Really when it comes to tailgating, you really need three things. First, you need a game. Whether you like football, baseball, or golf, tailgating makes every game more fun. Second, you need your friends and family to enjoy the game with you. Finally, you need food and to have food you need a tailgating grill. As it is so important, choosing the perfect grill requires a little research and some time to help you find exactly what you need. Here is Inside Tailgating’s guide to finding your perfect grill for all your tailgating needs.
Propane Or CharCoal: The Great Debate
One of the oldest debates is whether a propane or charcoal grill is better for tailgating. We believe there are pros and cons for both and it just comes down to personal preference. Gas grills are easy to set up, clean, and make cooking a snap. Charcoal grills impart a smoky, charred flavor, are less expensive, and are easier to transport. Deciding between a propane and charcoal grill is the first decision you need to make when selecting your tailgating grill. Whichever you choose, you will find a variety of great options.
Size Matters When Choosing A Grill
The next thing you need to consider when choosing a grill for tailgating is the size. Now if you have a full-on tailgating bus with a hitch, you can go as big as you want. However, most of us are just tailgating out of our cars, so we need something portable that fits. A good idea is to measure your trunk to determine how big you can actually go.
Keep in mind whatever you buy, you’ll still have to have space to pack fuel, food, and other tailgating supplies. You also want to make sure the grill is something you can lift and move easily on your own. You’ll also want to keep in mind the size of the grill surface. Some portable grills are deep and have a small grill size, while others are shallow with a large grill surface.
Shop The Features
Once you have the type of grill and the size you need, you can really start shopping for a tailgating grill. When you start shopping you’ll see that grills have a ton of different features. Here are just some of the most common ones to consider:
● Work surface for prepping your food
● A side burner
● Utensil holders
● Storage shelving or cabinets
Beyond these added upgradeable features, you’ll also want to consider features that support functionality. For example, you will want a grill that makes it easy to change the fuel, has precise temperature control, and is simple to clean. These functional features will make setup, cooking, and teardown so much easier leaving you more time to enjoy your friends and the game.
Transporting And Storing Your Tailgating Grill
Next, you’ll want to think about both transporting and storing your grill to keep it in good condition. When transporting your grill, it’s worth investing in a utility mat for your trunk. That way if there’s any residual dirt or grease on your grill, your trunk’s upholstery will still be in good condition.
For storage, you want to make sure that you store your grill in a clean, dry, and cool place. This will prevent any oxidation and rust. If you can’t store your grill inside a shed or garage, you will want to invest in a grill cover to protect it from the elements. Make sure before transporting or storing your grill, you make sure it is fully clean.
Where To Shop For The Perfect Grill
Shopping for a grill can be a little overwhelming. A simple Google search will bring thousands of results. However, the team at Inside Tailgating has you covered. We offer a lot of great reviews of different grills that can help you learn more about the product. We also did a round-up of our “Select 6” favorite tailgating grills, as well as, our ten favorite grills for tailgating. Check out these lists to peruse some of the great grill options available for tailgating. We’re sure that you’ll find exactly the grill that you need to make your tailgating a blast.
When it comes to tailgating, one of the most important pieces of gear to have is a tailgating grill. Whether you choose a charcoal or propane grill, a large trailer grill or a small foldable grill, or a grill with all the bells and whistles, you’ll be sure to have a great time.
Check out some of our buying guides and once you’ve found the best grill for your needs, check back with us. Inside Tailgating offers some of the easiest, most delicious tailgating recipes that are made right on the grill. We’re here to make sure that your tailgate is a memorable and fun time!For quicker access to our tips and tricks, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.