Best Tailgate Grill in 2022
Tailgate parties are as much a national tradition that Americans love. Is there a better way to spend time discussing your favorite team’s projected performance? Or discussing which players will make which moves in your favorite team while grilling and enjoying the company of your family and friends? It truly doesn’t get any better than that.
If you love tailgating parties, then you need to own a compact and portable grill for pre-game festivities outside the stadium. Or better yet, pre-summer tailgate barbecues by the beach or in a park. So, what properties does a grill have to have to qualify to be the best tailgate grill?
Top 5 Tailgate Grills for the Money
| Name | Cooking Surface Area | Fuel | Build Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman's Grill | 150 sq. inch. | Charcoal | Cast Iron | |
| Coleman Road Trip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill | 285 sq. in. | Propane, 3 independent burners, total 20000 BTUs, InstaStart Ignition | Heavy Iron Sheets | |
| Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill | 280 sq. in. | Liquid propane, 12,000 BTU burner, Electric Ignition | Heavy iron sheet, Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates | |
| Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill | 250 sq. in. | Charcoal | Heavy iron sheet, Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl | |
| Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill | 280 sq. in. | Charcoal | Double-walled steel grill body |
Lodge Cast Iron Sportsman’s Grill
This is one of the best grills for tailgating. It is a rugged, charcoal hibachi-style grill that is perfect for picnics, tailgating, camping, or the patio. The grill features a draft door that regulates heat. You can add or remove charcoal through the grill’s flip-down door.
The grill also has two adjustable heights. The grill comes seasoned.
Features
- No synthetic coatings or chemicals
- Easy-release finish
- Iron construction
- Hibachi-style grill
- Comes with an attached handle
Pros
- Comes seasoned
- Superior heat retention
- Uses less charcoal
Cons
- Needs constant seasoning
Coleman Road Trip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
The Coleman road trip grill is one of the best portable grills in the market. It emits up to 20,000 BTUs of grilling power, and it has 285 square inches of cooking area. It has three independently adjustable burners for enhanced temperature control. The grill also features a water pan that catches cooking grease and is removable for easy cleaning.
It also has two durable side tables for resting utensils and sauces. It has an integrated thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring. It also has an InstaStart ignition for matchless lighting. The grill has enhanced control due to its improved burner technology.
It is also easy to transport because of its quick-fold legs and two rugged wheels.
Features
- 20,000 BTUs
- 285 square inches of cooking area
- Three independently adjustable burners
- Water pan
- Two durable side tables
- Integrated thermometer
- Instastart ignition
- Quick-fold legs
- Two rugged wheels
- Swappable Cooktops
- Cast iron grill grates
Pros
- Enhanced temperature control
- Enhanced Control
- Easy to Transport
Cons
- The lid does not stay locked in transit
Weber 54060001 Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill
This is the ultimate tailgate grill with a total cooking area of 280 Square Inches. It features a stainless steel burner that emits 12,000 BTU-per-hour. The grill is porcelain-enameled, and it has cast-iron cooking grates. The grill features electronic ignition and a built-in thermometer. It also has two folding work tables. Its compact size makes it a perfect tabletop grill too.
It is compact for increased portability, and it measures 15.5″H x 51.4″W x 19.5″ D with the lid closed and tables out. The grill can be used to make burgers and hotdogs, or a fish fillet for family dinner. The grill also features a large grip handle and control knobs; ergonomic side handles, sturdy front and rear cradles, and fold-out side tables. The grill’s split grates allow for a grate/griddle cooking combination.
Features
- Porcelain-enameled
- Cast-iron cooking grates
- Cast aluminum lid and body
- Glass-reinforced nylon frame
- Infinite control burner valve
- Electronic ignition
Pros
- Built-in lid thermometer
- Folding side tables
- Removable catch pan
Cons
- Uneven heat production
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill
The weber holds up to eight burgers made with a Weber burger press. It is compact and lightweight for grilling on the go. It features a porcelain-enameled lid and bowl to retain heat. It is also rust and peel resistant. The grill also has a Tuck-N-Carry lid lock that doubles as a lid holder to avoid placing the lid on the ground. The dampers allow you to control the temperature inside your grill easily.
The grill also will enable you to or grill up a quick meal on your patio. The compact size with a larger grilling area and the convenient carry handle is perfect for any weekend getaway or a spontaneous day at the beach.
Features
- Heavy-gauge steel charcoal grate
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid
- Lid handle with heat shield
- Plated steel cooking grate
- Tuck-N-Carry lid lock
Pros
- Aluminum Ash Catcher
- Easy to use
- Easy to pack and carry
Cons
- The bottom air vent does not work properly
Broil King 911470 Keg 5000 Kamado Grill
This grill is designed for durability and performance. It features an insulated double-walled steel grill body that retains heat and moisture efficiently. It also does not absorb moisture and odors. The grill allows you to cook more using less charcoal because of its insulated steel design. The grill also features a cast iron top damper, aluminum lower damper, and heavy-duty gasket.
The grill has a removable steel ash catcher that makes it easy to clean up. The grill kit also comes with a chrome swing-away secondary rack, detachable resin side shelves, mobility cart, and a multi-tool. It also comes with a 10-year warranty on the grill body and a 2-year warranty on the remaining parts and paint.
Features
- Insulated double-walled steel grill body
- Cast iron top damper
- Aluminum lower damper
- Heavy-duty gasket
- Detachable resin side shelves
- Mobility cart
- Multi-tool
- 10-year warranty
Pros
- Retains heat
- Removable steel ash catcher
- Easy to clean
- Trailer hitch adaptable
Cons
- Adding charcoal mid-cooking is a challenge
Conclusion
The best tailgate grill should be small enough to carry to tailgate parties. It should also be lockable so that the parts do not fall out as you transport it. You can also put the charcoal in the grill and carry it inside the grill. This will save you from having to pack the charcoal as an extra load. All the options above will be a good fit for your tailgating parties.