Going on a tailgating journey, the last thing you want is a massive, bulky piece of grilling machine. In order to stay simple and hassle-free, it is necessary to find the best portable gas grill for tailgating.
Take a look at these 6 wonderful items, ready to fuel your trip with delicious grilled food.
Here are the best portable gas grills for tailgating (2025 Update):
- Best Overall: Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Propane Gas Grill
- Highest BTUs: Coleman Propane Grill | RoadTrip LXE Portable Gas Grill
- Most Versatile: Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
- The Most Lightweight: Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
- Most Compact: Coleman Fold N Go Instastart Grill
- Budget Friendly: Char-Broil Standard Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill
| Top 6 Best Portable Gas Grills for Tailgating | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Propane Gas Grill | Read Our Review |
Highest BTUs | Coleman Propane Grill | RoadTrip LXE Portable Gas Grill | Read Our Review |
Most Versatile | Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill | Read Our Review |
The Most Lightweight | Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill | Read Our Review |
Most Compact | Coleman Fold N Go Instastart Grill | Read Our Review |
Budget Friendly | Char-Broil Standard Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill | Read Our Review |
Best Overall: Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Propane Gas Grill
Decent price
Sturdy built quality
Convenient overall design
Easily remove for cleaning
Large cooking surface
The temperature gauge is somewhat inaccurate.
This portable gas grill provides food and convenience wherever you go. Built from sturdy stainless steel, the construction is certainly suitable for long-term use. I love the overall design with a locking lid, folding legs, and a large carry handle.
The Smoke Hollow 205 tabletop is indeed a compact and lightweight grill. It weighs only 20.4 lbs. The size is small enough to fit in the back of your car.
Featuring stainless steel U burner and drip tray, the Smoke Hollow offers a great area to grill delicious food and have fun with your friends. The total cooking area is 305 square inches with 11.25"x 18.5" of warming rack, giving you plenty of space for your favorite food.
Though the product comes with a temperature gauge, some people complain that it isn’t very much accurate.
Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Propane Gas Grill Specifications | |
No. Of Stainless Steel Burners | 1 |
Cooking Area | 305 sq. in. |
BTUs | 10,000 BTUs |
Dimensions | 19 L x 32 W x 33.5 H |
Weight | 20.4 lbs |
Highlight Features | Foldable stainless steel legs, stainless steel "U" burner, stainless steel drip tray; Temperature gauge. |
Smoke Hollow 205 Stainless Steel Tabletop Propane Gas Grill is the best overall option for outdoor gatherings, camping, and tailgating.
Highest BTUs: Coleman Propane Grill | RoadTrip LXE Portable Gas Grill
Authentic grilling taste
Easy-to-clean
Large cooking surface
Steady heat
Convenient design
Easy to set up
The handle is quite short.
Coleman isn’t a stranger for grilling enthusiasts. Their best low maintenance gas grills are famous for durability and versatility, and this RoadTrip LXE is a classic example. With two burners and the total 285 square inches of cooking area, the LXE can accommodate enough food for a BBQ party.
The matchless InstaStart™ Technology allows you to start the grill with just a push. What’s more RoadTrip LXE features PerfectFlow™ Pressure Control System, providing steady and even heat through the cooking surface.
I am a big fan of the collapsible design with a long handle and wheels. It only takes you 4 steps to lift, lock, light, and grill. There is, however, a bit problem with the handle. It is quite short, making it hard for some people to move the grill around.
Coleman Propane Grill | RoadTrip LXE Portable Gas Grill Specifications | |
No. Of Stainless Steel Burners | 2 |
Cooking Area | 285 sq. in. |
BTUs | 20,000 BTUs |
Dimensions | 47 x 19 x 34 inches |
Weight | 44 lbs |
Highlight Features | InstaStart™ Technology, PerfectFlow™ Pressure Control System for steady heat, Removable grease management tray. |
With high BTUs, a large cooking area and convenient design to use, Coleman Propane Grill | RoadTrip LXE Portable Gas Grill provides an ultimate solution for your grilling thirst.
Most Versatile: Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Versatile
Lightweight
Heats up quickly
Nonstick, easy-to-clean grates
Easy to assemble
Attaching the propane tank is quite difficult.
Looking for a versatile tabletop? You must check out Weber Q1200.
What makes this tiny tabletop so special?
The sturdy construction really catches my eyes. Both lid and body are made of durable cast aluminum, which requires less maintenance. The cast-iron porcelain-enameled grates are nonstick, thus easy to clean. There is not a single doubt about Weber’s quality looking at this gas grill.
Electric ignition makes it easy to start the fire, plus the control burner valve settings allow you to manage the heat across the grates.
Producing 8500 BTUs over 189 square inches of cooking area, this grill provides enough mouth-watering steaks, burgers, and sausages for your small backyard party or tailgating trip. This grill is also very lightweight and compact.
What makes me disappointed? It isn’t easy to attach the propane tank, but don’t worry, you will learn it over time.
Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill Specifications | |
No. Of Stainless Steel Burners | 1 |
Cooking Area | 189 sq. in. |
BTUs | 8500 BTU |
Dimensions | 15.5H x 40.9W x 16.5D |
Weight | 29 lbs |
Highlight Features | Electronic ignition, infinite control burner valve settings, larger-sized fold-out side tables, split grates allow for a grate/griddle cooking combination. |
If you value quality, durability, and versatility, Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill is a valuable option among thousands of cheap-looking, low-quality grills out there.
The Most Lightweight: Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
Most lightweight
Well-built
Accurate built-in thermometer
Cool off quickly after grilling, easy to clean up
Indirect cooking is easy
Fuel efficient
The dome is shallow (can’t grill the whole ham)
Cuisinart CGG-180T is the most lightweight and convenient choice in the list. Small yet powerful, the 145 square inches of the cooking area can handle 8 burgers, 8 steaks, and 10 chicken breasts. Enough food for an evening feast!
The porcelain-enameled grate helps distribute heat evenly, offering an authentic grilling flavor. This gas grill is perfect for those who don’t have much space to store. It is lightweight and super compact. After use, you can fold up the legs to save space.
The Petit features an accurate built-in thermometer, no burnt food allowed. Indirect cooking is accessible and easy too. I love the fact that this model doesn’t consume much fuel, thus being very fuel efficient.
However, the dome is quite shallow. That means you can’t grill the whole ham or bulky chicken.
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill Specifications | |
No. Of Stainless Steel Burners | 1 |
Cooking Area | 145 sq. in. |
BTUs | 5,500 BTU |
Dimensions | 16 x 16.5 x 13 inches |
Weight | 13.5 lbs |
Highlight Features | Powerful stainless-steel burner, even-heating porcelain-enameled grate, integrated lid lock keeps lid secure, briefcase-style carrying handle. |
Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill can follow you everywhere, from the beach to camping sites or behind the tailgating. Whenever you are, it surely can feed your hungry stomach with yummy food.
Most Compact: Coleman Fold N Go Instastart Grill
Most compact
Even heat
Fuel Efficiency
Practical and versatile
Removable dishwasher-safe cooking surface
Cleanup is time-consuming.
You are preparing for your exciting camping trip and realize you don’t have much space for a grill? Consider Coleman Fold N Go Instastart Grill. This small and super compact grill is always ready for your next adventure.
It weighs only 10.4 lbs. The 105 square inches of grilling space can provide food for up to 6 people. The folding design is on point, saving space for storage. Coleman’s matchless InstaStart ignition allows you to light the grill instantly. It is so practical for unprepared, minimal camping trips.
Certainly, this Fold N Go is small, but it is also fuel efficient. Consuming less gas, proving more food, what else can you ask for? Plus, this grill is a life-saving option for those who stay on a tight budget (but still love grilled food!).
The cooking grate is removable and dishwasher-friendly. The only drawback is cleaning up since it could take some time to wipe away the grease and leftover.
Coleman Fold N Go Instastart Grill Specifications | |
No. Of Stainless Steel Burners | 1 |
Cooking Area | 105 sq. in. |
BTUs | 6,000 BTUs |
Dimensions | 16.6" x 14.5" x 6.8" |
Weight | 10.4 lbs |
Highlight Features | InstaStart button ignites grill, stainless steel burner, built-in handle, adjustable horseshoe burner |
Small, versatile and practical. Taking Coleman Fold N Go Instastart Grill along for tailgating, and road trips is a step forward to Nirvana.
Budget Friendly: Char-Broil Standard Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Super lightweight
Budget-friendly
Quality steel construction
Durable
Convenient design
Dishwasher safe
Quite difficult to light
How about tasting finger-licking food without spending an arm and a leg? Char-Broil Standard Portable grill will make your dream come true. Affordable and reliable, two words are enough to describe this model.
The robust steel construction allows the grill to stay strong and durable after many uses. Char-Broil features a high-temperature finish, which resists to difficult weather conditions.
When it comes to convenience, it is hard to find a second gas grill other than Char-Broil Standard. It is super lightweight and compact. You can bring it everywhere you go! It even comes with a hook to hang lid while cooking.
The total cooking space is 187 square inches, enough for 8 burgers at a time! Cleaning is not a big deal for Char-Broil. The grate is dishwasher-safe, so you don’t have to spend extra time brushing it.
The cons? Some users find it difficult to light the grill.
Char-Broil Standard Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill Specifications | |
No. Of Stainless Steel Burners | 1 |
Cooking Area | 187 sq. inch |
BTUs | 11,000 BTU |
Dimensions | 24"L x 12"D x 15"H |
Weight | 10 lbs |
Highlight Features | High-temperature finish, convenient hook, dishwasher safe. |
Char-Broil Standard Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill saves your money and enhances your food life since 2015. A great choice not to miss.
How To Choose The Best Portable Gas Grill for Tailgating?
Fuel
First thing first, how would you fuel your grill? Some people like the authentic smoky flavor from charcoal grills. Others are fine with quick and convenient gas grills. If you throw a BBQ party in your backyard, the choice isn’t so difficult.
However, if you want the best portable gas grill for tailgating, charcoal or electric grills aren’t the best idea. Charcoal can stay hot for a while after cooking, so it can be dangerous for tailgating.
Portability
Certainly, you don’t want to hoist the grill around. Portability features include handles, wheels, sometimes foldable legs and even sliding side tables. Tabletops could be an alternative if you decide to sit near your car.
Weight
When it comes to weight, the option ranges from 10 lbs to 44 lbs (in the list). They are all lightweight, but you need to decide which is the most comfortable one for you. Remember that you need to move it quite often, load it into the car and remove it, so choose it wisely.
Grilling area
Many people will join your tailgating party? What type of meal do you want to cook? Grilled meat and sides? Most portable grills don’t come with warming racks, so you need to be careful.
Which Brands Make The Best Portable Gas Grill for Tailgating?
Char-Broil
This innovative manufacturer never fails to supply users with affordable, convenient and durable grills.
Coleman
A combination of experience and advanced technology, Coleman’s products are ever user-friendly.
Cuisinart
Sleek and smart design, easy-to-use features, and durable construction. These features make Cuisinart the top grilling manufacturer in the market.
Weber
The durability and high quality are always Weber’s highlights.
Smoke Hollow
New and bold, Smoke Hollow’s products preserve food authentic flavor.
FAQs
Are gas grills safe?
Gas grills are generally safe if you follow the safety instruction while using. For example, you should use a gas grill in a well-ventilated area. Remember to use the cylinders in a vertical position. Always check for gas leaks before use.
Are gas grills better than charcoal?
Many grilling enthusiasts believe that charcoal is the only method providing the authentic smoky flavor. In term of taste, charcoal grills are unbeatable. However, gas grills bring numerous benefits that need to be taken into consideration too.
A gas grill is generally more convenient. It allows users to adjust the temperature from low to high without a hassle. The ignition button makes it easier to start the fire and grill. For tailgating, I highly recommend using a gas grill because of its versatility and safety.
Can I put my gas grill grates in the dishwasher?
Most metal grates are dishwasher-friendly. However, you should not throw the grates right in the machine after use. Here is what you need to do.
Heat up the grates and allow the flame to burn off the leftover debris for about 15 minutes.
Wait for the grates to cool off.
Rub the grates with warm water and non-citrus soap. Make sure that all the large pieces of food are gone.
Pop them into the dishwasher.
How long does a 14 oz propane tank last?
It depends on many factors such as the heat level you use to grill. Generally speaking, a 14 oz propane tank can last up to 1.5 hours of continuous cooking.
Can you leave a gas grill outside all winter?
You can leave a gas grill outside in winter, but don’t forget to cover it to protect the exterior surfaces from different weather elements. You can easily find a grill cover for the job.
Can I store a gas grill in the garage?
Of course, you can store a gas grill indoors. However, it is unsafe to bring propane inside your garage, so remember to keep it outside.
Conclusion
Enjoy your next trip with the best portable gas grill for tailgating. With its versatility, convenience and ease of transport, a gas grill can certainly fill up your hungry stomach at any time of a day.
