Essential Tailgating Tools from Your Kitchen

Portable Stove
Portable Stove

Can you feel that?

It's the distinct change of season, and it's in the air. The weather is getting cooler, leaves are changing colors, and the holiday season chatter is just about to begin.

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And of course, there's the biggest hint of all that a new season has arrived - the start of football.

For many, tailgating has become a sport in and of itself. There are competitions and practice runs, special equipment, and game plans. And when it comes to tailgating, you really can't overplay the importance of good equipment. As any good tailgating chef will tell you, the games and drinks can only get you so far, because the food at a tailgating party is really the main event.

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Here, we've rounded up some important - if somewhat unconventional - essential tailgating equipment that the most seasoned tailgater uses to make sure their cook-athon goes off without a hitch. From objects that will help you keep things clean and safe to tools that can pull double-duty at a moment's notice, having these everyday kitchen goodies on hand will prepare you for anything that's thrown at you out there on the tailgating field.

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Portable Stove

Think electric stoves are down for the count at tailgates? Think again. You can bring one and plug it into the cigarette lighter of your car.

Towels

Towels are perfectly compact for travel, and also provide the softness necessary to keep food and equipment from shuffling around and breaking on the drive to and from your tailgate. They're also more environmentally friendly than paper towels or napkins to use for cleanup.

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Hot Plates and Trivets

Hot plates, trivets, or any other flat, thin items are helpful to have on hand. You won't necessarily need them to hold actual hot plates (although you never know), but who wants to cook on a tailgating stove that's not flat because the ground is uneven? Use your hot plates to level the stove or grill to fix otherwise imperfect cooking conditions.

Tupperware

Transporting sharp knives can be tricky tailgating business. Instead of using plastic bags to tote them - which can rip and cause injuries - use a small, rectangular, hard plastic container to transport knives, lighters, and spice containers that might shatter.

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An Apron

This isn't just a vanity thing - imagine how heartbreaking it would be to spill barbecue sauce all over your home team sweatshirt right before the big game? An apron can help prevent such a travesty.

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-Cheryl Lock, The Daily Meal