New year, new gear! If you’re looking to upgrade your tailgating gear in 2023, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re looking at the best portable grills on the market. Many of these models are classic portable grills that tailgaters love. They’ve been time-worn and tested and are perfect for any tailgating party. The rest are newer models that have advanced features that can take your tailgating spread to the next level. Either way, if you’re looking for the perfect portable grill for your next tailgate, check out our recommendations:
1. Weber Q Series:
Picking the best Weber grill is like picking your favorite football player. Sure there’s one that probably stands out from the rest for you, but ultimately you’d take any of them on your starting line. Weber delivers consistent quality, even heating, and ease of use. The Q series was designed for grilling on the go. These grills are small but have plenty of space on the grill face to make all of your favorite dishes. Lightweight and compact, they are easy to carry and transport. Available in both charcoal and gas, you can find one that is perfect for your needs. Here are our favorite Weber Q series grills.
Also Check Out: Weber Smokey Joe Premium Charcoal Grill 14”
Though not part of the Q series, the classic Weber Smokey Joe is also a great option for tailgating.
2. Coleman Series
Coleman, like Weber, consistently delivers quality. It’s hard to pick which is the best portable grill from the Coleman grill lineup. Originally designed for camping, Coleman grills are highly durable and will hold up tailgate after tailgate. They offer even cooking, easy cleaning, and portability. Here are our favorite picks from the Coleman line.
● Coleman Fold N Go + Propane Grill
● Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill
● Coleman Classic 2-Burner Propane Gas Camping Stove
Although our picks are all propane, Coleman also makes some awesome charcoal grills.
3. Hitchfire Forge 15 Grill
Mounted on your vehicle’s tow hitch, the HitchFire Forge was made for tailgating. Versatile and durable, this grill was designed to stand up to anything. We love hitch model grills because they free up space in your vehicle for more tailgating accessories, games, and food. This small grill also has a large cooking space and 75,000 BTUs per burner. No matter what you are whipping up at your tailgate, the Hitchfire Forge will help you make it.
4. Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill
Form and function meet with the CUBE portable charcoal grill. Made with steel, this highly compact grill is extremely durable. Built with two handles and a bottom that stay cool even when cooking, it’s one of the most portable grills on this list. The lid doubles as a handy prep tray and has storage compartments to help you pack your tools or ingredients. Available in three beautiful colors, this grill is not just functional, it’s also very attractive. The two-color cube design with bamboo accents is stunning. Definitely check this one out!
5. Country Smokers 18-Inch Wood Pellet Grill
We love a wood pellet grill for infusing that rich smoky BBQ flavor into all of our dishes. Unfortunately, most wood pellet grills are massive. However, the Country Smokers 18-inch grill has all the flavor of a wood pellet grill just in a compact, portable size. The smoke box is built right into the grill face. Don’t worry about space, the grill has two grill plates. There’s plenty of room to whip up whatever you’re feeding your tailgate crew.
6. Nexgrill-Burner Portable Propane Gas Table Top Grill
Another great tabletop grill option is the Nexgrill single-burner, tabletop grill. Though compact, this portable grill has enough grill space to make 14 hamburgers at once. The grill is also extremely portable. The legs fold up to easily transport and store, while the lid locks to prevent any mess during transport. Plus it weighs under 20 pounds.
7. Blackstone 22” Tabletop Griddle
Though not technically a grill, we had to include this versatile portable griddle. A great alternative or accompaniment to your grill, this compact griddle runs on propane for easy portability. If you have an early tailgate where you plan to serve breakfast or you want to make fresh tortillas, a griddle is a perfect option to consider. It also comes in two different sizes to meet your needs.
8. NOMADIQ Portable Propane Gas Grill
One of the lightest options on our list, the NOMADIQ only weighs 12 pounds and carries like a briefcase. It’s also the perfect tailgating grill for apartment dwellers. It folds up compactly and vertically for very easy storage that doesn’t take up much space. Although this grill is only 12 pounds, it has a huge cooking area and can tackle even the most intense grilled options. The only downside to this grill is there’s no lid. So if you want to roast items, you’ll need to get a roasting pan.
9. BergHOFF Steel Tabletop BBQ
Another company and aesthetic option like the Everdure CUBE is the Berghoff Tabletop BBQ. It looks like a portable crockpot and has a cork lid that doubles as a heat-resistant base. The grill space is very compact but it can tackle almost anything, just not large quantities. With a heat-resistant silicone strap, this lightweight grill is also very easy to carry.
10. UCO Flatpack Mini Portable Stainless Steel Grill and Fire Pit
Of all the options on this list, the UCO Flatpack Mini Grill is the most compact. The grill folds completely flat and tucks away in a convenient carrying pouch. Don’t let the small size fool you though. This small grill can cook for six people. It’s a very utilitarian grill, but it’s perfect to take to the stadium.
No matter if you are a charcoal or a propane grill person, you’ll find the perfect portable grill on this list. You should also be following our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and our Amazon Storefront to stay up to date on the latest and greatest tailgating gear.
You’ll find what you need to take your tailgate to the next level!