Usually, people think that any portable grill will work even for tailgating but, that is it; it works but is not the best choice. Tailgating environment requires some specific features in a grill that every portable grill does not have. One should keep in mind several things: size, fuel type, safety, essential accessories, etc. So, use the following features as a guide when choosing the best from the best electric tailgate grills.
If you are looking for the new tailgate grill this season, then look no further. We have put together a list that includes information on all of the models to offer you our perspective. With that being said, here are the top models to choose from!
Model | Our rating | Max power, Watt | Burgers cooked ot once | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
George Foreman GGR50B
 | 9.2 | 1600 | 9 | 3Y |  |
Weber Q1400
 | 8.5 | 1560 | 8 | 2Y/5Y | |
Weber Q2400
 | 8.4 | 1560 | 11 | 2Y/5Y | |
George Foreman GRP4842P Evolve
 | 8.2 | 1440 | 5 | 3Y | |
George Foreman GRP0004B
 | 8.2 | 1440 | 2 | 3Y | |
George Foreman GRD6090B
 | 8.1 | 1440 | 4 | 3Y | |
Ninja Foodi AG301 5-in-1
 | 8.9 | 1760 | 4 | 1Y | |
Ninja Foodi FG551 XL 6-in-1
 | 8.8 | 1760 | 4 | 1Y | |
Hamilton Beach 25601  | 7.9 | 1400 | 8 | 5Y | |
George Foreman GGR50B  Max Power, Watt: 1,600 Cooking Area, sq. in.: 240 Burgers cooked at once: 9 Warranty: 3 years Made in: China  |
Weber Q1400  Max Power, Watt: 1,560 Cooking Area, sq. in.: 189 Burgers cooked at once: 8 Warranty: 2 years / 5 years Made in: China |
Weber Q2400  Max Power, Watt: 1,560 Cooking Area, sq. in.: 280 Burgers cooked at once: 11 Warranty: 2 years / 5 years Made in: China |
George Foreman GRP4842P Evolve  Max Power, Watt: 1,440 Cooking Area, sq. in.: 128 Burgers cooked at once: 5 Warranty: 3 years Made in: China |
George Foreman GRP0004B Max Power, Watt: 1,440 Cooking Area, sq. in.: 81 Burgers cooked at once: 2 Warranty: 3 years Made in: China |
George Foreman GRD6090B  Max Power, Watt: 1,440 Cooking Area, sq. in.: 90 Burgers cooked at once: 4 Warranty: 3 years Made in: China |
Ninja Foodi AG301 5-in-1  Max Power, Watt: 1,760 Cooking Area, sq. in.: 100 Burgers cooked at once: 4 Warranty: 1 year Made in: China |
Ninja Foodi FG551 XL 6-in-1  Max Power, Watt: 1,760 Cooking Area, sq. in.: 108 Burgers cooked at once: 4 Warranty: 1 year Made in: China |
Hamilton Beach 25601  Max Power, Watt: 1,400 Cooking Area, sq. in.: 200 Burgers cooked at once: 8 Warranty: 5 years Made in: China |
Ease of Packing and Compactness
If one is buying a grill for tailgating, then the most important feature that it should have is portability. It should also be lightweight since it needs to be carried in and out of the vehicle and carry it from and to the spot. One should not have to struggle to move the grill places.
A suitable tailgate grill should be transport-friendly so that it is easy to set up and pack up. No matter what the size of the vehicle, the grill needs to be compact and portable.
Source of Fuel
This decision mostly depends on preferences. Some like grilling on charcoal because of that smoky flavor whereas, many like the propane gas grills as it heats up quickly and the temperature is easy to control. Both the sources have pros and cons, and whether the pros overweigh the cons depends completely on the user.
To increase the temperature in coal grills, one will have to oxygenate it more, and even the heating will take 10-15 minutes. For propane gas grills, the temperature dial allows the user to increase or decrease the degree of flame.
The gas grills are easy to clean; there is no ash residue, unlike the charcoal grills.
Temperature Control
When it comes to grilling, the temperature is the MVP. Without the right temperature, the food can remain undercooked or get burned and, that would not be a good scenario in a social event. So, look for grills with proper temperature control.
For gas grills, check the temperature dial to see if there are enough settings. It should be conveniently placed and smooth to operate. As for charcoal grills, look for multiple vents in the grill. These grills do not have dials or knobs, but more vents mean better airflow regulation and more heat and burn rate.
Cooking Capacity
Tailgate parties, without a doubt, are social events. This means there will be family members and friends gathering together to have fun. So what one needs is a grill with enough cooking area to serve all the people without taking too much time. A larger cooking space may seem to contradict its compactness, but there are still models that have decent cooking areas and are easy to carry around.
Even if, shortly, one plans to invite 1 or 2 people for tailgating, but thinking about the future, choose a grill with a cooking area enough to feed some more unexpected guests.
Design and Features
The design should be user-friendly, and it should complement the performance and portability of the grill. The feet or base of the grill should be able to keep the heat away from the tabletop or ground because otherwise, someone might get hurt or, in the worst-case scenario, risk of fire.
If the grill comes with a stand and wheels, it is a better choice. But make sure that the legs are stable on the ground and the wheels have a locking mechanism. Few models have extendable side tables to provide extra space. And the ones with lids should close properly.
So check many portable grills, and choose the one with the preferred features and design.
Quality of Material
Even if a grill is filled with all the right features, but the material is not durable, it will be a bad investment. One does not want a grill that is flimsy and cannot last properly even a single season. Proper cleaning and maintenance do increase the life of a grill, but the construction material is also very important for the grill's longevity.
Materials like iron, enameled porcelain, and stainless steel are the best for portable grills. They can bear the constant use and heat. Some grills even have the feature where their body stays cool so that if someone accidentally touches it when on, they will not get hurt or burnt.
So keep in mind, do not rush into buying a fancy-looking grill. Thoroughly check the features and specifications before making the final decision.
Tips and Essentials for Tailgating
If one is going to host a tailgating and it is their first time doing so, few tips will come in handy. And even if it is not the first time, some new tips are always useful. The below-mentioned tips and essentials ensure that the time spent with friends and family during tailgating passes smoothly and everyone enjoys some delicious food.
Essential Tailgating Items
Having a checklist of things that one requires in tailgating will be a good way to ensure that nothing is forgotten. When creating that checklist, add the following essentials in case they are not already on the list:
- A portable grill;
- Heatproof gloves;
- Fuel for the grill;
- Tongs;
- Aluminum foil;
- A food thermometer;
- A spatula;
- A bottle opener;
- A grill scraper and brush;
- Aprons;
- Garbage bags or collapsible bins;
- Grill table for serving and prepping the food;
- Plates, bowls, cups, and other eating utensils;
- Wet wipes and paper towels.
Keep adding other items like chairs, Bluetooth speakers, games to play, cooler to store food and drinks, etc., as one remembers them.
Pre Tips
Tailgating is similar to backyard barbecuing, so; the prep tips are also similar. But to name a few, they are:
- Cleaning the grill at home: before taking the portable grill for tailgating, clean it up nicely. It will save time when one starts cooking, and also, the residue ashes will not dirty the vehicle.
- Have a guest list: the guest list will help know the number of people who are coming and the quantity of food required.
- Get the right spot: if tailgating at a public event, know beforehand how much space one can have for cooking. Reach early and claim the spot to have enough space for the cooking to be done.
- Create the menu: prepare a menu beforehand based on the liking of all the guests. Pack the right toppings and condiments that will go with the menu.
Safety Tips
Not just when tailgating but even during barbecuing, two things should always be kept close-a fire extinguishers and a first aid kit. These two things will make the already fun tailgating event safe also. Some safety tips are:
- Keep the kids and pets away from the grill.
- A clean grill will prevent flare-ups.
- Set up the grill in a manner that does not blow the smoke in people's faces.
- As soon as the cooking part is done, dowse the pellets and coal.
- Always be alert when the grill's on, do not lose sight of it.
- Cooldown the grill before cleaning and packing it up.
Tailgate Grills
The debate about which grill type is better between gas, charcoal, and pellet grill, has been going on for quite some time. And now, in that mix, electric grills have also joined. The thing is that there is no right or wrong answer here; everything depends on the buyer's preferences.
For making the decision, the following pros and cons of each grill type may come in handy:
Gas Grill
Pros:
Cons:
Charcoal Grill
Pros:
Cons:
Pellet Grill
Pros:
Cons:
Electric Grill
Pros:
Cons:
Tailgate Table
Tailgating is an outdoor event so, one requires a table that can be used to serve or prep the food. It can also come in handy to place the portable grill on if it does not stand. So when deciding to buy a tailgating table, consider the following things:
Space Needed
How much space is required by the buyer is one of the first things to consider when buying a portable table. Are they deciding to use it for prep and serving, or do they also want to keep the grill on it? Answering such questions will give the right idea to the buyer.
Storage Space Available
Since one will have to load it in their vehicle and carry it to the spot, do not forget to check how much space the vehicle and the tailgating spot have to fit a full table. It will be a bad scenario if the table does not fit in the space available in the tailgating spot.
Foldable or Fixed
Tailgating or grill tables come with foldable legs as well as fixed ones. For backyard grilling, both types can be used, but it is wise to go with foldable ones when it comes to tailgating. It will be easy to load it into the vehicle. It is not very feasible to port a full standing table to the spot.
Awesome Tailgate Setup
When it comes to tailgating right preparations and setup is very important to have a successful tailgating event. It starts from packing up the vehicle to unpacking at the spot, setting everything, and then cleaning to packing everything back on the vehicle.
Here are few tips that can be helpful for both experienced and first-timers planning to host a tailgating:
- Mark the space: start with finding the right spot and parking the vehicle there. Start setting up the tables and chairs. Set up the grill and coolers. Reach the destination early to grab the best spot.
- Grill set up: to set up the grill, find a spot in a corner where the smoke will not irritate other people's eyes. But not too far because the person in charge of cooking should not feel left out. Another thing, get the grill to preheat, especially if one plans to cook meat.
- Easy to locate: to make it easy to locate the spot, attach flags and balloons to the vehicle or anywhere near the setup. This will help the other guests to locate the spot even in a crowded place.
- Take the weather into consideration: check the weather before leaving. Set up a tent or shade to protect from direct sun or rain. Carry some paperweight to stop the napkins from flying away.
Tailgate Generator
An electric grill needs a tailgate generator to power it up because it is not easy to find an electrical outlet when camping or tailgating outside. The generator will power the grill and other appliances such as Television or can be useful when one needs to charge their phone.
The features that every good tailgate generator has are as follows:
Portability
Portability is a needed feature for any tailgating item. One will need to carry it to the tailgating location without breaking their back. Do not just focus on the weight; even if it is a bit high, but it has wheels or solid handles, it is still a good product.
Fuel Efficiency
A good generator will give increased output even with less fuel. Some generators are even smart enough to adjust the engine output based on the electric load demand. If the event lasts longer, one should not be left without a working electric grill because the generator is out of fuel.
Quiet Performance
Nothing is much off-putting than a generator that creates a lot of noise when running and, the people around it have to tolerate the noisy appliance. One does not want to shout at every conversation to be heard over the loud generator. A quality generator will be quiet (50-70 decibels) or make minimum noise.
Tailgate Seat
A tailgate seat is a foldable seat that is integrated with the tailgate of a pickup truck. When the tailgate is lowered down, the seat gets exposed. Integrating the tailgate and seat is a clever way to create extra seating without compromising the truck's cargo storage space.
Tailgate seats are useful for both parties and when people spend long hours on-site work and need to rest their feet. These foldable seats will be an additional space to sit on for tailgating parties, other than the chairs. These can withstand the weight of kids and adults, so one can easily relax and sit on these while waiting for the food to get ready.
One can buy these online and get them installed in their tailgate. Most of these seats are easy to install without any hassle. Tailgate seats come in many varieties, but one thing is common between them: they all are comfortable to sit on. Even without the cushioning, with the contoured base, a person can fit in nicely. When buying tailgate seats, make sure to check, if it is compatible with the truck model.
Some of the common features of good tailgate seats are:
- Made of durable materials. Can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Easy to assemble and flip-down mechanism to set the chairs/seats.
- Have backrest and even armrest.
- Comes with speakers, cup holders, and storage space.
Best Electric Tailgate Grills To Choose From
George Foreman GGR50B
Specifications
- Dimensions: 22.2 X 20.5 X 13 in
- Weight: 21 lbs
- Surface area: 240 sq. in.
- Material of grate: nonstick circular grate
- Fuel type: electric
George Foreman GGR50B is the perfect tailgate grill that runs on electricity. One can easily cook up to 15 servings on this grill in a single time. The grill has a large dome that allows cooking bigger pieces of meat. And, the surface area of 240 sq. in. is quite helpful for making bigger servings.
The grill grates have a nonstick coating on them which allows easy cleaning and easy maintenance. The heat and temperature settings on this grill are useful in cooking different types of food. The stand that comes with the grill is good and sturdy, and the stricture of the grill is durable for outdoor tailgating events.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line
If one is searching for a reliable electric grill that will be perfect for tailgating, then George Foreman GGR50B is a good and cost-effective choice. One gets almost everything that a beginner expects, like features, ease of use, easy to clean, and sturdy design.
Ninja Foodi AG301 5-in-1
Specifications
- Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 11 inches
- Weight: 14.5 pounds
- Grate material: nonstick porcelain-coated grill and basket
- Fuel type: electric
- Temperature range: 500 Fahrenheit
Ninja Foodi AG301 5-in-1 is allows cooking in 5 different styles; baking, grilling, roasting, air frying, and dehydrating. For those looking for versatile options for tailgate grills, this one is a good choice.
One gets a high heat threshold, which allows a cooking variety of things in different modes. The peak temperature is 500 degrees, along with a 500-degree cyclone that allows air frying easily. The grill plate has nonstick layering on top of it to avoid anything sticking to it. There is a 4-quart basket that one gets for air frying and dehydrating.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line
Ninja Foodi AG301 5-in-1 is a good choice when it comes to tailgating grills. One can use it in five ways for baking, roasting, grilling, dehydrating, and air frying. The features, heat control, and the added accessories like air frying baskets, etc., are a good way to start grilling.
Ninja Foodi FG551 XL 6-in-1
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.7 x 16.5 x 11.05 inches
- Weight: 22.44 pounds
- Wattage: 1760 watts
- Grate material: steel grates with a nonstick coating of porcelain
- Fuel type: electricity
- Temperature range: up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
This XL capacity grill is a good choice for those who want to benefit from 6 different appliances in one. One can plan to broil some veggies, grill the meat, and air fry from French fries on the same grill. This grill has six modes of cooking; broiling, baking, roasting, grilling, air frying, and dehydrating.
The temperature enrage of this grill goes up to 500 degrees, which allows cooking at higher temperature and locking the flavor in. the grill also comes with various attachments, out of which basket is one of the major ones. The grill has a smoke control feature that helps in reducing the smoke emission from the grilling sessions. Also, the smart thermometer helps in keeping the temperature of meat in check.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line
Ninja Foodi FG551 LX 6-in-1 is a stylish and versatile grill that helps cook easily in various modes. This grill is an effective choice for those who want to cook different food while tailgating.
Weber Q1400
Specifications
- Dimensions: 23.5 X 27 X 20.5 in
- Weight: 29.5 lbs
- Grill surface area: 189 sq. inches
- Grate material: cast iron and porcelain-coated grates
- Fuel type: electric grill
- Wattage: 1560 watts
This Weber Q1400 is a good choice for tailgating. The grills have several features that help in a hassle-free and easy cooking experience. The electric tailgate grill is also powerful when it comes to heat and temperature control.
The grill's temperature range goes up to 450 degrees that are quite effective in grilling, roasting, and braising food while tailgating. The 189 sq. in. surface area is good for making up to 10 servings of food in a single go.
The grates are covered on porcelain coating and are made of cast iron that helps spread the heat evenly to all the corners. This helps in better and faster cooking.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line
This is a small grill that one can easily use for tailgating. The features are good, and the built is sturdy enough to handle cooking for long hours and in the open while tailgating.
Weber Q2400
Specifications
- Dimensions: 25.1 X 31.5 X 26 in
- Weight: 41 lbs
- Material of grate: cast iron and porcelain-coated grates
- Surface area: 280 sq. in.
- Fuel type: electric
- Temperature range: 550 degrees
Those who liked the features and workability of the Weber Q1400 but want an upgrade or want a bigger surface area can opt for Q2400 instead. This upgraded model has a few enhanced features like a better control panel and a larger surface area.
The highest temperature that the grill gives as output is 550 degrees, which is good for cooking various recipes. The grates are coated in porcelain, and thus the cooking and cleaning become a lot easier. The grill also has slanted grates, which help in removing the oil and grease from the meat.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line
This model is a good upgrade to the 1400 model, which is its predecessor. This grill is good for cooking meat, veggies, burgers, etc., while tailgating. The features are a bit upgraded, like better surface area and control panel.
George Foreman GRP4842P Evolve
Specifications
- Dimensions: 9 X 15.5 X 13.5 in
- Grate material: ceramic coated grates
- Fuel type: electric
- Temperature range: up to 500 degrees
George Foreman GRP4842P is a grill that serves as a good choice that falls in the budget-friendly bracket. The grill can make grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, and burgers and make waffles for breakfast. This makes it a perfect choice of tailgate events.
The grill grates are slanted, thus removing approximately 42 percent of the grease and fat from the meat. The grates are ceramic coated which helps in the easy cleanup after cooking, as nothing sticks to the grill grates. The control panel is better in this model as one can change the settings as per need.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line
George Foreman GRP4842P is a small and sturdy grill that good tailgate events. The grill features are quite useful and allow one to make food for a smaller number of people with complete finesse and perfection.
George Foreman GRP0004B
Specifications
- Dimensions: 17.25 X 12.05 X 6.22 in
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Material of grate: nonstick coated grates
- Surface area: 72 sq. in.
- Fuel type: electric
George Foreman GRP00048P is a small table electric grill that works both indoors and works just fine for a tailgate; those who like to camp or go to picnics can use this grill to make panini, burgers, roasted chicken, etc. the surface area is small. One will be able to serve only a few people at a time.
The grill's control panel is quite developed and allows tracking of the heat, temperature, and timing of the cooking. The grates are coated in nonstick coating and help keep the grates clean. The slanted grates allow draining the grease properly. The grill plate is removable, and one can wash them in the dishwasher easily.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line
For those searching for a small and compact grill that is easy to use and grill food on, then this is a good choice. This is compact and has all the required features to have some good food while outdoors.
George Foreman GRP0004B
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.55 X 7.95 X 13.7 in
- Weight: 13.7 lbs
- Material of grate: nonstick coated grates
- Surface area: 90 sq. in.
- Fuel type: electric
George Foreman GRD6090B is a compact grill with a surface area of 90 sq. in. this is a good option when the space is constricted as it will hardly take place while tailgating outdoors. It is easy to store and carry around without having to worry about stands and carts.
The grill plates of the grill are removable and are dishwasher safe as well. One can simply remove them, wash them, and place them back. The ceramic coating on the grill plates is quite good for spreading the heat evenly and also helps in keeping the plates grease-free. The slanted grills also help in draining the excess grease. The grill also helps in removing the smoke while cooking.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line
George Foreman GRD6090B is a good outdoor tailgate grill that can cook for fewer people. This grill gives good value for one's money, from removable plates to slanted grates and touch control panels.
Hamilton Beach 25601
Specifications
- Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 6 inches
- Grill surface area: 100 sq. in.
- Grate material: nonstick plates
- Fuel type: electric
Hamilton Beach 25601 grills is a versatile grill that allows one to make different food types while tailgating. The compact size, sturdy construct, and tabletop features make the grill quite useful. The grill has different cooking modes that allow one to cook either on the grill, on a girdle, or as a combo. One can also cook bacon using the bacon cooking feature.
The grill plates are removable and are coated in nonstick coating to avoid meat from sticking to them. There is an easy-to-use knob for controlling the temperature while cooking. One can use this grill for cooking different food types. The plates are also enclosed from four sides to avoid any splattering.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line
Hamilton Beach 25601 is a small and hassle-free tailgate outdoor electric grill. If one is looking for various smart features and elaborate controls, then this is not the appliance. This grill is a simple iteration of something that makes beginners happy and comfortable while cooking for smaller people.
Conclusion
Tailgating is something where people connect and cook some good food. This is the reason why choosing the best electric tailgate grill is something that should be taken seriously. One should consider the feature like size, control panels, plate type, coating, temperature enrage, surface area, etc. One should do some research and find something that will help cook for the expected number of people and fit one's budget bracket.
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