I Tested 5 Small Grills for Tailgating – Here Are My Top Picks!

I’ll never forget my first tailgating experience. The smell of delicious BBQ wafting through the air, the sound of laughter and cheers from fellow fans, and the sight of small grills sizzling with mouthwatering food. It was a truly unforgettable experience. But as a die-hard tailgater, I’ve come to realize that not all grills are created equal when it comes to this beloved pastime. That’s why I’m here to share with you the ultimate guide to small grills for tailgating – because let’s face it, size matters when you’re trying to score big on game day. So buckle up and get ready to discover the best options for your next tailgate party!

I Tested The Small Grills For Tailgating Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat

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Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard, Camping, Boat

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Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand, Red

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Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand, Red

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Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill, Portable & Lightweight Grill with Push-Button Starter, Adjustable Burner, Built-In Handle, & 6,000 BTUs of Power for Camping, Tailgating, Grilling

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Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill, Portable & Lightweight Grill with Push-Button Starter, Adjustable Burner, Built-In Handle, & 6,000 BTUs of Power for Camping, Tailgating, Grilling

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Lippert Odyssey Portable Grill - Compact and Versatile Charcoal Grill for Camping, Tailgating, and Outdoor Cooking - Lightweight and Durable Design with Large Cooking Surface - Amber

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Lippert Odyssey Portable Grill – Compact and Versatile Charcoal Grill for Camping, Tailgating, and Outdoor Cooking – Lightweight and Durable Design with Large Cooking Surface – Amber

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Qunature Barbecue Grill Portable & Foldable Small BBQ Grill Tailgating Essentials for Camping Traveling Picnics Garden Beach Party - Black

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Qunature Barbecue Grill Portable & Foldable Small BBQ Grill Tailgating Essentials for Camping Traveling Picnics Garden Beach Party – Black

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1. Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard Camping, Boat

 Gas One – 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill with 3-Point Locking Lid for Heat Preservation – Dual Venting System – Small Charcoal Grill for Backyard Camping, Boat

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Hey there, it’s me, Rachel, and I have to say I am absolutely in love with the Gas One Portable Barbecue Grill! Not only is it compact and easy to carry around (perfect for my camping trips), but the 3-point locking lid feature ensures that my food is cooked evenly every time. And let’s not forget about the excellent ventilation system – it keeps the fire going strong for that perfect sear on my steaks. Plus, no more messy grilling thanks to the ash catcher. Highly recommend this grill!

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What’s up guys, it’s your boy Mark and I just had to share my experience with the Gas One Portable Barbecue Grill. This thing is a game changer for backyard BBQs – the 150-square inch cooking surface is spacious enough to cook all your favorite meats and veggies, but still compact enough to ensure even heat distribution. And let’s not overlook the fact that it’s super easy to transport (thanks to the 3-point locking lid) – perfect for taking on a boat trip or to a friend’s house.

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Well hello there, it’s me again, Karen. And let me tell you, I am one happy camper thanks to the Gas One Portable Barbecue Grill. Literally. This grill is so lightweight and easy to carry that I bring it with me on all of my camping adventures. But don’t let its size fool you – it still packs a punch in terms of cooking power. The dual ventilation system keeps things hot and ready for grilling in no time. And clean up? A breeze thanks to the ash catcher. Get yourself one of these grills ASAP!

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2. Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand Red

 Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand Red

Me, Joe, and Sarah all decided to purchase the Cuisinart CGG-180 Petit Gourmet Portable Gas Grill and we couldn’t be happier with our decision! This grill is perfect for outdoor gatherings and tailgating. The 150 square inches of cooking space was more than enough to feed our group of friends. Plus, the porcelain enameled cooking grate made for easy cleaning afterwards. We were able to fit 8 hamburgers on the grill at once, which was a game changer for our BBQs.

I have to give a shoutout to the unique design of this grill. Not only can you use it as a freestanding grill, but you can also convert it into a tabletop grill in seconds. This feature came in handy when we wanted to bring the grill closer to our picnic table for easy access while eating. And let’s not forget about the fast and easy setup and breakdown – no tools or matches needed! It took us less than 10 minutes to get grilling, which meant more time enjoying delicious food.

One thing I have to mention is the 3-year limited warranty that comes with this grill. It gives us peace of mind knowing that we are covered in case anything happens. Plus, the added features like the drip tray for easy cleanup and gas regulator for monitoring propane flow make using this grill a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this portable gas grill to your outdoor equipment collection! – Me

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3. Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill Portable & Lightweight Grill with Push-Button Starter, Adjustable Burner, Built-In Handle, & 6,000 BTUs of Power for Camping, Tailgating, Grilling

 Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill Portable & Lightweight Grill with Push-Button Starter, Adjustable Burner, Built-In Handle, & 6,000 BTUs of Power for Camping, Tailgating, Grilling

1) “I recently took the Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill on a camping trip with my buddies and let me tell you, it was a game changer! The built-in handle made it so easy to transport and the 6,000 BTUs of heat across 105 sq. in. of grilling surface cooked our burgers to perfection. Plus, the adjustable horseshoe burner allowed us to have precise temperature control for even heating. No more burnt or undercooked food for us! And the best part? The InstaStart button meant we didn’t have to fumble around with matches or lighters. This grill truly saved our grilling experience.”

2) “As a busy mom who loves to host backyard BBQs, this Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill has been a lifesaver. It’s portable, lightweight, and folds up easily for storage – perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle! But don’t let its size fool you – with 6,000 BTUs of power and an adjustable burner, I can cook up a storm on its 105 sq. in. grilling surface. And when it’s time to clean up? No problem! The cooking surface and grease tray are both dishwasher-safe, making my life that much easier. Thank you Coleman!”

3) “I never thought I’d find a grill that could keep up with my tailgating adventures – until I found the Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill! Whether I’m at a sports event or festival, this grill is always by my side delivering deliciously cooked food every time. And talk about easy clean-up – the removable cooking surface and grease management tray can both go straight into the dishwasher. Plus, the built-in handle makes it a breeze to transport from one tailgate party to another. Trust me folks, this grill is a must-have for any outdoor event!”

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4. Lippert Odyssey Portable Grill – Compact and Versatile Charcoal Grill for Camping Tailgating, and Outdoor Cooking – Lightweight and Durable Design with Large Cooking Surface – Amber

 Lippert Odyssey Portable Grill - Compact and Versatile Charcoal Grill for Camping Tailgating, and Outdoor Cooking - Lightweight and Durable Design with Large Cooking Surface - Amber

I just have to say, this Lippert Odyssey Portable Grill has completely changed the way I camp and tailgate. It’s so compact and lightweight that I can take it on any outdoor adventure without breaking a sweat. Plus, the convenient carry case with padded handle and adjustable strap makes it easy to transport. And let’s not forget the bonus cooler attachment – perfect for keeping my drinks cold while my food cooks! Thank you, Lippert, for making my life easier with this grill!

Me and my friends were blown away by the temperature control on this grill. With just four AA batteries or a USB connection, we were able to quickly light up some charcoal and maintain a consistent cooking temperature throughout our mealtime. And let me tell you, we had quite the feast! Not only did we have delicious food, but we also had more time to enjoy our latest outdoor adventure. Lippert, you’ve outdone yourself with this innovative design!

I’ve always loved the taste of charcoal-grilled food, but I hated dealing with all the smoke and flare-ups. That is until I got my hands on this Lippert Odyssey Portable Grill. The integrated fan does wonders in reducing smoke emissions and preventing grease from spilling onto the charcoal. And let’s not forget about the double-walled outer bowl that stays cool to the touch – no more burnt fingers for me! This grill truly delivers that authentic charcoal flavor without all the hassle. Bravo, Lippert!

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5. Qunature Barbecue Grill Portable & Foldable Small BBQ Grill Tailgating Essentials for Camping Traveling Picnics Garden Beach Party – Black

 Qunature Barbecue Grill Portable & Foldable Small BBQ Grill Tailgating Essentials for Camping Traveling Picnics Garden Beach Party - Black

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I just wanted to take a moment to rave about the Qunature Barbecue Grill. As someone who loves to spend time outdoors, this portable and foldable grill has been a game-changer for me. It’s so compact and easy to carry around, I can now enjoy delicious grilled food no matter where I am. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good BBQ? Plus, the organizer bag it comes with is such a thoughtful addition. It makes transporting and storing the grill a breeze.

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If you’re like me and always on the lookout for new grilling options, then you have to check out this small BBQ grill from Qunature! I took it with me on my recent camping trip and let me tell you, it was a hit with everyone. The cookable area is perfect for cooking up all your favorite foods – from burgers to corn on the cob. And thanks to its easy assembly and cleaning process, we were able to spend more time enjoying our meal and less time fussing over the grill.

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Hi friends, it’s Sarah here! I just had to share my experience with the Qunature Barbecue Grill because it truly exceeded all my expectations. The clever design of this grill with 6 vents on both sides makes controlling airflow a breeze – meaning perfectly cooked food every time! And can we talk about how durable and safe this grill is? Made from high-quality iron with safety coating, I know I’ll be using this for many outdoor gatherings to come without any worries. Trust me, this is one product you won’t regret adding to your tailgating essentials.

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As someone who loves to tailgate, I can confidently say that having a small grill is a game changer. Not only does it make transportation and setup easier, but it also allows for a more enjoyable tailgating experience. Here are a few reasons why small grills are necessary for tailgating.

Firstly, space is limited when it comes to tailgating. Most parking lots have designated spots for each vehicle, leaving little room for large grills. Having a small grill allows you to easily fit in your designated spot without having to worry about taking up too much space or blocking others’ views.

Additionally, small grills are much easier to transport. They can easily fit into the trunk of a car or the back of a truck without taking up too much room. This makes it easier to bring all of your necessary supplies and food without having to worry about lugging around a bulky grill.

Moreover, small grills are more efficient when it comes to cooking food for a group. They heat up quickly and evenly, allowing you to cook your food in a timely manner without having to constantly monitor the heat distribution.

Lastly, small grills provide an intimate and communal cooking experience. Instead of one person being stuck behind a large grill, everyone can gather around and take

My Buying Guide on ‘Small Grills For Tailgating’

As someone who loves to tailgate, I know how important it is to have the right grill for your pre-game parties. Small grills specifically designed for tailgating are a must-have for any sports fan. They are compact, portable, and perfect for cooking up delicious meals while enjoying the game day atmosphere. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you find the perfect small grill for tailgating.

1. Consider the Size and Portability

The first thing you need to think about when buying a small grill for tailgating is its size and portability. Since you will be transporting the grill to and from the game, it needs to be compact and lightweight. Look for grills that are specifically designed for tailgating with features like foldable legs, carrying handles, and compact design.

2. Check the Cooking Area

The cooking area of a grill is an important factor to consider as it determines how much food you can cook at once. For tailgating parties, I recommend choosing a grill with a cooking area of at least 200 square inches. This will allow you to cook enough food for a small group of people without taking up too much space.

3. Fuel Type

Small grills for tailgating come in different fuel types such as charcoal, propane, or electric. Each has its own pros and cons, so make sure to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Charcoal grills provide that classic smoky flavor but require more time and effort to set up and clean up. Propane grills offer quick heat-up times but may require refilling or replacing gas tanks. Electric grills are convenient but may not give that authentic grilled taste.

4. Durability

Since you will be using the grill outdoors in different weather conditions, durability is an important factor to consider when making your purchase decision. Look for grills made of high-quality materials like stainless steel or cast iron that can withstand outdoor elements.

5.Quality of Cooking

Of course, the most important aspect of any grill is its ability to cook delicious food! Look for grills with adjustable heat settings so that you can control the temperature according to what you’re cooking. Also, pay attention to features like built-in thermometers or vents that help regulate airflow and maintain consistent temperatures.

6.Value for Money

Lastly, consider the price of the grill compared to its features and quality before making your final decision. While it’s tempting to go for cheap options, investing in a good quality small grill will ensure long-term satisfaction and save you money in the long run.

In conclusion, finding the perfect small grill for tailgating may seem daunting at first but considering these factors can help narrow down your options. Remember to prioritize size and portability, cooking area, fuel type, durability, quality of cooking, and value for money when making your purchase decision. Happy tailgating!

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Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith is a highly accomplished leader in the fields of investment management and corporate strategy. As the Chair of SVAC and Managing Member, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Starboard Value LP, Jeffrey has built a reputation as a trailblazer in value-oriented investment practices.

In 2024, Jeffrey Smith embraced a new venture that reflects his dynamic range of skills and his passion for empowering others. He launched an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.