#1 PickCategory KingFlat Top Griddle$349
Blackstone 36" 4-Burner
4.6/5
Flat-top grilling is exploding and Blackstone owns the category. Smash burgers, breakfast, stir fry — once you go griddle, you'll wonder why you waited.
Portable Flat Tops
Best Portable Flat Top Grills 2025
Portable flat top griddles have exploded in popularity — and for good reason. They cook everything from smash burgers to breakfast to stir fry, they're dead simple to use, and cleanup takes 2 minutes. Whether you're tailgating, camping, or cooking on a small patio, a portable griddle is the most versatile outdoor cooking tool you can buy. I've tested every major portable griddle to find the best at every size and budget.
Our Top Picks
#1 PickCategory King
#2 PickCompact GriddleFlat Top Griddle$249
Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle
4.5/5
The compact Blackstone that fits smaller spaces without sacrificing flat-top performance. Perfect for patios, balconies, and camping.
#3 PickMost Portable GriddlePortable Flat Top Griddle$99
Blackstone 17-Inch Tabletop Griddle
4.4/5
The most portable Blackstone — 17 inches of flat top that fits in a backpack. Perfect for camping, tailgating, and picnics.
#4 PickBest Mid-SizePortable Flat Top Griddle$299
Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 475
4.6/5
The best mid-size portable griddle. Fold-up legs, 475 sq in of cooking surface, and Camp Chef's excellent heat control.
#5 PickBudget PickPortable Flat Top Griddle$115
Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable Griddle
4.2/5
A solid budget portable griddle with 3 burners and 316 sq in of cooking surface. Great value at under $120.
#6 PickGriddle EssentialAccessory$25
Lodge Cast Iron Smash Burger Press
4.7/5
7.5 lbs of cast iron that turns any griddle into a smash burger machine. The essential Blackstone companion.
Buying Advice
1
Size determines portability. 17-inch tabletop griddles (under 20 lbs) are truly portable — they go camping in a backpack. 28-inch griddles (30-35 lbs) fit in a trunk. 36-inch griddles (60+ lbs) need a truck and a permanent spot. Buy for your actual transport situation.
2
Number of burners = heat zone control. One burner means one temperature everywhere. Two burners let you sear on one side and warm on the other. Three burners give you full zone cooking. For anything beyond basic cooking, get at least two burners.
3
Season it properly before first use. New griddle surfaces need 3-4 rounds of oil-and-heat seasoning before they become non-stick. Use flaxseed oil or Crisco, heat until smoking, wipe, repeat. This 30-minute investment prevents frustration for months.
4
Wind is the biggest enemy of portable griddles. Without a lid, wind steals heat and cools food rapidly. Position your griddle behind your vehicle, use a pop-up windscreen, or buy a griddle with a lid accessory. Wind protection is mandatory for beach and lakeside cooking.
5
Get a proper griddle toolkit. You need a flat metal spatula (not a grill spatula), a scraper, and squeeze bottles for oil and water. The Blackstone toolkit ($25) or a restaurant supply set works perfectly. Regular grill tools won't cut it on a flat top.
6
1 lb vs 20 lb propane: 1 lb canisters are convenient for camping (no adapter needed) but expensive per BTU. A 20 lb tank with an adapter hose is cheaper for regular use. Most portable griddles accept both — buy the adapter hose if you use it weekly.