Our favourite pick for best tailgate grill in 2020 is the CharBroil Grill2Go X200. It’s innovative TRU infrared technology and sturdy build quality make it the ideal grill for tailgating. The Charbroil X200 is perfect for grilling or broiling. The unique grill design gives an impressive amount of heat for searing steaks and it’s designed to give maximum smokey flavour with reduced flareups. Read on to discover why we think this is the best tailgate grill this year.
Overview
The CharBroil X200, otherwise known as the Grill2Go, is a propane fuelled portable grill with a lid designed for searing, grilling and broiling. Made from durable cast aluminium this portable grill is not the lightest. It weighs in at around 12kg or 20lbs but the attached carrying handles makes it easy to move around and transport. Despite its weight the CharBroil X200 doesn’t occupy too much space, measuring around 24″ x 16″ x 14″. The legs are well placed and offer enough clearance to keep surfaces relatively cool. This makes it perfect for situations like tailgating.
The X200 sports a hinged lid which can be clipped closed for secure transport. There is also plenty of space inside the grill to store cooking equipment or up to 3 1lb gas canisters which make this grill an excellent choice if you have limited car space.
The CharBroil X200 is designed to run on regular 1lb propane tanks that are easily attached to the outlet on the side of the unit. It can easily be converted to use a 20lb gas tank by using a gas regulator (sold separately). Using a combination of airflow and innovative design features the X200 performs well on gas consumption and is very economical thanks to it’s use of infrared technology.
TRU-Infrared technology
The most boasted feature of the CharBroil X200 grill is it’s use of infrared technology that it has branded TRU-Infrared. This is a process that takes the hot air generated by the burning fuel and converts it into infrared heat. The idea behind this process that this provides a radiant heat direct from the grill rather than circulating heat through the air. This heat is then evenly distributed over the grate eliminating cold and hot spots.
When hot air is circulated around food it can cause the food to dry out. The radiant from this infrared technology produces heat that is projected directly into the food rather than dispersed as hot circulating air. CharBroil claim this can provide up to 50% juicier food by transferring the heat directly into the food and sealing in the moisture.
The TRU-Infrared technology used in this grill also claims to avoid flare ups. There is a protective barrier between the flames and the food to catch running fat and juices. This heat emitting barrier will still produce a satisfying amount of smoke to create great barbecue flavors but won’t ignite the flame and burn your food.
Other Features
The hinged lid is perfect for trapping in those smokey flavours. On the top of the lid you’ll find a temperature gauge that is ideal for fine tuning your cook. The gas regulator on the side of the grill allows you to increase or decrease the flow of gas and offers a good amount of finite control. The grill is ignited using a convenient piezo electric igniter that is located on the inside of the leg minimizing the risk of accidental damage.
Cooking on the CharBroil X200
Outputting 2.7kW of power, there is no problem in getting this grill hot. The stainless steel cooking grate easily heats up to temperatures suitable for flash searing steaks. The X200 is design for medium to high heat grilling. It would be a challenge to get a low enough temperature to grill low and slow dishes such as ribs or thick cuts of chicken. It does however excel at cooking food such as steaks, medium chops, sausages and burgers.
The cooking grate itself is a delight to grill on. With space for up to 12 burgers this grill is perfect for family outings and get-togethers.
Cleaning
The CharBroil X200 has a removable drip tray at the base. The drip catcher does not fill up as quickly as other portable grills due to the fact that the majority of fat dripping from food is evaporated and burnt off due to the infrared technology used in the grate. This makes this grill considerably cleaner than others we have tried.
The design of the grate is not the best when it comes to ease of cleaning. Food and grease can build up a little within the grooves of the grill. CharBroil however do provide a useful small tool with the grill designed specifically for cleaning in between the ribs of the grill. The grate is also removable and dishwasher safe.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a good quality, reliable all round grill suitable for tailgating then you should take a closer look at this model. It’s well built and rugged and feels like it would take a few knocks for many years. While it’s not the lightest of grills, it’s surprisingly portable and a perfect size for cooking for a small gathering.
While we would’t classify this as a budget grill, it is priced below $200 which is great value for money for the quality it delivers. For the best prices and customer reviews checkout the CharBroil X200 Portable Grill on Amazon.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable build quality
- Portable with a small footprint
- Excellent cooking performance
- Reduced flare ups
- Smokey flavours
Cons
- Fairly heavy
- Not suitable for low and slow cooks