Tailgating is always the most fun part of a football game, aside from winning. Whether it's the first game of the year or the BCS championship, die-hard fans spend hours before the game talking, eating, and simply spending time with friends and fans.
These grills will make tailgating much more fun and easier. They are all gas models, since they are the easiest to clean up afterward and fans don't have to worry about disposing of charcoal.
In general, a good tailgating grill is easy to transport, can cook anything and won't cost a bundle.
1. Blacktop 360, $215 to $249.99: The Blacktop 360 is specially made with the tailgater in mind. It is easily transportable, has a cooking surface for grilling in addition to a deep fryer and griddle. The upside is that the device is versatile to cook just about anything. The downside is that the cover is extra.
2. Weber Q 320, $379: Anything in the Weber line of portable grills works great for tailgating. Smaller models fold down for easy transport. However, if fans have the space in the back of an SUV, the Q 320 is a good grill to have. The propane tank fits neatly underneath the grill. There is room to cook two whole chickens, 18 hamburgers or 26 hot dogs. The propane tank is extra.
3. Coleman RoadTrip Grill LXE, $189.99: Coleman always sells good products. For something basic and lightweight, the RoadTrip Grill LXE does a good job. The grill has about half the normal cooking space of a huge grill, so if fans are cooking for themselves and a family of four, this model should be plenty. Fans will want to buy the 20-gallon propane tank attachment because the smaller propane cylinder allows for just over an hour of grilling.
4. Solaire Portable, $389: Solaire features a tabletop grill with legs to elevate the cooking surface above the table. This is the type of grill I use on trips and campouts since the thing doesn't roll around in my cargo space. There is only 155 square inches of cooking space, about a third of normal-sized grills. However, for an hour of cooking steaks, chicken or burgers, this does the job. The downside is the small propane tank. A stand for some models is extra.
5. Char-Broil Gas Smoker, $199.99: For chefs with more time on their hands, a gas smoker is perfect for tailgating. The Char-Broil model has nearly 600 square inches of cooking space. The smoker comes with three adjustable grates. The main advantage is cooking a lot of food at once. The downside is the cook time.
6. Blue Rhino, $49: There's nothing wrong with small grills. Blue Rhino makes a smaller gas grill that looks like a charcoal variety. The GBC1011W model does well in a pinch for basic grilling.
7. Brinkmann Roadmaster Trailer, $999: For fans with a bigger party in mind, a barbecue trailer may be in order. Brinkmann's Roadmaster Trailer is rated at 36,000 BTUs with three burners. Perfect for die-hard tailgaters who live for gameday, this grill is sold at Home Depot stores. The downside is the price, but the upside is whoever brings this to the parking lot will be the center of attention.
8. Cadac Safari Chef, $119.95: Cadac specializes in camping grills for RVers. Tailgaters get a decent gas grill for their own needs hours before the big game. The main selling point of this grill is the interchangeable parts.
9. Kalamazoo Hybrid, $10,000 to $26,000: Tailgating doesn't have to be full of cheap, portable grills. For someone with money to spend, the Kalamazoo Hybrid can burn charcoal, gas or wood. The grill is huge and needs some formidable cargo space to be transported. However, the person with this grill will be the life of the party.
10. Char-Griller 3001, $189.99: Char-Griller has some handy gas grills including the Grillin' Pro 3001. This is a basic gas grill with wheels that looks like an old-fashioned round drum.
William Browning is a lifelong Missouri resident originally from St. Louis. He attended the University of Missouri in the late 1980s and is a fan of all Mizzou Tigers sports. He currently resides in Branson.
