Tailgate Party Games: Cornhole

Cornhole is the staple game of any great tailgate party and probably the most popular. Like all great tailgate games, Cornhole was designed so that you can play while still holding a beer in one hand–which is not surprising considering the game was said to have been invented by 14th Century Germans and developed by farmers in Kentucky. Even Native Americans played a version of Cornhole and, as further research suggests, they played it with the Cornhole bag in one hand and with a maize-beer in the other.

Cornhole Rules:

Cornhole is super easy to learn and very fun. Two raised rectangular boards, each with a hole on the far end (the ‘cornhole’), are placed 27 feet apart (there should be 33 feet from hole to hole. Players take turns to toss bean bags towards the opposing board, scoring 3 points if the bag lands in the hole and 1 point if the bag lands on the platform. Points are calculated using a negation scoring method. eg. if Player A has 3 bags on the Cornhole board and Player B has 1 bag on the board then Player A would receive 2 points for the frame.
The first player to 21 wins.

Cornhole can be played as singles or doubles. In singles, after the players pitch a frame they walk to the opposing Cornhole board and pitch back to the board where they started. In doubles, teammates stand across from each other on the same side of their respective boards.
Despite what many think, there is no rule dictating the manner in which you toss the bag: overhand is just as legitimate as an underhand toss (though much harder to control for accuracy)

Cornhole: aka Tailgate Toss, Bean bag toss, corn toss, bag, bags.

Tips for the Cornhole player:

  • work on your grip to ensure it’s not too loose or too firm. Keep the thumb in the center.
  • lead with the foot opposite to your pitching hand
  • learn different pitching techniques such as ‘the pancake’ or ‘horizontal spin’
  • always ensure you have a beer in the non-throwing hand in order to balance yourself for the pitch.

Equipment: Two boards; 4 bags, scoreboard, drink holder.

The Best Cornhole Boards

Since Cornhole is the most popular tailgate party game there are many great boards available. It’s definitely possible to make your own and I’d recommend doing so if you’re handy with a lathe. For those of us who aren’t, here’s a list of the best Cornhole Boards and Bags money can buy as well as some awesome variations and the accessories you will need to play the game in style.

What to look for in a Cornhole Board:

  • Watch out for boards with an inconsistent surface.
  • The board must be sturdy and solid.
  • You want a board that gives true bounce and has just the right balance between grip and polished smoothness for the perfect slide.
  • There is a big difference between regulation Cornhole Boards and those not built to standard.
  • Rounded edges help prevent tearing to the Cornhole bags.
  • Portability is a plus. At minimum you want a board with folding legs.
  • Durable and weather-proof so you can play in all conditions, outdoors and indoors.

Regulation Cornhole Boards

Natural Cornhole Board

Natural Cornhole Board

Natural Cornhole Boards by BestCornBags For those who appreciate natural wood grain or want to customize their Cornhole Board this beautiful piece of American craftmanship is built to ACA standard with quality materials and is sanded to an ultra smooth finish. This type of board works perfectly for those who want to paint or decal their team colors onto it as it’s essentially a blank canvas. This board is solid and built to last.

  • Pros: High quality materials. Durable. Can be customized.
  • Cons: No carry bag. Not a complete package.
  • RRP: $110
The Baggo Cornhole Board

The Baggo Cornhole

The Baggo Cornhole Board – Officially Licenced NCAA Team Logos Said to be the best Cornhole Boards available these are backed up by a lifetime warranty. Made of very durable and weather-proof plastic this is a complete set that comes with two official Baggo NCAA logo game boards, eight official bean bags in your teams colors, 10 page color instruction booklet, wall mounting bracket (for storage & display), built-in scorekeepers, and distance regulator. BAGGO packs into itself & carries like a suitcase making it the most portable game on the market. It’s hard to look past this great set.

  • Pros: Complete set. High quality. Weather proof. Lifetime warranty.
  • Cons: Non-traditional plastic is more slippery a surface than most wood boards.
  • RRP: $144.95 – ($119.95 on Amazon)
Go Pong CornHole PRO

Go Pong CornHole PRO

Go Pong CornHole PRO Regulation Size Bean Bag Toss Game Set (Black) This is a great set for anyone who just wants the complete package with no fuss. You get two regulation sized Cornhole Boards, 8 regulation weight bean bags, a carrying case plus a set of rules. These Cornhole boards are designed to be portable and fold in half for storage and have fold-out legs. They are lightweight but sturdy with a waterproof MDF surface and an aluminum frame.

  • Pros: Lightweight. Durable. Portable. A complete set.
  • Cons: The Cornhole Bags aren’t durable and are filled with sand rather than corn.
  • RRP:  $129.99 – ($123.85 on Amazon)
Driveway Games All Weather White Cornhole

Driveway Games Cornhole

Driveway Games All Weather Cornhole A very durable, regulation Cornhole set designed to be truly all-weather being injection-molded plastic and will likely still be in perfect condition next century. Don’t turn your nose up at the choice of materials though – this set still provides a decent slide and is as good as all but the most expensive wooden Cornhole boards. The Driveway is cleverly designed for portability and storage with clips to lock it and carry handles (there is even space to store the Cornhole bags within the folded board. As a white board it can be customized using your own decal (though most decals won’t adhere to the plastic as they may on other materials).

  • Pros: All weather. Will last forever. Can take it anywhere. Lightweight. Easy to store. Customizable.
  • Cons: Non-traditional plastic
  • RRP: $94.99
Tailgate 360 Cornhole Set

Tailgate 360 Cornhole Set Tailgate 360 Cornhole Set

Tailgate 360 Cornhole Set Tailgate 360 makes regulation Cornhole Sets that are extremely lightweight and portable with folding design, carry handles as well as score counters on the boards. They are good looking boards with durable construction designed for use on both flat and uneven surfaces.

  • Pros: Lightweight. Portable. Everything you need in the set. Score counter on the board.
  • Cons: Not as sturdy as more expensive sets (but also not as bulky).
  • RRP: $69.99

 

Non-Regulation Cornhole Boards

Corn Toss Junior Cornhole

Corn Toss Junior

Corn Toss Junior It may be small but it’s no light-weight. This little set isn’t just for the kids–the smaller size makes it a lot more portable, easier to store and means you can play indoors. It’s handmade from plywood with a gloss finish to accentuate the grain and all the joints are counter-screwed for a super strong fit. Or you could customize the board with your favorite team using paint or decals. The set is easy to fold up and store, comes with retractable rope handles and lock-in safety hooks. The set also comes with 8 cornhole bags and instructions on how to play the game. If you are buying this for your kids, you might consider adhering to the ACA recommendation for the distance between Cornhole boards for juniors to be 21 feet (rather than the traditional 27 feet).

  • Pros: Quality Build. Complete set. Customizable.
  • Cons: Not regulation size.
  • RRP: $87.95 – ($59.95 on Amazon)
Mainstreet Micro Cornhole Toss

Mainstreet Micro

Mainstreet Classics Micro Bag Toss Unlike the Corn Toss Junior set, the Mainstreet Micro is designed for kids. Everything is miniature: the boards and the bags. It’s a solid build and basically a smaller version of a regulation set so definitely recommended for young children who want to learn the all-American game of Cornhole but don’t have the strength to play with heavier bags. It’s also a good set for indoors but there is only so high you can toss a Cornhole bag when there’s a roof over your head.

  • Pros: Good set for kids. Well built. Complete set. Cheap price.
  • Cons: Small – not recommended as a substitute for a regulation set.
  • RRP: $35.99 – ($33.61 on Amazon)
Mattel Toss Across Cornhole Alternative

Mattel Toss Across

Mattel Toss Across This is a fun alternative to the traditional Cornhole Board where the object is to be the first player or team to turn up three symbols in a row. Basically tic-tac-toe meets Cornhole! It’s a very lightweight, plastic set which is definitely indoors only.

  • Pros: Fun alternative. Cheap price. Good for kids.
  • Cons: Not true Cornhole. Not for outdoors.
  • RRP: $19.99

The Best Cornhole Bags

Tip: Before you buy your Cornhole bags, be sure that the they are regulation size (6″x6″) and weight (16 oz/1lb)

What to look for in a Cornhole Bag:

  • Tournament grade with regulation size and weight.
  • High quality, heavy cloth like Duck Cloth
  • High quality filling like Whole Feed Corn or regulation plastic pellets
  • Strong stitching.
The Baggo Replacement Cornhole Bean Bags

The Baggo Cornhole Bags

The Baggo Replacement Bean Bags – Officially Licenced Team Logos You don’t really have to look much further than Baggo for your replacement Cornhole Bean Bags. These are Officially licensed bean bags and are very durable being constructed of a heavy duty Poplin blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton with an all-purpose, dual duty, extra-strength thread.  The bags are surged on three sides and then reversed out.   The bags are filled with 9.5oz of treated unpopped popcorn for good weight and feel.

  • RRP: $19.99

 

Victory Tailgate Cornhole Bags

Victory Tailgate Cornhole Bags

Victory Tailgate Cornhole Bags Victory Tailgate Cornhole bags are the real deal with regulation weight, size and shape. They are made of quality duck cloth and double stitched at the seams. Unlike many of the other brands, Victory Tailgate Cornhole bags are filled with whole corn kernels and made to the standards of the ACA. Made in the USA.

  • RRP: $27.99

 

Becca Sports Cornhole Bags

Becca Sports Cornhole Bags

Becca Sports Cornhole Bags Another great American company who produces quality crafted Cornhole Bags. These are made to last with strong stitching and 12 oz duck cloth. They are regulation size and weight being filled with whole feed corn. Becca Sports also offers a one year guarantee on all of their bags and they come in many different color combinations.

  • RRP: $28.99

 

Cornhole Games Cornhole Bags

Cornhole Games

Cornhole Games Cornhole BagsCornhole games produce great bean bags that are ACA regulation size and weight and come in a variety of colors. They guarantee their bags with a 30 day money back guarantee being made of heavy cloth, real feed corn and very strong stitching. They have many different color combinations such as yellow, burgundy, black, green, turquoise, orange, brown, grey.

  • RRP: $19.89

 

Cornhole Games Waterproof Cornhole Bags

Waterproof Cornhole Bags

Cornhole Games Waterproof Cornhole Bags Perfect for the outdoors these weather proof Cornhole Bags by Cornhole Games are regulation size and weight as defined by the standards of the ACA. But, unlike other Cornhole bags, if they get wet, simply leave them out to dry. Instead of a corn filling they are filled with poly-resin beads. They won’t mold, rot and get eaten by animals or bugs. There are many color combinations to choose from.

  • RRP: $28.99

 

Victory Beer Print Cornhole Bags

Victory Beer Print Cornhole Bags

Victory Beer Print Cornhole Bags

Victory Beer Print Cornhole Bags

Victory Beer Print Cornhole Bags For the beer lover! These are more than just a gimmick though. The Victory Cornhole Bags are tournament-grade with ACA regulation size and weight. They are made of quality heavy duty cloth material, double stitched and filled with whole kernel corn. Oh, and did I mention they HAVE A BEER PRINT ON THEM!?

  • RRP: $29.98

 

The Best Cornhole Scoreboards

Not all Cornhole boards come with a score counter built-in. And you definitely need an independent, reliable score-keeper after you’ve knocked back a few beers. Look no further: here are the best scoreboards for keeping score for your Cornhole game.

Scorzie - Cornhole koozie that keeps score

Scorzie

Scorzie – The koozie that keeps score Possibly man’s greatest invention… Scorzie is a scorekeeping beverage holder designed for tailgate games that go up to 21 points. Featuring two scoring rings that click into place and a foam lined koozie, the Scorzie is a scoreboard and beverage holder all in one! These are always a great hit at tailgate parties and the ideal gift. Just make sure you keep your eye on your Scorzie though since they tend to disappear if you leave them lying around.

  • RRP: $17.99 – ($11.39 on Amazon)

 

Scoring King Portable Scoreboard

Scoring King

Scoring King Portable Scoreboard A very robust, weather proof and nice looking scoreboard with an incorporated beverage holder the Scoring King Scoreboard is over 5 feet tall and only weights 4lbs. The counter goes up to 21 which make it perfect for most tailgate games including Cornhole. It even has a built in bottle opener located under the scoreboard! It can be pushed into the ground or placed into the optional tripod stand for hard surfaces. The scoreboard easily removes so that the beverage holder can be used anytime. The Scoring King doesn’t require any assembly. It’s made of welded steel and then powder coated with a very durable weather resistant black powder coated finish. With two supports it is the  strongest scoreboard for outdoor gaming on the market. It is designed to be left outside in any weather condition. 100% MADE IN THE U.S.A.!

  • RRP: $49.95 – ($35.95 on Amazon)

 

Cornhole Overlay Magnetic Scoreboard

Cornhole Magnetic Scoreboard

Cornhole Overlay Magnetic Scoreboard The perfect scoreboard add-on for the Cornhole board that doesn’t come with its own scoreboard, this one attaches via powerful neodymium magnets. It’s super easy to install and will ensure that the integrity of your game will always be maintained no matter how much you’ve been drinking.

  • RRP = $21.99 = ($16.99 on Amazon)

Cornhole Tips:

  • When throwing the cornhole, make sure you use the right technique and you know how to control the distribution of weight (see below for cornhole throwing techniques).
  • Playing on a softer surface like grass or sand leads to less bounce, making the game easier. You can simulate this on asphalt by putting a few towels under the legs of the cornhole board.
  • Keep the cornhole boards at the right level to ensure the bags slide at the correct pace.
  • Adjust the distance between cornhole boards to increase or decrease difficultly of play.
  • More arc in the toss means less slide.
  • Cornhole bags will slide more in dry conditions. Some players like this because it helps them get it in the hole. Others don’t since the bag is more likely to slide off the boards. Spray water on the bags to create drag.
  • Most tailgaters are going to be playing cornhole in all weather conditions. Make sure you get a cornhole set that can withstand UV, rain, hail and a lot of abuse.
  • Remember to keep a cold beer on your non-throwing arm.

Cornhole Throwing Technique:

Choose and master a throwing style that suits you. There are several different ways you can throw a cornhole toss bag and they all respond differently to physics, but should all lead to the same result: a high score.

  • Fold Over: For beginners, start with the basic Fold Over throw: fold the bag in half with an even fill on both halves, then toss underhand. This will allow you to refine the perfect arc and distance.
  • Softball Pitch: As you improve you can try a softball pitching style which is exactly like a softball pitch except the grip in which you should hold the cornhole bag flat against your palm with the thumb on the opposite side, directly in the middle, with an even spread of filling throughout the bag.
  • The Double: Holding the bag by one of the corners and emptying all the fill into the opposing corner. Fold the empty corners diagonally, tucking them into you palm and then toss the cornhole bag underhand.
  • The Sling: Pinch one corner of the cornhole bag and then ‘sling’ it towards the board with an underhand toss creating backspin. This can create a very accurate dead-stop throw with less slide.
  • The Fling-a-Ding: The same as the ‘Sling’ except that you hold the cornhole bag by the edge rather than the corner.
  • The Pancake: Also known as the ‘frisbee’ because of the throwing motion which is exactly as you would throw a frisbee, but holding the cornhole bag with the same pinching technique as in the sling toss.
  • The Basketball Shot: Also known as the ‘jump shot’ you take a shot just like you would if shooting a 3 pointer in basketball.
  • Overhand: Similar to a baseball throw and most often used for extreme, long-distance cornhole toss. It is generally less accurate than an underhand toss but great for getting distance and velocity.

 

 

Top 10 Best Tailgate Grills For The Tailgate Party

If you’re the type of man who believes salad is what food eats then this post is for you! Grilling is the soul of a good tailgate party and no tailgater is complete without a good quality, portable grill. So here is a review of the best tailgate grills for your tailgate party.

Remember, no one can get fired up about the game without first having fired up the grill – and eaten enough meat to make our paleolithic ancestors proud.

You can’t just take any grill or BBQ to a tailgate party. When tailgating you need something that’s portable, reliable, robust and, most importantly, grills to perfection. It’s also essential to balance cost since not everyone can afford the latest Weber Q Portable, so this list includes affordable (but still high quality) options for those on a budget.

So here you have, in no particular order,

The Top 10 Best Tailgate Grills For The Tailgate Party.

Coleman Roadtrip Grill

Coleman Roadtrip Grill

1. The Coleman Road Trip LX Grill  Coleman is the most familiar brand at every tailgate party (as well as most outdoor events, picnics, camping sites etc). And there is good reason: it’s a quality brand with products designed specifically for an outdoor American lifestyle. This grill is perfect for tailgating due to its portability (it’s collapsible with detachable side tables) and rugged build. The Coleman Road Trip Grill has two fully adjustable 20,000 BTU burners with an aluminium grate and griddle and has the versatility to allow for mix-and-match cooking surfaces (grill, griddle, stove). I’m a big fan of the hibachi grills but the Coleman will win you over with its clever design and neat features like the side tables, quick setup, independent burners, utensil storage hooks, removable grease pan and easy push button ignition. The grills are porcelain coated with brushed stainless-steel table inserts making it much easier to clean than others. The Coleman Road Trip Grill works with a disposable 16.4 Ounce propane cylinder or 20 pound propane tank and is covered by a 5-year warranty.

  • Cooking Area: 285 Square Inches
  • Burner: 20,000 BTU
  • Pros: Ultra Portable, Folds up Small, Easy Clean, Fast Ignition
  • Cons: Price – you pay for what you get. It’s one of the more expensive tailgating grills
Weber Q Portable Tailgating Grill

Weber Q Portable Tailgating Grill

2. Weber Q 100 Portable Grill It’s hard to fault the Weber Q. It truly is a masterpiece of top quality and super compact design. It’s extremely sturdy, weather resistant, has precision controls and a well balanced cast aluminum grill that cooks to perfection. The burner runs at only 8,500 but the Weber Q works like a pressure cooker when it’s on. The cooking grates are made from porcelain enameled steel, stainless steel and porcelain enameled cast-iron which means it’s durable and easy to clean. The proof really is in the cooking and anyone who has used a Weber BBQ before knows that cooking meat is perfection in one of these beauties. Steaks and chops sear succulently in the Q. For the traditionalist there is always the Jumbo Joe. Comes with a 5-year warranty.

  • Cooking Area: 189 Square Inches
  • Burner: 8,500 BTU
  • Pros: Cooks perfectly, Portable, Robust, Easy to Clean, Fast Ignition
  • Cons: Small Cooking Area relative to other highend grills
Picnic Time Tailgating Grill Set

Picnic Time Tailgating Grill Set

3. Picnic Time Vulcan All-In-One Tailgaiting Cooler/BBQ Set with Trolley This great set-up has everything you need in one convenient tote. It’s not just a BBQ, it’s a cooler, storage bag and trolley. It’s big enough to hold 24 cans of soda and comes with three BBQ tools. The grill itself is nothing fancy but this is all about portability and convenience.

  • Cooking Area: 180 Square Inches
  • Burner: Propane
  • Pros: Very portable, multi-purpose grill and cooler and tote. Super convenient.
  • Cons: Not a great grill but does the trick. Price.
Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill

Weber Go Anywhere Charcoal Grill

4. Weber Go-Anywhere Grill This is the super-affordable, super portable, super convenient, no mess, no fuss option for those wanting something simple, cheap and effective for their tailgate party. Well, it’s not actually ‘no mess’. It’s more like ‘less mess, less fuss’. But the grilling bars are triple nickle-coated while the bowl and lid are porcelain enameled making them easy to clean and the unit itself is so minimal that there isn’t really much to go wrong. The design is for compactness: the nickel-plated legs fold up to lock the lid in place for travel and storage and, when in use, the lid can be fit to the hangers on the side of the grill and acts as a wind barrier. But this is no light-weight. Being a Weber™ it has a well designed grill using patented ‘Flavorizer’ technology which basically means it can cook a good steak. There are both options: propane and charcoal (which is the same grill unit fueled with charcoal or gas).

  • Cooking Area: 160 Square Inches
  • Burner: Disposable 1-pound LP cylinder.
  • Pros: Ultra-compact and portable. Simple. Affordable. Good griller.
  • Cons: Small Cooking Area, Legs can be unsturdy. Sits low to the ground.
Smokey Joe Tailgating Grill

Smokey Joe Tailgating Grill

5. Weber Smokey Joe Silver Charcoal Grill The Smokey Joe might just be one of the greatest inventions ever made! So simple yet so effective it really is ideal for grilling at the tailgate party but should also be the required accessory to any meeting – or, should that be “meating”. It’s small and it grills. And the reason it is such a good griller is the Weber patented design triple nickle-plated grill. All essential parts are porcelain-coated for easy cleaning and weather-proofing, while the handle is glass reinforced nylon to keep it from heating. That’s why the Smokey Joe comes with a 10-year warranty.

  • Cooking Area: 147 Square Inches
  • Burner: Charcoal
  • Pros: Very affordable. Can use anywhere. Grills nice.
  • Cons: Legs a little unsturdy. Small grilling area. Sits low to the ground.
Pre-Seasoned Sportsman's Charcoal Grill

Pre-Seasoned Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill

6. Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill If ever a grill had “Tailgate Party” written all over it, it was the Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill. It’s rugged, very easy to clean, has no gimmicky parts and grills better than anything on the market. The draft door allows you to regulate heat so the Sportsman’s Grill can be used for heating, grilling as well as frying. But you have to be careful with a grill like this since hibachis get extremely hot. But what’s a few 3rd degrees burns between friends when you’re eating a perfectly seared steak and a couple of kabobs!

  • Cooking Area: 153 Square Inches
  • Burner: Charcoal
  • Pros: Anything cooked on this will be delicious. Easy to clean. Affordable.
  • Cons: Heavy. Takes time to cool. Slightly dangerous. Needs maintenance (oiling) every now and then.
  • RRP: $107.99 – ($69.97 on Amazon.)

Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill

7. Fire Sense Notebook Charcoal Grill A clever idea that saves a lot of space,  the Fire Sense folds up like a notebook for storage down to a width of 1-inch. This is perfect for those with a small car or a motor bike who have limited carriage space. The setup is an extremely simple two-step process and it sits slightly higher than some of the other grills at just over 14-inches. However, the painted steel isn’t as robust as the porcelain coated grills and, because of the patented design, charcoal can fall out the bottom of the grill while barbequing.

  • Cooking Area: Approx 150 Square Inches
  • Burner: Charcoal
  • Pros: Very portable. Great for storage. Quick setup.
  • Cons: Not robust. Charcoal Embers not secure.
Cuisinart GrateLifter Portable Charcoal Grill

Cuisinart GrateLifter Portable Charcoal Grill

8. Cuisinart GrateLifter Portable Charcoal Grill The GrateLifter is a very high quality, durable charcoal grill from Cuisinart that has some really nifty features that make it stand out from the others. It has a large cooking area which is attached to the porcelain enamel cover and designed to lift up away from the charcoal bed so you can access the charcoal underneath. The base is very sturdy the the ash collection bin handy for easy cleaning. The GrateLifter also has a temperature gauge built into the lid so you can manage the temperature which is regulated by the precision designed air flow system. This is a very capable grill but, unlike a few others, doesn’t come with side tables or a lock. A lock really is essential for portable grills since you need to avoid spillage during transport!

  • Cooking Area: 240 Square Inches.
  • Burner: Charcoal.
  • Pros: Very capable grill. Robust. Quick setup. Sturdy. Looks nice.
  • Cons: No side tables. No lock. Pricey.
Bayou Classic Fold and Go Charcoal Grill

Bayou Classic Fold and Go Charcoal Grill

9. Bayou Classic Fold & Go Grill The Bayou is exactly what its name suggests: A Classic. When you want simple design you can’t get much more simple that this. The Bayou is focused on essentials: portability and large grilling area. It’s decent quality stainless steel grill is 198 square-inches and the body is black powdercoat finished. It’s cheap, compact, heats up fast and grills well. On the downside it isn’t made from top quality materials and won’t last many seasons of hard-core tailgate grilling. It also doesn’t have an efficient safe catchment area for the undercarriage so you wouldn’t want to use this on any flammable areas.

  • Cooking Area: 198 Square Inches.
  • Burner: Charcoal.
  • Pros: Cheap. Portable. Light weight. Simple. Fast set-up.
  • Cons: Not durable. Not weather-proof.
Margaritaville G1000 Tailgating Propane Grill

Margaritaville Tailgating Propane Grill

10. Margaritaville G1000 Ride-Behind Tailgating Propane Grill The G1000 was designed for the Tailgate Party to be used by the Tailgater while Tailgating.

UPDATE: August 2016: The Margaritaville is unfortunately no longer available! We’ll have updates as soon as it’s back on the market, or we find a better alternative tailgating grill.

It has a swing-out travel arm that attaches directly to the back of a standard 2-inch hitch receiver. But it’s not just a gimmick. This grill packs some real punch with 352 square inches of cooking surface it’s enough to grill up to 20 hamburgers or 4 or 5 good sized steaks with room for some corn. The grill is made from heavy-duty porcelain coated steel and the Margaritaville also features 2 resin side tables, fold down front condiment tray, utensil hooks and has integrated legs if you want to put it on a tab-top. Like the Coleman, it has push-button ignition for matchless startup but has a shorter warranty period of 3 years. It is designed for use with a 1-pound propane tank. This is really one very capable grill that won’t take up any space inside your SUV since it hitches to the back.

  • Cooking Area: 352 Square Inches
  • Burner: 20,000 BTU
  • Pros: Ultra Portable (fits to the back of your vehicle); Robust; Easy to Clean; Fast Ignition
  • Cons: Price; can only be used on a flat surface

BONUS TAILGATE GRILLS:

So that’s the top 10 best grills for your tailgate party. And now for the bonus round!

Here are 4 fantastic little units by Coleman plus 1 from Cuisineart. They aren’t the greatest grills on earth but are really suitable to tailgating because of their small, compact size and clever portable design.

Coleman Roadtrip Tailgate Party Grill

Coleman Roadtrip Tailgate Party Grill

1. Coleman Roadtrip Party Grill A cute little grill designed specifically with tailgating in mind. It uses a small 8,000 BTU burner but the grill is balanced for even cooking via the Perfectflow flame regulator (though it tends to grill hotter in the center like most single burner grills). Like the high-end Coleman grills it has matchless lighting via the InstaStart Ignition and all the components are detachable so you can fold up the unit and pack it away in the carry-bag. Every part of the Coleman Roadtrip Party Grill (except the burners) are dishwasher machine safe which is awesome. It’s not a very sturdy grill but it is easy to set up and very small and portable.

  • Cooking Area: Approx. 120Square Inches
  • Burner: 8,000 BPU
  • Pros: Small. Cheap. Portable. Light Weight.
  • Cons: Unbalanced cooking surface. Not sturdy.
Coleman RoadTrip Sport Charcoal Grill

Coleman RoadTrip Sport Charcoal Grill

2. Coleman RoadTrip Sport Charcoal Grill The smaller cousin to the RoadTrip LX, the Coleman RoadTrip Sport is a decent grill at a decent price and very handy for tailgating. It has a generous 225 Square Inches of grilling area and a porcelain coated grate. It’s lightweight and easy to set up with collapsible legs that improve storage. It does lack the ability to raise or lower the gridiron which means that controlling the temperature is only done by controlling the amount or position of charcoal. The frame is made from durable steel but the handles are plastic.

  • Cooking Area: 225 Square Inches.
  • Burner: Charcoal.
  • Pros: Portable. Fold-up. Easy Setup. Wheels.
  • Cons: Not as robust as more expensive grills.
Coleman PerfectFlow Insta Start Propane Grill

Coleman PerfectFlow Insta Start Propane Grill

3. Coleman PerfectFlow Insta Start Propane Grill A fantastic little grill that is really simple to set up, has a generous grilling area, a quality burner as well as many of the features of the higher-end Coleman grills such as InstaStart matchless lighting, Perfect Flow pressure-control system for consistent cooking performance regardless of the weather or amount of fuel left, Windblock windshield which double up as a side-table, and a grease management system with a removable dishwasher safe tray. The grill plate is good quality die-cast aluminum plated.

  • Cooking Area: 180 Square Inches
  • Burner: 11,000 BTU
  • Pros: Portable. Even cooking. Fast setup. Works when windy.
  • Cons: Difficult to clean. Not designed to cook with lid down.
Coleman Fold N Go Instastart Grill

Coleman Fold N Go Instastart Grill

4. Coleman Fold N Go InstaStart Portable Grill The little brother to the Coleman PerfectFlow at the same price but with more compact size and portability but reduced cooking area and burner power. The Fold N Go really is just what the name suggests. At just 11 pounds it’s light enough for pretty much anyone to carry under one arm which still including the patented Coleman InstaStart matchless ignition as well as dishwasher safe removable porcelain-coated stamped-steel grate and water-tray/grease pan. The dome-shaped lid makes it great for “real grill” cooking performance and heating efficiency. A convenient carry handle and secure lid latch make for easy transport; folding metal feet and handle tuck out of the way when not in use, for compact storage. It tends to be good for things like burgers and wieners.

  • Cooking Area: 100 Square Inches
  • Burner: 6,000 BTU
  • Pros: Ultra compact. Well designed for less mess and easy cleanup.
  • Cons: Small grilling area. Low cooking temperature.
Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill

Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill

5. Cuisinart Petit Gourmet Portable Tabletop Gas Grill  Said by some to be the perfect grill for the tailgate party, the Cuisinart Petit Gourmet has a great fold up design with a ‘briefcase’ handle and is lockable for safe transport. There’s enough room on the cooking area for 8 burgers, 10 chicken breasts or 4 p0ounds of fish. The aluminum legs fold up and out quickly and are very sturdy plus there is a very effective drip tray and an optional carry-bag (that doubles up as a cover).

  • Cooking Area: 145 Square Inches
  • Burner: 5,500 BTU
  • Pros: Ultra compact. Great, portable design. Generous cooking area. Strong burners.
  • Cons: Not as large as some of the more expensive grills.

 

Top 5 Best Tailgate Chairs For The Tailgate Party

Every tailgate party goer needs a good tailgate chair. One of the most important, if not THE most important factors to consider when planning a tailgate party is where you are going to plant your ass. Because you shouldn’t be uncomfortable and you should also know how to do comfort in style. So here’s a handy list of the top 5 best outdoor chairs for the tailgate party.

1. GCI Outdoor PICO Arm Chair

Pico Outdoor Chair For Tailgating

Pico Outdoor Chair

This is the coolest outdoor chair around. Not only is it very comfortable but it folds down to 1/16th of its size – the size of a laptop – via telescoping legs. The carry bag doubles as a storage caddy and it includes a beverage holder (for cans & bottles only – unfortunately there’s nowhere to hold your plastic cup of beer). The PICO supports 250 lbs even though it only weighs 9 lbs. It’s expensive but very high quality aluminium, 600- denier polyester and breathable nylon mesh seat. It can also be used indoors because the feet are nylon-coated and scratch-free! Comes in two colors: Sage; Midnight Blue

2. Picnic Time Portable Reclining Camp Chair

Picnic Time Portable Reclining Camp Chair

Picnic Time Portable Reclining Camp Chair

Ooooh yeah. If you bring this chair to the tailgate no one’s going to be able to convince you to join a game of cornhole – you might not even get up to watch the game. With a padded seat, back rest covered in durable 600D polyester canvas, three seating positions, insulated drink holder, adjustable armrests and a steel frame that can hold up to 300 pounds this will have to be the most comfortable chair at the tailgate party. It might even become your favorite indoor chair. Comes in three colors: Black/Gray; Sage/Gray; Navy

3. NFL Coleman Folding Chair With Carrying Case

NFL Coleman Folding Tailgate Chair With Carrying Case

NFL Coleman

It’s your standard Coleman camp chair with your team logo on the seat – SWEET! These are official licensed chairs so the quality and comfort are superb. Sure, they aren’t as comfortable as a reclining camp chair but you’ll appreciate it when you’re at a game with no bleachers. Come to think of it, you’ll probably be so drunk comfort won’t be an issue. The important thing is that they have your team logo. Period.

4.The Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair

Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Tailgate Chair

Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair

The Kijaro Dual Lock Folding Chair is a very safe chair that locks in both open and closed positions. It’s also extremely comfortable with improved posture and seat support as well as breathable mesh on the back. It can support 300 lbs. However, the best feature is by far that the chair has 2 cup holders. 2 cup holders! Genius.
Comes in 8 colors and various sizes.

5. Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler

Coleman Cooler Quad Chair

Coleman Cooler Quad Chair

Everyone needs a Coleman chair – especially an oversized version. You’ll be the coolest and coziest guy at the tailgate on this padded seat which includes a cooler that holds up to 4 cans and an ice pack. It’s the perfect chair for hours of sitting. Definitely one of the more comfortable outdoor chairs and super sturdy capable of supporting 325 lbs. Also has a mesh cup holder and 13″x9″ program holder.

BONUS BENCH!

Tailgating Insta Bench for 6

Insta Bench

The 6 Seater Insta-Bench by Open Mind is a fully portable, collapsible, lightweight solution to your sitting needs! It doesn’t require any setting up – just unfold it and you have seating for 6 people. The Insta-Bench is made from high density 600D polyester as well as sporting a heavy duty steel frame that allows each seat to hold up to 250lbs even though the entire thing only weighs just 20lbs. Perfect for tailgating with friends – well, at least with 6 friends.