If you've ever attended a tailgating after a game, you'll know the feeling that comes with the smell of sizzling barbecues and sharing a drink with your pals!
Tailgating parties are incomplete without a grilling session, and it's no wonder that most people prefer this mode of merrymaking to an indoor party. I, for one, make it a point never to miss these celebrations.
However, lugging around a heavy grill in your car can be tough. I've tried out many different gas grill models over the years and can tell you confidently that while most are not worth the money, some genuinely deliver enjoyable cooking experiences.
But how can you choose the best from the rest?
Hi, I'm Stacy Smith! And today, I'm going to let you in on my secret selection of the best portable gas grill for tailgating. These are products I've tried myself, and can vouch for their quality and performance.
Or if you'd like to learn how to make a natural gas fire pit, check out this tutorial.
Let's get cooking then.
Best Portable Gas Grill For Tailgating
1. Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill.
Pros
Cons
- UTILITY COOKING: The Coleman RoadTrip 225 Propane Gas Grill delivers up to 11,000 BTUs with a pair of adjustable gas grills, ensuring superior control over outdoor grilling.
- BBQ ESSENTIAL: With an ample 225 square inch grilling area, this portable gas grill offers enough space to barbecue a variety of foods, making it an ideal companion for BBQ grills enthusiasts.
- TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: With quick-fold legs and wheels, this gas grill facilitates easy setup and tear-down, making it the ultimate portable propane gas grill for any outdoor adventure.
I've tested (and tasted from) numerous gas grills in the past, and Coleman is one of the brands I swear by. Portable, durable, and without any hassles that come with usual gas grills, this model ensures you can enjoy your party without interruptions. Just perfect for rustling up some hot dogs before the match begins!
Why Buy This Product?
When going for a gas grill, I prefer to look at the heating capacity of the product as a primary parameter. And this one, thankfully, has a heating power that goes up to a massive 11,000 BTUs. This makes it perfect for grilling even the toughest steaks.
It comes with two independently adjustable temperature zones, which allow more control when cooking.The control knobs are conveniently placed and can be used to regulate the burners' temperature with ease.
Next, I have to mention the large, 225 square inch grilling area that it boasts of. With that much space, you can easily grill multiple items simultaneously. Further, the cooktops are swappable, which means the regular cast iron grill grate can be easily exchanged with stove grates or griddles.
I also like how it comes with a push-button ignition system, as this removes the hassle of carrying around matches. Plus, it's easy to set up and highly portable, which is one of the defining characteristics of this model.
The foldable legs and rugged wheels make moving this grill a breeze, and storage is just a matter of folding it up and propping it upright. Plus, it's fuelled by propane, which means you don't have to worry about electricity.
What Could've Been Better?
The only beef I have with this product is the price, which is a bit high for a two-burner grill if you ask me. I'd have preferred it to have three burners, but alas! I guess you can't have it all in a single product.
2. Capt'n Cook Ovenplus Salamander Grill
Here is a quick recap of what we liked and didn't like about the Capt'n Cook Ovenplus Salamander Grill.
Pros
Cons
- MULTI-FUNCTION PIZZA OVEN - Double cooking design of our pizza oven makes it a versatile gas pizza grill that can support your culinary imagination, allowing you to grill, bake, stew, and fry various foods at the same time.
- ALL-IN-ONE PROPANE PIZZA GRILL - Our pizza maker includes a 12-inch pizza stone for perfectly baked crusts and comes with a free pizza peeler and cutter for easy serving. Connect easily to propane gas using the included hose and regulator.
- EASY TO COOK - With our patented thermal convection design, it enhances the cooking performance by its even-heating feature. No need to spin your pizza while cooking. The burner is installed in the middle of our gas grills which dramatically reduces the chance of flare-ups or burnt pizza, while also offering a smokeless cooking experience.
If budget is not a major constraint for you, the Ovenplus Salamander Grill from Capt'n Cook will make a great choice. Built entirely from durable stainless steel, this all-in-one portable gas grill combines an oven and stove to deliver the ultimate culinary experience.
Why Buy This Product?
If you're looking to prepare more than the occasional burger or hot dog, this is the device I recommend. With this multifunction kitchen appliance, making anything from pizzas to steaks is a cinch.
I like the virtually smokeless operation of the unit as much as I admire its stainless steel build. Also, I must say that I'm impressed with the Butterfly Burner technology that protects you from any uncontrollable sparks.
Further, the Thermal Flow design ensures unmatched thermal efficiency. The device's inner structure has been specially designed to enhance thermal convection, which helps to heat the grill evenly and minimize cold spots. All this leads to high-quality cooking that's fast as well as fuel-efficient.
As regards portability, this unit is only one-fifth of the size of the standard American outdoor grill. Plus, it has been designed with a handle for easy transportation and can be tucked in a corner of the car trunk for any tailgating event.
Moving on to maintenance, I must say that this unit is extremely easy to clean. It doesn't gather any grease as the built-in grease draining tray helps in the cleanup. Plus, the tray is removable and can be cleaned quickly. Overall, this is one of those grills that is made to turn you into a culinary expert.
What Could've Been Better?
There's nothing wrong with the product itself. But the price is rather high, and this makes it out of reach for the average consumer. But if you can afford (literally) to splurge a bit, I suggest you go for it with your eyes closed.
- Portable folding grill with built-in handle for easy transport and storage
- Delivers 6,000 BTUs of heat across 105 sq. in. of grilling surface
- Adjustable horseshoe burner for precise temperature control and even heating
The next product that I've chosen is also from Coleman, and this one's an even more compact unit. Extremely small yet sufficiently robust, this is an option that you can take for camping and tailgating with ease. It is just perfect for any outdoor trip with friends and family!
Why Buy This Product?
Folding up smaller than a briefcase (with a handle), this product provides a single cooking area that's spread across 105 square inches. The ample cooking surface offers enough space to prepare food for any party.
The horseshoe-shaped burner helps provide even grilling on all sides, which is a must if you like your meat well done. Further, the adjustable burner allows you to control the temperature precisely, thus providing greater cooking control.
One of the major problems I've faced with many gas grills is that they provide inconsistent temperatures. That's why I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this unit uses PerfectFlow technology that keeps the heat steady at 6,000 BTU.
Another pain-point about gas grills is the cleaning, which is a messy affair by any standards. Thankfully, the Fold N Go has a removable grease collection tray that collects grease during cooking and can be easily cleaned. Also, the cooking grate is removable and can be washed in the dishwasher.
Highly affordable and portable, I love how this grill fits into the smallest spaces for easy transport. What's more, it runs on a single 16.4 oz propane cylinder for up to 3.5 hours, which is enough to prepare a succulent meal.
What Could've Been Better?
Despite being a rather affordable product, it doesn't come with accessories like a carry bag and griddle, which must be bought separately. As a result, this pushes up the overall cost of the unit.
- GAS GRILL: Powered by liquid propane gas, this grill runs on a 1-pound propane gas tank, not included. It reaches cooking temperatures quickly, delivers high temps and maintains even heat.
- COOKING AREA: Grill up to 10 burgers, 4 chicken breasts or 14 brats on a 240-square-inch grate.
- BTU RATING: This grill has a 9,500 BTU rating. *BTU is a measurement of energy used by your grill and is not related to how hot it will get. Grills with lower BTUs burn less fuel to cook your food.
With over five decades of grill manufacturing experience under its belt, Char-Broil is a brand which believes in constant innovation. And they've remained true to their path with the 240 model. Ideal for tailgating, camping, and beach-parties, I sure had real fun using this product. And now I'm going to introduce you all to it!
Why Buy This Product?
Although this one also has a single cooking surface, it is a step up from the last product on the list. At 240 square inches, I had no trouble preparing seven burgers at once in it.
The 9,500 BTU heat level makes this a powerful unit, and the grilling area is designed to distribute the heat for proper cooking evenly. I also like the piezo-ignition system that enables a smooth startup at the push of a button.
Another nifty feature that I like is the temperature gauge that's mounted on the lid. This gauge helps keep track of the grill heat levels, thus providing greater control and ease of temperature monitoring.
The grill comes fixed on sturdy legs that seat on any hard surface, and also the ground. I've used this for tailgating and parties on the beach, and I must admit it works wonderfully. What's more, it even has handles for easy carrying from one place to another.
Finally, I must mention the rugged yet stylish painted porcelain body, which attracted me to it in the first place. I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but one look at this unit, and you can tell that it's a quality piece.
What Could've Been Better?
Even though this is a portable grill, I must admit it's also a bit bulky compared to the previous models I reviewed. Also, it doesn't have wheels, so carrying it around maybe a bit more cumbersome, but it's certainly better than the old grill at home!
- 146-SQUARE-INCH ENAMELED STEEL COOKING GRATE: 146-square-inches of enameled steel grates give you a spacious cooking surface and is also dishwasher safe, making cleaning the grates a breeze use after use.
- 8, 000 BTU: burner works with 1 lb. Propane tank: features an 8, 000 BTU burner, a push to Ignite start button, and is compatible with a 1 lb. Propane tank giving you ultimate portability.
- COMPACT DESIGN: The grill measures 19 x 11. 5 x 10 inches and weighs only 10 lbs. , making it easy for transport and ideal for decks, patios and balconies, camping, Tailgating and more.
If you're as much a fan of stainless steel as I am, you'll love this gas grill from Cuisinart. Weighing only 10 pounds, this unit is light enough to take anywhere by tucking it into the trunk of the car. Now, if that doesn't sound perfect for a tailgating party, I don't know what does.
Why Buy This Product?
Why indeed? First off, you must think of the eye-catching, 146 square inches enameled steel grate that provides you with ample space for cooking. Plus, it's dishwasher safe, thus taking away the hassle of cleaning it.
I also like the compact, lightweight, yet sturdy design of the product. Its portability is enhanced by the locking lid function and the carry handle that it comes with. Whether you're tailgating or cooking on the balcony, this can be your perfect partner.
The grill doesn't need any special assembly and can be easily set up without the use of specialized tools. Once you've got it ready, press the ignite button, and you've got 8,000 BTU of cooking power at your fingertips.
An additional feature that I like in this product is the easy-to-clean drip tray that collects grease. It also has a gas monitor regulating the flow of propane from the fuel tank to the grill.
Storage is simple, as the legs can be easily folded, and the unit tucked into a corner. Overall, this is one of those grills that is made for versatile and long term service. Plus, it's affordable, which is a bonus.
What Could've Been Better?
Be careful of the vents at the back of the grill! These are incredibly sharp, and I almost sliced my fingers when I went to grab it from the trunk. These vent edges need to be made smoother, and I sincerely encourage you to exercise caution while handling it.
Final Words
And there you have it, folks! My selection of the best portable gas grills that you can take for tailgating. I hope you enjoyed going through my choices and that you'll enjoy cooking using them even more.
But before I take your leave, I'd like to mention my preferences. If you can splurge a bit, I suggest that you go for either the Coleman RoadTrip 225 or the Capt'n Cook Ovenplus model. Both are a bit expensive but can offer superlative cooking experiences.
However, if you're looking for something a bit more affordable and portable, nothing beats the Coleman Fold N Go model. It's small, powerful and comes with just what you need for tailgating.
On that note, I'll take your leave. Bye for now!