Level Up Your Tailgate Game with These Trusted Tools

There’s just something about a good tailgate, isn’t there?

Whether you’re parked outside a packed stadium on game day or posted up in your buddy’s driveway for a backyard watch party, a great tailgate brings people together. The smell of smoke from the grill, cold drinks in hand, music bumping from a nearby speaker, it’s a whole vibe. But let’s be honest: no matter how hyped you are for the game, your tailgate setup can make or break the day.

You don’t want to be the guy fumbling with a stubborn grill or realizing you forgot the tongs. And you definitely don’t want to be the person who shows up with that sad-looking $20 collapsible grill that takes an hour to heat up and cooks like a candle.

If you want to truly elevate your tailgate game and have people ask, “Where’d you get that?” while you’re grilling, you need the right tools. That’s when Trusted BBQ comes in. People who want solid, no-frills tools that are easy to carry and get the job done will like their lineup.

Here’s a breakdown of some of our favorite tools from Trusted BBQ that are absolutely clutch for game day tailgates.

Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill Small Size, Big Flavor

Let’s kick things off with the heart of any tailgate: the grill.

Trusted BBQ Portable Charcoal BBQ Grill is one of those “don’t judge a book by its cover” kind of products. It’s compact enough to toss in your trunk without Tetris-ing your cooler and chairs around it, but man, this thing delivers. You get a solid cook surface, even heat distribution, and it sets up in what? Maybe two minutes tops?

It’s got a sturdy, no-nonsense design that doesn’t feel flimsy like those bargain grills you end up tossing after one season. Additionally, because it’s charcoal, you get that smoky flavor that’s truly distinct. Pro tip: Pre-measure your charcoal into zip lock bags before heading out so you’re not dealing with big, awkward bags in the parking lot.

If you’ve ever tried grilling burgers on one of those cheap tin boxes and ended up half-cooking them while the other side scorched, you’ll appreciate how even this thing cooks. It’s honestly wild how much power this little beast has.

10-Piece Stainless Steel Skewers Set Because Finger Foods Rule

Let’s talk skewers for a second.

There’s no tailgate food more underrated than kebabs. They’re easy to prep ahead, quick to grill, and they don’t require utensils. Plus, you can get creative steak and peppers, shrimp and pineapple, halloumi and mushroom, you name it.

Trusted BBQ’s 10-piece Stainless Steel Skewers Set is a gem. First off, they’re flat, which means your food doesn’t spin around when you try to flip it (seriously, why are round skewers still a thing?). They’ve also got wooden handles that don’t burn your fingers off when you grab them fresh off the grill. The set even comes with a small bag, which may seem like a throwaway detail but proves to be extremely handy when packing for the tailgate.

Grab a few sets, get some friends involved in the prep, and you’ve got a kebab assembly line going before the game even starts.

BBQ Grill Mat Keep It Clean, My Friends

If you’ve ever grilled in a parking lot, you know the struggle.

You have meat on a spatula and are trying not to spill anything on the dusty grill surface while your friends stand nearby like seagulls waiting for fries. It’s a mess.

The Trusted BBQ Grill Mat is what you need here. It can be used repeatedly, doesn’t stick, and is easy to clean up. Throw it over the grate, and you’ve got a clean, even cooking surface that keeps smaller stuff (like veggies or shrimp) from falling through. Bonus: it also saves you from having to scrub your grill with those scary wire brushes.

Honestly, for around $ 20, it’s one of those things that, once you use it, you’ll wonder how you ever tailgated without it.

Handheld BBQ Blower: The MVP You Didn’t Know You Needed

I know, this one sounds extra.

But hear me out. Getting your charcoal going when there’s wind, rain, or just too much excitement around you is the kind of thing that turns a fun tailgate into a stress-fest. The Trusted BBQ Handheld Blower takes the guesswork out of lighting coals. No huffing and puffing. No awkward flapping of cardboard. Just aim, power up, and boom, your coals are glowing in no time.

It’s battery-powered, lightweight, and fits right in your tailgate gear bag. It might not seem essential until you use it once and realize how much time and frustration it saves.

The Unsung Heroes: Tongs, Thermometers, and That One Guy Who Always Brings Beer

Trusted BBQ has the basics covered too well: solid tongs that don’t bend when you grab a heavy burger. Instant-read thermometers, so you’re not playing Russian roulette with the chicken. Even things like grill brushes and smoker boxes if you want to go full pit master mode.

They’re not flashy, but these are the tools that make the difference between winging it and owning your tailgate.

Last Thoughts: Gear That Works Hard and Travels Well

Food isn’t the only thing that goes on at tailgating. It’s all about energy. It’s about friendship. It’s about the excitement before the game when everyone is wearing their team’s colors, sharing food, telling jokes, and enjoying the moment.

And what if your gear really does work the way it should? That makes everything better.

That’s what Trusted BBQ knows. Their tools are designed for genuine individuals who desire high-quality gear without unnecessary extras. Things that fit in your trunk are set up quickly, letting you keep cooking instead of messing about.

So, if you want to improve your tailgate game this year, don’t just go with the flow. Get the necessary tools, start the grill, and let the good times (and the hot dogs) roll.

See you in the lot.

Go team.