Last Updated on February 25, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
If you love outdoor cooking, you already know that a great griddle can change everything. I’ve spent years cooking outdoors — camping, tailgating, backyard brunches, and everything in between. And over the past few months, I made it my mission to test some of the most popular Camp Chef griddles on the market.
Camp Chef has built a strong reputation in the outdoor cooking world. Their products are tough, well-designed, and made for people who take cooking seriously. But with so many options, it’s hard to know which one is right for you.
That’s why I put together this guide. I personally tested three of their best griddles. I cooked on them, cleaned them, pushed them hard, and came back with real results.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which Camp Chef griddle fits your cooking style, your budget, and your setup.
Let’s get into it.
Our Expertise
I’ve been cooking outdoors for over a decade. I started with a basic camp stove and worked my way up to full outdoor kitchen setups. I’ve tested dozens of griddles, grills, and camp cooking accessories over the years.
For this guide, I focused on three specific Camp Chef griddles. I used each one for at least three full cooking sessions. I made everything from eggs and pancakes to burgers, steaks, stir fry, and grilled veggies. I paid close attention to heat distribution, ease of cleaning, build quality, and overall value.
I also read through hundreds of customer reviews on Amazon to back up my own experience. This gave me a broader picture of how these griddles perform over time for different types of cooks.
My goal is simple: give you the most honest, helpful review possible so you can make a smart buying decision.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Before I dive deep into each product, here’s a quick summary of what I found:
- Best Overall: Camp Chef BB90L Professional Grill Barbecue Box — Ideal for serious outdoor cooks who want full grill performance from their camp stove.
- Best Budget Pick: Camp Chef Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle — The most affordable option with incredible versatility for a single burner.
- Best for Large Groups: Camp Chef Professional Fry Griddle (3 Burner) — A massive cooking surface that handles big meals with ease.
Now let’s break down each one in full detail.
1. Camp Chef BB90L Professional Grill Barbecue Box
First Impressions
When the BB90L arrived, I could tell right away this was a serious piece of equipment. The box was heavy 33 pounds of cast iron and steel. Everything felt solid and well-built. Setting it up took me about 10 minutes. It snapped onto my 16″ Orange Flame Camp Chef stove without any struggle.
The hinged lid with a built-in thermometer gave it a real grill feel. It doesn’t look like an accessory. It looks like a proper outdoor grill.
Product Features
- Cooking Surface: 384 square inches (16″ x 24″)
- Cooking System Compatibility: Fits 16″ Orange Flame Camp Chef stoves
- Grate Material: Cast iron
- Lid: Hinged with built-in thermometer
- Special Feature: Heat diffuser plates that turn gas flame into infrared heat
- Weight: 33 lbs
- Price: $223.32 (down from $239.99)
What I Like
- The infrared heat technology is a game-changer. It vaporizes grease drippings instantly, which means you get that smoky, charred flavor without constant flare-ups.
- The cast iron grates are pre-seasoned and hold heat really well. You get consistent sear marks on meat every single time.
- The lid latch locks everything down tight. I took this on a camping trip and it didn’t budge during transport.
- The thermometer on the lid works well. It’s not perfect, but it gives you a solid read on internal temperature so you’re not guessing.
Why It’s Better
Most grill boxes on the market use standard grates with no heat diffuser. This one uses specialized plates that spread heat evenly and convert it to infrared. That means better searing, less burning, and more flavor. It really does feel like cooking on a premium grill not a camp stove attachment.
The cast iron construction also beats out thin steel options. It retains heat much longer, so even when you open the lid, the temperature doesn’t crash.
How It Performed
I cooked burgers on my first session. The heat was even across the entire grate. I got a solid crust on each patty without moving them around. No hot spots. No cold corners.
Next, I tried bone-in chicken thighs. I closed the lid and let them cook low and slow. The thermometer helped me keep the internal temp in the right zone. The result was juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin.
On my third session, I did a full spread steaks, corn, and peppers. Everything cooked at the same time and finished around the same moment. The organization of heat was impressive.
Rating: 9.5/10
How I Clean It
After each cook, I let the grates cool slightly, then scrape off any stuck bits with a metal grill brush. I wipe the inside of the box with a dry cloth while it’s still warm. I never use soap on the cast iron grates just a light coat of oil to keep them seasoned.
Once a season, I do a deeper clean with hot water and a stiff brush, then re-season the grates by coating them in oil and heating them up.
Testing Results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Heat distribution | Excellent — no hot spots |
| Sear quality | High — deep grill marks |
| Temperature control | Good — lid thermometer helps |
| Ease of setup | Easy — attaches in minutes |
| Portability | Good — latch holds tight |
| Value for money | Great for serious grillers |
2. Camp Chef Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
First Impressions
This one surprised me the most. At just $36.09 after discount (down from $59.99), I wasn’t expecting much. But when I pulled it out of the box, I was impressed. The cast iron felt thick and solid. The pre-seasoning looked well done not just a thin spray, but a real baked-in finish.
It fits over a single burner, and it’s reversible one side is a flat griddle, the other has ridges for grill marks. That’s two cooking surfaces in one piece.
Product Features
- Cooking Surface: 14″ x 16″ (one side flat, one side ridged)
- Material: Cast iron
- Weight: 10 lbs
- Compatibility: Fits 14″ Blue Flame and 16″ Orange Flame Camp Chef stoves
- Style: Reversible (griddle + grill)
- Price: $36.09 (down from $59.99)
What I Like
- The reversible design gives you twice the cooking options. Use the flat side for eggs, pancakes, or bacon. Flip it over for grill marks on veggies and meat.
- At 10 pounds, it’s light enough to pack for camping but heavy enough to hold heat well.
- The pre-seasoning is genuine. I cooked eggs on my first use and nothing stuck.
- The price is unbeatable. You get real cast iron quality for a fraction of the cost of name-brand alternatives.
Why It’s Better
Most single-burner griddles are either thin steel that warps over time or too heavy to be practical. This one hits the sweet spot. It’s substantial enough to cook on properly but still manageable to handle and transport.
The reversible feature is what really sets it apart. You’re not just getting a griddle you’re getting a griddle and a grill plate in one. For campers, that’s a huge deal when space and weight matter.
How It Performed
My first session was a classic campfire breakfast. Bacon on the flat side, then eggs in the bacon fat. Everything cooked beautifully. The heat spread from the center to the edges without any scorching in the middle.
For lunch, I flipped it over and grilled some chicken breasts. The ridges gave me clean grill marks and helped drain the fat away. The chicken had great color and texture.
I also tried pancakes, which is always a good test. The flat surface was smooth and non-stick enough that I didn’t need to add extra butter. They came out golden and even.
Rating: 9.2/10
How I Clean It
Cast iron care is simple once you know the rules. After cooking, I scrape the surface with a plastic scraper while it’s still warm. Then I wipe it down with a paper towel. If there’s anything stuck, I add a tiny bit of water and scrub with a stiff brush.
I dry it completely over heat to prevent rust, then rub a light coat of oil over the surface before storing. I’ve never had a rust problem following this routine.
Testing Results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Heat distribution | Very good for single burner |
| Non-stick performance | Excellent after seasoning |
| Versatility | High flat + ridged sides |
| Portability | Excellent only 10 lbs |
| Durability | Built to last a lifetime |
| Value for money | Outstanding |
3. Camp Chef Professional Fry Griddle (3 Burner, 16″ x 38″)
First Impressions
This griddle means business. At 42 pounds and 37 inches wide, it’s not something you carry on a backpacking trip. But if you’re cooking for a crowd at a campground, tailgate, or backyard cookout this is the tool for the job.
I set it up on my Camp Chef three-burner stove and immediately felt the difference. The sheer size of the cooking surface is impressive. I could fit three dozen eggs on this thing with room to spare.
Product Features
- Cooking Surface: 16″ x 38″ (608 square inches)
- Material: Alloy steel
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Burners: Spans 3 burners
- Special Features: Built-in heat diffuser plates, high sides, grease drain, carry handle
- Compatible Models: GB90D, TB90LW, TB90, TB90LWG, TB90LWG15, SPG90B, CCH3
- Price: $159.99 (down from $199.99)
What I Like
- The massive cooking surface lets you handle big meals all at once. No more cooking in batches while everyone else waits.
- The built-in heat diffuser plates eliminate hot spots across all three burners. Even distribution is hard to achieve on multi-burner setups, but Camp Chef nailed it here.
- The high sides and built-in grease drain make cooking greasy foods so much easier. The grease flows to one corner and drains away cleanly.
- The carry handle is a nice touch. Even at 42 pounds, you can move it around with one hand when needed.
- The True Seasoned Finish means you’re ready to cook right out of the box without any prep work.
Why It’s Better
Large-format griddles from other brands often struggle with heat consistency. When you span three burners, you almost always get temperature differences across the surface. The heat diffuser plates on this Camp Chef model solve that problem directly. They spread heat evenly before it hits the cooking surface.
The high sides also matter more than you’d think. On a flat griddle with no sides, ingredients spill over the edge constantly. Here, you can stir-fry, toss veggies, and move food around without losing anything off the sides.
How It Performed
My first big test was a tailgate breakfast for 12 people. I covered the entire surface with bacon, then used the drippings to cook eggs. Everything cooked at the same rate from one end to the other. I was shocked at how consistent the heat was.
For dinner, I made hibachi-style fried rice and chicken. I needed the whole surface for this one — rice on one side, protein in the middle, veggies on the other end. I could adjust burners to control different zones. The high sides were essential for tossing the rice without losing it everywhere.
I also cooked for a smaller group on a camping trip, just using the center burner with the griddle sitting on top. It worked well even in that mode.
Rating: 9.0/10
How I Clean It
Steel griddles clean differently from cast iron. After cooking, while the surface is still warm, I pour a small amount of water on it and use a metal scraper to work off the residue. The water sizzles and steams, which lifts stuck food easily.
I wipe it dry with a cloth or paper towels, then apply a light coat of oil to protect the surface. The grease drain makes cleanup faster most of the fat has already drained off during cooking.
Testing Results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Heat distribution | Excellent across all 3 burners |
| Cooking capacity | Outstanding 608 sq. in. |
| Ease of cleanup | Very good with grease drain |
| Build quality | Heavy-duty and durable |
| Portability | Limited best for base camp |
| Value for money | Great for large group cooking |
How I Chose These Three Camp Chef Griddles
I didn’t just pick the most popular ones. I looked at several key factors:
Compatibility was first. Each of these fits specific Camp Chef stove systems. I made sure to test them on the matching systems so I could give accurate performance data.
Material quality mattered a lot. I compared cast iron vs. alloy steel and looked at how each performed for heat retention, non-stick properties, and long-term durability.
Cooking capacity was another key factor. I considered solo campers, families, and large group setups to make sure I had an option for everyone.
Price-to-value ratio was something I thought hard about. A $36 griddle that performs like a $100 one is a win. A $224 grill box that delivers restaurant-quality results is worth every penny.
Camp Chef Griddle Comparison Table
| Feature | BB90L Grill Box | Cast Iron Griddle | 3 Burner Fry Griddle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $223.32 | $36.09 | $159.99 |
| Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Alloy Steel |
| Cooking Area | 384 sq. in. | 224 sq. in. | 608 sq. in. |
| Burners Covered | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Weight | 33 lbs | 10 lbs | 42 lbs |
| Best For | Grilling | Camping/Versatility | Large groups |
| Reversible | No | Yes | No |
| Lid Included | Yes | No | No |
Who Should Buy Each Camp Chef Griddle?
Buy the BB90L Grill Box if: You want full grill performance from your camp stove. You cook meat often and want sear marks and infrared heat. You want a lid with a thermometer. You have a 16″ Orange Flame stove.
Buy the Cast Iron Griddle if: You’re on a budget. You camp solo or with a small group. You want a lightweight, versatile tool that works for breakfast and dinner. You value portability over size.
Buy the 3 Burner Fry Griddle if: You cook for large groups. You tailgate, cater, or host big outdoor meals. You have a three-burner Camp Chef stove. You want maximum cooking space and zone control.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Camp Chef Griddle
Preheat properly. Give your griddle at least 5 minutes to heat up before you start cooking. This helps the surface reach an even temperature all the way across.
Use the right oil. For cast iron, I prefer avocado oil or flaxseed oil because they have high smoke points. For steel griddles, vegetable oil or canola oil works well.
Don’t skip the re-seasoning. Even pre-seasoned griddles benefit from a fresh layer of oil after each clean. It builds up the non-stick layer over time and protects against rust.
Use zone cooking on the 3-burner griddle. Set each burner to a different temperature. Use high heat for searing, medium for cooking through, and low heat as a warming zone. This gives you total control over a full meal.
Always clean while warm. Griddles are much easier to clean when they’re still warm. Don’t wait until they’re cold food bonds to the surface as it cools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best Camp Chef griddle for camping?
The Camp Chef Reversible Cast Iron Griddle is the best for camping. It’s lightweight at just 10 pounds, reversible, and works on a single burner. It handles breakfast and dinner without taking up much space in your pack or cooler.
2. Can I use a Camp Chef griddle on any stove?
Not all Camp Chef griddles are universal. The cast iron reversible griddle fits both 14″ Blue Flame and 16″ Orange Flame stoves. The BB90L fits only 16″ Orange Flame stoves. The 3-burner griddle is compatible with specific Camp Chef three-burner models only. Always check compatibility before buying.
3. Do Camp Chef griddles come pre-seasoned?
Yes, all three griddles reviewed here come with a True Seasoned Finish or pre-seasoned cast iron. You can cook on them right out of the box. However, I always recommend doing a light oil wipe and heat cycle before your first real cook just to be safe.
4. Is cast iron or steel better for a Camp Chef griddle?
Both have advantages. Cast iron holds heat longer and is better for searing. Steel heats up faster and is easier to clean. For camping and versatility, cast iron wins. For large-scale cooking and quick cleanup, steel wins.
5. How do I prevent rust on my Camp Chef cast iron griddle?
Always dry your cast iron completely after washing. Never let it sit wet. Apply a thin coat of oil after every clean. Store it in a dry place. If you see rust forming, scrub it off with steel wool, wash, dry, and re-season immediately.
6. What size Camp Chef griddle do I need for a family of four?
The Cast Iron Reversible Griddle (14″ x 16″) is fine for a family of four with some planning. If you want to cook everything at once without batches, the 3-Burner Fry Griddle gives you much more room. It depends on how you cook and how much gear you want to carry.
7. Are Camp Chef griddles worth the money?
Yes. In my experience, Camp Chef griddles are built to last. The materials are solid, the designs are practical, and they perform well session after session. The cast iron griddle at $36 is one of the best value buys in outdoor cooking. Even the higher-end options deliver real performance that justifies the price.
Final Thoughts
After months of testing and dozens of meals cooked outdoors, I can say with confidence that Camp Chef makes some of the best griddles for outdoor cooking. Each of the three options I reviewed serves a specific purpose, and any one of them would be a smart buy depending on your needs.
If I had to pick just one for everyday outdoor cooking versatility, I’d go with the Camp Chef BB90L Grill Box. The infrared heat, cast iron grates, and lid thermometer give you control and results that feel like a real backyard grill.
If budget is your main concern, the Reversible Cast Iron Griddle is an absolute steal. You get genuine cast iron quality, reversible surfaces, and top-tier performance for under $40.
And if you feed crowds regularly, the 3-Burner Fry Griddle is simply unmatched. Nothing else gives you 608 square inches of evenly heated cooking space at that price point.
Whatever you choose, you’re getting Camp Chef quality which means durable, reliable, and built for the outdoor life.
Happy cooking.