Memorial Day 2023 is almost here, which means tailgating season has begun! Whether you take in the 2023 Major League Baseball season over the holiday weekend, or are just passing time until the 2023 NFL season (you can make it NFL fans), you're going to need a killer portable grill this summer.
Best-selling portable grills on Amazon
Our top choice: Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill, $400
Top-seller: Coleman Fold N Go Propane Grill, $100
Reviewers' go-to: Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Tabletop Gas Grill, $122
The best tailgating grills of 2023
This year's best tailgating grills are rich with bells and whistles that will ensure your pre-game is MVP-worthy. Weber's Traveler Portable Gas Grill boasts one-handed set up and collapse. The Blackstone 2 Burner Portable Gas Grill features versatile set up options with two burners, because 'surf and turf' should be an "and" not an "or". We also like Coleman's Road Trip 285, whose highlight reel includes a large cooking area and eight adjustable burners for max temperature control.
Budget-conscious fans have plenty of options as well, like Royal Gourmet's 3-Burner Tabletop Grill. That $99 price point will have you cheering almost as loud as the grill's easy cleanup thanks to its removable, slide-out grease cup.
What to look for in a portable grill
Size and weight. Tabletop grills are going to be lighter, but they'll also have less space for grilling.
Ease of set up. We looked for tailgaters that could be set up with one hand and/or require little to no assembly.
Grilling space and cooking options. If you fancy yourself a parking lot-Gordon Ramsey, make sure your choice of grill gives you flexibility in cooking space and temperature controls.
Price point. Tailgating doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. There are great choices at every price point.
Durability. We liked grills that are durable and well made over options that might need to be replaced after one season.
Pro Tip: If you're a fast-moving chef averse to pot holders, avoid the burnt-finger factor and look for a grill with a cool-touch lid handle.
While We're Talking: Portable grills are either gas, electric or charcoal powered. Gas grills require propane and a small learning (and safety) curve. Charcoal grills get hotter and produce more evenly distributed heat, but the mess isn't always worth the fuss. Electric grills are simple to use and produce high heat, but require an outlet close by.
Our top choice for Memorial Day: Weber Traveler
Not only were we impressed with Weber's promise of one handed setup and collapse, but we liked the large grilling area, which suits our Memorial Day needs. We like the quality for the price of the Traveler Grill. Even the easy storage had us choosing this one as our favorite. Stellar Amazon reviews told us we're not alone. This one's a keeper.
Weber Traveler Portable Grill, $400
$400 on AmazonFull-Size Tailgaters: Coleman Road Trip X-Cursion
If your tailgate team extends past your immediate family, you're going to want to invest in a full-size tailgater. Make no mistake, full-size should not imply unwieldy or heavy. Today's portable grills collapse easily, feature a large cooking area and cook as well as a backyard barbecue.
We like the Coleman Road Trip X-Cursion's pushbutton ignition for matchless lighting and the removable water pan, which catches grease drippings for an easier cleanup.
Coleman Road Trip X-Curison grill, $220
$220 at WalmartMore top-rated full-size tailgating grills to consider
- Cuisinart Chef's Style Roll-Away Portable Grill, $282 (reduced from $300)
- Coleman Road Trip 225 Standup Grill, $225 (reduced from $275)
The best tabletop grills: Royal Gourmet Tabletop Gas Grill Griddle
If you're looking to keep your pre-game meal prep simple, don't sleep on tabletop grills. While the grilling area might be smaller than their full-size counterparts, these portable and easy to carry grills feature little if any setup and are easy to clean and store. We like the durability of Royal Gourmet's Table Top Gas Griddle, whose 24-inch cooking surface makes this a total win.
Royal Gourmet's Table Top Gas Griddle, $100 (reduced from $140)
$100 at AmazonMore top-rated tabletop grills to consider
- Great sale price: Megamaster Portable Gas Grill, $86 (reduced from $130)
- Great for smoking meat: Pit Boss Table Top Grill, $250
- Quality construction: Pit Boss Two-Burner Table Top Grill, $188
