OT: Tailgate Basics For Newbies

[Ozcuse]

Spring is just around the corner...time to talk grills. I wanted to share some thoughts on two portable grills you should consider for for tailgate group.

TexanMark's First Choice

If you plan to cook for no more than 30 folks...both of these should work.

Overall, I like the Weber Q series the best.

I like the 1200 (Amazon $210) over the cheaper 1000 (Amazon $180). You get two little fold out tables and more importantly a grill temperature gauge. It is useful for monitoring the grill and can alert you to a problem quickly. Note: They make a 1200 in Orange as an option.

The larger 2200 even gives you more BTUs and cooking surface. Both are easy to transport. If your budget allows, definitely buy the larger 2200 (Amazon $270). It is bulkier and heavier but most adults of average strength and size should be able to handle it. Bad news: no Orange in the 2200.

You can buy for about $70 a portable cart for either grill. Weber offers lots of optional parts.

If you don't buy the cart, be sure to cook on a metal table. Do not cook on hard plastic tables.

Q Series | Gas Grills | Weber Grills

TexanMark's Second Choice

Coleman Roadtrip LXE Grill is a solid choice for those on a budget (Amazon $150). It does allow several options like a griddle plate and a burner ring. The Coleman LXX model has 2000 more BTUs. I've had both and they do not last as long as the Weber Q series. The Coleman's best advantage is the cart is built into the grill. It makes it handy for tailgates.

The LXE and LXX grills are being phased out. Be on the lookout for a clearance deal on one.

They are bringing out the New Coleman 285. It looks essentially the same. I have never used it but it looks like it should be a fine replacement for the LXE/LXX Grills. The new grill offers Orange as a color option.

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill



Finally, be sure to buy one of those cheap tarps at WalMart, Big Lots, Harbor Freight, etc...line it over your trunk or SUV bed for grill transport. You definitely will want to dump your grease out of the trap and wipe down the inside to avoid grease dripping on said tarp.

All the grills can be easily modified to cook with a 20lbs propane tank versus the 1lbs Green spin on Propane cylinders.

If you are on a serious budget, you can start out with a small portable grill and use it with a table. This one looks like a very good value right now. This one comes with a full size propane tank connector. You would need to buy an adapter to use small disposable 1lbs cylinders.

I purchased the Q1200 last year and it's easily the best tailgating grill (maybe best grill period) I've ever owned. Being able to swap between 20 lb tanks for home use and the green canisters for tailgating is great. The grill cooks everything well and for a grill is pretty easy to clean. If you want to see it in action I'll have it up at SkyTop this season grilling chicken wing sausage and blue cheese burgers.

I've also purchased a bunch of accessories that have made it more fun and convenient however much more expensive. Here are my thoughts before going nuts on Weber accessories

- Cast iron flat griddle which replaces 1/2 of the grates so I can make breakfast tailgate foods. $50 on Amazon, it's not very big about the size of a small laptop. You could probably do without it and use a grill safe pan (may have trouble closing the grill though) and it would be easier to clean.

-Cart/grilling stand. This thing is pretty cool. The one I got was $60, has wheels and a scissor construction system allowing the entire thing to be folded and wheeled around. Pretty good but it's not super solid built so don't beat on it. Money well spent imo.

-Weber 20 lb tank adapter for Q series grills. This thing has paid for itself already allowing me to use one 20lb tank all summer vs getting a couple uses per green coleman canister. It cost around $20 and you may be able to find an off-brand cheaper but I wanted something specifically designed for the Weber grill and it works perfectly.

 

[dan7800]

This is the only grill people need.

 

[KaiserUEO]

This is the only grill people need.

View attachment 154889

Resourceful

 

[RandomGuy]

WRONG WRONG WRONG and MORE WRONG

You are tailgating, now is the time to go back to charcoal. You can get a Weber Smokey joe for like $20

View attachment 154856

If you don’t want to bend over and you ha e a little more room, for like $80 upgrade to this...

View attachment 154857
Get Kingsford charcoal,,,,Thank me later.

Have you tried Cowboy charcoal? (natural hardwood, no coal, fillers , etc...). I use it in junction with apple/hickory/mesquite, etc. Wood chunks for smoking. In that context, it's good for using less chunks, without losing flavor .

Curious how it performs in straight up grilling... And for that matter, have you tried straight up smoking wood chunks?

 

[KaiserUEO]

Have you tried Cowboy charcoal? (natural hardwood, no coal, fillers , etc...). I use it in junction with apple/hickory/mesquite, etc. Wood chunks for smoking. In that context, it's good for using less chunks, without losing flavor .

Curious how it performs in straight up grilling... And for that matter, have you tried straight up smoking wood chunks?

I’ve used both, they’re both very good.

What usually happens to me is I’ll be in Home Depot for lawn shlit and they will be selling 2 20lb bags of Kingsford as a pack for $20 with a 2 pack limit per sale and I’ll grab 2 each day over a weekend or 2...and be set for the season.

 

[RandomGuy]

I’ve used both, they’re both very good.

What usually happens to me is I’ll be in Home Depot for lawn shlit and they will be selling 2 20lb bags of Kingsford as a pack for $20 with a 2 pack limit per sale and I’ll grab 2 each day over a weekend or 2...and be set for the season.

Ahh... Very budget friendly.

Notice any difference in smoke flavor, between the cowboy lump/real wood chunks vs. Kingsford? For smoking, it's a no brainer. Curious if that carries over-even slightly- to charcoal grilling.

 

[TexanMark]

I've used charcoal for years on the hill and never set anyone's car on fire. Stupid is as stupid does.

How do you get rid of the hot coals?

 

[DNABB5]

If you are slicing and grilling hot peppers, be very cognoscente of which hand to use later when you need to pee.

 

[TexanMark]

If you are slicing and grilling hot peppers, be very cognoscente of which hand to use later when you need to pee.

TMI

We have hand sanitizer set out...but I like that Buzzfeed article Kelly linked showing that improvised wash station. We'll get that going next fall.

 

[TexanMark]

I purchased the Q1200 last year and it's easily the best tailgating grill (maybe best grill period) I've ever owned. Being able to swap between 20 lb tanks for home use and the green canisters for tailgating is great. The grill cooks everything well and for a grill is pretty easy to clean. If you want to see it in action I'll have it up at SkyTop this season grilling chicken wing sausage and blue cheese burgers.

I've also purchased a bunch of accessories that have made it more fun and convenient however much more expensive. Here are my thoughts before going nuts on Weber accessories

- Cast iron flat griddle which replaces 1/2 of the grates so I can make breakfast tailgate foods. $50 on Amazon, it's not very big about the size of a small laptop. You could probably do without it and use a grill safe pan (may have trouble closing the grill though) and it would be easier to clean.

-Cart/grilling stand. This thing is pretty cool. The one I got was $60, has wheels and a scissor construction system allowing the entire thing to be folded and wheeled around. Pretty good but it's not super solid built so don't beat on it. Money well spent imo.

-Weber 20 lb tank adapter for Q series grills. This thing has paid for itself already allowing me to use one 20lb tank all summer vs getting a couple uses per green coleman canister. It cost around $20 and you may be able to find an off-brand cheaper but I wanted something specifically designed for the Weber grill and it works perfectly.

Agreed, you can use a generic hose adapter but I went with the Weber for $5-10 more. The 2200 fits on the same cart. If you ever decide you want to go bigger you can use the same cart.

 

[KaiserUEO]

How do you get rid of the hot coals?

You find a fan of the enemy and dump the coals on his plate and table.

 

[Pyle]

How do you get rid of the hot coals?

Honestly...time. You can't charcoal if you're in it for a quick gate. I arrive about 3 hours early and I have the grill setup and lit before I even grab a beer. Cooking is done with about 2 hours to go before game time. Charcoal is usually completely burned out by the time you have to leave. I'm also not cooking for 20, so it's easily dealt with. If there is still a hot spot, then a lil water will take care of it.

 

[TexanMark]

Honestly...time. You can't charcoal if you're in it for a quick gate. I arrive about 3 hours early and I have the grill setup and lit before I even grab a beer. Cooking is done with about 2 hours to go before game time. Charcoal is usually completely burned out by the time you have to leave. I'm also not cooking for 20, so it's easily dealt with. If there is still a hot spot, then a lil water will take care of it.

Yeah we cook for 150 so propane is our friend and sternos for the warming trays.

 

[RandomGuy]

Before I asked my previous question, on types of charcoal, I didn't realize that there is a huge debate on the subject.

I prefer all natural, that I can use to supplement my smoker. Here's a decent review on the lump variety.. looks like I'll be trying some different products.

Best Lump Charcoal · March 2019 - STUNNING Reviews [Updated] + BONUS

 

[Trueblue25]

Tall smokey joe or die

 

[KaiserUEO]

Yeah we cook for 150 so propane is our friend and sternos for the warming trays.

So you’re basically talking about 3 different types of tailgaters.

1. The people who show up 5 hours early to cook for 150 & propane is likely the smart call.

2. The people who show up 5 hours early to do a proper tailgate and cook with coals for few.

3. And the lazy-ass bullshit people who show up 2 hours before kick and expect great food and cold beer be handed to them. And maybe...they’ll leave a $5 for the effort.

 

[TexanMark]

Bump...it is time to start thinking about your tailgate

New season ticket holders...read this thread. Lots of good info. Start small: 8' x10' canopy will keep you confined to one parking spot. Perfect for groups 12 and under. Get a small high quality grill. I recommend the Weber Q 1200. A medium sized cooler. You don't need a Yeti just a Coleman or Igloo. You aren't tailgating for 10 days. You will need either the Weber stand or a portable metal table for the grill. Also, grab a plastic folding clam shell table. These basic items will get you off to a great start.

 

[KellySyracuse]

tailgating must haves:

1. non scented baby wipes, keep plenty of these so people can clean their hands after using the blue boy, especially if you don't go with #3 in this list.
2. hand sanitizer
3. you can re-purpose a laundry soap container that has the spout into a hand washing station, fill it with water and keep hand soap and paper towels next to it.
4. extra ziploc bags for leftovers.
5. spray cleaner and a couple of dish towels for clean ups/spills/gross looking tables - you get the idea.
6. a few clothes pins for sealing up chip bags that did not get dispensed into a separate bowl or use the ziplocs you brought. And folks, don't make people reach into chip bags, put those mofo's in a bowl or on a plate for easy access.
7. keep an extra set of tongs, serving spoons, forks and a bowl/platter for food that people bring to your tailgate.
8. Plastic shot glasses/cups.
9. a cork screw
10. extra cool cups/koozies for beer cans and bottles
11. make sure you have a container or shopping bag designated for the dirty stuff that needs to go back into the house for cleaning. It's much easier than trying to weed through a gillion containers hastily thrown into the back of the truck, especially if you have folks that offer to help you pack up the tailgate.

 

[TexanMark]

I've gone away from large chip bags due to folks aversion to who's hands have been in there.

It is more expensive but I've gone with small snack size individual bags. Less waste and no large bags of chips opened with one handful taken out.

 

[KellySyracuse]

my next lesson will be on setting up a tailgate bloody mary bar, stay tuned.

 

[KellySyracuse]

I've gone away from large chip bags due to folks aversion to who's hands have been in there.

It is more expensive but I've gone with small snack size individual bags. Less waste and no large bags of chips opened with one handful taken out.

I don't do the giant tailgates where we know how many people may be showing up so it's always a mystery on game day. I like the snack size bag option though, especially since I can get 36 in a case. I will definitely put it in the rotation this year.

My biggest conundrum is convincing people that if we need help packing up we'll put you to work. I know people like to be helpful but sometimes it's more work figuring out where stuff ends up or how to pack it all back into the truck when it's not stowed properly.

 

[TexanMark]

This^

When I do roadies I like to start quietly to put some things away. Folks like to be helpful but like you said stuff gets strewn everywhere in your car if you are not there.

My big pet peeve: folks that bring some piece of equipment or cooler or food and they leave it out and head to the game without securing it.

 

[KellySyracuse]

Hopefully there won't be many nooner's this season like the past 20 some years, however you may find yourself setting up your tailgate at 8am for an early game. Here is what you need for a successful bloody mary bar:

If you're going to make your own mix do it the night before. Don't plan to make homemade bloody mary's on game day unless you only have a few people in your group. I've done this for a small crowd of 15 and spent the whole time mixing up drinks for everyone.

You need a good mix, I buy Zing Zang because it is a great base to work from without being over the top, Price Chopper and Wegman's have it for about $4.99 a bottle.

You need a good bottle of vodka, a cocktail shaker, a separate cooler of ice, a bowl of fresh cut limes, cups and straws for the final presentation.

For your bar:
olives, pickled beans, pickled jalapeno's, horseradish, celery salt, tabasco and any other hot sauce you want to bring. You also need either V8 or tomato juice, fresh cut lemons and limes are essential. Any other thing you may like such as grilled shrimp, celery stalks, bacon strips, these items are for the show.

Stack your shaker with ice and throw in a shot of vodka, add the hot sauce/horseradish/pickle juice according to your guest's preference and use half Zing Zang, half tomato juice/V8 and a squeeze of a lemon and lime wedge. Shake and pour into the cup, add your extra's skewered (bacon/shrimp/olive/pickled bean/jalapeno) on a toothpick or cocktail sword with a shake of celery salt on top and throw in a celery stalk and a wedge of lime

 

[nzm136]

Cuse fans, we fortunately are getting more folks buying season tickets. I figure we get some discussion going on things you need to acquire before September for your tailgate. Tailgating is wonderful way to spend time with friends before the game. I recommend arriving a minimum of 2 hours before kickoff.

Start small first but here are the minimum basics you need:

1. 10' x 10' canopy (straight legged canopies are more expensive but allow you to install sidewalls in cold/wet weather vs slanted legs)
If you plan to tailgate at NFL Stadiums I suggest the 8' x 10' sized canopy
2. Canopy weight plates (required on days when the winds are above 10 mph or you risk a tumbling airfoil)
3. Small propane Grill with metal table or stand
4. Medium Size Cooler
5. Plastic Clam Shell folding table

We have a more detailed discussion over here: Tailgating Tips + Gear Thread

6. Don’t ruin your chicken by over cooking it. Only cowards cook their poultry beyond medium rare.

(Before some idiot takes my advice and cooks/serves rare chicken and then blames me for the ensuing tragedy, I’m joking.)

 

[OburgOrange]

Hopefully there won't be many nooner's this season like the past 20 some years, however you may find yourself setting up your tailgate at 8am for an early game. Here is what you need for a successful bloody mary bar:

If you're going to make your own mix do it the night before. Don't plan to make homemade bloody mary's on game day unless you only have a few people in your group. I've done this for a small crowd of 15 and spent the whole time mixing up drinks for everyone.

You need a good mix, I buy Zing Zang because it is a great base to work from without being over the top, Price Chopper and Wegman's have it for about $4.99 a bottle.

You need a good bottle of vodka, a cocktail shaker, a separate cooler of ice, a bowl of fresh cut limes, cups and straws for the final presentation.

For your bar:
olives, pickled beans, pickled jalapeno's, horseradish, celery salt, tabasco and any other hot sauce you want to bring. You also need either V8 or tomato juice, fresh cut lemons and limes are essential. Any other thing you may like such as grilled shrimp, celery stalks, bacon strips, these items are for the show.

Stack your shaker with ice and throw in a shot of vodka, add the hot sauce/horseradish/pickle juice according to your guest's preference and use half Zing Zang, half tomato juice/V8 and a squeeze of a lemon and lime wedge. Shake and pour into the cup, add your extra's skewered (bacon/shrimp/olive/pickled bean/jalapeno) on a toothpick or cocktail sword with a shake of celery salt on top and throw in a celery stalk and a wedge of lime

How about some Clamato mix for Caesars?