Thanks for your support! If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure here.
The debate between griddles vs. grills is a long conversation in the RV world. For a long time, many just used the device that came with their RV. However, in the past few years, some brands have switched from grills to griddles and spent the money to provide top-quality name brands.
Other companies provide propane and sidewall connection points, leaving customers to choose between a griddle and a grill. Both have benefits and drawbacks, so is a griddle or grill best for you? Let’s look at each option to see which one comes out on top.
What’s the Difference Between a Grill and a Griddle?
RV cooking outdoors can be a lot of fun, but deciding what cooking device to use can sometimes be challenging. For example, some RVs have a flat-top griddle built-in, while others come with a mountable propane grill.
No matter which type of cooking device you have, it’s essential to know the difference between grilling and griddling to make the best decision for your RV outdoor kitchen.
With griddles vs. grills, it’s all about the heat. A griddle is a flat cooking surface that heats evenly, making it ideal for cooking things like eggs, pancakes, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
A grill has raised grates that allow fat and juices to drip away from the food over an open flame, giving it a signature char-grilled flavor. The heat sears the food outside, locking in moisture and flavor. Grilling is a quick and easy way to cook burgers, chicken, and steak.
So which is better, a griddle or grill for camping? Let’s take a look.
Is a Griddle or Grill Better for Camping?
In the griddles vs. grills discussion, the best one for camping boils down to personal choice. If you bring it up during a campfire, be prepared for a long conversation because RVers have their opinions.
A griddle is probably the better option if you’re an RVer who likes to cook up a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs. A griddle provides a large, flat cooking surface ideal for cooking pancakes, bacon, and eggs at once. Plus, a griddle’s heat helps prevent food from sticking or burning.
However, a grill is probably the way to go if you’re more interested in grilled foods like hamburgers and hot dogs. A grill gives your food a nice charred, smoky flavor you can’t replicate on a griddle.
So, whether you’re in the mood for breakfast or lunch, a griddle or grill can help you cook up a meal that will satisfy your hunger.
What Kind of Food Should You Cook on a Grill?
There’s something about grilling that seems to make food taste better. Maybe it’s the smoky flavor infused with the outdoor air that does it or because it’s a fun way to cook. Whatever the reason, grilling is a great way to cook a delicious meal.
However, if you’re new to grilling, you might wonder what kind of food is best suited for this cooking method. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
One of the most popular things to grill is meat. Whether it’s burgers, chicken, or tender picanha steak, grilling gives the meat a delicious flavor you can’t get from cooking in the oven or on the stove.
Another excellent option for the grill is seafood. Grilled shrimp, salmon, and tuna are all fantastic choices that will please your guests.
You can also grill fruits and vegetables if you want something different. For example, grilled pineapple is a delicious and unexpected treat. Also, grilling veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers is a great way to add smoky flavor to your favorite side dishes.
Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just cooking for yourself, remember almost anything tastes better when it’s grilled.
What Can You Cook on a Griddle?
When you’re out on the open road, the last thing you want to do is spend hours cooking in the galley. A griddle is an excellent tool for cooking on the go since it’s quick and easy to use. Plus, a griddle provides a large cooking surface perfect for cooking multiple items at once.
Think about the foods you typically cook in a skillet and transfer them to the griddle. For breakfast, try a classic egg and cheese sandwich, or go for something heartier with a sausage and pepper frittata.
Grilled cheese is always a hit for lunch or dinner, but you can mix things up with panini or quesadilla wraps. And if you want to impress your guests, whip up some salmon burgers or grilled chicken sliders.
And best of all, cleanup is a breeze. Give the griddle a quick wipe with a paper towel and call it a day.
Can You Cook Hot Dogs on a Griddle?
While you might not think of using a griddle for cooking hot dogs, it works well. The heat ensures the hot dogs cook evenly, and the large cooking surface means you can cook multiple hot dogs at once.
Some griddles come with a removable cooking surface. It gives you a choice if you want a flat cooking plate or a raised groove version that mimics a grill. The grooves give you the grill marks and channel the fat and juices away from the food.
Plus, there’s no need to worry about them sticking to the griddle or falling through the cracks. For added flavor, you can also toast the buns on the griddle while the hot dogs are cooking. All you need now is mustard, ketchup, relish, and a cold beverage.
Can You Cook Burgers on a Griddle?
Can you cook burgers on a griddle? Absolutely! A griddle is an excellent alternative to cooking hamburgers on the grill. The griddle gives you more flexibility in terms of the heat, and it’s easy to clean.
Plus, cooking burgers on a griddle means you can cook them indoors, which is ideal when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Can You Cook Steak on a Griddle?
If you can cook a steak in a skillet, you can cook it on the griddle, but better. Griddling steak is a great way to get that perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside nice and juicy. You should keep a few things in mind when you’re griddling your steak, though.
First, oil the griddle to prevent sticking and to create a nice crispy crust.
Next, ensure your griddle is nice and hot before placing your steak.
Finally, don’t forget to let your steak rest for a few minutes after you’ve cooked it to help retain all those delicious juices.
Griddles vs. Grills Cooking: Which Is Healthier
Griddles and grills are both fine for cooking up a healthy meal. But you should keep a few things in mind to ensure your meal is as healthy as possible.
When grilling, be aware of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that form when you cook meat, like beef or pork, directly over an open flame. So if your dish is heavy on meat, try adding extra veggies or fruits to offset harmful chemicals.
Another tip for healthy griddle and grill cooking is to reduce fat. Trim any excess fat off your meat before cooking, and choose lean cuts of meat.
You can also cook with less oil using nonstick cookware or spraying your griddle or grill with cooking spray. Following these simple tips, you can enjoy all the benefits of griddle and grill cooking without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Is a Grill or Griddle Easier to Clean?
When you travel in an RV, it’s practical to want easy-to-clean appliances. So, which one is easier to clean in the griddles vs. grills debate?
Some people prefer a griddle because it’s easier to clean than a grill. In addition, griddles don’t have small crevices where dirt and grease can accumulate. You can usually wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
Grills, on the other hand, can be challenging to clean. The grates can get coated in grease and dirt, and it’s hard to reach all the nooks and crannies. You may need a metal bristle brush or scraper to get all the grime off, which can be time-consuming.
So, which is better for cleaning? It depends on your preference. If you don’t mind taking extra time to clean your grill, then go for it! But a griddle would suit you better if you want something quick and easy to wipe down.
The 3 Best Grills for Camping
Grilling is one of the most popular camping activities. Whether you’re cooking up hot dogs and hamburgers for the family or trying to get a nice steak just the way you like it, a grill is a key piece of equipment for any RVer.
If you’re in the market for a grill, check out these 3 options that will make your next camping trip a success.
1. Char-Broil Standard Portable LP Gas Grill
The Char-Broil grill is a good option for those who like to keep things simple. This no-frills grill gets the job done, and its small size makes it easy to transport and store. It’s also one of the more affordable grills on the market, making it an excellent choice for budget-minded campers.
It’s compact and easy to set up, with durable steel construction that withstands even the most rugged conditions. The grill features an 11,000 BTU stainless steel burner that heats quickly and comes with a porcelain-coated cooking grate.
2. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Grill
The Coleman RoadTrip grill is an excellent option for those who want a high-quality grill without spending big bucks. Press the ignition button—no matches needed—and start grilling on the high-performance 3 adjustable burners. The grill also has a 285-square-inch grilling area so that you can cook up plenty of food for the whole family.
Best of all, the Coleman RoadTrip grill comes with a convenient stand that makes it easy to set up and take down. Then, when you’re ready to pack up, simply fold the stand flat, and the grill fits easily in a small space.
3. Cuisinart CCG Portable Charcoal Grill
If you love grilling but don’t always have the space to fire up a full-sized grill, the Cuisinart CCG Portable Charcoal Grill is a good solution. This compact grill fits well for small RV patios or your next tailgate trip.
Despite its small size, the Cuisinart packs a big punch in grilling performance. The 150-square-inch grill grate provides plenty of space to cook burgers, hot dogs, chicken, veggies, and more. The porcelain-coated steel construction ensures even heat distribution, while the double-wall design keeps the outside of the grill cool to the touch.
For added convenience, the Cuisinart Portable Charcoal Grill has a built-in lid thermometer and a removable ash catcher for easy cleanup. After grilling, fold the legs and carry the grill with the integrated carry handle.
The 3 Best Griddles for Camping
Cooking outdoors is a great way to enjoy time with family and friends, and a griddle is just right for the job. So whether you’re whipping up breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a good griddle can make all the difference. But with so many options on the market, it’s tough to know which one is right for you.
Here are 3 of the best camping griddles.
1. Blackstone Tabletop Griddle
Many RVers rave about the Blackstone Tabletop Griddle for a good reason. This griddle is easy to use, with an adjustable heat control that ensures perfect cooking every time. In addition, the built-in grease catcher makes cleanup a snap, and the unit is small enough to store easily in your RV.
There are two sizes to choose from when selecting a Blackstone Tabletop Griddle, so be sure to select the one that best fits your needs.
The smallest griddle is 17 inches, but don’t let its size fool you, as this little griddle has the power to cook some serious food. The griddle surface is large enough to fit four burgers, and the adjustable heat control means you can cook anything from pancakes to steaks.
If you need a griddle that can handle a bit more food, the more prominent 22-inch Blackstone Tabletop Griddle is a good choice. Both size griddles have sturdy legs that lock into place, so you don’t have to worry about the griddle tipping when in use.
2. Royal Gourmet Portable Tabletop Griddle
Looking for a griddle to take camping with you? Check out the Royal Gourmet Portable Tabletop Griddle. With three powerful burners providing 25,000 BTUs of cooking power, this griddle can handle anything from a quick breakfast to a full-blown BBQ. And with a sizeable 316-square-inch cooking surface, you’ll never be short on space.
The griddle also has a few handy features, like an integrated grease management system to help keep things clean and a control panel with LED indicator lights for simple operation. Plus, its portable design means you can take it anywhere.
3. Bella Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle
The Bella electric griddle makes it easy to cook your favorite meals and has a titanium-infused ceramic cooking surface for even heat distribution and enhanced durability.
The large ceramic nonstick surface is perfect for family-sized meals, and the built-in warming tray keeps food warm until you’re ready to serve. You can tailor the cooking temperature to your needs with adjustable temperature control.
The unique nonstick titanium coating surface contains no harmful chemicals, and the dishwasher-safe drip tray makes cleanup quick and easy.
With its sleek design and compact size, the Bella electric griddle is perfect for RVers who want to enjoy home-cooked meals on the road while saving space in their RV.
Is a Blackstone Griddle Better Than a Grill?
Some RV manufacturers have stopped providing attachable grills in the past few years. Instead, their RVs now come with Blackstone portable griddles. This change begs the question, are Blackstone griddles better than grills?
There’s a lot to love about the Blackstone griddle, as many RVers will attest. First, it’s a versatile appliance that can do so much more than just grill burgers or chicken. You can cook virtually anything on it, from breakfast to dinner to desserts. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain.
But grills have their own set of benefits. They’re simple for cooking meats, and their open flame can give food a delicious smoky flavor.
But is a griddle better than a grill? That’s a tricky question. It depends on what you’re looking for in a cooking appliance.
If you’re an RVer who likes to experiment with different recipes and enjoys trying new things, then the Blackstone is probably the better option. But if you want to stick to the classics for that perfect grilled flavor, a grill is perhaps the way to go.
Either way, you can’t go wrong. Choosing between griddles vs. grills boils down to the unique benefits that make sense to you. So whether you choose a Blackstone griddle or a grill, you’ll be happy with your decision.
Do They Make a Griddle and Grill Combo?
There are a few griddle and grill combo cooking devices on the market. These RV outdoor cooking appliances easily connect to your coach’s propane quick-connect. While they have the benefit of both a griddle and grill, you’ll find that the cooking surfaces are generally small.
Some do come with removable cooking plates, so you can make the device a complete grill, griddle, or half and half.
Do Electric Grills Taste Good?
In 1994, former heavyweight champion George Foreman introduced America to the indoor grill. Since then, these portable electronic devices have become an essential cooking devices in the residential and RV worlds. RV accessory brands make both countertop and outdoor models.
For the griddles vs. grills discussion, RV portable electric grills give you a good compromise. They are low maintenance, easy to clean, and store like a griddle. Like a grill, they also channel the fat and juices away, have high cooking temperatures, and lock in the best flavors.
Final Thoughts on Griddles vs. Grills: Which Is Better?
Griddles vs. grills. Which one is better? It all depends on who you ask. Some RVers prefer griddles because they evenly cook food and provide a consistent flavor. Others use grills because they add char to food, enhancing flavor. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which cooking method you prefer.
Either way, griddles and grills are excellent cooking appliances to help you make delicious food. So whether you prefer one over the other, or if you like to use both, there’s no wrong answer. Just find the cooking method that works best for you and your RV. Bon appetite!
Grill bacon on a grill like a steak, you’ll never griddle again. With just two people, we use a Webber Q with a removable cast iron griddle. So when we do breakfast, bacon on the grill, eggs and hashbrowns on the griddle.
Thanks for sharing Harry!
Mike