Nexgrill Portable Grills for Tailgates and Outdoor Game Days

Best for
Game-day cooks switching grill and griddle

Best for
Tailgaters wanting stainless steel and big heat

This Nexgrill Tabletop 2 Burner Gas Grill is the all-stainless option, built with a stainless frame, stainless cooking grids and 0.04-inch thick 304-grade stainless burners according to the description. That construction is aimed at people who leave their grill in the truck bed or garage and want it to shrug off weather.

It offers 251 square inches of cooking space and, per the features and description, 20,000 BTUs across two burners. The spec table lists 10,000 BTUs, which may reflect a per-burner figure, so the listing is not consistent. Push and turn kinetic ignition needs no batteries, folding legs and a locking lid make it easy to carry, and a removable grease tray simplifies cleanup. The listing says it works with 20lb propane tanks. It measures about 18.75 by 25.74 by 14.74 inches.

This suits tailgaters who want a tough, fast-heating grill for burgers, brats and wings. If you want to switch to griddle cooking, the combo model below does that; if you need something smaller, the 1-burner is lighter.

• 251 sq in, two burners
• Stainless steel frame and burners
• Battery-free ignition
• Folding legs and locking lid

This Nexgrill Tabletop 2 Burner Gas Grill is the 2-in-1 version. It includes a Gourmet Plus griddle and removable grates, so you can grill steak one hour and cook stir-fry or pancakes the next. The description calls it the Fortress 2-Burner Cast Aluminum model.

It lists 263 square inches of space, a cast aluminum lid with a built-in temperature gauge, handles for lifting, and a removable grease tray. Output is 13,500 BTUs, lower than the stainless model. It runs on small propane tanks and measures about 27.33 by 19.59 by 14.96 inches. The spec table lists one heating element despite the two-burner name, another small inconsistency.

This fits fans who want variety from one small grill at a tailgate. If raw heat for searing matters most, the stainless 2-burner offers more listed BTUs.

Best for
Solo fans or pairs at small tailgates

The Nexgrill Tabletop 1 Burner Gas Grill is the compact pick. A cast aluminum lid and firebox keep it light and corrosion-resistant, and a cast iron cooking grate delivers strong sear marks. A single 10,000 BTU burner lights with Piezo ignition.

Cooking space is listed at 183 square inches in the features but 203 square inches in the description, so expect somewhere in that range. The description says it is large enough to feed one or two at a time. It has sturdy legs, a locking lid, a removable grease tray, and uses small propane tanks. It measures about 16.25 by 23.3 by 13.5 inches.

This suits a solo fan or a pair heading to a tailgate or campsite with limited trunk space. Groups will outgrow it quickly, so step up to a 2-burner model for more than two people.

• 10,000 BTU single burner
• Cast iron grate
• Cast aluminum lid and firebox

Best for
Charcoal fans wanting smoky flavor

The Nexgrill Tabletop 17.5″ Charcoal Grill is the only charcoal model here. Its barrel shape and adjustable chimney vent let you control airflow and burn time, and the listing pitches it for grilling, smoking and barbecue, from burgers to ribs.

It has the largest listed cooking space among the grills at 349 square inches, with cast iron grates, a powder-coated carbon steel body and stainless steel handles. At 26 pounds and about 20.5 by 23 by 26 inches, it is lighter than a full cart but bulkier than the gas tabletops.

This suits fans who care most about smoky flavor and do not mind managing charcoal and ash at the lot. For more choices in this style, see our guide to a portable charcoal grill. If convenience wins, a gas tabletop lights and cleans up faster.

Best for
Big crews cooking smash burgers and breakfast

The Nexgrill Daytona 2-Burner Gas Griddle is the crowd feeder. Two burners put out 20,000 BTUs across a 335 square inch hot rolled steel flat top, which the listing pitches for tacos, pupusas, fried rice and burgers. Once seasoned, the steel builds a non-stick layer.

It rides on a foldable cart with wheels and has a lid that locks to protect the surface. It is the least portable model here, though: the listing gives 76 pounds and roughly 23 by 50 by 40 inches when set up, so it suits a truck or a backyard more than a long walk from the parking lot.

Pick this for big tailgate crews and breakfast before morning games. If you need something you can lift with one hand, the 1-burner griddle is the compact alternative.

• 335 sq in hot rolled steel top
• 20,000 BTU across two burners
• Foldable cart with wheels

Best for
Compact griddle cooking for small groups

The Nexgrill Portable 1 Burner Gas Griddle, identified in its specs as the Daytona 1-Burner tabletop griddle, offers 271 square inches of hot rolled steel on a single 12,000 BTU burner. It comes with an LP hose and regulator in the box, a protective lid and a removable grease cup.

The features describe Piezo ignition, while the spec table lists push and turn ignition, so the listing is inconsistent on that detail. Sturdy legs keep it stable, and it carries a one-year manufacturer warranty. The listing does not give weight or dimensions.

This suits small groups who want flat top cooking at a tailgate without a cart. For comparisons outside gas, our look at an electric grill with a stand covers spots where open flame is not allowed.