Community Forums

Lleaff · 05-18-2022, 08:38 PM

I'm in the market for my first portable propane griddle for our TT. It seems that the two options for the cooking surface are cold rolled steel (example; Blackstone 22") or ceramic coated (example; Royal Gourmet PD1203A).

Can anyone offer any advice about the pros and cons of these cooking surfaces? Seasoning surfaces, cleaning, weight, durability, etc. Especially in our type of application with storage in TTs/RVs and usage at campgrounds (vs stationary at home installations)

We are not cooking people, so this will mostly be breakfast foods, burgers, typical simple camping type cooking

Thanks for the help

Jim 75 · 05-18-2022, 08:44 PM

I have the Blackstone (17in.) and love it. Just right for two people. Easy to store and doesn`t take a lot of space ... Jim

GPCPL · 05-18-2022, 08:56 PM

I've got a 22" Brookstone that I like. You have to season the griddle yourself, which was not a deal breaker for me, as I like my cast iron pots and pans. My only concern with the porcelain/ ceramic coating would be potential damage from moving, dropping or getting cold water on a hot griddle. If we're not camping, the Brookstone is set up in the back yard. I use it as much, if not more, than the Webber.

Mighty_J · 05-18-2022, 09:03 PM

I’ve never had any long-term luck with ceramic coated cooking surfaces. They always have ended up scratched after a few years. Personally, I stick with steel - the heavier gauge the better. We started with a camp chef versatop system. Very similar to the blackstone. I found the steel too thin though and prone to warping as it heated. Plus, you still need a table to put it on. We’ve swapped it out for a camp chef pro 30. It’s a strong burner, it can accept a griddle top, bbq top, pizza oven or you can just put a pot on it (great for lobster if you get to the east coast). We use the griddle and bbq top the most.

I season the griddle with Lodge cast iron seasoning (which is essentially a palm oil mix). Very simple - cook breakfast, scrape the griddle off with the turner/spatula, after eating it’s still warm so I put a bit of the seasoning on it and rub it in with a paper towel.

There is nothing better to me than eggs and potatoes on a griddle done outside! Happy camping and best of luck with your choice!

paul65k · 05-18-2022, 09:06 PM

You can't go wrong with the 22' Blackstone. We've traveled with one for about 4 years now and wouldn't leave home without it!

**Lt Dan** · 05-18-2022, 09:49 PM

Another happy Blackstone 22" user for three years. I cook just about everything except steaks (tried once but a grill is better) on. Great for pancakes, sausage, eggs, hash browns, fajitas, you name it.

pinesman · 05-19-2022, 04:11 AM

I use a Lodge cast iron griddle on a Campchef propane stove. Probably not as good as a Blackstone but i have used this for years before i had ever heard of a Blackstone

propchef · 05-19-2022, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lleaff

I'm in the market for my first portable propane griddle for our TT. It seems that the two options for the cooking surface are cold rolled steel (example; Blackstone 22") or ceramic coated (example; Royal Gourmet PD1203A).

Can anyone offer any advice about the pros and cons of these cooking surfaces? Seasoning surfaces, cleaning, weight, durability, etc. Especially in our type of application with storage in TTs/RVs and usage at campgrounds (vs stationary at home installations)

We are not cooking people, so this will mostly be breakfast foods, burgers, typical simple camping type cooking

Thanks for the help

Stick with the simplest design, in this case, the Blackstone (but I'm not a fan). ANY coating, ceramic or not, will come off, chip, crack, or flake. It's inevitable.

TXiceman · 05-19-2022, 07:46 AM

Another source for outdoor cooking is the Fire Disc. Cook up some mean meals on this device.
https://www.firedisccookers.com/

Ken

propchef · 05-19-2022, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Another source for outdoor cooking is the Fire Disc. Cook up some mean meals on this device.
https://www.firedisccookers.com/

Ken

That's a comal cazo, but all gussied up. These have been around for ages. Walmart has them. We have several versions, one of them cast iron. All of them sit over a gas or wood flame and are easy to clean.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/ARC-USA-C...king/862425965

Bill Nourse · 05-19-2022, 09:19 AM

I have a Camp Chef Explorer with a Camp Chef with a 14" cast iron griddle for one side and a Deluxe box grill for the other. These have worked well for me.

Ben-Jo · 05-19-2022, 02:01 PM

Have a 36" Blackstone at home and keep a 22" Blackstone in the RV. Needless to say we love them.

astrnmrtom · 05-19-2022, 02:04 PM

Spend a couple extra bucks and toss in a grill mat. I picked one up and it sat for a long time because I just couldn't believe something like that would work. Finally put it on the grill and wished I'd used it from the very beginning.

One thing to be aware of - with the Blackstones at least - is using them on a windy day really effects their heating. I've had even light breezes carry away a lot of the heat. Ended up making a three sided sheet metal wind guard which really helps.