Fall is here, and weekends are all about college and pro football again. Watching the game from your couch isn't always exciting enough, though. Fortunately, eating, drinking and chatting up other fans at a tailgate can make the game day experience a little more special.
Sign up for the BestReviews newsletter: Exclusive deals and expert picks, in your inbox.
If you enjoy sharing your favorite foods and drinks in the stadium parking lot before big games, you know how important it is to have the right gear. From a gas griddle for burgers to a cast-iron Dutch oven for chili and stew to a pizza oven for pizzeria-quality pies, you want the right tools in your tailgating arsenal to make the tastiest meals possible.
In this article: Blackstone 2-Burner Griddle, Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet and Solo Stove Fire Pit 2.0
The BestReviews Testing Lab tested some of the hottest tailgating gear on the market to see how well it performed for game day cooking and socializing. Check out our favorite products that can make preparing delicious snacks and drinks for the big game a little easier.
Every month, the BestReviews Testing Lab tests products that are trending online or made by popular brands in real-world situations, so our testers can see how well they perform. Our team uses the items just as any regular consumer would, allowing the Lab to evaluate how effective the products are, how easy they are to use and any other features that distinguish them from similar products.
Whether you want to enjoy burgers, chicken wings or sausage and peppers, this propane-powered griddle is perfect for game day. With its folding legs and removable flat top, the Testing Lab loves how easy it is to transport to the stadium or park. It fully preheats in less than 15 minutes and has independent dials that allow for two different heating zones.
You won't get cold on chilly autumn game days with this easy-to-use fire pit. The Testing Lab loves how portable it is, thanks to its lightweight design and included carrying bag. We were also thrilled with how little smoke it produced and how little cleanup was necessary after use.
Subscribe to BestReviews on Substack for the top trending product news of the week.
Make delicious pizzas at your next tailgating event with this outdoor pizza oven. It needed just about 15 minutes to heat to 700 degrees and only two or three minutes to cook each pizza during our testing. Weighing just over 30 pounds, it is portable enough to take to the big game too.
This gas-powered pizza oven is another Testing Lab favorite because it is easy to use and requires little maintenance. It weighs under 30 pounds, and the pizza stone separates from the body, making it easy to take on the go. We made pizzas in as little as 60 seconds, so it is one of the most efficient pizza ovens we tested.
Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer with 7-Quart MegaZone
If you want your tailgating food to be a little healthier, this air fryer is perfect for making chicken wings, hot dogs, french fries and more "fried" goodies. We love that it doesn't require any preheating to cook foods quickly and gets food crispy with no oil. It was large enough to fit an entire package of hot dogs during our testing.
Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven
The Ninja Woodfire 8-in-1 Outdoor Oven is a versatile option for tailgating, letting you cook everything from pizza to barbecue right at the game. When we tested it, we found the smoker function to be incredibly convenient, and the multiple cooking modes delivered consistent results. Its compact size makes it easy to transport and perfect for setting up in small tailgating spaces, while its 700-degree max temperature ensures you can whip up crowd-pleasing meals without needing multiple appliances.
The Igloo Roller Cooler is a tailgating essential, combining portability and performance in a compact design. In our testing, we loved how the sturdy wheels and telescoping handle made it easy to roll across sidewalks and parking lots, though softer surfaces like grass were a bit trickier. With a 16-quart capacity and eco-friendly insulation, it’s perfect for keeping drinks cold for about three hours, making it ideal for day trips, beach outings and game-day tailgates.
YETI Rambler 12-oz. Colster Can Insulator
The YETI Rambler Colster Can Insulator is a must-have for tailgating, keeping your cans ice cold for hours without freezing your hands. When we tested it, we were impressed by its durable, rugged design and how easy it was to use – just drop in the can and screw on the lid. With sleek color options and dishwasher-safe convenience, it’s a perfect companion for game day or a thoughtful gift for any beer lover.
Owala 40-oz Stainless Steel Tumbler
The Owala 40-ounce tumbler is a must-have for tailgating, offering exceptional temperature control and durability for long days outdoors. In testing, we found it kept drinks ice-cold for over 12 hours, even in warm conditions, with its double-wall insulation living up to the hype. The ergonomic handle and splash-resistant lid make it easy to carry and sip on the go, and it fits perfectly in standard cup holders. Sturdy, leak-resistant, and stylish, it’s an excellent choice for staying hydrated at the game or anywhere else.
The Moon Lence Portable Chairs are a fantastic option for tailgating, offering lightweight portability and surprising comfort for outdoor seating. In testing, we found the chairs easy to set up in under a minute, with magnetic legs that snap into place intuitively. While folding them back into the carrying bag takes a bit more effort, their compact size and carrying case make them a breeze to transport. These chairs are perfect for beach days, park picnics or pre-game lounging, providing stability on various surfaces and a cozy, low-to-the-ground design ideal for casual outdoor relaxation.
The JBL Charge 5 Portable Speaker is a rugged, tailgating-ready option with powerful sound and an ultra-durable build. In our testing, we found it excelled in battery life, lasting 14 hours beyond the advertised 20 hours at moderate volume. Its compact size and waterproof design make it easy to toss into a bag for game day, though its mono sound and some Bluetooth switching issues were slight drawbacks. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who value portability and vibe-setting volume over high-fidelity audio.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station is a compact, lightweight solution perfect for tailgating, camping or powering small devices on the go. In our testing, we found its fast charging speed impressive, fully recharging in under an hour via AC power, and its near-silent operation made it ideal for outdoor events. While its 245Wh capacity is better suited for low-wattage devices or short-term use, its portability and durable build make it a great option for those who prioritize convenience over extended runtime. However, users with higher power needs may find better value in slightly larger models.
Stanley The Camp Pour-Over Coffee Set
The Stanley Perfect Brew Pour-Over Set is a durable, eco-friendly coffee maker designed for outdoor enthusiasts and tailgaters who love fresh coffee on the go. In testing, we found its stainless steel filter eliminates the need for disposable filters, making it both sustainable and easy to use. While the filter requires a slightly coarser grind to avoid clogging, the setup is simple, and the rugged design ensures it’s perfect for outdoor events.
The GoSports Bocce Ball Set is a fun addition to tailgating or outdoor gatherings, offering an easy-to-learn game that works well as a casual group activity. During testing, we appreciated the high-quality, durable resin balls with a sleek design that rolled smoothly on hard surfaces. However, the flimsy canvas bag made carrying the set awkward, and the small white target ball was difficult to use on grass. While it’s great for lighthearted fun at parties, it’s best suited as a background activity rather than the main event.
Progressive Collapsible Entertaining 4-in-1 Carrier
The Progressive International Portable Serving Platter proved to be a lifesaver during a recent family potluck. We tested it by transporting various foods to an event and everything stayed perfectly intact thanks to the secure snap-lock lid and divided trays. Its collapsible design made storage easy once the dish was served, and cleanup was a breeze since it’s dishwasher-safe. With enough room to hold dishes like a 9-inch-by-13-inch pan or even a two-layer cake, this platter is a practical solution for anyone who frequently brings food to gatherings, tailgates or events.
The ease of set-up and mobility made this an instant editors' favorite. This hammock chair delivers all the relaxation of a hammock, without the uncertainty that you'll be able to stay on it that regular hammocks bring. There is no awkwardness when climbing in and, once in, the length of the hammock stretches to accomodate a full extension of the body. This is one of the best gifts we've tested this year. It's so comfortable — you will not regret this buy.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
