Need A Griddle For Camping? These Rock!

Now, when you’re camping and miles away from the nearest kitchen, finding the right portable griddle can mean the difference between culinary delight and dinner disaster.

I’ve had my share of both, so trust me when I say, I’ve learned my lessons the hard and smoky way. But you, my friend, you’re going to benefit from my battle scars.

So, buckle up, grab your spatula, and unleash your inner outdoor chef as we dive into the world of the best griddles for camping – where the sizzle meets the sky.

Quick Picks: In this quick overview, we highlight our top griddle selections for camping enthusiasts. First, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle stands out for its exceptional heat retention and even cooking, a sturdy choice for any outdoor cooking adventure. Next, the GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Non-Stick Griddle, known for its lightweight design and easy-to-clean surface, is ideal for campers who value convenience. For those cooking in larger groups, the Camp Chef Professional Fry Griddle offers a spacious cooking area and consistent heat distribution. Lastly, the Blackstone Adventure Ready 17 Table Top Grill is a top pick for its portability and efficient performance, making it a fantastic option for campers on the move. Stay tuned for detailed reviews of each product to help you choose the perfect griddle for your next camping trip.

Why A Griddle For Camping? Versatility: The Swiss Army Knife of the Campfire

I once heard some guy on YouTube say “My griddle can do everything your grill can do and about 100 things your grill can’t do”. I gotta, say, I agree!

When you’re packing for the wild, you want gear that can pull double (or triple) duty. Enter the griddle. It’s not just for pancakes, folks.

Camp stoves are ok, and RV factory stoves are not very good. Finding a small, portable griddle for camping is an excellent way to level up your overlanding, camping, vanlife, or RV epic meal time.

I’ve cooked up everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to a mountain of sautéed veggies on these bad boys.

Why Choose a Griddle over a Camp Stove?

The griddle is a one-stop cooking wonder, making it a no-brainer when you’re limited on space and don’t want to lug around the entire kitchen.

Put it this way, a little camp stove needs extra pots and pans, can only cook 1 thing at a time (for the most part) and is pretty limited in capability.

A griddle for camping takes all of your meals to the next level. Bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and pancakes all at the same time? Yep! (see snarky quote above, please).

Is the Blackstone 36 Portable?

Many people have said to me that they will just “bring” their Blackstone 36 with them tailgating or camping. In my opinion, NO, the 36 inch Blackstone Griddle is not considered a portable griddle.

Now, Im not saying you cant, iI’m just saying the Blackstone 36 griddles are big, heavy and a bit of overkill for camping and road trips.

I do own a Blackstone 36, and while I love it and would take it places if I didn’t have any other options, the fact is, the small portable griddle options listed below are generally under $100 and easy to keep handy for the adventures we head out on. So, a separate griddle for camping is the way to go.

Choosing Your Camping Griddle: What to Look For

Sure, anyone can throw together the “best of” and list a bunch of griddles, but let’s be honest, we want to know WHY we want to pick said griddle.

So, let’s look at the features and designs that help us pick the right griddle for each of you.

Heat Source Compatibility: Fire, Gas, or Electric?

Consider the heat source you’ll be using. Many griddles are designed for open fires, but I’ve got a soft spot for the convenience of a propane-powered camp stove.

Griddles come in two different power sources as their means of heating the cooking surface. The most common is LP Gas (otherwise known as Propane). Propane griddles are of the more common outdoor griddles.

The other type of power source for a griddle is electricity. I had previously only used propane griddles, but just recently Blackstone introduced a new indoor-use approved electric griddle in the new E-Series Blackstone 17 and 22-inch griddles.

Some can even run electric for those “glamping” trips where you have the luxury of a power source. The first time I hooked up a griddle to my camper’s outdoor kitchen, it felt like cheating – but in the best possible way.

Material Matters: Cast Iron vs. Aluminum

Griddles come in all shapes and sizes, but the material can really make or break the deal. Cast iron, with its stellar heat retention and durability, is a classic choice.

A cold-rolled/cast-iron cooking surface will require a seasoning process, if you are unsure what that is, check out our guide here Easy Griddle Seasoning Guide. Keep in mind, some griddles come pre-seasoned and others require a seasoning before the first use, so check with your owners manual before jumping into the seasoning process.

Stainless Steel and Aluminum Titanium do not require a seasoning process before use. Personally, I like the seasoning process of a new griddle or when inventing a neglected griddle.

Aluminum griddles are lighter and heat up quickly, making them friendly for the backpacking types. However, they can be a bit fragile and won’t give you that lifelong companionship a cast iron buddy offers.

Size and Portability: Matching Your Griddle to Your Adventure

Think about where your outdoor adventures will take you. If you’re car camping, you’ve got the luxury to go big. On one starry evening, I had a larger-than-life griddle that let me cook up a feast for my entire hiking crew. Talk about being the campsite hero!

However, if you’re trekking into the backcountry, you’ll need something lightweight and compact. There was this one time I overestimated my carrying capacity and lugged a griddle that was way too big up a trail. My back paid the price, but lesson learned: match your griddle to your journey.

Heat Distribution: The Griddle’s Secret Weapon

One glorious morning, I was on a mountain, griddle at the ready, the air crisp and the campfire crackling. What happened next was nothing short of magic. I poured out some pancake batter, and it cooked evenly – no burnt edges, no raw middles – just pancake perfection.

That’s when I truly understood the power of a good griddle’s heat distribution. It’s all about that even cook, and boy does it make a happy camper.

Griddle Cooking Surface Real Estate

The amount of real estate you get to cook on is what I refer to as the “cooking surface real-estate”.

For each make and model, this will vary but for a quick eyeball reference when shopping, the cooking surface real-estate will be oftentimes designated in the model description.

In my own experience, I have found the Blackstone Adventure 17 to be a great balance of size and capability as a go-to griddle for camping.

Burner Element Size and BTU

This is a make or breaks it for some people. Heating elements matter and how well the griddle or flat-top grill handles heat is a big deal especially for the budding backyard chef.

BTUs are an acronym used for the measurement of heat named the British Thermal Units, I’m no engineer but you can read more here if you want to nerd out on BTUs. Bottom line, the higher the BTU rating, the hotter it gets!

Something to consider with BTUs is propane usage thats associated with the burner size and heat rating. The higher the BTU, the more propane will be consumed by the griddle while cooking.

Here is a breakdown of Each Griddle Companies Warranty:

• Blackstone (link to warranty)
• Camp Chef (link to warranty)
• Blue Rhino (link to warranty)
• Steelmade USA (link to warranty)

So, as you can see, not all brands are created equal! Picking a griddle has lots to consider! When it’s time to pick out a griddle for your outdoor escapades, consider these key factors:

Best Griddles For Camping

Alright, enough of the setup – let’s get to the main event! Here are some griddles that have stood the test of fire and time with me.

The Heavyweight Champion: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle

Lodge is the name in cast iron, and their pre-seasoned griddle is no exception. It’s rugged, reliable, and gets better with age – just like a fine wine. Mind you, it’s heavy, so it’s best for places where you won’t be moving camp each day. The one I have has seen countless sunrises and is still going strong.

The Lightweight Contender: GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Non-Stick Griddle

Now, for those long treks where every ounce counts, GSI’s Bugaboo is a game-changer. Lightweight and non-stick, it’s been a back-saver. It doesn’t hold heat like cast iron, but for a quick meal of eggs and toast, it’s perfect. It’s not the heirloom piece, but it’s fabulous for when weight and space are at a premium.

The All-Rounder: Camp Chef Professional Fry Griddle

This one is a sweet spot for me. Camp Chef makes solid gear, and their professional fry griddle hits the mark. It’s got heat diffuser plates to minimize hot spots, and the size is ideal for feeding a crew without breaking your back carrying it. It fits nicely over two burners on most camp stoves. I’ve had one for years, and it’s a trusty companion for car camping shenanigans.

The Unexpected Hero: Blackstone Adventure Ready 17 Table Top Grill – Portable Gas Griddle

This is my first griddle and i still use it to this day. The Blackstone Adventure Ready 17 Table Top Grill has been a lifesaver when the weather’s uncooperative, or I’m just feeling a little lazy. It’s great for large families on the go, and the convenience of the incorporated gas means you’re cooking in no time. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze, which means more time enjoying the wilderness.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Keeping Your Griddle Happy

Finally, don’t forget about upkeep. Cast iron requires a bit more TLC with seasoning and careful cleaning. I’ve spent many a night, post-feast, gently cleaning and oiling my cast iron so it’s ready for the next round. Non-stick and stainless steel options might be easier to clean but behave differently when it comes to cooking certain foods. Always choose what you’re willing to take care of, because a happy griddle means happy eating.

Wrapping It Up with a Bow (or a Burger)

As the sun sets on our griddle talk, I hope my musings and mishaps have guided you toward your ideal camping griddle. Remember, it’s about finding the balance between portability, performance, and personal preference.

Just imagine: you’re in the great outdoors, with the scents of pine and campfire in the air, a majestic view in front of you, and a trusty griddle at your side. That, my friends, is where memories are made, and bellies are filled. Happy trails and even happier grilling!