Outdoor cooking has been made so easy thanks to flat top propane griddles. If you want to be known as the camp champ, then pick the propane griddle that best matches your needs and preferences.
Many people find that cooking outdoors brings about a therapeutic effect. It definitely gives me a sense of fulfillment to flip that fine beef patty or smell the lobster and fajitas sizzling on top of the griddle.
Amidst the saturation of social media in our lives, spending time outdoors gives people a chance to spend quality time with other people. Socialization coupled with eating a healthy meal is beneficial to the body and mind. It allows you to detox by breathing fresh air and bathing in the sun, and you also get the opportunity to conquer new challenges which can lead to a good night’s sleep, decreased depression, anxiety, and stress.
In fact, there’s even a survey proving that camping has become more popular among millennials. Aside from the fact that it offers more affordable options when planning a trip outdoors, it gives them the opportunity to slow down, unwind, and enjoy camping in all its forms – from back-country to adventure camping, and even glamping.
Recommended Propane Cooking Griddles for all your outdoor cooking
There’s something very special about outdoor cooking. A lot of people would agree: not only do we enjoy the food, but the process of preparing it is memorable as well.
The feeling of togetherness plus the scent of nature combined with the different spices added to the food is just so lovely. The scent alone can bring you back down memory lane or warp you to a particular moment in your life in an instant. There’s just something magical and special about outdoor cooking.
Though outdoor cooking differs substantially from kitchen-based cooking because of the undefined space of your cooking area, and though it requires a different set of rules and equipment, no one should stop you from making this a tradition with friends and family alike.
Whether you’re going camping or simply want to enjoy the summer breeze in your backyard grilling that juicy, savory hotdog, you can!
It doesn’t matter what your exact location outside the home is, because there are a number of choices for cookware that you can use to prepare a variety of dishes. Whether it’s a flat top propane griddle, portable propane griddle or a stainless-steel propane griddle, all you have to do is choose the one you think will make it all work.
Using gas for cooking is a staple whether you’re using large or small kitchen equipment, as cooking with gas provides more heat than electric stovetops. There are a number of areas where gas is much cheaper compared to electric, which affords you more savings in the long run. But you also have to understand what types of gas you can use to get the maximum benefit.
Propane is extracted from crude oil and petroleum gases during their refinement process. According to an article, the major advantage of using propane is the portability option. It allows you to move anywhere you want because the tank travels with the unit.
People who may not have been interested in camping before are now finding alternative and interesting new ways to camp. Another important consideration when camping is the location and intensity of the terrain, because on average a person burns over 500 calories per hour, so it’s essential that we replenish the calories and fluid that we lose during the process.
This is when the necessity of preparing a hot drink or warm meal comes in. The convenience of being able to settle down and set up immediately has brought about a lot of innovative camping essentials to choose from.
There’s a growing demand for a high quality, easy to use, portable and compact propane griddle for camping, a small propane griddle or an outdoor propane griddle. Let’s shrink the list of propane griddles and find out which among them stand out from the rest.
There are so many propane griddles to choose from and it’s not going to be too hard selecting the best one. Certain griddles have all the best features but may fail in a single aspect. While for some it’s not going to be a big deal, it may be something that you specifically need. Read on as we search, try out and research the best in the propane griddle category.
* Blackstone 36-inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station
If you’re cooking for the family or inviting the whole neighborhood, this griddle’s got you covered. This propane griddle is known to provide “The Ultimate Griddle Experience.” The parts are carefully placed in an average-sized box and the griddle comes with an instruction manual for easy assembly.
It’s easier to assemble if you’re going to place the base upside down. It has 4 solid stainless-steel burners which allow you to set 4 different cooking zones and give you the versatility to cook any meal you want. It also comes with an electronic ignition powered by an electric push button igniter for a fast start every time. All you need for this is 1 AA battery.
However, you will not be able to turn on the steel burner farthest from the ignition without turning on the one nearest the ignition first and then the second and so on. It has to be a chain reaction, which may be difficult due to factors like the direction or force of the wind. The part where the propane gas container is supposed to be placed is a bit difficult to attach, too, but it’s acceptable.
This one is very easy to transport from one place to another.
I suggest you assemble the parts outdoors where you are likely do the cooking, as the griddle is heavy, weighing in at about 120 pounds. When you’ve finally decided where you would like your griddle to stay, don’t forget to click the two locking casters to keep it in place.
This griddle boasts of a few new accessories: the side shelf with removable cutting board, convenient paper towel holder plus the trash bag hook strategically placed. I’m thinking of finding a wider sized garbage bag which better fits the garbage opening so that it will not be too stretched to the point of tearing, especially when it’s full of trash already. The Rear Grease Management System helps eliminate mess and excess grease from the griddle.
The cooktop is big enough for parties, camping and even catering events. The top is made of carbon steel and comes coated with protective oil to prevent rust. Be sure to wash the oil off before first use. I diluted a few drops of dishwashing liquid in warm water then rinsed it with hot water. I then patted the griddle dry and followed the steps on how to season the griddle for long lasting effect.
This is done by wiping a thin layer of flax oil over the cooking surface, which can be applied with a paper towel. Wipe off the excess with a paper towel and turn on all the burners for 30 minutes or so to burn the oil in. Turn the burners off and let the griddle cool. Repeat the process and do around 4-5 coats. Having completed the seasoning process, you will be able to achieve the optimal shiny black looking surface.
With 720 square inches of cooking area, the 4 adjustable burners make it possible to use just one or two burners when cooking for a single person. Before starting to cook on your griddle check the level. You may use a construction level or anything that may help you ensure that the grease or any other liquid flows to the drain.
Even with a perfectly-seasoned cooking surface I still add a dash of oil to all the food that I cook whether it is bacon, eggs, ham, steak, etc. When you’re done cooking, here comes the unanticipated clean-up. When cleaning the griddle, you may want to wipe off the excess grease or oil on the griddle top.
Overall, the Blackstone griddles cooking is remarkable except for the following reasons, which I’ve also read from other users. The grease drain problem doesn’t seem to have been resolved yet. There are times when the grease will miss the griddle cup and will slide down one of the griddle legs. There’s one trick for dealing with this issue. Using a paper clip or any piece of wire, stick it on the hole down to the grease cup, and the grease will then run down the wire instead.
Another thing that you can do is to wrap a small piece of foil around the end of the drain to funnel the grease to the direction of the cup. Another thing that I noticed, and I’ve also seen similar concerns from other users, is the availability of the additional accessories, specifically the new accessory side shelf where the removable cutting board, paper tower holder and trash bag are placed.
The removable chopping board acts as the cover for the trash bin. When you pull out the chopping board, it’s a bit difficult to put back. It’s still acceptable, but this can also a major concern for others. This product is still very good in terms of delivering and fulfilling its promise of cooking the tastiest steaks, bacon, eggs, burgers and veggies, but if you have concerns for the other aspects then you may still have to continue searching for “the one.”
Pros:
- Made with powder-coated Black Steel frame
- Stainless Steel burners and thick cold Rolled Steel cooktop
- Controllable heat zones
- Transportable
- Easy to assemble
- Prepare food restaurant-style
Cons:
- Difficult to place the propane gas on the groove
- One ignition control for all 4 burners
- Grease is difficult to collect even if draining system was transferred to the rear
- The top needs to be seasoned
* Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill Griddle
This griddle is as a game changer in the propane gas griddle industry. Talk about convenience — if you’re going glamping with the family, just bring this griddle in your RV and set it up in your favorite location. Without the hassle of setting up the big bulky griddle, you can enjoy your family’s all-time favorites without sacrificing anything.
The idea of glamorous camping is to experience camping and be one with nature, but if something from home will make the trip more enjoyable, then go ahead and bring that portable propane griddle with you and cook meals that you traditionally enjoy with your family.
If you’ve already booked a trip with your family but are having second thoughts on how to prepare your meal without too much fuss, try Royal Gourmet’s Portable 3-Burner Propane Gas Griddle. I already did and I’ll be sharing with you the things I found out about this compact outdoor propane griddle.
When you first open the box of this 36-pounder baby, you will see how nicely packed all the parts are, including the user manual. This one is really heavy duty, taking up a 30-pound propane with porcelain enamel griddle top.
Another piece of good news is that you no longer need to season the griddle, unlike other propane ones that need to be seasoned, which is done in order to create a non-stick surface that’s natural and adds flavor to food. It also includes a huge grease collector — very imporant if you’re cooking on your patio and you don’t like the idea of grease trickling down the leg of your griddle and onto the floor.
Assembly is much easier because it’s much smaller than its counterparts.
Be sure to check that all the parts are complete before you start to assemble, so if anything is missing, you can easily take note and report it to their customer service, which has received remarkable praise in user reviews.
Thankfully for us, we got all the parts complete and so construction began. We started by connecting the foot under the main body followed by the griddle on top. You should wash this part with warm soapy water and rinse and wipe thoroughly. Plug in the regulator and attach the hose for the propane gas and you’re ready to start cooking.
This stainless-steel propane griddle has 3 burners and 316-square inches of cooking area and a durable stainless control panel with Piezo Ignition System.
Since each burner has a separate control, you can cook different sets simultaneously. It’s truly perfect for preparing heaps of fried rice, eggs, French toast, pancakes, pork belly, beef steak, caramelized onions and buttered corn and carrots. The design is so compact that it’s perfect for nights on the patio, outdoor parties, picnics, and camping.
Pros:
- Durable stainless-steel control panel with piezo ignition system
- 3 separately controlled burners
- Comes with porcelain enamel griddle top, easy to clean by paper towel and warm soap water
- Customer service is remarkable
Cons:
- Sometimes the food sticks and the equipment becomes difficult to clean
- Uneven heat distribution
- Porcelain coating comes off after several uses
* Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900 Outdoor Griddle FTG900 Black
Pool parties will never go out of style. As technology and innovation evolve, so do family bonding experiences. The common belief, though, is this: traditional pool parties are a boring family activity where the kids will probably just sit by the pool holding a gadget and looking down. The adults will be glancing at each other from time to time, wondering what they have gotten themselves into.
Well, this is a myth. It was the summer of 2023 when the family decided to throw a pool party and have a mini-reunion. We wanted it to be something really memorable that everybody would enjoy no matter what age.
We knew that it wasn’t going to be easy as there are a ton of things that we had to consider. Pool parties in general send out that positive and relaxing vibe which makes everyone feel carefree and relaxed. Apart from the decorations, lots of pool floats, nice music, games and refreshing drinks, the host should also ensure that everybody will be satisfied with the food that is being served.
We finalized our menu and decided that we will go for succulent and mouthwatering food that is still healthy and swimsuit friendly. There’s no other way to achieve this than to cook them on the griddle. There were going to be lots of vegetables such as grilled eggplants, apricot and tomato salad plus creamy cucumber and potato salad for the appetizer. Of course, there would also be lots of beef patties, tacos, tortillas, bacon, hotdogs and vegetable sided dishes.
All this food preparation and cooking wouldn’t be an easy task without the help of my sister-in-law’s Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 900 Outdoor Griddle FTG900 in Black. In terms of size, it can accommodate tons of food at the same time. This outdoor propane griddle has a cooking surface that is already seasoned, so there’s no need to spend time prepping the griddle and ensuring that it will have a non-stick surface.
With its cooking surface heat diffuser, there’s a huge heat diffusion plate that helps to evenly distribute heat from the burners throughout the cooking surface. Multiple attachment points of this heat diffusion plate also keep your cooking surface free from warping.
Now here’s the part that is quite complicated: the grease management system.
I’ve seen a lot of propane griddles fail tremendously in grease disposal. Most of the time we experience excess oil streaming down the legs and sides of our griddles, and we have to come up with alternatives to make the existing system work.
As for Camp Chef’s propane griddle, they’ve introduced the second version of their grease management system where it sends everything to the center of the rear of the cooking surface. The grease cup is large and easily removable, cleanable and replaceable. It may not be considered a technological invention, but it sure does work well. Having burners that distribute heat evenly helps in a way that conserves heat energy, so fuel consumption decreases, which saves you money as well.
Having independent burners also means you can save on fuel consumption. You may leave two of your center burners on while the sides are turned off, and this can be the area for keeping the cooked food warm.
Another wonderful thing about this griddle is the ability to maintain heat without any heat loss, even if you’re cooking outside and the weather becomes a bit windy. This is possible because of burner wind deflection. Having all these features made all the difference in providing a hassle-free experience, and the pool party went off without a hitch.
Bonding over a healthy and sumptuous meal, plus the excitement of games and pool activities, we have to say that the pool party was a massive hit. It will definitely become a family tradition and hopefully Camp Chef’s flat top propane griddle will also be able to join us for the years to come.
Pros:
- Pre-seasoned, Non-Stick, Ready-to-Cook Surface
- SIX 12,000 BTU Stainless Steel Burners
- No need for matches
- Easy clean Grease Management System Collects Dripping
- Adjustable leveling, Under Surface for Increased, Portable Anywhere-Ability
Cons:
- May rust if left outdoors; always cover
* Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Two Burner Gas Griddle
For a more intimate lunch on the patio, an outdoor dinner, a camping trip or simply a movie projector night on the lawn, you need to equip yourself with the essentials. Food is always a staple for any home or outdoor activity. What better way to prepare your food than to have a propane griddle you can count on? For the most part, food preparation is the most essential yet one of the most difficult tasks.
Far from doing it in the comforts of your kitchen where all the things you need are readily available, you’re tasked to do it outside, with limited tools and unpredictable weather. Then again, no matter how passionate someone is about cooking or no matter how much a person loves his or her family, cooking is not easy.
Coming up with the menu, listing and preparing the ingredients will always be a daunting task, not to mention the number of hours you will be spending behind the griddle. It will always be a challenge. This is probably the reason why research and development teams of cookware are always in search of fresh and innovative ideas that can minimize the emotional burden.
Thankfully, we are in the age of continuous innovation.
If you are not yet satisfied with the way your cookware performs, sooner or later you will be able to find that ideal tool that will make your cooking tasks more manageable. “Eureka! I finally found it!” exclaimed my aunt.
She was grinning ear to ear. It was indeed a moment to be celebrated when her husband gave her a Cuisinart Gourmet Two Burner Gas Griddle.
It was so satisfying to watch her cook dinner for the family that evening, and I would have to admit my uncle was just as ecstatic. It seemed as if she was humming every time she added an ingredient. This left me wondering how an appliance can change the atmosphere.
Sometimes it’s not just the food that we enjoy but the preparation. I would say that cooking for the family takes love. But people get tired too, so we look for ways it can be done that would be convenient for everyone. As I got curious with the small propane griddle in the patio I took a good, hard look at how it carefully cooked the lamb chops and roasted butternut squash. I also borrowed the instructional manual to take a look about what’s so special about this cookware.
I was able to immediately notice how compact and portable this propane griddle is as it sat perfectly on the table top. It has a cold-rolled, sturdy steel surface with two burners. These two burners have enough power to cook any meal. Though it is portable and compact, it has a spacious 285-square inch cooking space sufficient to make a steak meal for friends and family.
Add this advanced griddle to your open-air kitchen for more cooking options. It’s perfect for patios, decks, RVs and balconies. Since the unit comes fully assembled, it will not be a problem if you give it as a gift to a person who has no patience in putting things together. They can use it immediately without the need for professional help and it no longer needs to be seasoned.
Aside from the benefits and practical things that can be seen in this product, it is designed beautifully in a way that will blend well whether you put it on your patio table or bring it along with you during camping. I’m still in awe as to how a simple dinner with the family made us understand how we forget common empathy.
We’ve been so used to our aunt’s sour moods. We’d accepted it as a fact that it’s her personality. But all it took was a change to lighten up her mood, and now she is more comfortable preparing meals. She’s willing to take another schedule and it’s all because of this efficient and effective cookware.
Pros:
- 285-square inch cooking space
- 2 burners, which combine to create 20,000 BTUs
- Cold-rolled, thick steel surface
Cons:
- A bit smaller than other propane griddles
* Brasero Portable 26-inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Griddle
I recently met with one of my old high school friends. We hadn’t seen each other for almost 5 years, so just imagine how intense the catching up was! My friend, who’d recently bought a new home, hosted the reunion and we were amazed at how beautifully cooked the meal was.
Did I mention that she didn’t know how to cook when she was single? She showed us that she had really learned how to cook well. We had griddled chopped chicken salad, griddled salmon fillet with asparagus, and vanilla cinnamon crepe for desert.
We were having so much fun eating and reminiscing. We eventually got to the point when I asked how she managed to learn this new skill amidst being busy with her career, taking care of her family and now the transfer to a new neighborhood.
She became more concerned with the importance of healthy eating when she understood that all of the things in her life would be compromised if she didn’t watch her health, and so she buckled down and decided to finally learn the ropes.
We talked about ways we can improve our health without drastically changing our lifestyle and not fall victim to yoyo diets. One needs a solid plan. We decided to start counting calories and incorporating exercise into our daily routines. No matter how busy we are, we designate time for exercise and menu planning. She shared how the griddle she bought helped a lot in her transition to a healthier lifestyle.
It became a habit of hers eventually, but the journey towards this habit was not one bit easy. She tried a lot of diet regimens, but nothing seemed to work. While searching the internet, she found out how she can still enjoy the food she likes. Since it involved cooking her own food, she hesitated at first, then finally gave in after a week of contemplating.
She discovered this way of cooking where you can ensure that you lessen your fat intake, cook a variety of dishes even if you are an amateur at cooking, and enjoy the sumptuous meal that you’ve prepared yourself. She saved up for this griddle even if it meant less dining out and less fast-food intake. She purchased the Brasero Portable 26-inch flat top gas griddle.
At first, she thought of using it only during Sunday family weekends, but seeing the benefit and how the food comes out really well, it became her daily tool when cooking. This flat top propane griddle boasts of a healthier and friendlier way to cook, which I think is true since there will be no smoke, no flare-ups, and no carcinogens on the food. It’s very versatile; with its size you can cook for yourself only or for a few, but if you want to, you can still cook for a good number of guests.
It’s environmentally friendly since you don’t need to burn paper to start the coal burning and economical because of the even heat distribution brought about by the heat conductivity of the cast iron. It brings out the natural flavor of the food similar to how it tastes cooked on a big skillet.
Convenience and ease of use are also qualities that this griddle has; you can use it to cook any meal of the day no matter what time. Unlike power-coated steel flat top ones, our cast iron griddle will not rust because clean-up is easy and very convenient. That’s also when I decided to follow the footsteps of my friend and decided to live a healthier life.
Pros:
- A healthier way of cooking. This one flawlessly blends entertainment and fun with nutritious grilling: no flare-ups, no smoke, no pollutants
- Versatility: perfect for small and large amount of foods. It includes tender items such as marinated fish, egg, vegetables and many more.
- Environment and economically friendly.
- The cleaning process is very easy and simple.
- Stainless-steel burners and enamel cast-iron griddle
- It includes gas regulator. You will be able to purchase the cooking accessories separately if you want.
- Heavy duty cast-iron (enameled) griddle plate, which won’t rust.
- Exactly similar taste as cooking on a large skillet.
- It includes vinyl cover.
Cons:
- Smaller than the typical griddle
Conclusion
Preparing a meal for yourself or for other people does not need to be tiring and stressful. Whether you choose to cook outside just because you want to enjoy the ambience or go camping to reconnect with nature, it’s important that you bring food that you, your family and your friends can share and enjoy. There’s no better way to do this than cooking with a propane griddle.
A gathering doesn’t need to be glamorous and expensive. What truly matters is that it will be a memorable one, something that most of your guests will enjoy.
As long as you are serving a healthy and sumptuous meal, there will be an abundance of praise. Another thing is that the person behind the griddle is happy and will not be left out just because he or she is manning the griddle.
With a booming market for propane gas griddles, more people want to go camping. It might feel impossible to find the best one for you without making a few failed choices. I don’t want you to waste your money buying each item that you feel would be the best fit, but you should use your instincts so you can decide what benefits and products hold a higher value to you. Good luck with your choice and whatever it is, enjoy using the best propane griddle with your family and friends.
