10 Best Tailgating Grills to Score Big Flavor Fast

Looking for the best tailgating grills to upgrade your outdoor cooking game? I’ve rounded up 10 top picks that impressed me with fast ignition, even cooking, and serious style on game day.

Tailgating grills make outdoor cooking easy. They are fast, portable, and fun to use. With the right one, you can grill like a pro anywhere.

I still remember grilling juicy burgers on a compact grill before a big game—it lit fast, cooked evenly, and turned heads. Let me show you the best picks so you can grill with confidence and style.

List of Top 10 Tailgating Grills

Title	Best For	Price
Arizona State University Sun Devil Portable Propane Gas Grill, 16,000 BTU Tabletop Barbecue with 2 Burners, Dual Temp Control for Tailgating, RV, Backyard BBQ, and Camping	Perfect for Arizona State fans, campers, RV crews, and small patio cooks who want hot food fast. It’s for anyone who needs a light, portable grill with 2 burners, 16,000 BTU, and easy heat control.	View on Amazon
Cincinnati Bearcat Portable Propane Gas Grill, 16,000 BTU Tabletop Barbecue with 2 Burners, Dual Temp Control for Tailgating, RV, Backyard BBQ, and Camping.	Perfect for Bearcats fans, tailgaters, campers, RVers, and backyard cooks. You want a portable, stable grill with two burners, quick heat, and easy control.	View on Amazon
Hawkeye Portable Propane Gas Grill, 16,000 BTU Tabletop Barbecue with 2 Burners, Dual Temp Control for Tailgating, RV, Backyard BBQ, and Camping	Perfect for tailgate fans, campers, and RV trips. Great for small yards, decks, and boat trips.	View on Amazon
Royal Gourmet GT1001 Stainless Steel Portable Grill, 10000 BTU BBQ Tabletop Gas Grill with Folding Legs and Lockable Lid, Outdoor Camping, Deck and Tailgating, Silver	Great for people who need a light, fast grill. Perfect for camp, deck, and tailgate use, with quick heat and easy clean.	View on Amazon
3-Burner Outdoor BBQ Propane Gas Grill, 30000 BTU, Portable Outdoor Gas Grill with Foldable Side Shelves, Built-in Thermometer, Easy Assembly for Backyard, Camping and Tailgating	Perfect for home cooks, campers, and tailgate fans. You want even heat, quick start, and simple setup.	View on Amazon
Cuisinart Chef’s Style Tabletop Portable Propane Gas Grill with Dual Burners (20,000 BTUs Total), Twist-Start Ignition Stainless Steel BBQ Grill for Camping, Tailgates, BBQ, Hassle-Free Setup	Perfect for campers, tailgate fans, and small patios who want fast, hot grilling. It suits busy cooks who need quick setup, easy heat control, and a light grill.	View on Amazon
Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black	Perfect for campers, travelers, and small families who need portable, quick cooking. Great for anyone who wants even heat, big space, and easy cleanup.	View on Amazon
Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill with 3 Adjustable Burners & Instastart Ignition, 20,000 BTUs of Power for Outdoor Cooking, Camping, Tailgating, Grilling, BBQs, & More	This grill is perfect for campers, tailgaters, and BBQ lovers who want hot food fast. It sets up easy and fires up with just a push of a button.	View on Amazon
Royal Gourmet GD4002T 4-Burner Tailgater Grill and Griddle Combo, Portable Flat Top Propane Gas Grill with 40,000 BTUs Output for Backyard or Outdoor Cooking, Black	Great for tailgate, camp, and backyard cooks who want a portable 2‑in‑1 grill and griddle. Ideal for folks who like quick start, even heat, and easy clean.	View on Amazon
ROVSUN 4 Burner Portable Propane Griddle with Nonstick Enameled Tray, 40,000 BTU Tabletop Flat Top Gas Grill with Electronic Ignition & Regulator for Outdoor Cooking Camping BBQ Tailgating	Perfect for campers, backyard cooks, and 2 to 4 folks on the go.	View on Amazon

Detailed Reviews

Explore our Top 10 Best Tailgating Grills guide. See expert picks and real reviews that prove value. Get clear choices, easy tips, and your best fit.

1. Arizona State University Sun Devil Portable Propane Gas Grill, 16,000 BTU Tabletop Barbecue with 2 Burners, Dual Temp Control for Tailgating, RV, Backyard BBQ, and Camping

Arizona State University Sun Devil Portable Propane Gas Grill, 16,000 BTU Tabletop Barbecue with 2 Burners, Dual Temp Control for Tailgating, RV, Backyard BBQ, and Camping

Meet the Arizona State University portable gas grill. It packs 16,000 BTU with 2 burners.

Enjoy fast, even heat with dual temp control. Swap patented tops to grill, bake, smoke, roast, or braise. Cook 8 burgers or 4 steaks on 208 sq in space.

The aluminum build is strong and steady. It is compact, light, and easy to carry. Show your Arizona State University pride at home, in the RV, or at camp.

Pros	Cons
Heats fast with powerful 16,000 BTU burners. Cooks everything—grill, bake, smoke, roast or braise. Holds steady thanks to strong aluminum alloy build. Easy to carry for camping, tailgates or backyard fun. Shows team pride with bold Sun Devil design.	No side shelves for extra prep space Needs propane tank, which is sold separately Not ideal for cooking large meals at once

Perfect For:

Perfect for Arizona State fans, campers, RV crews, and small patio cooks who want hot food fast. It’s for anyone who needs a light, portable grill with 2 burners, 16,000 BTU, and easy heat control.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon

2. Cincinnati Bearcat Portable Propane Gas Grill, 16,000 BTU Tabletop Barbecue with 2 Burners, Dual Temp Control for Tailgating, RV, Backyard BBQ, and Camping.

Cincinnati Bearcat Portable Propane Gas Grill, 16,000 BTU Tabletop Barbecue with 2 Burners, Dual Temp Control for Tailgating, RV, Backyard BBQ, and Camping.

Show your team pride at any cookout. This portable grill goes to tailgates, RVs, and camp. It packs 16,000 BTU with 2 burners.

Get fast, even heat from 2 ignition points. Use dual temp control and swap interchangeable tops.

Cook on 208 sq in of space. It fits 8 burgers or 4 1 lb steaks. Close the lid for smoky flavor; the aluminum body stays stable.

Pros	Cons
Fast and even heat with 16,000 BTU power Two burners for easy temperature control and cooking variety Compact size makes it easy to carry and store Durable build with strong aluminum alloy construction Big cooking surface fits food for the whole family	Smaller cooking area for big groups. Needs propane; no electric option. No stand; tabletop use only.

Perfect For:

Perfect for Bearcats fans, tailgaters, campers, RVers, and backyard cooks. You want a portable, stable grill with two burners, quick heat, and easy control.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon

3. Hawkeye Portable Propane Gas Grill, 16,000 BTU Tabletop Barbecue with 2 Burners, Dual Temp Control for Tailgating, RV, Backyard BBQ, and Camping

This portable propane grill packs 16,000 BTU. Two burners give dual temp control.

Heat is fast and even with two ignition points. Cook on 208 sq in of space. BBQ, bake, grill, smoke, roast, or braise.

Close the lid to add smoky flavor. The aluminum alloy build is strong and stable. Swap Mascot tops on the standard base to show your team.

Pros	Cons
Dual burners fire up fast and heat up evenly. Portable design makes it easy to carry anywhere. 208 sq inches of grill space feeds a crowd. Strong aluminum build stays steady and lasts long. Interchangeable tops give you more ways to cook.	Not ideal for large cookouts or bigger gatherings No built-in thermometer for tracking heat levels Needs propane tank, not included in the box

Perfect For:

Perfect for tailgate fans, campers, and RV trips. Great for small yards, decks, and boat trips.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon

4. Royal Gourmet GT1001 Stainless Steel Portable Grill, 10000 BTU BBQ Tabletop Gas Grill with Folding Legs and Lockable Lid, Outdoor Camping, Deck and Tailgating, Silver

Royal Gourmet GT1001 Stainless Steel Portable Grill, 10000 BTU BBQ Tabletop Gas Grill with Folding Legs and Lockable Lid, Outdoor Camping, Deck and Tailgating, Silver

Meet the portable grill that goes with you. Built of stainless steel with a lockable lid.

Set up fast with folding legs and a latch. Carry it by the compact handle. Cleanup is easy with the grease tray.

Cook on 285 sq in of space. Use a 1 lb propane tank with the regulator. The U-shape burner gives 10,000 BTU for even heat.

Pros	Cons
Easy to carry with folding legs and latch lid Quick setup with simple and fast assembly steps Big space for grilling and warming food together Strong burner gives fast, even heat every time Grease tray makes cleanup fast and stress-free	Propane tank not included — must buy separately No side handles — harder to move when hot Warming rack is small — limited reheating space

Perfect For:

Great for people who need a light, fast grill.
Perfect for camp, deck, and tailgate use, with quick heat and easy clean.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon

5. 3-Burner Outdoor BBQ Propane Gas Grill, 30000 BTU, Portable Outdoor Gas Grill with Foldable Side Shelves, Built-in Thermometer, Easy Assembly for Backyard, Camping and Tailgating

3-Burner Outdoor BBQ Propane Gas Grill, 30000 BTU, Portable Outdoor Gas Grill with Foldable Side Shelves, Built-in Thermometer, Easy Assembly for Backyard, Camping and Tailgating

This grill packs 30,000 BTU with 3 stainless steel burners. The stainless cooking grid spreads heat even for great food. Space is 382 sq. in. total: 283 cook, 99 warm.

Built-in thermometer and push-button start. Foldable side shelves, wheels, and easy assembly for trips.

Pros	Cons
30,000 BTU power delivers strong and steady heat Three burners cook evenly every time Foldable shelves save space when not in use Wheels built-in for easy move and setup Push-button start fires up fast and simple	No side burner for heating sauces or sides Not ideal for large parties or big family meals Assembly needed, may take extra time before first use

Perfect For:

Perfect for home cooks, campers, and tailgate fans. You want even heat, quick start, and simple setup.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon

6. Cuisinart Chef’s Style Tabletop Portable Propane Gas Grill with Dual Burners (20,000 BTUs Total), Twist-Start Ignition Stainless Steel BBQ Grill for Camping, Tailgates, BBQ, Hassle-Free Setup

Cuisinart Chef's Style Tabletop Portable Propane Gas Grill with Dual Burners (20,000 BTUs Total), Twist-Start Ignition Stainless Steel BBQ Grill for Camping, Tailgates, BBQ, Hassle-Free Setup

Fire up your next cookout in under 10 minutes with this easy-to-use tabletop grill. No tools needed—just twist and go for quick setup and fast results.

Enjoy powerful cooking with dual burners delivering a total of 20,000 BTUs. Each burner has its own knob so you can cook meat and veggies separately with perfect heat control.

It’s lightweight, portable, and built for fun outdoors. Lock the lid. Fold the legs. Carry it anywhere with ease.

Pros	Cons
Fast setup in under 10 minutes. Two burners deliver 20,000 BTUs of heat. Even heat from steel grates for great sear. Light, just 22 lbs, easy to carry. Precise temp control with built-in dial and knobs.	No side shelves for tools or extra space Needs propane tank—not included with purchase Gets very hot—watch your food to avoid burning

Perfect For:

Perfect for campers, tailgate fans, and small patios who want fast, hot grilling. It suits busy cooks who need quick setup, easy heat control, and a light grill.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon

7. Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate, Powder Coated Steel, Black

Meet the Blackstone 22” tabletop griddle. It is portable, compact, and great for camp and the road.

It gives you 361 sq in of cook space. Two H-shaped burners give even heat and total control. The rear grease system makes clean up fast.

Pros	Cons
Super portable and compact for easy carry. Cooks breakfast, lunch, and dinner with ease. Fits 14 burgers or 10 pancakes. Two burners give even heat and control. Rear grease system makes cleanup fast.	No lid or wind guard. Still heavy for long walks. Needs seasoning; may rust without care.

Perfect For:

Perfect for campers, travelers, and small families who need portable, quick cooking. Great for anyone who wants even heat, big space, and easy cleanup.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon

8. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill with 3 Adjustable Burners & Instastart Ignition, 20,000 BTUs of Power for Outdoor Cooking, Camping, Tailgating, Grilling, BBQs, & More

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill with 3 Adjustable Burners & Instastart Ignition, 20,000 BTUs of Power for Outdoor Cooking, Camping, Tailgating, Grilling, BBQs, & More

Meet the Coleman RoadTrip 285. It packs 20,000 BTUs of power. Start fast with Instastart push-button ignition.

Control heat with 3 adjustable burners. A built-in thermometer keeps temps steady.

Cook on 285 sq. in. of space. Set up quick with quick-fold legs and wheels. Uses a 16.4 oz propane cylinder (sold separately) and includes a 3-year limited warranty.

Pros	Cons
Powerful heat up to 20,000 BTUs for fast cooking Three burners make heat control easy and accurate Big grill space fits lots of food at once Quick-fold legs for easy setup and packing Push-button start means no matches, no hassle	Propane tank not included — must buy it separately Heavy build may be tough to carry alone Burners can be tricky to clean after use

Perfect For:

This grill is perfect for campers, tailgaters, and BBQ lovers who want hot food fast. It sets up easy and fires up with just a push of a button.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon

9. Royal Gourmet GD4002T 4-Burner Tailgater Grill and Griddle Combo, Portable Flat Top Propane Gas Grill with 40,000 BTUs Output for Backyard or Outdoor Cooking, Black

Royal Gourmet GD4002T 4-Burner Tailgater Grill and Griddle Combo, Portable Flat Top Propane Gas Grill with 40,000 BTUs Output for Backyard or Outdoor Cooking, Black

This is the Royal Gourmet GD4002T. It is a portable 4-burner grill and griddle combo.

Use the grill or the griddle. The ceramic-coated griddle and cast iron grates are strong. Cook eggs, fish, or steak with ease.

Get 40,000 BTUs from four burners. Heat spreads on 430 sq in. Start and clean fast with spark ignition, a drip tray, and a grease cup.

Pros	Cons
Cook anywhere with this portable and easy-to-use grill Grill or griddle—you choose how you want to cook Strong heat power with 40,000 BTUs from 4 burners Fast ignition with a single push of a button Easy cleaning thanks to smart grease draining design	No built-in lid for covered cooking Takes up space despite being portable Heavy to carry for one person

Perfect For:

Great for tailgate, camp, and backyard cooks who want a portable 2‑in‑1 grill and griddle. Ideal for folks who like quick start, even heat, and easy clean.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon

10. ROVSUN 4 Burner Portable Propane Griddle with Nonstick Enameled Tray, 40,000 BTU Tabletop Flat Top Gas Grill with Electronic Ignition & Regulator for Outdoor Cooking Camping BBQ Tailgating

ROVSUN 4 Burner Portable Propane Griddle with Nonstick Enameled Tray, 40,000 BTU Tabletop Flat Top Gas Grill with Electronic Ignition & Regulator for Outdoor Cooking Camping BBQ Tailgating

Cook fast with 40,000 BTU power. Heat climbs to 750°F with 4 burners. The nonstick enamel tray wipes clean.

Enjoy a 426 sq in flat top for 2-4 people. It is portable with electronic ignition and a regulator.

Pros	Cons
Powerful 40,000 BTU heat for fast sear. Four burners let you cook more at once. Push-start gets you cooking fast. Nonstick tray and drip pan clean up fast. Portable, lightweight, fits in small cars.	No lid included for keeping heat or blocking wind Heavy grease cleanup if you cook fatty meats Not ideal for cooking large meals for a crowd

Perfect For:

Perfect for campers, backyard cooks, and 2 to 4 folks on the go.

Ready to Purchase?

View Price on Amazon

Buying Guide

I flipped burgers on a small grill. It lit fast and cooked even. People asked about it.

Fuel type: Pick gas, charcoal, or pellet. Gas is fast and clean. Charcoal gives big smoke.
Heat output (BTU): Check BTU for power. More BTU heats fast. Match heat to size.
Cooking area: Look at cook space. 200–300 sq in feeds 2–4. More space means less batch work.
Burners and zones: More burners give zones. Two or three let you sear and hold. One burner is simple.
Heat control: You want steady heat. Knobs should be smooth. A lid helps in wind.
Start system: Pick push start. It should light fast. No matches needed.
Build and materials: Choose steel or aluminum. They are tough and light. Avoid thin parts.
Weight and size: Check weight and size. It should fit your trunk. You should lift it easy.
Setup and fold: Fast setup saves time. Locks, latches, and folding legs help. No tools is best.
Lid and wind: A tight lid holds heat. It fights wind. It adds a hint of smoke.
Griddle vs grill: Do you want grates or a griddle? Griddle is great for eggs. Grates add sear lines.
Clean up: Look for a grease tray. Rear drain helps a lot. Nonstick parts wipe fast.
Fuel and tanks: Most take 1 lb tanks. Adapters let you use big tanks. Bring a spare tank.
Temp range: Wide temp range is nice. High heat sears. Low heat cooks slow.
Safety and stability: You need stable legs. A lockable lid is key. Handles should stay cool.
Warranty and support: Check the warranty. Three years is fair. Parts should be easy to get.
Price and value: Set a budget. Pay for heat and build. Skip frills you will not use.
Group size: Match size to your crowd. Two burners feed small groups. Big groups need more space.
Extras: Nice extras add ease. Side shelves help prep. A thermometer helps control.
Storage and carry: You need good handles. A small footprint stores well. A cover keeps dust off.
Weather use: Think about wind and rain. A lid and walls help. Cook in open air.
Fuel use: Efficient grills save fuel. Lids and wind guards help. Use low heat when you can.
Even heat: Look for even heat. U or H burners spread heat. Cold spots waste time.
Heat-up time: Fast heat-up is key. You should cook in minutes. Less wait, more fun.