If you would like to cook everything from burgers and steaks to fried eggs and vegetables in the Great Outdoors, then you need to get yourself the best portable griddle.
Portable griddles are designed to be compact, lightweight and easy to transport – so you can put them in your trunk and hit the road at a moment’s notice. This makes them great for last minute camping trips, tailgating parties or evenings on the beach with friends.
The flat, smooth surface of a griddle plate also offers a much more versatile cooking experience than grills. You can cook smaller foods without having to worry about them falling through into the flames, so you can rustle up side dishes like fried rice or stir fried vegetables in just a few minutes!
In this article, we bring you our pick of the best portable griddles on the market today, as well as a handy buying guide to help you find your ideal match.
Contents
- 1 Best Portable Griddles
- 1.1 Blackstone Tabletop Grill – 22 Inch Portable Gas Griddle
- 1.2 PIT BOSS Portable Gas Griddle
- 1.3 Royal Gourmet Portable 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle
- 1.4 Cuisinart Gourmet Portable Gas Griddle
- 1.5 Char-Broil 22-inch 2-Burner Portable Gas Griddle
- 1.6 Country Smokers Horizon Series 2-Burner Portable Gas Griddle
- 1.7 Coleman Even-Temp Propane Stove & Griddle
- 2 Why Trust Us
- 3 Buyer’s Guide to Buying the Best Portable Griddle
- 4 Top Portable Griddles Video
- 5 Final Thoughts
Best Portable Griddles
Here are seven of the leading portable griddles money can buy. We have chosen a range of models that cover all budgets and needs, so there’s something to suit everyone.
Blackstone Tabletop Grill – 22 Inch Portable Gas Griddle
If you’re looking for a portable griddle to take camping, tailgating or RVing, then this model by Blackstone could be just what you need.
This 22-inch tabletop gas griddle is incredibly compact, yet offers a generous amount of cooking space for yourself and your companions. The 339 square-inch griddle area is plenty large enough to cook burgers for 12 people – ideal if you tend to go camping with groups of friends or extended family.
It has two H-style gas burners that kick out 24,000 BTU, so it’s very powerful despite its size. Each burner is independently controlled via the large, dual knobs on the front, so you can ramp up the heat on one side, and keep the other at a lower temperature to keep food warm. There’s also a built-in ignition function, which is perfect if you often forget to pack your lighter.
We like how it weighs just 32 pounds, which makes it a perfect lightweight choice for hiking and camping trips. It can be used with a 1-pound propane tank, but is also compatible with a standard-sized, 20 pound tank with an adaptor – so you can keep the party going for longer.
Although this is a tabletop grill, its low profile, rectangular shape means it will stay completely stable, even on uneven ground. So you can use it on grass, sand or rocky terrain without any worries about it tipping over. The built-in rear grease drain ensures cleanup is a breeze, and the cold-rolled steel griddle surface can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or paper towel when you’re done.
All in all, this model is an excellent choice for quick, efficient cooking on the go. Its compact and lightweight design is almost effortless to transport, and it’s powerful enough to cook all your favorites.
Read our full Blackstone 22-inch griddle review.
PIT BOSS Portable Gas Griddle
Another great option is the PIT BOSS Portable Gas Griddle. Ideal for your outdoor adventures, this model features foldable, wheeled legs and a sturdy lid for easy transportation.
This model is a little heavier at 72 pounds, but thanks to its clever design, it is very portable. The scissor-style foldable legs extend and lock at a comfortable height, so you can cook without stooping over the griddle, while the dual wheels and attached side shelf/handle are perfect for transporting it to your cooking spot when it’s collapsed.
Featuring 320 square-inches of cooking space, this portable griddle has enough room to cook dinner for up to 10 people at once. It has two independently controlled burners, so you can prepare several different foods simultaneously, and puts out 18,000 BTU, which is great for getting going fast. The push button ignition is another welcome feature, so you can start it up in a click.
With its pre-seasoned, 3.5mm thick griddle top, this model is ready to go right out of the box. All you need to do is connect your propane, turn it on and get cooking. The heavy-duty, built-in side shelf provides plenty of extra space for preparation and condiments, while the locking lid is great for holding heat on a windy day.
Once you’ve finished cooking, the front grease tray makes it easy to clean up and pack up. Simply pour out the grease, wipe the griddle, collapse the legs, close the lid and use the handle to wheel it away.
Royal Gourmet Portable 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle
If you’re looking for a larger and more powerful option for family camping trips or days out at the beach, the Royal Gourmet Portable 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle is a great choice.
This model boasts 325 square-inches of griddle area, so you can cook for large groups of friends and family simultaneously. It has three burners, each of them capable of 9,000 BTU – for an impressive combined cooking power of 27,000 BTU. This high-powered griddle is perfect for rapid heat up and fast cooking times, so your guests won’t have to wait around for their burger.
We like that each burner can be independently-controlled, as this gives you the versatility to throw different food items on the griddle at once without worrying about burning. Vegetables and side dishes can be cooked on a lower temperature on one side, while your meats and fish are cooked at a higher heat on another. You can also have one burner on very low, so you can use it as a warming area if your guests aren’t ready to eat just yet.
This model has a porcelain-coated griddle top that’s non-stick and effortless to clean. It also distributes heat evenly across the entire surface so you won’t have to worry about hot or cold spots interfering with your cooking. The stainless steel control panel is durable and easy to use, while the built-in push-button ignition system makes start up simple in a click.
This model is designed for use with a 20 pound propane tank, so it’s best suited for locations you’ll be driving to, rather than hiking trips. The griddle itself is incredibly lightweight and compact, though. It weighs just 30 pounds and takes up very little space in your trunk – making it ideal for spontaneous trips.
Cuisinart Gourmet Portable Gas Griddle
Another great pick is the Cuisinart Gourmet Portable Gas Griddle. This model is well-made and has a generously-sized cooking surface that’s perfect for entertaining friends and family.
Measuring 21 x 20.5 x 9 inches, this gas griddle is compact and great for use in RV’s, trailers or when tailgating. The cold rolled steel griddle top is thick, highly-durable and distributes heat evenly across the surface for perfectly-cooked results. And the 285 square-inches of griddle space is plenty to cook up a full meal for several people.
This model comes complete with two independently-controlled burners that combined, can give out 20,000 BTU of heat. This amount of power is plenty hot enough to cook everything from steaks to burgers and shrimps to corn. The griddle heats up rapidly, too – so you won’t have to keep your hungry companions waiting.
This model requires very little assembly, making it a great option if you’re new to portable griddles. The built-in ignition system means you can start it up in a flash, too, so you can be cooking for friends not long after you’ve opened the box.
We like that this model also comes with a cast iron grate attachment, that can be positioned over one half of the griddle surface. This is ideal for achieving authentic sear marks on your steaks or burgers just like you would on a charcoal grill.
The Cuisinart Gourmet Portable Gas Griddle is designed to be used with standard-sized, 20-pound propane tanks. This means you’ll have plenty of fuel to keep you cooking for hours, but on the downside, it means this model is less suitable for off-grid beauty spots that you’d have to hike to.
Char-Broil 22-inch 2-Burner Portable Gas Griddle
Next on our list, we have the Char-Broil 22-inch 2-Burner Portable Gas Griddle. This model also has a tabletop design and a large cooking surface which is great for camping trips with your loved ones.
Featuring a cold-rolled steel griddle surface, this portable griddle conducts heat very well to prevent hot or cold spots. It has built-in ignition and two stainless-steel burners that, when used together, kick out an impressive 18,000 BTU for high-powered cooking. Each burner is controlled independently via the dials on the front, so you can adjust the temperature on each zone of the griddle as required.
Thanks to its 320 square-inch cooking surface, this model has plenty of space for you to cook for all your companions at once. It can be used on a tabletop or on uneven ground, as it has adjustable legs that ensure stability on rough surfaces. There’s also a built-in grease cup for easy cleaning.
Compact and easy to transport, we like that this model has integrated side handles for comfortable carrying, so you can pack it up and head out the door in minutes. It’s 22.8 x 20.87 x 8.58 inch dimensions are ideal for storing in your trunk or RV without taking up much space, and its durable construction means it can easily withstand any knock or bumps it might endure along the way.
The only downside to this model is that it doesn’t come pre-seasoned. So, you’ll have to factor in a little time to do this before the first use. But, overall, if you’re looking for a durable, easy to use and highly portable griddle – you can’t go far wrong with this model.
Country Smokers Horizon Series 2-Burner Portable Gas Griddle
If you prefer free-standing style griddles, this model from Country Smokers could be just what you need. Built using heavy-duty stainless steel, this model is highly durable while also being relatively lightweight and easily portable.
This portable flat top grill offers an impressive 373 square-inch cooking area, which is plenty of space to cook for between 5-6 people at once. The steel griddle top conducts heat quickly and evenly for effortless cooking without any cold spots. We like that it’s also pre-seasoned, so you can get going right away.
It comes with two burners that have a combined output of 22,000 BTU – more than enough to cook all your favorites and more. It has a built-in striker for ignition and each burner can also be independently controlled via the sleek, black control panel on the front, which makes it easy to adjust the temperature in each zone as needed.
Another great feature of this model is its wind protection. The burners are well shielded from the wind and the sides have cleverly-designed vents to prevent the wind from disturbing the flames and ruining your dinner.
This model is a great choice for camping, tailgating, RVing or days by the lake. The legs fold up for easy storage and transportation, and there’s also two sturdy, foam-padded side handles so it’s simple to carry single-handedly.
Coleman Even-Temp Propane Stove & Griddle
Last on our list is the Coleman Even-Temp Propane Stove & Griddle. Available to purchase separately, this is a winning combination for perfectly-cooked food anywhere.
The Even-Temp Stove features three full-sized, stainless-steel burners which when combined, kick out a total of 28,000 BTU for powerful heat. Each burner can also be independently controlled via the large dials on the front, so you can switch up the heat across the stove depending on what you’re cooking. The push-button is also a welcome addition that makes it easy to get started in a click.
Compact and highly-portable, thanks to its suitcase-like style – this stove is a great option for outdoor dining. It boasts “PerfectFlow” pressure technology which ensures the heat remains steady, even if you’re cooking in windy conditions. There’s also specialized wind blocking panels that are designed to shield your burners from surprise gusts that might blow out the flames.
The separate griddle is crafted from aluminum and offers 225 square-inches of griddle space, so there’s plenty of room to cook for yourself and your companions at the same time. This griddle is incredibly durable, non-stick and easy to clean, so you can be sure that it’ll stand up to the challenges of your outdoor adventures. It can be stored within the stove case when not in use, too – making it super easy to transport and store.
Overall, if you’re looking for a convenient and easy to use set for versatile cooking on the go, this combination is a great choice. Sure, you have to purchase them separately, but we think the suitcase style design, wind blocking features and high-powered burners make this option worth it.
Why Trust Us
All of our reviews are compiled with a combination of expert input, years of hands-on testing of grilling products, curating the reviews of real-life buyers in a “wisdom of the crowd” system, and of course our own expertise. All the products listed are the ones we would buy if we were looking to purchase a new portable griddle.
Methodology Used to Pick the Best Portable Griddle
When picking the best portable griddle we looked at and then rated each griddle on the following criteria. Price, temp range and temp control, portability, burners, and heat distribution.
Buyer’s Guide to Buying the Best Portable Griddle
If you’re new to griddles, deciding which model is best for you can be difficult.
In our in-depth buying guide, we break down the most important features to look out for, so you can make your purchase with confidence.
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Price
Budget is usually one of the top considerations we have in mind when purchasing new outdoor equipment. Luckily, there’s such a wide range of portable griddles to choose from, no matter your budget, you should be able to find a good match.
That said, it’s important to think about how you plan to use your table top griddle before deciding on a particular model. If you’re only likely to use it a few times a year, does it really make sense to go for the most expensive one you can afford, when a cheaper option would do the job just fine?
On the other hand, if you’re an avid camper, hiker or RV owner and hit the road on a regular basis, we would recommend choosing the absolute best model in your price range. Keep in mind that this isn’t always the priciest choice, though. Take another look over our best portable griddle reviews to find the right match for you.
Griddle Surface Area
After price, griddle surface area is the next big consideration.
Ask yourself how many people you’re likely to cook for on a regular basis. If you’re just grilling for yourself, your partner and a couple of friends, there’s no point in opting for a large model. This will just reduce the portability and you’ll end up with lots of wasted space. In this case, we recommend going for a model that has around 225 square-inches of griddle space.
However, if you’re a fan of tailgating or are expecting to cook for groups of friends and family, you should look for a model that offers at least 300 square-inches of cooking space.
Size, Weight & Portability
Of course, when shopping for a portable griddle for camping, hiking or days out on the beach; weight, size and overall portability are key features to keep in mind.
You should make sure to choose a model that is compact and lightweight enough for you to store and transport comfortably. Otherwise, you’ll be less likely to want to use it.
Many portable flat top grills have a tabletop design which is particularly easy to carry with you to your destination and will fit into your car trunk without any issues. You should look for one which has sturdy carry handles so you can get a good grip on it.
Other models feature a collapsible design, so you can extend the legs during use but fold them down for transport and storage. These types of portable griddles are often more comfortable to use than tabletop models if you don’t have a suitable solid surface to place them on. However, they also usually take up more space when in storage.
We recommend looking for one that has wheeled legs and built-in handles, so you have the option of pulling it behind you rather than carrying it.
Number of Burners
Just like griddle space, the number of burners you’ll need depends on how you intend to use your portable griddle.
We would recommend opting for a model that has at least two burners. This allows you to cook a full meal at once, as you can set a high heat on one burner, for meats and fish, and a lower heat on the other for side dishes such as vegetables. Alternatively, you can use one burner on low as a “keep warm zone” so your food doesn’t go cold once cooked.
Portable griddles rarely have more than three burners, otherwise, they wouldn’t be very portable! Models with three burners are the best option if you plan to cook for larger groups of friends and family, so everyone can enjoy their food together at the same time.
Heat Distribution
Efficient heat distribution is crucial to avoid hot and cold spots that cause uneven cooking.
To ensure your table top griddle has good heat distribution, you should look for models that use high-quality, heat-conductive materials for the griddle plate. The best options are cold-rolled steel and stainless steel. Some models may also have a protective coating, such as porcelain, which can also enhance heat distribution across the griddle.
We also recommend looking for models which have a thick griddle plate for more consistent heat in all areas.
Temp Ranges & Temp Control
Unlike electric models, gas griddles don’t have temperature settings. Instead, you can adjust the heat level by twisting the dials on the control panel and turning up the flames.
If you’re looking for high-powered cooking, the most reliable feature to keep in mind is “BTU’s” or “British Thermal Units”. This unit of output should be given for all gas griddles and tells you how powerful the burners are. The higher the BTU the hotter the griddle can get.
We recommend 18,000 BTU as a minimum, but if you want fast and hot cooking you should look for a model that offers a higher BTU of between 22 and 28,000.
Top Portable Griddles Video
Final Thoughts
Any of the models featured in our best portable griddle reviews are fantastic choices, but of course, the right option for you depends on your needs and lifestyle.
If you tend to cook for several people, we recommend going for the Blackstone Tabletop Grill, the PIT BOSS Portable Gas Griddle, or the Country Smokers Horizon Series 2-Burner Portable Gas Griddle.
All of these models offer a generous cooking area which is suitable for larger groups, so everyone can enjoy their meal together. The Blackstone is a tabletop version which is ideal if you have little storage space, while the Country Smokers Griddle and PIT BOSS have foldable legs for easy transportation to and from your chosen cooking spot.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something for yourself and perhaps a couple of companions, we suggest either the Coleman Even-Temp Propane Stove & Griddle or the Cuisinart Gourmet Portable Gas Griddle.
Both of these options are incredibly portable but have a slightly smaller griddle area, so you won’t end up with more space than you need. The Cuisinart is super easy to set up and gives out an impressive amount of heat for rapid cooking, while the Coleman Even-Temp Stove and Griddle is a winning combination that enables you to cook a huge variety of meals on the go.
These are just a few suggestions from our pick of the best portable griddles. Whatever your needs, we’re confident you’ll find your perfect match in our selection.