturer’s directions and stored them at home until next usage. We saw how hard they were to clean inside and out and store compactly. We’re long-term testing all of our grills and will update this review with new findings.
Best tailgate grill. Queries and Answers
Are tailgate grills as durable as full-size ones?
Tailgate grills are made to open and shut often, travel in all vehicles, and be outdoors. The durability of any grill depends on the materials, construction, and owner maintenance. Your grill will last longer if you clean, store, and move it properly.
Can a plastic table hold a tailgate grill?
No matter your table, read the grill’s tabletop material restrictions. A grill with a strong base and legs that clear the table should work with a plastic table. To ensure the most fireproof setup on any surface, buy a grill mat to protect the table beneath the grill.
Cost of tailgate grills?
Tailgate grills typically cost $100–$500, although high-end and specialized models may cost up to $800. Features and materials impact cost, so examine your demands before shopping to keep within budget.
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