What should you look for in a tailgate grill?
The answers might seem obvious, but because not everyone owns a pickup truck, knows how to smoke a brisket, or cooks for 30 people, the best portable tailgate grills should be:
- Portable (Duh!). Between the tailgating supplies, food, beer, water, etc., the last thing you need is a heavy, cumbersome grill. A portable grill that takes up little space and is easy to transport & set up just makes it that much easier.
- Durable. There’s not much sense in saving some cash on a portable grill if it doesn’t last. A lifetime guarantee may not be necessary, but it should at least last for several seasons so you get your money’s worth.
- Cheap. In price that is, not quality. If you’re cooking for 5 or less, a hundred bucks should do. While you may not get the best tailgate grill, it will more than suffice.
The best portable tailgate grills for less
Cuisinart 5-in-1 Grill
It’s a grill. It’s a griddle. It’s a panini press. It’s all three, weighs just 8 pounds. This goes for $129 here, but you can have it for just $79.95 + free shipping.
Check out the reviews on Amazon.
Aussie 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Grill
At just 20 lbs, 26 inches long with folding legs and 305 square inches of grilling space, this 12,000 BTU gas grill akes up very little space and is perfect for your party of 4.
It will cost you $95 at Home Depot, but you can get it for only $74.88 here
Coleman Propane Sportster Grill
It has a smaller (225 sq. in.) cooking area than the Aussie 205, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up in functionality. Its wheels and folding legs makes it ultra-portable, while the instant push-button ignition and removable grease tray means set-up takes just seconds and clean up mere minutes.
This goes for 120 bucks at Dick’s Sporting Goods, but just 90 bucks here
Weber Go-Anywhere Grill
What’s in a name? A whole lot, depending on the product. So when it comes to tailgate grills, the Weber name is synonymous with quality and reliability.
With 160 square inches of grilling surface it’s offers less grill space than most, but you can be assured of high-quality performance for many years to come. (Available in both propane gas & charcoal models). With a 4.7 star rating
Char-Griller Table Top Charcoal Grill
The heavy steel construction and compact form (18.5 x 17 x 16 inches) means it will last for years, and fit in the smallest of trunks. It has a 250 sq. inch cooking surface and weighs 40 lbs, and the price is right.
2 for 1
If your tailgate party includes more than 5, then consider getting two of the best portable tailgate grills.
Nope. To get slightly more than twice (2.08, to be precise) the cooking area (393 sq. in.), it will cost you 2.35 times the price ($399) for a grill that is roughly three times the weight (86 lbs). All of this does not figure out to be as good of a deal as buying two Q1000s.
Back to Finding The Perfect Tailgate Grill.