Choosing the right griddle transforms outdoor cooking—whether you need a portable tabletop for tailgates, a heavy-duty hooded unit for weekend brunches, or a cast-iron workhorse for family meals. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, feature research, and aggregated expert and consumer feedback to help you pick the right griddle for your needs.
How we tested and what mattered
Research + Hands-on testing + Consumer feedback. We evaluated models across real-world use (camping, tailgating, backyard), heat performance, build quality, ease of cleaning, portability, and price. We also considered expert reviews and verified specifications (cooking area, BTUs, materials). Key factors that influenced rankings:
- Cooking performance: Heat output (BTUs), burners layout, and surface evenness.
- Durability & materials: Steel, cast iron, enameled cast iron, stainless components, and corrosion resistance.
- Portability & setup: Weight, included accessories (covers, hoses), and how easy units are to assemble and store.
- Value: What you get for the price—features, accessories, and warranty.
- Real-world convenience: Grease management, wind protection, and whether the unit ships ready to cook.
We prioritized balanced performance across categories so recommendations suit different budgets and use cases.
Compact Cast Iron Griddle
A budget-friendly pre-seasoned 11" cast iron griddle that’s versatile for stovetop, oven, grill, or campfire. Great heat retention and a simple, no-frills design make it ideal for pancakes, tortillas, and single-pan meals for small households or campers.
Compact Cast Iron Griddle — Best Budget Pick
This 11-inch pre-seasoned cast iron griddle is an excellent entry point for anyone who wants cast-iron performance without a big investment. Its one-piece construction and dual handles make handling safe and simple. Performance: excellent heat retention and even searing for pancakes, tortillas, and small steaks. Limitations: small cooking surface (single-batch cooking) and heavier relative to its size—typical cast-iron trade-offs. Best for solo cooks, campers, or those starting a cast-iron collection.
BLACKSTONE 22" Hooded Griddle
A premium tabletop griddle with a 339 sq. in. cooking surface, dual burners and an integrated hood. Offers precise temperature zones and solid build quality for serious outdoor cooks who want versatility and pro-level results in a compact footprint.
BLACKSTONE 22" Hooded Griddle — Premium Choice
This Blackstone On-The-Go 22" griddle brings pro-level features to a portable platform. With 339 sq. in. of heavy-duty cooking space and two independently controlled zones totaling 24,000 BTU, it heats quickly and supports multi-item cooking without flavor crossover. The integrated hood improves searing, keeps heat consistent and expands use in breezy conditions. Construction is robust and designed for repeat outdoor use; the hood and stainless components add weight but increase utility. Ideal for enthusiasts who want reliable, repeatable results and the convenience of a tabletop unit with advanced features.
22" Travel Griddle Bundle
A travel-ready 22" Omnivore griddle with dual H-burners (24,000 BTU), 361 sq. in. cooktop, included regulator/adaptor and soft cover—balanced for portability and family-sized cooking while delivering strong heat and easy cleanup.
22" Travel Griddle Bundle — Editors Choice
This Omnivore 22" tabletop griddle strikes a strong balance between portability and cooking area. With 361 sq. in. of cooking surface and dual stainless-steel H-burners rated for up to 24,000 BTU, it reaches high heat quickly and supports larger batches—helpful for families and gatherings. The travel bundle includes a propane adapter and soft cover so you can get cooking faster and protect the griddle during transport. The grease management and stainless components simplify maintenance. It’s our pick for readers who want a dependable travel griddle that still cooks like a full-sized unit.
Enameled Cast Iron Griddle
A 23" x 16" enameled cast iron flat top that provides exceptional heat retention and a large cooking surface. Reinforced X-ridges prevent warping and the enameled coating offers easier cleanup and rust resistance—great for home cooks who want a durable, versatile griddle.
Enameled Cast Iron Griddle — Best Value for Money
This 23" x 16" enameled cast iron griddle offers a large, warping-resistant surface at a mid-range price. The enameled coating improves rust resistance and makes cleaning easier than bare cast iron while maintaining excellent heat retention. The X-shaped reinforcement reduces flex under high heat—useful for larger, heavier cooking loads. Compared to portable gas griddles, this unit trades integrated burners for raw thermal performance and longevity; you’ll need a compatible grill or range to drive it. It’s the best option if you want durable, high-performing cooking real estate without stepping up to a higher-priced powered unit.
Quick comparison — key differences
- Compact Cast Iron Griddle (Best Budget Pick) — 11" pre-seasoned cast iron; best for solo meals, camping and entry-level cast-iron users; lowest price and excellent heat retention.
- BLACKSTONE 22" Hooded Griddle (Premium Choice) — 339 sq. in., dual zones, 24,000 BTU, integrated hood; premium tabletop performance and temperate control for serious outdoor cooks.
- 22" Travel Griddle Bundle (Editors Choice) — 361 sq. in., dual H-burners 24,000 BTU, includes propane adapter and cover; best all-around travel solution for families and gatherings.
- Enameled Cast Iron Griddle (Best Value for Money) — 23" x 16" enameled cast iron with reinforcement; great surface area and durability for the price but requires an external heat source.
Best overall: 22" Travel Griddle Bundle (Editors Choice) — it balances cooking area, heat output, portability, and ready-to-use accessories. If you prioritize raw thermal performance and long-term durability without relying on integrated burners, choose the Enameled Cast Iron Griddle. For budget shoppers or campers, the compact 11" cast-iron pan is a dependable, low-cost choice. For enthusiasts wanting a premium, hooded tabletop experience, the BLACKSTONE 22" Hooded Griddle is the top upgrade.
Final recommendation
These picks reflect hands-on testing, technical spec verification, and consumer feedback. If you want the safest all-around choice for most users—portability, power and included accessories—the 22" Travel Griddle Bundle is our top recommendation. Choose the enameled cast iron if you want large-area heat retention and long-term durability at a mid-range price. Buy the 11" cast-iron griddle if you need a budget, versatile option for small-scale cooking or camping. And step up to the hooded Blackstone 22" if you want premium temperature control and a more pro-style griddle setup.
Matching product to use case is key: smaller pans for solo cooks/campers, enameled cast iron for backyard cooks who already own a compatible heat source, and portable gas griddles for gatherings and tailgates. Our findings are grounded in direct testing, specifications review, and aggregated user experiences to help you pick the best griddle for how you cook.