Best Portable Gas Grills For Tailgating 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide
It is really fun to spend time with your family and friends before the big event. It gets more interesting and fun if you have delicious grilled food. However, you can’t take just any grill for tailgating; you need a portable one. So, you need to get the best portable gas grill for tailgating. Otherwise, the food won’t be tasty, and this will ruin all the fun.
As you can imagine, there are a lot of portable grills on the market. So, it is easy to get confused while trying to make a decision. Don’t worry; we have got you covered. We have here six of the best portable gas grill for tailgating, from which you will find the best one to suit your needs.
At A Glance Portable Gas Grills For Tailgating
Top 5 Best Portable Gas Grills For Tailgating 2023
1. Best Overall: Cuisinart CGG-180T Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
Key Features
- 5,500 BTU burner
- Twist to start electric ignition
- 145 square inches of cooking space
- Porcelain cooking grate
- Aluminum legs
- Briefcase-style carrying handle
The Cuisinart CGG-180T is a petit unit, but it still can provide plenty of cooking power, which comes from beneath its stainless steel hood. It can provide 5,5000 BTUs of cooking power that heats up the 145-square inch cooktop. With this space and power, you can easily cook for a small group or family. This grill should be able to accommodate ten chicken breasts and eight steaks at once.
It is one of the best cheap portable gas grills for tailgating, and it is also efficient as well as great for on-the-go grilling. However, it is not perfect. The lock is made of plastic so, it may melt. It is suggested to leave the lid open when you are cooking on high.
The grill weighs around 17 pounds, and another great thing is that it costs very little than the higher-end units. This grill sets up quickly, heat evenly with a porcelain-enameled grate, and is easy to clean.
You can set it up in three steps: unfold legs, remove the grill latch, connect your one-pound propane tank, then twist the burner knob to ignite. When you are done eating delicious food, repeat the process in reverse and grab the grill by the handle to go. The grill comes in various colors, such as silver, red and black, so you can choose what you like.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- The overall body has a perfect fit
- Fast heating with 5,500 BTU
- Carrying handle for portability
- This grill is lightweight
- Stabilizing feet
” cons_text=”
- Not much cooking space
” /]
Verdict: If you are looking for an affordable gas grill for tailgating, then the Cuisinart CGG-180TB is a good option. It is efficient, lightweight, and sturdy enough for casual grilling.
2. Runner-Up: Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill
Key Features
- 280 square inches of cooking area
- 12,000 BTU per hour
- Stainless-steel burner
- Porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates
- Electronic ignition
- Two folding work tables
- Built-in thermometer
The Weber Q2200 comes with cast iron grate, and they are coated in porcelain enamel. The grill has a cast aluminum as well as a nylon body reinforced with glass. However, weighing more than 40 pounds, it is on the heavier side. It is also equipped with an infinite control dial, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally breaking the knob. It doesn’t have a start point nor an endpoint where it can snap. It just spins on a loop. The grill features an aluminum lid which is also has a built-in thermometer.
The burner is made of stainless steel, so you get efficient performance. It also features the electronic ignition button, so you won’t need matches to get the cooking going. This means a power outlet is required for ignition, but if you are cooking outdoors, you can still use a match. With electronic ignition, the grill emits 12,000 BTU every hour. And you are also getting a massive 280 square inches of cooking space to grill your favorite food.
While the Weber Q2200 seems like a small grill, it becomes more spacious once you unfold the side tables. Your grill will develop a good amount of additional space. You can keep the side table folded when you are not using it. The grill also features a removable drip tray that makes the cleaning easy. With ledges on the sides and a large grip handle at the front, it is easy to move the grill even though it is on the heavier side.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- Spacious cooking area
- Easy to set up and operate
- Heavy-duty porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates
- Large folding side tables
- Electronic ignition
” cons_text=”
- Heavy for a portable grill
” /]
Verdict: If you need a large cooking surface, then the Q2200 is an ideal grill for you. The foldable side table also adds to the prep space. However, as a portable grill, it is on the heavy side.
3. Premium Pick: Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable Gas Grill
Key Features
- 3 Individually Controlled Burners
- 316 square inches Grilling Surface
- Up to 27,000 BTUs Cooking Power
- Porcelain-enameled Griddle
- Piezo Ignition
- Removable Grease Cup
If you are tired of handling heavy and bulky griddles, then you are in for a treat. This grill has almost everything a bigger one will offer you, but it is portable. You are getting three independently controlled burners, which means you can cook different food on each of them instead of waiting for one dish to finish.
Each of the burners packs 9,000 BTUs per hour so, all of them can deliver 27,000 BTUs of cooking power. They also heat up fast, and they have 316 square inches of griddling surface to heat. This will allow you to cook 15 patties at once. The flat-top griddle is porcelain coated, so it distributes heat evenly. Cold spots are not a thing to worry about with this grill. This also makes the meat more juicy, tender, and delicious by helping to lock the juice inside.
In addition to great food, this porcelain-enameled flat top is also easy to clean. It is also easy to ignite with the Piezo ignition system. The control panel is constructed with stainless steel to provide increased durability against elements. It is equipped with a side removable drip cup, which makes getting rid of the grease easy. It weighs around 30 pounds, and you can take this small grill for picnics, camping, or tailgating.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- 3 separate burners
- Porcelain-enameled flat top griddle
- Provide excellent heat
- Easy to start with Piezo ignition
- Stainless steel control panel
- Side grease cup
” cons_text=”
- No temperature gauge
” /]
Verdict: It is one of the best portable gas grill for tailgating. It offers three separately controlled burners that provide excellent heating power. And it also has enough cooking space to cook food for a small group.
4. Giantex Propane TableTop Gas Grill
Key Features
- Dual Burners
- 20,000 BTUs in total
- 430 Stainless Steel Material
- Push-and-turn Ignition System
- CSA Certified
- Lockable Lid
- Built-in Thermometer
- Folding Legs
- All Mounting Hardware Included
This is an excellent stainless steel tabletop grill box that has CSA certification, which guarantees top-notch performance. Professional grade 430 stainless steel is used to make this grill. The stainless steel construction makes it more durable and easy to clean. In addition to its performance, it also looks sleek and stylish.
It comes with dual burners, and each of them delivers 10,000 BTUs per hour. In total, they can deliver up to 20,000 BTUs of cooking power. You can also adjust each of the burners independently, and they also reach a high temperature in no time. Starting the burners are also easy with the push-and-turn ignition system. It features folding legs and a lockable lid to make transporting the grill easy.
Weighing only 26.5 pounds, this grill is a lightweight option. This grill features an in-built thermometer that provides you with the info of the exact temperature inside. Another great thing about this product is that you are getting all the necessary mounting with the unit. Installation is also quite straightforward.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- Dual burner with separate control
- Stainless steel construction makes it durable
- Easy to clean
- CSA standard approved
- Lockable lid
- Foldable legs
- Built-in thermometer
” cons_text=”
- A protective cover would have been nice
” /]
Verdict: This Giantex propane tabletop gas grill is a lightweight grill and the perfect choice for tailgating. It has a great appearance in a durable body along with many features to offer.
5. Coleman Portable Propane Gas Grill
Key Features
- 225 square inches Grilling Area
- Dual Adjustable Burners
- Up to 11,000 total BTUs Cooking Power
- Push Button Ignition
- 3-year warranty
- Fully Assembled
The next grill on the list is a propane grill from Coleman. This grill offers 225 square inches of cooking surface where you can prepare BBQ dishes for your big group. This propane grill come fully assembled, so you can start using it right out of the box.
It has dual burners, and you can adjust them independently to create separate heating zones. These two burners can deliver up to 11,000 BTUs to heat up the 225 square inches of cooking area. You can start the burners easily with a push-button for easy start-ups.
A great thing about this grill is that it is equipped with swappable cooktops, so you are getting versatile cooking options. The cooking grates are made of high-quality cast iron, and they are easily interchangeable with the griddles. It weighs around 26 pounds, making it pretty portable.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- Dual adjustable burners
- Good heat generation
- Secondary griddle option
- Arrives fully assembled
- Easy to clean
” cons_text=”
- No temperature gauge
” /]
Verdict: This grill offers dual adjustable burners and good cooking space. It also features swappable cooktops to make it versatile. Overall, it is an excellent buy that will come with great features.
6. Weber 1141001 Go-Anywhere Gas Grill
Key Features
- Single Burner
- 6,500 BTUs per hour grilling power
- 160 square inches of cooking space
- Stainless steel construction
- Heat-resistant lid handle
- Push-button Start-up
- 2-year warranty
This grill from Weber is one of the best portable gas grill for tailgating. As its name suggests, you can take it anywhere, which means you can take it where you can’t take a full-sized grill and still get the same quality end result. It is quite small and comes with a single burner. But do not misjudge its compact size. It has enough room for steak, ribs, fish chicken breast, etc., in its 160 square inches of cooking area.
The grates are made of cast iron, and they are porcelain-enameled to reduce flare-ups. They also distribute even heat all around the cooking area. The grill is capable of delivering 6,500 BTUs per hour, which is enough to cook delicious food. Firing up the grill is also easy with the push-button ignition system.
It comes with plated steel legs that you can pivot to lock the lid in place for carrying. The lid and the base are also porcelain enameled. And the best thing about this grill is that it weighs only a bit more than 13 pounds. So, you can really go anywhere with this grill.
[dpressall_pros_cons pros_text=”
- Cast iron grates to reduce flare-ups
- Stainless steel build
- Rustproof
- Push-button ignitor
- Easy to clean
” cons_text=”
- Small cooking space
- Not much heat
” /]
Verdict: This isn’t the most spacious grill on the list not it offers much heating power. However, it is very lightweight, so you will be able to go anywhere with this grill and have delicious food.
Gas Grill For Tailgating Buying Guide
You need specific features and functionalities in a grill for tailgating. While so many brands and models are offering so many features, it is hard to put your finger on one. Read this buying guide to find yourself the best portable gas grill for tailgating.
Portability
Portability is the most important factor in a tailgating grill. As you will be grilling on the go, your grill should be foldable enough to fit into the back of your truck or car.
Having wheels will also be great if you want to roll the grill over at any time. Locking wheels will keep it securely stand in a particular position. This will allow you to hook it up with a propane tank and begin preparing enjoyable food.
Weight Specifics
It is one of the main factors to consider when looking for a portable grill for tailgating. Since tailgating is a quick outdoor activity, it is better to have a lightweight grill that will allow you to throw the grill at the back of the car and get going. Hence, the weight of a grill for tailgating should barely exceed 50 pounds.
The Fuel Orientation
This factor is also an important one while getting a grill for tailgating. It often becomes a hassle to have liquid fuel orientation. It is always better to pick gas-oriented ones for outdoor grills. The grills that run on gas make less or almost no mess. So, it is a good idea to prioritize a less messy tool while on the road.
Heat Retention
The grill that you are going to use on the go should come with a high-quality lid with a secure latch. A good lid holds the heat inside and provides an even temperature. Plus, you can cook delicious food even in unfavored weather with a lid.
Material Standards
The outdoor grill deals with varied weather. Therefore, when you are looking for the best portable gas grill for tailgating, you should get one that is made of a material that is rustproof. This will ensure longevity as well as hygiene.
Cooking Area
The cooking space is one of the major deciding factors for a grill. While choosing a grill, estimate how much food you will need to prepare at a time. An undersized grill might require you to make multiple batches and miss out on the fun. A bigger-sized one will help you cook more food at a time. However, it will also take more space in your car.
Cooking Grates
Porcelain-enameled cooking grates are a great choice as they distribute heat uniformly. So, there is no need to look out for hot or cold spots. Plus, the porcelain coat makes it easy to clean the grilling surface. It also becomes easy and effortless to make maintenance and care.
Easy Ignition System
When you are grilling on the go, you don’t want the hassle of carrying the lighter or matches with you. So, it is recommended to get a gas grill that has a matchless ignition system. In this context, a push-button ignition system comes in handy. It makes starting the grill easy and makes your grilling on the go easy.
Convenience
Some convenience features on your grill can take your tailgating experience to another level. They are not must-haves, but it is nice to have them. Some of these convenience features are independent burner controls, a built-in meat probe, side space, heat-proof handles, and a removable grease tray. These features will make your grilling experience more convenient.
FAQ:
Question: Which type of grill is best for tailgating?
Answer: Portable, compact, and stand-up propane grill with small size is perfect for tailgating. Make sure the grill comes with folding legs that sit securely on a flat surface. Also, look for heat-resistant carrying handles and a matchless ignition system.
Question: Can you use a portable gas grill indoors?
Answer: Portable gas grills are made for outdoor cooking. Both charcoal and gas grills emit a huge amount of carbon monoxide. So, as portable gas grills are not made for indoor usage, it is not safe for you to use them indoors.
Conclusion
We hope you find the best portable gas grill for tailgating that will meet all your requirements. If you need help, go through our buying guide to make an informed decision. All of the grills listed above are some of the best in the market. You will just have to consider your needs and choose the ideal one for you.
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