HOT READS
COVERING THE HOTTEST PRODUCTS IN THE FAN CAVE GAME
Tailgate Worthy Portable Grills & Smokers
Tailgating has come a long way from a cooler of beers and a bag of chips. Today, serious fans roll into game day equipped with next-level grilling gear designed to deliver gourmet food right in the parking lot. From the wood-fired precision of the Traeger Tailgater to the charcoal-infused flavor of the Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Mini Kamado Smoker, tailgate setups now rival backyard kitchens. The Pit Boss Portable Pellet Grill offers budget-friendly smokiness, while the Coleman RoadTrip 225 Propane Grill brings convenience and speed. And for fans feeding a larger crew, the Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker delivers maximum flavor and capacity. With these grills, fans can truly take their smoking and grilling game on the road.
THESE TOP PICKS MADE OUR FINAL CUT
TAILGATE GRILLS & SMOKERS
Why these products made our final list
Triple-walled steel retains heat like a ceramic kamado, dual dampers, easy-dump ash pan, locking lid, cast iron grates—all in a 33‑lb foldable portable form
QUICK SUMMARY: TAILGATE GRILLS & SMOKERS
CHARGRILLER AKORN JR. MINI
KAMADO SMOKER
Triple-walled steel retains heat like a ceramic kamado, dual dampers, easy-dump ash pan, locking lid, cast iron grates—all in a 33‑lb foldable portable form
Delivers exceptional kamado flavor in a compact, tailgate-ready size.
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Fuel: Wood Pellets
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Cooking Area: 155 sq in
Why we chose:
TRAEGER TAILGATER
20 PELLET GRILL
Foldable legs, wheels, keep-warm mode, auto-start, ignition, precise digital temp control up to 450 F - idea for road trip smoking & grilling.
Combines convenience, smoke flavor, and versatility for tailgate crowds.
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Fuel: Wood Pellets
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Cooking Area: 300 sq in
Why we chose:
COLEMAN ROADTRIP 225
PROPANE GRILL
Triple-walled steel retains heat like a ceramic kamado, dual dampers, easy-dump ash pan, locking lid, cast iron grates—all in a 33‑lb foldable portable form
No electricity needed—just fire up and grill and your tailgate grill is ready.
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Fuel: Wood Pellets
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Cooking Area: 225 sq in
Why we chose:
Product Specs
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Height: 36 inches
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Cooking Area: 300 sq. inches
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Power Source: Electric
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Fuel Type: Wood Pellet
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Color: Black, Grey, Red
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Warranty: 3 Years
TRAEGER TAILGATER 20
PELLET GRILL
Portable Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
About this item
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Ultimate Wood-Fired Flavor, No Gas or Charcoal – The Traeger Tailgater 20 is a portable wood pellet grill that delivers authentic wood-fired flavor. Whether you're tailgating, camping, or cooking at home you can achieve perfection.
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Precision Temperature Control from 180-450°F – Equipped with a Digital Arc Controller, this pellet smoker offers precise temperature control, maintaining temperatures within 15°F of your set point, perfect for smoking, grilling, baking, and searing.
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Portable Design – Whether tailgating, camping, or at a picnic, the Tailgater's foldable legs make it easy to transport. With 300 sq. in. cooking space, you can prepare 12 burgers, 3 racks of ribs, or 2 whole chickens anywhere.
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6-in-1 Versatility for All Your Cooking Needs – This portable pellet grill offers 6 cooking functions: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ, allowing you to cook anything from low-and-slow smoked brisket to perfectly seared steaks.
Where to purchase item
"The best product at the tailgate last Saturday..."
Robert; Northwestern Wildcat Fan.
Team Up With These Game Day Extras
Product Specs
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Size: 20.5"D x 20"W x 26"H
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Cooking Area: 155 sq. inches
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Fuel Type: Charcoal / Wood Pellet
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Color: Grey
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Warranty: See Owners Manual
CHARGRILLER AKORN JR.MINI KAMADO SMOKER
Portable Charcola Grill & Smoker
About this item
STAFF
PICK
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Easy Dump Ash Pan
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Easy Mobility
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Holds Heat Like Ceramic
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Even Heat
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Triple Wall Steel
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Cast Iron Grates and Locking Lid
"The best product at the tailgate last Saturday..."
Robert; Northwestern Wildcat Fan.
Where to purchase item
Team Up With These Game Day Extras
Product Specs
PIT BOSS PORTABLE
PELLET GRILL
Table Top Wood Grill w/ Temperature Control
About this item
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256 square inches of porcelain-coated steel cooking grates
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5-pound hopper capacity
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Dial-in digital control board with LED readout
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Pellet cooking temperature range of 180° To 500°F
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Slide-plate for direct or indirect flame grilling up to 1,000° F
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Size: 15"D x 24"W x 19"H
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Cooking Area: 255 sq. inches
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Fuel Type: Wood
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Color: Mahogany
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Warranty: See Owners Manual
"Great small pellet grill for every Saturday gameday."
Robert; Northwestern Wildcat Fan.
Where to purchase item
Team Up With These Game Day Extras
Product Specs
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Size: 29.25"D x 18.5"W x 15.15"H
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Cooking Area: 255 sq. inches
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Fuel Type: Gas
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Color: Red, Black
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Warranty: Three-Year Warranty
COLEMAN ROADTRIP 225 PROPANE GRILL
Push-Button Start, Foldable Legs
About this item
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COOKING POWER: Up to 11,000 total BTUs
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3 ADJUSTABLE BURNERS: For optimum temperature control
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LARGE GRILLING AREA: 225 sq. in, perfect for entertaining a crowd
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EASY SETUP: Sturdy quick-fold legs and wheels facilitate hassle-free setup and takedown
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PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION: Instastart system for matchless lighting
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CONVENIENT FEATURES: Includes grease tray and side table for extra preparation space
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PORTABLE DESIGN: Perfect for any camping trip, beach gathering, backyard BBQ, or sports tailgate.
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Uses 16.4 oz. propane cylinder (sold separately)
"Great small pellet grill for every Saturday gameday."
Robert; Northwestern Wildcat Fan.
