Sports fanatics nationwide will always debate whether their way of tailgating is the best. But there’s one thing that all tailgaters can agree on: it gets cold! Tailgaters have sought many ways to stay warm throughout the day to combat the frigid conditions. Anything that helps keep us warm, from blankets to portable heaters, seems necessary. Let’s take a look to see our customers’ favorite tailgating heaters.
Best Portable Tailgating Heater
Packing for away games can be challenging with unpredictable weather and limited trunk space for everything you need to make. The Ener-G+ Infrared Portable Under-Table Electric Heater is a compact, portable heating solution for cold afternoons and evenings before the big game. The one drawback of this heater model is that it is powered by a standard electric plug, which can be difficult in certain scenarios (like a stadium parking lot without outlets). But if you’re the savvy tailgater we think you are, you’ll find a way to make it work because the benefits outweigh that one drawback.
- Versatile placement: Weighing only 15 pounds, this on-the-go heater includes a carrying handle and a 6-foot 6-inch power cord that allows you to move the heater around to wherever you need the most heat.
- Infrared Heating: The Ener-G+ emits heat from an energy-efficient heat bulb that lasts up to 5,000 hours of use.
- Weather-Tested Design: It has been quality-tested to withstand dust and rain. It is a great heating solution for the dustiest gravel parking lots and the more unpredictable weather days.
Best Small Electric Tailgating Heater
Maybe you spend Saturdays and Sundays in your garage or workshop, listening to the game on the radio or watching it on TV–that doesn’t mean you can’t keep warm. The QMark Fahrenheat Portable Utility Heater goes where you need it and is built to withstand even the most challenging conditions. This little heater might seem inconsequential, but its fan-forced heating elements can produce an incredible amount of heat (up to 5,120 BTUs) in small spaces.
- Powerful Heating Performance: It offers a low heat setting (1,300 watts), a high heat setting (1,500 watts), and a fanonly setting, making it a versatile comfort option.
- Designed for Indoor Use: This 120-volt garage heater simply plugs into a standard electrical outlet, and its six-foot power cord means you can use it anywhere in your garage or workshop.
- Safe Performance: The heater can be operated confidently thanks to a heavy grill that keeps out curious little hands and pets and a tip-over switch that automatically turns the unit off.
Best Gas Tailgating Heater
The Dyna-Glo Thermoheat 40,000 BTU LP Tank Top Heater is an excellent balance between portability (vital when tailgating) and the power of propane gas heating. This heater's 360-degree radiant burner attaches directly to the top of a standard 20-pound LP gas tank and offers up to 11 hours of continuous heating on cold game days. Customers will also appreciate this model’s stainless steel construction, which will withstand the harshest outdoor environments.
- Excellent Output: The 40,000 BTU output of this non-nonsense LP gas heater is enough to warm outdoor spaces up to 1,000 square feet in a 360-degree radius.
- Safety Features: Don’t be fooled by this heater’s simple, industrial appearance; it is CSA-listed and features an anti-tip safety shutoff that shuts the heater down if it is knocked over.
- Top Quality Brand: Dyna-Glow is a nationally recognized brand of heaters known for their power and reliability.
Best Wood Burning Fire Pit for Tailgating
If your ideal tailgate is more on the low-key side of things, with just a couple of friends hanging out, eating burgers, and waiting for the game to start, then the Endless Summer Oil Rubbed Bronze Outdoor Wood Burning Fire Pit is the one for you. This wood-burning firepit has one of our favorite designs yet. It offers a 360-degree view of the flames and allows you to soak up as much heat as you have fuel for. The 35.8 x 26-inch bowl and domed top are also great for burning large logs.
- Attractive Design: Instantly add a touch of class to any tailgate with its antique, oil-rubbed bronze look.
- Immediate Ambiance: Nothing adds to outdoor ambiance like a true fire pit. Enjoy the warmth of natural fire and your outdoor space well into colder months.
- Easy to Transport: Simply pick up the 23-pound fire pit and place it wherever needed.
Best Propane Gas Fire Pit for Tailgating
Has your tailgate moved from just a few friends to include additional friends, family, and maybe even a few people you don’t know hanging out at your house? Well, any good host has to have a way to keep everyone warm, and the Endless Summer Duvall LP Outdoor Gas Fire Pit is that way. It can produce 50,000 BTUs of heat and keep you and all your guests comfortable all day. On warmer days, when the weather doesn’t require a heating option, this fire pit transforms into a table using the tabletop insert stored on the inner door.
- Instant Focal Point: Its unique design provides a 360-degree view of the real flames, creating a visually attractive centerpiece for your patio or deck.
- Quiet Performance: Because the Duvall uses natural flames to project heat, it’s completely silent and will never interrupt your get-together.
Best Tailgating Heater for Large Spaces
It doesn’t matter how important the game is; sometimes, you just need the power to keep everybody warm. Well, the Dyna-Glo Delux Radiant Heater has all the power you’ll need and more, offering 125,000 BTUs of radiant heat for spaces up to 2,900 square feet. You can use this radiant heater in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F, making it the best heating option for outdoor gatherings in extreme temperatures. The stainless steel construction also means that the Delux will stay in tip-top shape, whatever environment you're tailgating in.
- Portable Heat: At just 20 pounds, this Dyna-Glo heater provides 360 degrees of massive heat anywhere.
- Adjustable Power: The variable output valve allows this product to produce 50,000, 100,000, or 125,000 BTUs of heat.
- Rugged Construction: The Dyna-Glo was designed to handle the roughest environments, with a steel body and cage.
Which Tailgating Heater is Right for Me?
A good portable heater can mean a significant difference on cold mornings or nights before/during the big game. But you need the right one for where you’re going and the size of your tailgating group (so nobody freezes before making it into the stadium). Before picking, consider the pros and cons of gas versus electric heating, portability, and whether the heater you’re considering has the runtime you need for your tailgate.
If you still need help selecting a tailgating heater, call our product experts at 1-800-934-9194 for more product recommendations and support.
