Maybe you’ve been to a tailgating party and noticed someone with a setup that seemed a few levels above yours. Or maybe you’ve passed by a gathering in a stadium parking lot, caught the aroma of grilled food, and wondered what it’s all about. Whether you’re new to tailgating or looking to expand your setup, this guide covers what you need to know, especially when it comes to using a generator.
What Is Tailgating?
Tailgating has grown into something much more than a casual pregame meal. It’s become a full event, where food, supplies, and good company come together before kickoff. And for many fans, it’s just as important as the game itself.
These parties are a North American tradition, usually held in the parking lots outside football stadiums. Food is paramount, and making meals has long been a staple of tailgating, whether they’re prepared ahead of time or cooked on the spot.
It’s not uncommon to see full-sized outdoor BBQ grills being unloaded from the backs of pickup trucks or caravans. Guys and gals prepare several pounds of bratwursts, Polish sausages, racks of ribs, or even steaks for their families and friends.
With that in mind, there is an importance in keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
When to Bring a Generator
At first, bringing a generator might seem unnecessary. But once you consider how many appliances rely on electricity, it’s easy to see how one can be useful.
Meal Prep and Cooking
Large amounts of meat are typically grilled over charcoal or gas, but no one builds a menu around steak alone. Side dishes like beans, stews, and sauces are just as important and are often prepared in slow cookers. It’s not uncommon to see microwaves or toaster ovens in use, either.
For early-morning tailgates, breakfast might be on the menu. Griddles cook pancakes, eggs, and bacon, while toasters handle the toast.
Electric appliances are especially practical in windy or unpredictable conditions where cooking over an open flame can be more difficult.
Hot Beverages
Electric kettles and coffee makers are commonly seen at tailgates to make coffee and tea. These hot beverages are in high demand, especially on cold days. Both require more power than a vehicle’s battery can handle, so bringing a portable generator is a solution.
Entertainment
Many partygoers bring extras like TVs and speakers to create a full entertainment setup. For afternoon or evening games in the fall and winter, shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures make lighting and portable heaters especially useful.
On warmer days, a fan helps with the heat. And regardless of the weather, phones and other devices often need to be charged.
While some of this equipment can run off a vehicle’s power system, the amount of electricity needed for more than a few hours can easily drain the battery. A portable generator offers consistent power to keep everything running smoothly.
Best Gas Generators for Tailgating
The best generators for tailgating combine portability and power. Both models below are fuel-efficient, quiet, and powerful enough to serve as backup generators at home.
- Wen 56235i Inverter Generator – is a lightweight option that weighs 30 pounds, making it easy to transport. The one-gallon fuel tank delivers up to 2,350 surge watts and provides over 5.7 hours of half-load run time.
- Champion 201050 Inverter Generator – is a versatile option that runs on gasoline or propane. It provides up to 10 hours of runtime on gasoline, delivers 4,000 watts, and weighs 51 pounds. For added safety, it includes a carbon monoxide auto shutoff system.
Make Refueling Simple With EZ-POUR®
With a generator, you can power your tailgate like a pro, no matter the time of day or the weather. But when it’s time to refuel, don’t let clunky gas cans slow you down.
EZ-POUR® makes filling up fast and frustration-free.
Our Standard Replacement Spout and Vent Kit gives you a smooth pour every time. It comes with a spout, spout cap, tether, 1/2″ replacement push-in vent, flame arrester, and yellow and black base caps. Simply browse our online store or visit one of our retailers to find yours today!