Imagine this: the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with fiery colors, and the smell of sizzling bacon fills the crisp night air. You’re camping, and instead of wrestling with a campfire or settling for cold sandwiches, you’re flipping perfect pancakes and grilling juicy burgers on a griddle. Sounds amazing, right? But choosing the right portable gas griddle for your outdoor adventures can feel like a big task. So many brands, so many features – where do you even begin?
We get it. You want delicious, easy meals while you’re out in nature, but the thought of picking the perfect griddle can be overwhelming. Maybe you’ve bought one before that was too bulky, too hard to clean, or just didn’t cook evenly. This guide is here to help you avoid those frustrations. We’ll break down what really matters when it comes to portable gas griddles, so you can spend less time worrying about your gear and more time enjoying your trip.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for to find a griddle that fits your camping style, your budget, and your appetite. We’ll cover everything from size and portability to cooking power and cleaning tips. Get ready to upgrade your camping cuisine and make every meal an outdoor feast!
Our Top 5 Portable Gas Griddle For Camping Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Portable Gas Griddle For Camping Detailed Reviews
1. Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo with Lid
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for some serious outdoor cooking with the Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo. This versatile appliance is designed to make your backyard BBQs, camping trips, and tailgate parties a breeze. It’s a tabletop grill and griddle that offers a lot of cooking power and flexibility.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 cooking machine! You can use it as a griddle, a grill, or even to boil things with its pot rack.
- It’s portable. You can easily take it with you wherever you go for outdoor fun.
- It has a large cooking area. With 364 square inches, you can cook a lot of food at once.
- It’s powerful. The 29,000 BTUs will get your food cooked quickly.
- It comes with helpful features like a lid for the side burner that can also be used as a shelf, and a griddle lid for protection.
- Cleanup is simple thanks to removable grease cups.
- It’s easy to start with battery-free piezo ignition.
- It cooks food evenly with its well-designed burners and surfaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- While portable, it might be a bit heavy for some to carry long distances.
- The side burner lid’s weight limit is 10 lbs, so you can’t put very heavy items on it.
The Royal Gourmet PD1305H is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves cooking outdoors. Its combination of features and power makes it a go-to for any adventure.
2. Megamaster 2-Burner Portable Gas Griddle with Built-In Lid
Rating: 8.8/10
The Megamaster 2-Burner Portable Gas Griddle (820-0054D) is your new go-to for delicious outdoor cooking. It’s compact and powerful, making it ideal for everything from camping trips to backyard parties. This griddle heats up fast and cooks food evenly, giving you fantastic results every time. It’s also super easy to set up and clean, so you can spend more time enjoying your food and less time fussing with your grill.
What We Like:
- The cast iron griddle has a special non-stick coating that makes cooking and cleaning simple. It also holds heat really well for perfectly cooked food.
- With 18,000 BTUs, the two burners provide plenty of heat for quick and even cooking.
- The built-in lid protects the griddle and makes it easy to transport and store.
- You get a good amount of cooking space, 282 square inches, which is enough to cook for a small group.
- It’s designed to be portable and easy to store, with a locking lid for stability.
- A removable grease cup catches drips, making cleanup a breeze.
- Everything you need, including the LP hose and regulator, is included so you can start grilling right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the cast iron surface might require a bit more care than some other griddle materials to prevent rust over time.
- The 282 square inches of cooking space is great for small gatherings, but it might be a little small for larger parties.
This portable griddle is a fantastic option for anyone who loves to cook outdoors. It offers great performance and convenience in a compact package.
3. Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate
Rating: 9.5/10
The Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle is your new best friend for outdoor cooking adventures. This portable flat top grill brings serious cooking power to any campsite, tailgate party, or backyard barbecue. Its sturdy, powder-coated steel build and stainless steel faceplate mean it’s ready for action, no matter where you take it.
What We Like:
- Super portable and compact, making it easy to carry anywhere.
- Cooks all sorts of food, from breakfast pancakes to dinner burgers and veggies.
- Surprisingly big cooking space for its size, enough for a small group.
- Two burners give you control to cook different foods at different heat levels.
- Cleans up easily with its smart grease management system.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, it might not be big enough for very large gatherings.
- The rolled steel surface requires a bit of care to maintain.
This Blackstone griddle is a fantastic option for anyone who loves cooking outdoors without the fuss. It’s a versatile and convenient way to enjoy delicious meals on the go.
4. Cuisinart 17” Tabletop Gas Griddle
Rating: 9.4/10
The Cuisinart 17” Tabletop Gas Griddle is your new best friend for outdoor cooking adventures. This compact flat-top grill is designed for easy transport and quick setup, making it perfect for everything from backyard BBQs to camping trips and tailgates. Get ready to cook up a storm wherever you go!
What We Like:
- It offers a generous 255 square inches of carbon steel cooking space, enough to grill up to 12 burgers or six steaks at once.
- Its compact tabletop design makes it super portable for camping, tailgating, picnics, and sporting events.
- Assembly is a breeze; just attach the legs and grease cup brackets, and you’ll be cooking delicious food in about 15 minutes.
- The built-in grease cup makes cleanup much simpler.
What Could Be Improved:
- While portable, it might still be a bit bulky for some ultralight backpackers.
- The carbon steel surface, while great for searing, will require proper seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust.
- The 15-minute assembly time is a general guideline; some users might take a little longer if they’re not used to putting things together.
This Cuisinart griddle brings convenience and great cooking power to any outdoor setting. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who loves to grill on the go.
5. Hike Crew 2-in-1 Gas Camping Stove and Griddle
Rating: 9.3/10
The Hike Crew 2-in-1 Gas Camping Stove and Griddle is your ultimate outdoor cooking companion. This portable propane burner lets you whip up delicious meals wherever your adventures take you. It’s designed for convenience, making camp cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- You can cook anything, from steaks to pancakes, with its powerful 10,000 BTU burner and 3,000 BTU griddle.
- It’s super easy to use with a built-in igniter and a simple temperature control knob.
- Cleaning is a snap thanks to the removable stainless steel drip tray and grate.
- The lid doubles as a windshield, keeping your flame steady even when it’s windy.
- It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and store.
- It comes with a propane regulator assembly, so you’re ready to cook right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- The griddle surface is ceramic, which is great but might require a bit more care than cast iron.
- While it’s portable, it’s still a bit bulky for ultralight backpacking.
This stove and griddle combo offers fantastic versatility and convenience for outdoor cooking. It’s a solid choice for anyone who loves to eat well in the great outdoors.
Your Ultimate Guide to Portable Gas Griddle Camping Bliss
Camping trips just got tastier! A portable gas griddle can transform your outdoor cooking from campfire hot dogs to gourmet breakfasts and burgers. This guide helps you choose the best one for your adventures.
Why a Portable Gas Griddle for Camping?
Forget flimsy camp stoves. A griddle gives you a flat, even cooking surface. You can cook almost anything on it, from pancakes and bacon to steaks and veggies. It’s easy to use and clean, making mealtime a breeze.
1. Key Features to Look For
When picking your perfect griddle, keep these features in mind:
A. Size and Portability
- Cooking Surface Area: How much food do you need to cook at once? Griddles come in different sizes. A 2-burner griddle is good for 2-4 people. A 4-burner is better for larger groups.
- Weight and Dimensions: You’ll be carrying this. Look for something lightweight and that folds down compactly. Check the folded size to ensure it fits in your car or storage.
B. Burner System and Heat Control
- Number of Burners: More burners mean more control. You can cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.
- BTUs (British Thermal Units): This measures heat output. Higher BTUs mean faster cooking. Look for at least 15,000 BTUs for good performance.
- Heat Control Knobs: Easy-to-use knobs help you adjust the heat precisely. This is important for not burning your food.
C. Durability and Build Quality
- Sturdy Frame: The griddle needs to stand up to outdoor use. A strong, stable frame is a must.
- Wind Guards: Wind can be a problem when camping. Built-in wind guards help keep the flames steady and your cooking consistent.
D. Ease of Cleaning
- Removable Drip Tray: This catches grease and makes cleaning much simpler. A large, easy-to-remove tray is a big plus.
- Non-Stick Surface: Some griddles have non-stick coatings. This helps food release easily and speeds up cleanup.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect how well and how long your griddle lasts.
A. Griddle Surface
- Cast Iron: This is a classic choice. It heats evenly and holds heat well. It needs seasoning and can rust if not cared for.
- Stainless Steel: Durable and easy to clean. It heats up quickly but might not hold heat as well as cast iron.
- Chrome-Plated Steel: Often found on more affordable models. It’s easy to clean but can scratch and wear over time.
B. Frame and Body
- Stainless Steel: Strong, rust-resistant, and looks good. It’s a popular choice for its durability.
- Powder-Coated Steel: This offers good protection against rust and wear. It’s a common and reliable material.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a griddle great, while others can make it frustrating.
A. Quality Boosters
- Even Heat Distribution: A good griddle heats up evenly across the entire surface. This means your food cooks uniformly.
- Stable Legs: Legs that are steady and adjustable help the griddle sit level on uneven ground.
- Ignition System: An easy push-button ignition makes starting the griddle quick and safe.
B. Quality Reducers
- Hot Spots: If some parts of the griddle are much hotter than others, your food will cook unevenly.
- Flimsy Construction: A griddle that feels wobbly or has parts that bend easily won’t last long.
- Difficult Cleanup: If grease gets stuck everywhere and the drip tray is tiny, cleaning becomes a chore.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your griddle.
A. Camping Meals
- Breakfast: Cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns all at once.
- Lunch/Dinner: Sear burgers, grill chicken, cook fajitas, or even make grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Versatility: You can even cook stir-fries or delicate fish if you use a foil packet.
B. Ease of Use
- Setup: Does it unfold and set up quickly?
- Operation: Are the knobs intuitive? Is it easy to light?
- Portability: Can you easily pack it up and carry it to your campsite?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a portable gas griddle?
A: Key features include the size of the cooking surface, how portable it is (weight and folded size), the number of burners and their heat output (BTUs), how easy it is to control the heat, and features that make cleaning simple like a drip tray.
Q: What are the best materials for a portable gas griddle?
A: For the griddle surface, cast iron or stainless steel are good. For the frame, stainless steel or powder-coated steel offer durability and rust resistance.
Q: What makes a portable gas griddle good quality?
A: Good quality griddles have even heat distribution across the surface, a sturdy and stable frame with reliable legs, and an easy ignition system. They are also easy to clean.
Q: What can I cook on a portable gas griddle while camping?
A: You can cook a wide variety of foods, including pancakes, eggs, bacon, burgers, steaks, chicken, vegetables, and even stir-fries.
Q: How do I clean a portable gas griddle after camping?
A: Most griddles have a removable drip tray for grease. You can scrape off food bits and then wipe the surface with a damp cloth or sponge. For cast iron, you might need to re-season it.
Q: How much heat (BTUs) do I need for a camping griddle?
A: Aim for at least 15,000 BTUs. More BTUs mean faster cooking and better searing capabilities.
Q: Are portable gas griddles wind-resistant?
A: Some griddles have built-in wind guards, which help protect the flames from the wind. However, very strong winds can still affect performance.
Q: How important is the number of burners on a camping griddle?
A: It’s important if you plan to cook multiple items at different temperatures. More burners give you better control and flexibility.
Q: Can I use a portable gas griddle on uneven surfaces like at a campsite?
A: Many griddles have adjustable legs that help you level them on uneven ground. A stable frame is also crucial.
Q: What’s the difference between a portable gas griddle and a portable grill?
A: A griddle has a flat, solid cooking surface, perfect for breakfast foods, burgers, and delicate items. A grill has grates, which are better for charring meats and allowing fat to drip away.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!