Imagine this: the smell of sizzling bacon and pancakes wafting through the crisp morning air at your campsite. Sounds amazing, right? But getting to that delicious moment can be a real challenge when you’re trying to pick the perfect camp griddle. So many brands, so many features – it’s enough to make your head spin!
Choosing a camp griddle can feel overwhelming. You want something that cooks well, is easy to clean, and doesn’t weigh down your gear. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which one will actually make your camping meals fantastic and not a frustrating mess? We get it. That’s why we’re here to help.
In this post, we’re going to break down what makes a great camp griddle. We’ll explore the different types, what to look for, and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the griddle that turns your outdoor cooking from a chore into a joy, setting you up for many delicious camp breakfasts and dinners to come.
Our Top 5 Camp Griddle Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Camp Griddle Detailed Reviews
1. Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface – Flat & Ribbed Sides – Use on Stove
Rating: 8.9/10
The Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle is a tough and versatile cooking tool. It’s made from heavy-duty cast iron and comes already seasoned, so you can start cooking right away. This grill/griddle is perfect for cooking all sorts of meals, from breakfast to dinner, and it works on almost any heat source.
What We Like:
- It’s PFAS-free and non-toxic, meaning it’s safe for your family.
- The large size fits over two burners, giving you plenty of space to cook.
- You get two cooking surfaces in one: a flat griddle for pancakes and a ribbed grill for burgers.
- It works on your stovetop, in the oven, on the grill, and even over a campfire.
- This cookware is made in the USA by a family-owned company that’s been around since 1896.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cast iron can be heavy, so moving it might be a challenge for some.
- It needs to be seasoned and cared for properly to prevent rust and keep it in good shape.
This Lodge grill/griddle offers fantastic value and endless cooking possibilities. It’s a reliable piece of cookware that will serve your family for years to come.
2. Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate
Rating: 8.9/10
The Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle is your new best friend for outdoor cooking adventures. This griddle is built tough and designed to go wherever you do, from camping trips to backyard parties. It’s a versatile cooking surface that lets you whip up all sorts of delicious meals, no matter the time of day. Plus, it offers more cooking space than you might expect for its size!
What We Like:
- It’s super portable and compact, making it easy to take camping, tailgating, or to any outdoor event.
- You can cook almost anything on it – from classic barbecue to pancakes and veggies.
- It has a surprising amount of cooking space, enough to feed a small family or group.
- Two burners give you great heat control, letting you cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.
- The grease management system makes cleanup quick and easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s heavy-duty, some users might find it a bit heavier to carry than expected.
- The stainless steel faceplate, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily.
This Blackstone griddle truly makes outdoor cooking simple and fun. It’s a fantastic addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear.
3. Blackstones Adventure Ready 20”x14” 2-Burner Propane Camping Griddle with Latching Hood and Handle – Outdoor Cooking Station
Rating: 8.9/10
The Blackstones Adventure Ready 20”x14” 2-Burner Propane Camping Griddle is your new best friend for any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re heading to a campsite, a tailgate party, or just enjoying your backyard, this portable grill makes cooking delicious meals easy and fun. It’s designed to go wherever you go, offering a spacious cooking surface and powerful heat for all your grilling needs.
What We Like:
- It’s super secure for travel with strong latches and a durable cover that protects the cooking surface.
- You get lots of cooking space (280 sq. in.) with two heat zones, so you can cook different things at once.
- It’s designed to be compact and easy to store, with a special cup to catch grease and keep things tidy.
- The lid locks down tightly to keep everything safe while you’re on the move.
- Setting it up is a breeze thanks to adjustable feet for stability and a push-button igniter for quick starts.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s portable, the weight might be a consideration for some when carrying it long distances.
- Some users might wish for a slightly larger cooking area for very big gatherings.
This griddle is a fantastic option for anyone who loves cooking outdoors. It makes preparing meals away from home simple and enjoyable.
4. Coghlan’s Camp Griddle
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready for delicious outdoor meals with the Coghlan’s Camp Griddle! This griddle is designed to make cooking at the campsite super easy. Its large size fits perfectly over most two-burner camp stoves, letting you cook a whole breakfast feast at once. Imagine fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs, all made over your campfire. This griddle makes it happen.
What We Like:
- Non-Stick and Mess-Free Cooking: The PFAS-free ceramic coating means food slides right off. Cleanup is a breeze! No more scrubbing stuck-on food.
- Fits Two-Burner Camp Stoves: It’s made to fit most two-burner camp stoves, so you can cook a big breakfast for everyone.
- Cooks Evenly, No Hot Spots: Made from thick aluminum, it heats up fast and keeps the heat steady. Your food cooks evenly everywhere.
- Built for the Outdoors: This griddle is tough and dependable. It’s ready for all your camping adventures.
- Strong and Lightweight Construction: It’s made from strong, light aluminum. You can pack it easily without it being too heavy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s non-stick, very sticky or sugary foods might still require a little care to prevent sticking.
- The size might be a bit large for very small, compact camping setups.
The Coghlan’s Camp Griddle is a fantastic addition to any outdoor kitchen. It simplifies cooking and cleanup, letting you enjoy more time around the campfire.
5. Nordic Ware Two Burner Griddle
Rating: 8.7/10
The Nordic Ware Two Burner Griddle is a fantastic kitchen tool that brings versatility to your cooking. Its generous 10.3 x 17.4-inch size is perfect for cooking big breakfasts or family dinners. Made from formed aluminum, it fits right over two burners on your stove, giving you plenty of space to cook. Plus, the uncoated back makes it a great choice for cooking outdoors.
What We Like:
- It spans two burners, giving you lots of cooking space.
- It works on camp stoves, grills, RVs, and even campfires, making it super versatile.
- The non-stick surface makes cleaning up a breeze.
- It’s big enough to cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, grilled cheese, and even sear chicken or steaks.
- It’s made right here in the USA!
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to be careful not to use metal scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, or sharp utensils, as they can scratch the non-stick coating.
This griddle offers a lot of cooking power and flexibility. It’s a great addition to any kitchen or outdoor adventure.
Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Perfect Camp Griddle
Ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game? A camp griddle is a game-changer for making delicious meals at the campsite, tailgate party, or even in your backyard. This guide will help you pick the best one for your adventures.
1. Key Features to Look For
Size Matters
Think about how many people you usually cook for. Smaller griddles are great for solo trips or couples. Larger ones are perfect for feeding a family or a group of friends.
Portability and Storage
Camp griddles come in different sizes and weights. Some fold up neatly. Others have removable legs. Look for one that’s easy to carry and store in your car or gear.
Heat Control
Good heat control is important. Some griddles have one burner, while others have two or more. More burners mean you can cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time. This is super handy!
Ease of Cleaning
Nobody wants to spend ages scrubbing after a fun day. Look for griddles with non-stick surfaces or ones that are easy to wipe down. Removable drip trays also make cleaning a breeze.
2. Important Materials
Griddle Surface
- Cast Iron: This is a popular choice. It heats evenly and lasts a long time. It needs to be seasoned and cared for to prevent rust.
- Steel: Steel griddles are also durable. Some are coated with non-stick material.
- Aluminum: Lighter than cast iron. Aluminum heats up fast. Some aluminum griddles have non-stick coatings.
Frame and Legs
Most frames are made of sturdy metal like steel. Look for a frame that feels solid and stable. Legs should be adjustable so you can level the griddle on uneven ground.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Heat Distribution
A good griddle heats evenly across the entire surface. This means your pancakes will cook to the same golden-brown color and your bacon will crisp up perfectly everywhere. Uneven heating leads to burnt spots and undercooked areas.
Durability
A well-made griddle will withstand the bumps and scrapes of camping. Strong materials and good construction mean it will last for many adventures. Flimsy griddles can break easily.
Wind Resistance
Wind can be a problem when cooking outdoors. Some griddles have wind guards built in. These help keep the flame steady so your food cooks properly.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
What Can You Cook?
You can cook almost anything on a camp griddle! Think breakfast classics like pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Burgers, steaks, and fajitas are also fantastic. Even stir-fries and grilled cheese sandwiches work well.
Where Can You Use It?
- Camping: The most obvious place! Enjoy hot meals under the stars.
- Tailgating: Fuel up before the big game with delicious grilled treats.
- Backyard BBQs: A great addition to your outdoor cooking setup.
- Picnics: Make your picnic meals extra special with fresh-cooked food.
A camp griddle makes outdoor cooking easy and fun. Choose one that fits your needs, and get ready to create some amazing camp cuisine!
Camp Griddle FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: What is the main difference between a camp griddle and a regular frying pan?
A: A camp griddle is much larger. It sits on a heat source like a camp stove or campfire. It lets you cook more food at once.
Q: Do I need a special stove for a camp griddle?
A: Not always. Many camp griddles work with portable propane camp stoves. Some can even be used over a campfire if they are made of cast iron.
Q: How do I clean a cast iron camp griddle?
A: After cooking, scrape off food bits. Rinse with hot water. You might need a stiff brush. Dry it completely and rub a thin layer of oil all over to prevent rust.
Q: Are camp griddles heavy?
A: Some are, especially cast iron ones. Others are made of lighter materials like aluminum. Check the weight before you buy if you plan to carry it a lot.
Q: Can I use metal utensils on any camp griddle?
A: You can use metal utensils on cast iron and most steel griddles. For griddles with non-stick coatings, it’s best to use wood or silicone to avoid scratching the surface.
Q: How do I prevent food from sticking to my camp griddle?
A: Make sure the griddle is hot before adding food. Use a little oil or cooking spray. For cast iron, proper seasoning is key to a non-stick surface.
Q: Are there griddles that run on electricity?
A: Yes, some electric griddles are designed for camping if you have access to a power source like a generator or an RV hookup. They offer easy temperature control.
Q: What is the best size griddle for a family of four?
A: A griddle around 20-24 inches wide is usually a good size for a family of four. This gives you enough space to cook multiple items at once.
Q: How do wind guards help?
A: Wind guards block the wind from blowing out the flames of your stove. This helps the griddle heat up and stay hot, so your food cooks evenly.
Q: Can I cook breakfast foods like pancakes and eggs on a camp griddle?
A: Absolutely! Camp griddles are perfect for breakfast. They are flat and give you plenty of space to flip pancakes and cook lots of eggs and bacon at the same time.
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!