Best Camping Grills and Griddles for Outdoor Cooking
The best camping grill or griddle for you comes down to one decision: are you cooking for a group of four or more, or just one or two people? A portable propane grill delivers speed and flame flavor for burgers and steaks. A flat-top griddle excels at pancakes, eggs, and stir-fry because you can cook more food in less space. A hybrid unit that does both is the most versatile option if you cook a mix of meals and don’t want to pack two devices.
So what does that mean for your next purchase? If you’re a typical family car camper cooking three meals a day for three to six people, a hybrid two-burner propane grill with a removable griddle plate is your practical sweet spot. If you cook mainly breakfast and sandwiches for two people, a dedicated small griddle saves weight and money. Choose wrong and you’ll either run out of cooking surface, waste fuel on half-filled burners, or spend the trip scrubbing stuck-on eggs.
Quick answer
For most campers, a two‑burner propane camp grill that accepts a flat‑top griddle accessory is the best balance of versatility and cleanup. It handles breakfast, dinner, and quick lunches without separate fuel types. If you cook exclusively for two or pack light, a single‑burner butane grill with a small griddle plate is lighter and cheaper. Here’s how the options compare side by side.
Comparison framework
| Decision factor | Camp grill (open flame) | Griddle (flat top) | Hybrid (both options) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Steaks, burgers, veggies with char flavor | Pancakes, eggs, bacon, stir-fry, fish | Everything, no trade-off on cooking style |
| Average cooking surface | 200–400 sq in | 250–500 sq in | 200–400 sq in griddle surface |
| Fuel type | Propane (most common), charcoal, or pellets | Propane or butane | Propane |
| Portability | Moderate to bulky | Compact to moderate | Moderate |
| Cleanup | Grate scraping and ash disposal | Wipe down with paper towel | Wipe griddle, scrape grates |
| Price range | $60–$200 | $50–$180 | $120–$250 |
If you cook varied meals for three or more people, the hybrid category delivers the most value. If you cook only breakfast and sandwiches, a dedicated griddle is lighter and cheaper. If you need char marks and smoke flavor, a traditional grill is your only option.
Best-fit picks by use case
Best all-around hybrid: Camp Chef Everest 2X with griddle accessory
The Everest 2X puts out 20,000 BTUs per burner and has a cooking surface large enough for a full breakfast and dinner in one session. It accepts a flat‑top griddle plate that covers the entire grilling area. The integrated wind guards hold a flame in 30‑mph gusts. The trade‑off is weight (38 lbs) and size—this is strictly car‑camping gear.
- Best for: Car camping, groups of 3–6, mixed‑meal cooking
- Weakness: Heavy; no built‑in griddle (plate sold separately, about $35). Without the plate you can’t cook eggs or pancakes properly.
Best lightweight dedicated griddle: Blackstone 17‑inch Tabletop Griddle
The Blackstone 17 gives you 268 sq in of flat‑top surface in a 21‑lb package. It runs on 1‑lb propane cylinders (or a bulk tank with an adapter). The rear grease management system makes cleanup trivial. The single burner heats evenly but lacks the raw power for searing thick steaks.
- Best for: Breakfast‑focused cooks, couples or small families, quick cleanup
- Weakness: Small surface for groups; no open flame for char. If you try to cook burgers for four, you’ll have to batch in two rounds.
Best value portable grill: Weber Q1200
The Weber Q1200 is a small gas grill with consistent, even heat and decent flame flavor. The 189 sq in porcelain‑enameled grate is nonstick and lasts years. It runs on a 1‑lb propane tank or a larger tank with an adapter hose. It does not flip to griddle mode, so you’ll need a separate pan for pancakes or eggs.
- Best for: Burgers, hot dogs, chops for 1–3 people; packability
- Weakness: No flat‑top option. You can’t cook a full breakfast without scrambling on a tiny pan.
Best for true portability: Jetboil Genesis Basecamp
This two‑burner propane stove with a built‑in griddle plate folds into a compact case weighing under 13 lbs. Each burner outputs 9,000 BTUs—enough for moderate cooking but not high‑heat searing. The nonstick griddle plate is integrated, so you can’t lose the accessory.
- Best for: Minimalist car campers, kayak campers, anyone counting every pound
- Weakness: Lower BTU output; griddle‑only (no open flame option). If you want flame‑grilled flavor, this isn’t it.
Trade-offs to know
Flat‑top heat control is different from a grill. On a griddle, hotspots are more pronounced, and you need to manage oil and temperature zones actively. The practical consequence: if you’re used to flipping burgers over an open flame, expect a learning curve. You may burn the first batch of pancakes until you learn where the cool zone is. To verify your griddle’s hot spots, sprinkle a thin layer of flour on the cold surface and turn the burner to medium. The flour will brown faster over the hottest areas. This test takes two minutes and tells you exactly where to place delicate foods.
Propane tank compatibility requires a specific adapter, not a ‘universal’ one. Most tabletop grills and griddles use disposable 1‑lb cylinders. If you plan to refill from a standard 20‑lb tank, check the manufacturer’s part number—don’t grab a generic adapter from a hardware store. The Blackstone 17, for example, requires model AD‑702; using a mismatched hose can cause the regulator to leak. A reader recently reported a flare‑up after forcing a generic adapter onto a Camp Chef regulator. Test the connection at home before your trip by spraying soapy water on the joints and looking for bubbles. If you see any, don’t use it.
Wind performance varies massively. A grill that works fine in calm air becomes unusable in a 20‑mph breeze. Models with built‑in wind shields (like the Camp Chef Everest) cost more but save frustration. A cheap portable grill in windy conditions will burn more fuel and cook unevenly—you might end up with raw centers and burnt edges on your burgers. If you camp in exposed locations like the coast or high desert, prioritize wind guards over price.
Grease management on griddles can ruin your tabletop. If you buy a dedicated griddle, verify it has a rear or side grease drip system. Griddles without a drainage channel flood grease onto the burner area or your picnic table. The Blackstone 17’s rear channel works well; budget griddles often lack one, forcing you to wipe grease into a paper towel mid‑cook. That’s a fire hazard if the towel touches the burner.
Quick fit check for your trip (5 items)
Use these five checks before you buy. Each item is a pass/fail for your trip.
- Group size: Does the cooking surface comfortably hold enough food for all people at one meal without batch cooking?
- If no, go for a larger hybrid or griddle (300+ sq in).
- Fuel compatibility: Will you use 1‑lb cylinders, a bulk tank, or both? Does the unit support your choice out of the box or with a known adapter?
- If the adapter isn’t listed in the manual, don’t assume it works.
- Wind exposure: Is your typical campsite exposed or sheltered? If exposed, does the unit have built‑in wind guards?
- If no, plan to use a folding windscreen (or accept slower cook times).
- Meal variety: Do you cook both open‑flame foods (burgers, steak) and flat‑top foods (pancakes, eggs)?
- If yes, make sure the unit offers both surfaces (hybrid or separate accessory).
- Cleanup method: Is the grease system easy to access and dispose of without creating a mess?
- If no, bring extra paper towels and a dedicated grease catch pan.
If you fail three or more checks, your intended choice does not fit your trip. Revisit the use‑case picks above.
Expert tips for getting it right
Tip 1: Buy the griddle accessory at the same time as the grill.
– Actionable step: If you choose a hybrid grill, order the matching griddle plate or reversible grate before your first trip.
– Common mistake to avoid: Waiting and assuming you can find one locally. Most brands use proprietary sizing, and a universal griddle plate rarely fits evenly. You risk cooking on the grates only for half the trip while the accessory ships.
Tip 2: Season a new griddle plate at home before the first trip.
– Actionable step: Heat the griddle on high, apply a thin layer of high‑smoke‑point oil (canola or avocado), let it smoke off, wipe clean, and repeat twice. This creates a nonstick base.
– Common mistake to avoid: Skipping seasoning and cooking eggs directly on the factory coating. Eggs will stick aggressively, and you will spend the first morning scrubbing instead of eating.
Tip 3: Match fuel tank choice to trip duration.
– Actionable step: For a weekend (3–4 meals), one disposable 1‑lb cylinder per burner is usually enough. For a week‑long trip, bring a refillable 5‑lb or 20‑lb tank and an adapter hose.
– Common mistake to avoid: Assuming one 1‑lb tank lasts a full week. A single burner on high drains a 1‑lb cylinder in about 1.5 hours. Two burners on high for two meals per day means you will run out by day three.
Related questions
Can I use a camp griddle for searing steaks?
Yes, but a flat top does not produce the same char as open grill grates. You will get a crustier surface than a pan, but less flame‑kissed flavor. Preheat the griddle fully on high and pat the steak dry for best results.
Do I need a stand, or can I use a picnic table?
Most tabletop units have fold‑out legs that sit on a table. If you do not have a flat, stable table, buy a separate stand. A 6‑foot folding camp table works better than the flimsy legs on some budget units.
What is the best fuel type for camping grills?
Propane is the most practical for car camping because it lights instantly, burns clean, and fuel is widely available. Charcoal provides better flavor but adds lighting time, cleanup, and a fire risk where burn bans are in effect. Butane works fine above 40°F but struggles in cold weather. Stick with propane unless you have a specific reason to use something else.
Camping Bob has spent over 20 years camping across the US — from BLM dispersed sites in the Southwest to KOA campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. He writes practical, no-nonsense guides to help fellow campers get outdoors with confidence.