Tailgating Grill - advice needed

[MLiebler]

Doing a large tailgate next week (15 people). I normally would use my WeberQ 1200 but they want wings, brats and hamburgers so I’m gonna need more real estate. Has anyone brought a kettle to a tailgate, how hard is it to breakdown etc. Thinking about getting a jumbo Joe premium 22 from wall-mart or either a base model 18 or (another) 22.

 

[Rick P]

Doing a large tailgate next week (15 people). I normally would use my WeberQ 1200 but they want wings, brats and hamburgers so I’m gonna need more real estate. Has anyone brought a kettle to a tailgate, how hard is it to breakdown etc. Thinking about getting a jumbo Joe premium 22 from wall-mart or either a base model 18 or (another) 22.

I bring kettles to our tailgates,(sometimes), but we have 100+ people at ours, so I'm not the only cook. I own several kettles, including an 18" Jumbo Joe and have taken both the 18" & 22" to the tailgates. If you only take one grill, then I suggest a standard 22". They break down easily. Just pull out the legs and set the bowl and lid upside down. I would take the Q1200 too, mainly for the brats. Good Luck and hope this helps!

Edit: if you want to save time, pre-cook the brats at home and re-heat 'em on the grill at the tailgate. It's a big time saver.

 

[Mike-GA]

I don’t tailgate but when I go camping, I can comfortably cook for about 12 people using a Traveler (usually griddle plates and sometimes SS grates) and/or a regular 18” Jumbo Joe on a foldable table.

 

[DanHoo]

I'd pickup a used 22 inch kettle.

here's one in charlotte for $30

edit: It may be a jumbo joe premium. I was in a rush this morning and didn't look closely.

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[timothy]

When I took my SJP to the games I used a metal tub to transport it in and the charcoal. Kept it from moving around and controlled any mess.
Flipped it over and used it as a stand to set it on.

 

[Richard S]

If you can deal with the spent coals safely once the tailgate is over a 22 would be great. They do break down easily. It just takes some time management to get the cook done and then give it time to cool down before you break it down and head to the game.

 

[timothy]

Actually the first time I saw a blackstone was tailgating, they were all over the place.

 

[MLiebler]

Gonna catch hell from the wife for this, but I went for broke and bought the USA kettle online from Walmart. Says it will be here by Thursday.

…. and yes I am taking advantage of the situation to get one!

 

[DanHoo]

Lock it up so it doesn't fly away

 

[Bob Bailey]

Old Smokey, either 18" or 22". Cheap, light weight and portable. Stone Age grill made in the USA.

 

[MLiebler]

I bring kettles to our tailgates,(sometimes), but we have 100+ people at ours, so I'm not the only cook. I own several kettles, including an 18" Jumbo Joe and have taken both the 18" & 22" to the tailgates. If you only take one grill, then I suggest a standard 22". They break down easily. Just pull out the legs and set the bowl and lid upside down. I would take the Q1200 too, mainly for the brats. Good Luck and hope this helps!

Edit: if you want to save time, pre-cook the brats at home and re-heat 'em on the grill at the tailgate. It's a big time saver.

Precook as in a beer bath, grilled or something else?

 

[Rick P]

Precook as in a beer bath, grilled or something else?

Yup!
Saute some sliced onions in a sauce pan with butter...when they're soft add beer, brats and gently simmer until they hit 160-165. Reheat them on the grill over medium-high heat until they're nicely browned. You can keep them warm in a beer bath at the tailgate after you pull 'em off the grill.