Imagine this: you’re out in the wilderness, the smell of pine in the air, and the crackle of a campfire nearby. What’s missing? A perfectly cooked breakfast, of course! But picking the right camp griddle can feel like navigating a maze. So many brands, so many sizes, and what exactly makes one better than another for your outdoor adventures?
Choosing a camp griddle can be tricky. You want something that cooks your pancakes evenly, fries your bacon just right, and, most importantly, doesn’t weigh you down on the trail. The wrong griddle can lead to burnt edges and undercooked centers, ruining your delicious campfire meal. It’s a common problem for anyone who loves cooking outdoors.
That’s why we’re here! In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about camp griddles. We’ll look at what makes a griddle great for camping, explore different types, and offer tips to help you choose the perfect one for your next trip. Get ready to upgrade your outdoor cooking game and say goodbye to campfire meal frustrations!
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: 9.4/10
Get ready to become a kitchen champion with the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle! This heavy-duty, black beauty is your new best friend for cooking up a storm, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Its sturdy design and versatile cooking surfaces make it a must-have for any kitchen or outdoor adventure.
What We Like:
- It’s totally safe to use because it’s PFAS-free and non-toxic. Lodge uses just iron and oil, keeping things healthy.
- The large size fits across two burners, giving you plenty of room to cook pancakes on one side and bacon on the other.
- You get two cooking surfaces in one! Flip it over to grill juicy burgers or use the flat griddle for delicate eggs.
- This griddle works everywhere! Use it on your stovetop, in the oven, on the grill, or even take it camping for campfire cooking.
- It’s made with pride in the USA by a family business that’s been around since 1896. That means it’s built to last for your family’s future meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cast iron can be heavy, so it might be a bit of a workout to move around.
- It needs a little extra care to keep it seasoned and rust-free, but it’s worth the effort for the results you get.
This Lodge grill/griddle is a fantastic, versatile tool that brings quality and convenience to your cooking. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who loves to cook delicious meals.
2. Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to level up your outdoor cooking with the Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle. This griddle is built tough for all your adventures, from camping trips to backyard parties. Its sleek black design with a stainless steel faceplate looks great anywhere you take it. You can cook a variety of foods, from breakfast favorites to delicious dinners, all on one convenient surface.
What We Like:
- It’s super portable, making it easy to take camping, tailgating, or to any outdoor event.
- You can cook so many different foods on it, like burgers, pancakes, and veggies.
- It has a surprisingly large cooking space, enough to feed a small group.
- Two burners let you control the heat in different spots, so you can cook different things at once.
- The special grease system makes cleanup much easier and less messy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While portable, it is still a griddle and requires some space for transport.
- The powder-coated steel might show wear over time with heavy use.
This Blackstone griddle is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to cook outdoors. It offers great versatility and convenience for all your culinary adventures.
3. Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle with Cover
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for delicious outdoor meals with the Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle. This black griddle is built for convenience and great cooking, whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just enjoying your backyard. It heats up fast and gives you plenty of space to cook all your favorites.
What We Like:
- It’s super portable and easy to store.
- It comes with a sturdy cover to keep it safe from weather.
- You get a large 319 square inch cooking surface.
- It cooks food fast with three burners and 25,500 BTUs.
- Starting it is easy with a simple push of a button.
- Cleaning up is a breeze thanks to a removable grease cup and a detachable griddle top.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy a 20 lb. LP tank separately.
- While portable, it might be a bit heavy for some to carry long distances.
This griddle makes outdoor cooking simple and enjoyable. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who loves to grill and wants a reliable, easy-to-use appliance.
4. Nordic Ware Two Burner Griddle
Rating: 9.1/10
The Nordic Ware Two Burner Griddle is a game-changer for your kitchen and beyond. This large, non-stick griddle is made of formed aluminum and covers two burners, giving you plenty of space to cook. It’s also super versatile, working on camp stoves, grills, and even campfires because its back side is uncoated.
What We Like:
- It’s big enough to cook a whole breakfast for your family, like pancakes, eggs, and bacon.
- The non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning up a breeze.
- You can use it on your stovetop, grill, or even when camping.
- It’s made in the USA, which is a big plus for many people.
- It’s sturdy and built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to be careful not to use metal utensils or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the non-stick coating.
This griddle is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to cook, whether at home or on an adventure. It makes cooking large meals easy and fun.
5. Victoria Rectangular Cast Iron Griddle. Double Burner
Rating: 8.7/10
The Victoria Rectangular Cast Iron Griddle is a fantastic kitchen tool for any home cook. It’s a double-burner griddle that measures 13 x 8.5 inches. This griddle is reversible, meaning you can use it as a flat griddle or a grill. It comes pre-seasoned with 100% kosher certified non-GMO flaxseed oil. This natural seasoning provides an easy-release surface that actually gets better the more you use it. Plus, it’s made from high-quality cast iron for amazing durability and heat retention. You can use it on almost any heat source, from induction stovetops to campfires and even your oven broiler. It’s also a healthy choice, as cooking with seasoned cast iron can add small amounts of iron to your diet.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly versatile – perfect for everything from pancakes and eggs to steaks and fajitas.
- The reversible design offers both a smooth cooking surface and a grill side.
- The easy-grip handles are wider than others, making it simpler to move even with potholders.
- It heats evenly and retains heat really well, giving you great cooking results.
- The seasoning is natural, free from harmful chemicals like PTFE and PFOA.
- It’s built to last with commercial-grade cast iron.
- It’s made in Colombia with European machinery, ensuring good quality.
- Cooking with it can add a little extra iron to your meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s pre-seasoned, like all cast iron, it will require occasional re-seasoning to maintain its best performance.
- It’s a bit heavy, which is typical for cast iron, so keep that in mind when handling.
This Victoria griddle is a sturdy, multipurpose addition to your kitchen that promises delicious meals for years to come. It’s a smart investment for anyone who loves to cook.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Camp Griddle
Ready to take your outdoor cooking to the next level? A camp griddle is your ticket to delicious breakfasts, sizzling burgers, and perfectly seared veggies under the open sky. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect camp griddle for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a camp griddle, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Cooking Surface: Think about how many people you’ll usually be cooking for. Smaller griddles are great for solo trips or couples, while larger ones are better for families or groups. More surface area means you can cook more food at once.
- Heat Distribution: A good griddle heats evenly. This means your pancakes cook without burnt spots and your bacon browns up nicely. Look for griddles with thick cooking surfaces or designs that spread heat well.
- Portability and Storage: You’ll be carrying this to and from your campsite. Does it fold up easily? Is it lightweight? Check if it comes with a carrying case for simple transport and storage.
- Ignition System: Many griddles have built-in ignitions, which makes starting them a breeze. Piezo ignitions are common and reliable. Some might require matches or a lighter.
- Ease of Cleaning: After a tasty meal, you want cleanup to be quick. Look for griddles with grease traps or channels that direct grease away from your food. Non-stick surfaces can also make cleaning much easier.
- Stability: A wobbly griddle is a recipe for disaster. Make sure the legs are sturdy and can handle uneven ground found at campsites.
Important Materials
The materials used in a camp griddle greatly affect its performance and durability.
- Cast Iron: This is a classic for a reason. Cast iron griddles hold heat very well and provide excellent searing. They are very durable but also heavier. They require seasoning to prevent rust and stick.
- Steel: Many griddles are made from steel, often with a chrome or stainless steel finish. Steel griddles heat up quickly and are generally lighter than cast iron. They can be prone to warping if not made with good quality steel.
- Aluminum: Some lighter-weight griddles use aluminum. They heat up fast but may not retain heat as well as cast iron or steel. Look for thicker aluminum for better heat performance.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a camp griddle great or not so great.
- Thickness of the Cooking Surface: Thicker surfaces distribute heat more evenly and retain heat better. Thin surfaces can lead to hot spots and uneven cooking.
- Construction and Weld Quality: Well-made griddles with strong welds will last longer and be more stable. Poorly made griddles might break or warp easily.
- Grease Management System: A good grease trap or channel is a lifesaver. It keeps grease from dripping onto your flames or into your food, making cooking and cleaning much easier.
- Leg Design and Stability: Adjustable legs can be helpful for leveling the griddle on uneven ground. Sturdy legs prevent tipping.
User Experience and Use Cases
Camp griddles are incredibly versatile. They are perfect for:
- Breakfast Feasts: Cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage all at once.
- Burger Grilling: Get that perfect sear on your burgers and cook onions alongside them.
- Stir-fries and Fajitas: Sauté vegetables and meats for delicious, quick meals.
- Breakfast Burritos: Warm tortillas, cook fillings, and assemble your burritos right on the griddle.
- Campground Cooking: They are ideal for cooking for a crowd at picnic tables or while tailgating.
A good camp griddle transforms simple ingredients into fantastic meals. Choose wisely, and happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best material for a camp griddle?
A: Cast iron is excellent for even heating and searing, but it’s heavy. Steel is lighter and heats quickly. Aluminum is the lightest but may not hold heat as well.
Q: How do I clean a camp griddle?
A: For most griddles, scrape off food bits with a spatula while warm. You can use a grill brush or scraper. For cast iron, avoid soap and re-season it after cleaning. For others, mild soap and water are usually fine.
Q: Can I use a camp griddle on a campfire?
A: Some griddles, especially cast iron ones, are designed for campfire use. Others are meant to be used with propane burners. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Are larger griddles always better?
A: Not necessarily. A larger griddle is great for cooking for many people. But if you’re cooking for just one or two, a smaller, more portable griddle might be a better choice.
Q: What does “seasoning” a cast iron griddle mean?
A: Seasoning is a process of baking oil onto the cast iron. It creates a natural non-stick surface and protects the griddle from rust.
Q: How important is heat distribution?
A: Very important! Even heat means your food cooks uniformly. You won’t have burnt spots and raw spots on your pancakes or burgers.
Q: Should I look for a griddle with a grease trap?
A: Yes, a grease trap or channel makes cooking and cleaning much easier. It keeps grease from making a mess.
Q: Are camp griddles easy to transport?
A: Most are designed to be portable. Look for ones that fold up or come with carrying cases. Weight is also a big factor in transport ease.
Q: Can I cook anything other than breakfast on a camp griddle?
A: Absolutely! You can cook burgers, steaks, chicken, vegetables, stir-fries, quesadillas, and much more.
Q: How long do camp griddles usually last?
A: A well-maintained cast iron griddle can last a lifetime. Steel and aluminum griddles can also be very durable if they are made with quality materials and cared for properly.
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 Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!