#14 Best Grill for Tailgating 2023
Thank God, it’s BBQ weekend! Celebrate your tailgating BBQ party with this best grill for tailgating, for the love of BBQ!
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Tailgate parties are a cultural interest in every culture. These gatherings are usually held outside the home, in places like stadiums, roofs, patios, decks, or campgrounds. It is important to come prepared with food preparations and equipment to provide optimum pleasure. Typically, tailgate parties follow a set of rules, which include no open flames and staying within your designated area.
There’s no denying that grilling is the foundation of any great tailgate party. As a result, you’ll want to make sure you’re supplied with the best tailgate grill available. The best tailgate grills have three characteristics: portable, reliable, and versatile. Having said that, it’s also important to balance those three factors against the grill’s overall cost. Thus, this article will help you to get the most suitable, affordable, high-quality grill for tailgating!
Table of contents
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1.Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Grill: 3 adjustable burners, Easy setup
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2.Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill: Infinite control burner settings
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3.HitchFire Forge 15 Hitch Grill: Versatile, durable, easy to carry anywhere
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4.Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill: Super-Portable, easy assembly
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5.Cuisinart CGG-180TB Portable Propane: Compact enough to take anywhere
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6.Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill: All in one design, grill on any surface
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7.Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill: Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
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8.Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill: Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
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9.Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch: Compact & lightweight for grilling on the go
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10.Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill: Easy to set up and folding
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11.Blackstone Tailgater 2 Burner Portable Gas Grill: Portable & durable with dual Cooking surface
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12.Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill: Infinite control burner valve
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13.Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill: Compact & lightweight for grilling on the go
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14.Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Tabletop Propane Grill: Cooks evenly like a larger grill, take it anywhere
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.
What to look for in purchasing a grill for tailgating?
Tailgating usually takes place in the parking lot before a sports event, thus portability is an important feature to look for in a tailgating grill. Fuel Type – If your vehicle is already crowded with people, you won’t have much room for tailgating goods, so think about the type of fuel your grill requires. Ease of Cleaning – After a long day of tailgating, the last thing you’ll want to do is go through a 10-step grill cleaning regimen. Thus, make sure your grill is made of material that is easy to clean.
Can I set up your grill in a truck bed?
Because heat may harm vehicle paint and set tents on fire, it’s better to grill away from the celebration. That means barbecuing on the ground rather than grass, which is flammable.
How long on average do tabletop propane grills run on one cylinder?
The amount of time your grill can run on a single one-pound cylinder of propane is determined by the number of BTUs it creates. If it is a higher number, the grill’s runtime will be shorter than if it is a smaller amount. However, one cylinder of gas should last you for about two hours of grilling time on average.
Which one is better, gas or charcoal tailgate grill?
Because they are easier to transport, ignite, regulate (temperature), and burn cleanly, gas tailgate barbecues are quite popular. Charcoal grills, on the other hand, are preferred for one reason: they provide a characteristic smokey taste, particularly to meat. However, if you prefer a smoked taste, use charcoal. Otherwise, the cleaner, more convenient gas kind is preferable.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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Coleman
RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Grill | #1 | Amazon Amazon.com eBay |
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Weber
Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill | #2 | Amazon Weber.com eBay |
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HitchFire
Forge 15 Hitch Grill | #3 | Amazon Hitchfire.com eBay |
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Weber
Go-Anywhere Gas Grill | #4 | Amazon Weber.com eBay |
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Cuisinart
CGG-180TB Portable Propane | #5 | Amazon Homedepot.com eBay |
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Everdure
CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill | #6 | Amazon Food52.com eBay |
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Weber
Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill | #7 | Amazon Target.com eBay |
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Weber
Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill | #8 | Amazon Weber.com eBay |
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Weber
Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch | #9 | Amazon Weber.com eBay |
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Weber
Traveler Portable Gas Grill | #10 | Amazon Weber.com eBay |
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Blackstone
Tailgater 2 Burner Portable Gas Grill | #11 | Amazon Blackstoneproducts.com eBay |
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Weber
Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill | #12 | Amazon Homedepot.com eBay |
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Weber
Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill | #13 | Amazon Weber.com eBay |
![]()
Cuisinart
CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Tabletop Propane Grill | #14 | Amazon Homedepot.com eBay |
14 List of Best Grill for Tailgating
- Have a problem
with this product?#1Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Grill
3 adjustable burners, Easy setup
1 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Barbecue has sturdy quick-fold legs and two wheels for convenient setup, takedown, and transport, making it easy to take your grill camping or tailgating. Select your heat with the increased temperature control of three independently controllable burners after pressing the Instastart ignition button for unmatched lighting (outer left, inner, outer right).
You’ll impress your guests and family with a variety of flawlessly cooked meats, fish, or vegetables every time with a range of grilling power from 3,250 to 20,000 BTUs and 285 sq. in. of cast iron grill grates coated in porcelain.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Easy to carry, very lightweight, & portable Electronic ignition with button
Easy to clean
Has removable cooking grates
Has pull-out side tables for dishes & tools
Develops power up to 20,000 BTUCons (reasons to avoid)
Slightly wobbly when standing on uneven ground
Side tables are made of plasticWhat other experts liked
The grease management system makes it easy to clean. Foldable legs with durable wheels make it portable and easy to transport. Ready to use straight out of the box.What other experts didn't like
The style of the hard plastic wheel needs improvement because I find they stick a lot and don’t rotate very well. The more uncomfortable handles and a wobbly right side stand are marks against it as a reliable and comfortable to use a grill. - Have a problem
with this product?#2Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Infinite control burner settings
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:A portable gas grill that can be used on your deck or patio and is light and portable enough to carry with you may be really useful. With all of Weber’s typical durability and careful design, the Q1200 is built to suit this bill. It is also created with the intention of being able to sit on a tabletop.
On a typical workday, it may be found on your patio table. When you want to take it to a tailgating party, a beach trip, or a camping trip, it can sit on the tailgate of your vehicle or a picnic table just as readily. It’s also worth mentioning that the Q1200 is compatible with the 6557 portable carts.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Excellent quality
Easy to use
Cart for home use available
Can use a griddle
Can use larger gas tanksCons (reasons to avoid)
Problems with small gas canisters
Some temperature control knob problems
Not too great for low temperatureWhat other experts liked
Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill is available in six colors. Includes adapter hose. Vinyl cover feature to prevent burning. Comes with a griddle to cook eggs/bacon. Holds heat consistently.What other experts didn't like
Need long time to heats. The grills are too heavy to flip. - Have a problem
with this product?#3HitchFire Forge 15 Hitch Grill
Versatile, durable, easy to carry anywhere
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The HitchFire adventure barbecue is versatile and durable. This long-lasting grill is made of steel and is powder-coated. This grill is 18″ by 22″ and has 355 square inches of cooking surface, plenty to serve everyone. When both burners are used, the total BTU output is 15000. It’s also known as a tailgating grill, foldable grill, camper grill, or road trip grill.
Also, the grills can be hitched in and carried anywhere thanks to its innovative hitch system. This implies you’ll have extra room! A totally removable grill can be converted into a tabletop grill with built-in legs.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Great & sturdy design
Easy to assembly
Perfect for camping, tailgating, etc
Suitable for cookingCons (reasons to avoid)
Cost is a bit high but justifiedWhat other experts liked
This grill can attach to your truck’s hitch receiver with a swing arm. Two independently controlled burners help temperature control. Versatile, a tabletop base stand is available.What other experts didn't like
A little on the heavy side. This grill uses one 1 pound propane tank per burner. - Have a problem
with this product?#4Weber Go-Anywhere Gas Grill
Super-Portable, easy assembly
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Weber Go-Anywhere portable gas grill is compact enough to take with you. Beachgoers, campers, tailgaters, and Roadtrippers who like cooking in the great outdoors will love this portable gas grill. This gas grill gets hot enough to sear a burger or a steak, but it can also give superb results at lower temperatures thanks to porcelain-enameled grilling grates engineered to prevent flare-ups.
The Go-Anywhere gas grill’s lid and bowl are made of premium-grade steel with baked-on porcelain enamel on the inside and exterior. This grill is perfect for tailgating cooking, and BBQ meats.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Lightweight & portable
Durable porcelain-coated construction
Heats up and ready to use quickly
The Flavorizer bar gives a good even cook
Good value for moneyCons (reasons to avoid)
Legs can bend if put under pressure
Not enough cooking space for large groups
The new cooking grate makes cleaning more difficultWhat other experts liked
Steel legs pivot for portability. Cools down instantly for a quick wipe up inside and pack up for travel. Easy to clean.What other experts didn't like
The preheating times are very slow. - Have a problem
with this product?#5Cuisinart CGG-180TB Portable Propane
Compact enough to take anywhere
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:One of the best propane grills for camping and tailgating is Cuisinart’s CGG-180TB Portable Propane. The grilling power is just 5,500 BTU, which isn’t exactly a standout feature, but the 145 square inch cooktop size is enough for two or three people to grill.
This grill includes folding legs that allow it to be stored compactly, although they aren’t particularly long. It includes a rapid ignition button and a temperature monitor that allows you to manage the temperature required to grill perfect steaks as you prefer.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Lightweight & compact
Has the built-in convenience of being portable
Powered by any standard 110-120 volt
Full stainless steel body, easy to clean upCons (reasons to avoid)
Can only use one of those disposable cylinders of propane
Relatively small cooking area of only 180 square inchesWhat other experts liked
Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat for safe handling. Equipped with an integrated lid lock to keep the lid secure during transportation. The compact size makes it easy to store and maneuver.What other experts didn't like
Report of plastic components melting due to regular use. Inadequate quality igniter - Have a problem
with this product?#6Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill
All in one design, grill on any surface
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill is made of lightweight steel with cool-to-the-touch handles for convenient travel. It’s the ultimate camp stove for grilling outside. Use it as a tailgate barbecue with family and friends, or take it to the beach as a portable BBQ.
Use the Cube barbecue grill anyplace since it comes with an integrated base that protects any surface. It’s the ideal tabletop charcoal barbecue, tailgating grill, RV grill, or travel grill thanks to the built-in heat safety barrier. The grill has folding legs that offer a sturdy and robust platform when in use and can be easily folded away when not in use.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Super portable & easy to carry
Keeps the surface underneath cool
Easy to clean
Spacious enough to accommodate cookwareCons (reasons to avoid)
The grilling grate could use some improvement
Probably too small to effectively feed a crowdWhat other experts liked
Comes with food-grade storage trays. A high-quality porcelain-enameled firebox. Chrome handles for maneuverability.What other experts didn't like
No cart or supporting legs with this grill. - Have a problem
with this product?#7Weber Smokey Joe 14-Inch Portable Grill
Compact and lightweight for grilling on the go
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Gather your friends, put on the game, and slap some burgers on the grill. Enjoy the simplicity of just hanging out with good company while cooking on this Weber 10020 Smokey Joe charcoal BBQ! It’s small enough to carry with you almost any place, yet it can grill just about everything. In this compact bundle, you’ll find good moments and food. The charcoal goes down at the bottom on top of the smaller grate, which is self-evident. Simple yet useful are the top and bottom vents.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Large cooking area, 147 sq
Adjustable vents on top & bottom
Coated with porcelain-enamel
Excellent lightweight design
An aluminum ash catcher makes it easy to cleanCons (reasons to avoid)
The bottom vents of the smoker get clogged & can limit the airflow sometimes
The legs of the smoker are thin & may bend easilyWhat other experts liked
Features plated steel cooking grate that effectively retains heat. Equipped with a handle that allows to lift the lid easily. Comes in a convenient size that holds up to 5 burgers at once.What other experts didn't like
Not large enough to handle many dinners. Safety needs to be taken when cleaning. Grate may be prone to rust and corrosion. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Weber Q2200 Liquid Propane Grill
Porcelain-enameled, cast iron cooking grates
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Weber Q 2200 is a liquid propane grill that is simple to maintain, modest in size, and adaptable, making it suitable for small outdoor areas and groups. Despite its reduced size (280 square inches of grilling surface), the Q 2200 is still capable of reaching temperatures of 550 degrees.
The grilling area enables you to prepare whole meals, making it an ideal addition to your balcony or next camping trip. The shell is made of metal that has been cast. This helps to keep the heat in the grill, which is better than other portable gas grills, which lose a lot of heat due to their thin steel shells.
Pros (reasons to buy)
An easily maintained split grate
Strong build quality
Portable
Roomy side tablesCons (reasons to avoid)
Only one burner
Quite heavyWhat other experts liked
Easy assembling due to 3D interactive user manual. Built-in thermometer allows monitoring the temperature inside the grill for even cooking. The electric push-button ignition offers a quick start every time.What other experts didn't like
Not the best lightweight at 42 pounds. The drippings from food can collect and clog the runoff hole at the base. - Have a problem
with this product?#9Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18 Inch
Compact & lightweight for grilling on the go
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Weber Jumbo Joe remains one of the best top portable charcoal grills on the market. Despite the fact that it is a low-cost and small cooker, the high-quality construction on display ensures excellent heat retention and durability. The Jumbo Joe is small and light, with a simple locking top.
The Jumbo Joe has a cooking area of 240 square inches and a diameter of 18 inches, which is about normal for a portable charcoal grill. It’s a reasonable amount of room for preparing a few portions of meat and veggies. You got this thing up and running and at 225°F in about 15 minutes with a charcoal chimney and our air vents set to open.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Small, lightweight & portable
Quality Weber construction
Heavy-gauge steel charcoal grate
Truck & Carry lid holder
Excellent temperature controlCons (reasons to avoid)
Limited space under the lidWhat other experts liked
Built-in dampers allow to easily control the temperature inside the grill. Porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retains heat and prevent rusting or peeling. Comes in compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to store and carry.What other experts didn't like
The Three-leg design is a little unstable. Oval shape limits heat distribution and lacks bowl depth. - Have a problem
with this product?#10Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill
Easy to set up and folding
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The ability to carry the Weber Q Series Grills with you on the go is what has made them so popular. Furthermore, the setup will be simple and just need one hand. Place one foot on the stationary leg side with the black handle while the grill is folded flat, and use one hand to grip below.
The Traveler Gas Grill also has a single stainless steel burner that can output 13,000 BTUs per hour. That’s more powerful than any of the Q Series burners. The Traveler Gas Grill will look great for a long time with very little work. The scratch-resistant porcelain-enameled steel lid holds up nicely over time.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Upgraded it 20-pound gas cylinder
The compact fold takes up minimal space
Great on portability
The temperature drops really fast
Excellent temperature controlCons (reasons to avoid)
The grill is a bit heavyWhat other experts liked
The grill is easy to operate besides the beautiful design. It’s easy to assemble and takes minimal storage space. The large wheels on the grill make portability more convenient. It offers effortless cleaning. The grill heats up within a few minutes.What other experts didn't like
The lid is very low on this grill. You might need to move the grill carefully as the grill’s latch is poorly fixed. - Have a problem
with this product?#11Blackstone Tailgater 2 Burner Portable Gas Grill
Portable & durable with dual Cooking surface
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Blackstone Tailgater is a top-of-the-line grill, griddle, and stovetop set that will allow you to create everything you need while you’re outside. It comes with a grill box and a griddle plate that, when removed, provides direct burner access, allowing you even more versatility in your cooking.
Plus, the Tailgater Combo contains a gas grill, griddle plate, and stovetop that can cook just about anything and can be set up in a number of ways for your convenience. The cooking surface of the multifunctional grill on the left is roughly 15 x 15 inches, while the griddle grill on the right is around 18 x 14 inches.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Extremely versatile 3-in-1 cooktop
Easy to transport
Sturdy steel frame with adjustable legs
Power ignition startCons (reasons to avoid)
No bells and whistles
Propane tank not includedWhat other experts liked
Patented collapsing and telescoping legs. Can be used as a griddle, grill, stove. Multiple configurations to cook just about anything.What other experts didn't like
Grease management of the griddle unit. No heat deflectors on gas grill burners. - Have a problem
with this product?#12Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Infinite control burner valve
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:With all of Weber’s trademark durability and thoughtful design, the Q1200 was built to suit these criteria. The Q1200 was created with the intention of being able to sit on a tabletop. On a typical workday, it may be found on your patio table.
However, you can take it with you to a tailgate party, a beach getaway, or a camping trip. With the Q1200, the brand adopts its customary dedication to quality. Cast aluminum is used to construct the cook box. The solitary propane burner is made of stainless steel of the best quality.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Compact and easy to handle
Electronic ignition & stepless heat control
Use of large gas bottles possible
Reaches operating temperature quickly
High-quality materialCons (reasons to avoid)
Only one grill zone
The gas cartridge empties quickly
Doesn’t come with a grill standWhat other experts liked
189 square inch cooking space with 8500BTU/ hour heating capacity. Uses disposable gas cylinders. Compatible with grill accessories. Made of rust-free cast aluminum. Battery operated igniter.What other experts didn't like
The heating is a little bit slow. Need to buy a portable grill cart separately. - Have a problem
with this product?#13Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
Compact & lightweight for grilling on the go
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal grill is perfect for camping and tailgating groups. This little grilling set features a surprisingly huge grilling area, big enough to fit four medium steaks. With the rotating legs, you can lock the lid in place and carry this lightweight barbecue with one hand.
Built-in lid hangers enable you to place the lid on the grill’s side to provide an efficient wind barrier. The porcelain-enameled steel top and cooking box are intended to endure, and the triple-nickel-coated steel grate is simple to clean.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Perfect for small picnics, easy to carry
Excellent cooking experience with charcoal
Dampers for temperature control
Sizeable cooking area for a portable unit
Built from durable materialsCons (reasons to avoid)
The cooking grate is not adjustable
Quality of the handlesWhat other experts liked
Incredibly durable and good value, extremely easy to carry with you and set up. Large cooking area for a small, portable unit. Perfect for small gatherings.What other experts didn't like
Although portable, the 121020 is fairly heavy at 14.5lbs. Charcoal is not as convenient as gas. - Have a problem
with this product?#14Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Tabletop Propane Grill
Cooks evenly like a larger grill, take it anywhere
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This compact, high-performance grill from Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Tabletop Propane Grill provides excellent grilled taste every day. Its compact size allows it to be placed in practically any place for maximum convenience.
Despite its compact size, the grill’s huge cooking grate can handle most family dinners, including 8 steaks, 8 hamburgers, 6 – 10 chicken breasts, or over 4 pounds of fish. The grill warms up rapidly and consumes a portion of the gas that a full-sized barbecue would.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Compact, easy to store & maneuver
Porcelain-enameled lid & bowl retains heat for safe handling
Equipped with an integrated lid lockCons (reasons to avoid)
Feet may not be foldableWhat other experts liked
Very easy to clean and maintain. Porcelain-coated non-stick grill grates, with 5,500 BTU stainless steel propane burner. Folding legs, latching lid, and carrying handle.What other experts didn't like
Drippings tray must be emptied to move it. The burner isn’t very hot. No warming rack. Wind can sometimes be an issue.
Conclusion: Best Grill for Tailgating
A good tailgate grill is required for serving hot, fresh meals when tailgating. For easy transport into and out of your car’s trunk, these grills must be lightweight. Overall, the purchasing guide above outlines everything you’ll need to know in order to choose the best tailgate barbecue for your requirements.
However, finding the best grill that is lightweight, simple to transport, easy to clean, and has a good price might be difficult. So, perhaps, after reading the above review, you’ll be able to choose the best one for your perfect tailgating bbq! Best of luck!