When it comes to quality outdoor flat top griddles, it’s hard to beat the Camp Chef lineup. With stunning features, superb build quality and a host of different price and size options, they are truly the king’s of backyard griddles. Having previously reviewed the entire lineup of Blackstone Griddles, we can safely say that the Camp Chef options are better in pretty much every single aspect.
If you like to entertain guests and family alike with sizzling sausages and epic burgers, the Camp Chef FTG600 is, in our opinion, the best Camp Chef Griddle out there. It’s got a perfect price to performance ratio and cooks like a champ. Every feature is well thought out and it simply works with zero fuss and no hiccups. Unless you’re cooking for a small army or live on an isolated homestead with two people, the FTG 600 is the model to get.
Best Camp Chef Griddle – Camp Chef FTG600
- Includes huge interchangeable flat top griddle 20.5" x 31"
- Griddle surface: 604 sq. in - Grilling surface: 501 sq. in
With 604 sq. in. of griddle space, the Camp Chef FTG600 is a powerhouse in the backyard. You’ll be able to cook up pounds upon pounds of bacon, eggs and more with ease. The front grease channel and grease pan are perfectly designed for easy cleanup and are totally leak free. The side shelves fold neatly on each side with no effort and are the perfect height to save your back.
When coupled with the four stainless steel burners, matchless ignition system and robust build quality, it’s easy to see why the Camp Chef FTG600 is so well reviewed. Even more, it comes pre-seasoned so you can cook up some grub mere moments after setting it up. When you throw in the maneuverable wheels and the sleek stainless steel front, this is truly a spectacular outdoor flat top griddle.
Camp Chef Flat Top Griddle Buyers Guide
Buying an outdoor griddle is all about making the right decisions based on your specific situation. From the quantity of food you’re planning to produce to the budget you’ve got available, everything factors in. In this section we’ll cover some of the basics about selecting the best camp chef griddle and go over a few of the more frequently asked questions surrounding them.
Once you’ve finished up here, you’ll be ready to tackle the individual reviews and see what makes each Camp Chef Griddle truly stand apart.
Camp Chef Vs. Blackstone Griddles
As we’ve mentioned before, we have reviewed every single standing Blackstone Griddle, as such we know a LOT about them. We also know that, contrary to Blackstone Griddle lovers, Camp Chef’s griddles are superior in pretty much every way.
The grease management system on the Camp Chef’s is more ergonomic and leak free. Plus, the built in wind screens for the burners really help keep the flames hot and lit. Even more, the overall structure is total solid when compared to the flimsier Blackstones. When looking at the control knobs and adjustment, the Camp Chef’s are a little more sturdy and responsive. In addition, each burner has its own matchless ignition system. Oh and don’t forget that all Camp Chef flat top griddles are pre-seasoned and ready to go straight from the box.
Where the Blackstones have a slight edge is in sheer size and power. Comparing a Camp Chef FTG600 to the comparable Blackstone 1825, the Blackstone has about 22% more cooking space and 25% more BTU’s. In addition, the Blackstones have the ability to fold up and are somewhat more portable than the Camp Chef options. You’ll also find that when comparing Camp Chef to Blackstone Griddles purely on price, the Blackstone gives you more cook area per dollar spent.
All that being said, we feel a more reliable and well built, albeit a bit smaller, griddle is what most folks really need. Having a few extra inches of cooking space won’t do you much good if your griddle is bent, leaking grease and has flames that constantly blow out.
What size griddle do I need?
This question is very commonly asked and can only truly be answered by you. If you’ve got a small family and don’t plan to entertain too many guests a smaller griddle such as the Camp Chef FTG475 will do the trick. With 24.75” x 19” of space it is more than enough for a quick breakfast with some room to spare.
If instead you like to invite the neighbors over and maybe have extended family that visits a lot, the FTG600 might be a bit better size. It comes with a 31” x 19” griddle which is perfect for medium sized gatherings with friends and family.
When it comes to larger events with 30+ people nothing can beat the sheer power and size of the Camp Chef FTG900. This beast boasts a 45.5” x 19” cooktop and can seriously feed a small army. If you plan to cook 50 burgers, warm some buns and have a bit extra space left over, the bigger the better.
What features should a griddle have?
Features tend to vary between manufacturers, however there are a few that we find are well worth it. The first is folding shelves. Not only does this give you some extra space for storing bowls, utensils and more, they are super compact when folded away and don’t take up too much space.
Another handy feature, and one which all Camp Chef Flat Top Griddles have is a matchless ignition system. This is a manual sparker which is integrated into each control knob to start the flames. That means no batteries and no risk of failure due to the elements. However, all Camp Chef models are also equipped with a manual match hole just in case. After all, you can’t be too prepared.
Having bottom shelves is another feature which is quite common, but not often used. In our opinion they provide more structural support than anything. However, some folks like to store condiments, tools, towels and more there so they are within easy reach.
Continuing on, having a quality flame guard and heat dispersion system is necessary for a truly top of the line griddle. All Camp Chef Griddles have a unique heat dispersion system to ensure the cooktop is evenly heated and to eliminate hot spots. Plus, the flame guard prevents grease from dripping on the burners when in grilling mode.
Speaking of grilling mode, the ability to swap between the griddle and a grill is a huge bonus for folks who just want the best of both worlds. The Camp Chef Flat Top Grills are all equipped with secondary grill grates underneath the main griddle for added flexibility.
Whether you plan to move your griddle often or like to leave it in place, quality casters and wheels go a long way to making your life easier. They enable you to roll and reposition your griddle with ease. This is particularly important during the rainy season or if a cold wind is blowing directly at you.
How do I convert a Camp Chef Griddle to run on natural gas
Converting a Camp Chef Griddle to run on natural gas is super simple. The manufacturer has put out a detailed manual which covers the necessary steps.
In a nutshell, if you’ve got a Camp Chef FTG475, 600 or 900 simply drill out the valve orifice with a #54 drill bit. If you’ve got a Camp Chef FTG475LC us a #52 drill bit instead. It’ll take a few minutes to get access and drill out the holes, but you’ll be done before you know it.
Afterward, grab any bog standard ⅜” grill hose and attach one end to your griddle and one to your natural gas stub out. No regulator is needed as the regulation happens directly at your home gas meter.
Camp Chef also sells a natural gas connection kit if you don’t want to mess with getting your own hose. However, keep in mind that while the Camp Chef Griddles use a ⅜” connection, your gas line stub might be a ½” or more. As such be sure to buy the appropriate connectors so everything fits up nicely.
Camp Chef Griddle Accessories
When it comes to accessories, the sky’s the limit. However, we do have a few favorites that truly do make your griddling experience more enjoyable and seriously open up some additional cooking options.
Our favorite is the Camp Chef Utensil Hooks & Paper Towel Holder. The hooks fit perfectly into the pre-drilled slots on the side table and add some much needed usable storage to the system.
We’d also recommend you pick up a basting or steam cover. These are great for making a mini oven on your griddle for melting cheese, cooking to tops of delicate fish and giving your buns and meat a final quick steam to warm them back up.
We’d also recommend you grab a hard griddle cover and a soft cover for the entire unit. This will keep them from deteriorating in the weather and prevent rust buildup over time. We’ll cover specific items in the detail reviews as each size needs a different type.
Best Camp Chef Griddle – Detailed Reviews
Now that we’re into the meat and potatoes (or is that bacon and eggs?) of the article, it’s time to dive into the specific models available. We’ll cover features, sizes, pro’s, con’s and more to give you the most all the necessary information. We’ve watched all the videos, read all the reviews and even tested out the griddles to make sure you’ve got the entire story in once place. Read on and begin your journey into griddle supremacy.
#1 Camp Chef FTG600
- Includes huge interchangeable flat top griddle 20.5" x 31"
- Griddle surface: 604 sq. in - Grilling surface: 501 sq. in
When it comes to the perfect blend of price, performance and features, nothing comes close to the Camp Chef FTG600. With 589 sq. in. of pre-seasoned cooking space this thing is da’ bomb! Not only that, but underneath the stunning griddle, you’ll find a full set of grilling grates if you crave those stunning grill lines and grease free cooking. Unlike some competitors (*cough* Blackstone *cough*) this thing has it all. You’ll also find that there is a unique heat dispersion system built into the bottom of the griddle to eliminate hot spots and provide even heating.
We also have to talk about the amazingly well thought out grease management system. The front trough is large enough to handle any amount of grease and serves double duty as a place to put scrapers and utensils. The grease pan easily slides on and off the side shelf and there is absolutely zero leakage due to the overall design. The only minor complaint is, if you try to shove a huge piece of food down the grease trap, the small hole can occasionally get plugged.
The main base of the Camp Chef FTG600 is constructed from durable powder coated steel. This means it’ll be rust free for years to come. There are also two non-locking wheels on the base for easy maneuverability. The other fixed legs come with a screw-type leveling system. There are also leveling bolts on the griddle itself to ensure it’s perfectly flat on any surface.
We also HIGHLY recommend you grab the below hard and soft cover. This will keep your patio griddle looking like new and ensure the weather doesn’t get to it.
The two collapsible 19”x15” side shelves provide some much needed prep area, but do get a bit hot during use. This is because the vents from the griddle direct out onto the shelves. They do have additional vent holes, but they could be a tad larger in our opinion. You’ll also find that the pull bars / towel racks are super handy in nearly any situation. You can hang tongs, towels and more with ease. Plus, the side shelves have pre-drilled holes for extra attachments like paper towel holders and utensil hooks.
One of the main differences, besides size, from this and the other Camp Chef flat top griddles is the number of burners. The Camp Chef FTG600 comes with four robust stainless steel burners which pump out a massive 48,000 BTU’s of heat. Even better, they have grease shields on top to prevent issues when in “grill mode”. You’ll also find a secondary grease tray underneath the unit to collect grease when your grilling instead of using the griddle.
Each burner is equipped with an individual control knob and a matchless ignition system. EACH burner has its own igniter to ensure you can light them in any order and at any time. We also like how Camp Chef designed in a manual match hole in case of any issues. While it’s a little detail, it really goes to show they seriously thought this out. The control knobs are also super sturdy and don’t wobble in the slightest.
Speaking of burners, they are super hard to blow out and great at maintaining heat levels. This is due to the extra wind shielding Camp Chef added between the griddle and the main body. It helps to keep the wind out and prevent any potential for unburnt gas. If anything it’s a great safety feature and one hell of a nice addition compared to some cheaper outdoor griddles.
Users have also reported that assembly is a breeze and takes between 45 minutes and an hour. Oh and did we mention this comes with a built-in bottle opener? Yeah…it’s got everything. WIth that being said, it’s clear to see what makes this the Best Camp Chef Griddle and frankly the Best outdoor griddle on the market. It’s priced right, works wonderfully and has everything you need to be a true master of your outdoor kitchen.
#2 Camp Chef FTG475
- PRE-SEASONED, Non-Stick, Ready-to-Cook Surface
- THREE 12,000 BTU Stainless Steel Burners
Sometimes bigger isn’t always better, or practicle. In cases like that, the Camp Chef FTG475 makes for an ideal choice. With 470 sq. in. of cooking space, it’s got enough room to whip up an amazing breakfast, yet won’t take up the whole patio. Even better, it hardly uses any propane at all, so a standard 20 lb. tank will last for cook after cook with ease. The FTG475 comes with an integrated propane tank holder, hose and regulator. That means all you’ll need to provide is a full propane tank and some food to get rockin’ and rollin’
Just as with the Camp Chef FTG600, the 475 has gone with a full powder coated steel frame for extreme durability and outdoor longevity. It won’t rust, warp or bend under extreme heat and adverse weather conditions. Even more it comes standard with two non-locking wheels to help maneuver it in place. The other two legs are fixed for added stability. While we wish it had four locking casters, this is a bit more economical and honestly isn’t too much of a hassle.
You’ll also find this system comes with two folding side shelves for added convenience. Each shelf measures in at 19”x15” giving you ample storage space. Unfortunately the half of the shelf closest to the griddle does get a bit hot due to radiant heat, but without a radical redesign of the way griddles work, there isn’t much that can be done in that regard. The dual shelves also come with towel bars so you can keep your workstation clean. Pre-drilled holes perfectly fit the Camp Chef Griddle Accessory Pack and are super easy to use. Some folks have even fabricated their own.
Oh course no review of a griddle can be complete without mentioning the grease trap. The Camp Chef FTG475 uses an excellent front mounted grease management system. The grease flows into a long V groove and down through a small spout. This then directs it into the grease cup which is easily removed by sliding it off the side shelf. There is no leakage and the entire tray is super easy to clean. For lazy people, we recommend lining the grease cup in foil for an even easier cleanup.
A secondary grease trap is located in the center of the unit underneath the burners. This is used when the griddle is removed and in grill mode. Any drippings are directed away from the three stainless steel burners and downwards.
To protect your investment we recommend grabbing the below hard cover. It’s super sturdy, weather and rain resistant and really helps to improve the overall look of the griddle.
Speaking of the burners, they are full stainless steel and come with top grease guards to improve reliability and reduce burnouts. The grease guards also double up as heat dispersion plates. When used in conjunction with the integrated heat plate on the griddle, the flames are super even and heat wonderfully.
We also want to note that each burner has an individual control knob with separate matchless ignition systems. This eliminates the need for batteries and is much more reliable than an electronic ignition, especially for outdoor conditions. Users were pleased to note that the Camp Chef FTG475 also includes match holes in case the main igniters are damaged or you’re just going at it old school style. When all three burners are lit, this model can pump out an impressive 36,000 BTU’s of heat for wonderful smash burgers and bacon alike.
One tiny area in which the FTG475 does make a small cut is the lack of a bottle opener. You’ll just have to use the one on your keychain instead. But once that beer is open and half gone, you’ll be pleased to note the burners are still going strong, even in heavy winds. This is due to the unique burner windshield system which prevents them from being blown out.
The griddle itself also includes a few cool features that we’d like to point out. The primary one is that it is pre-seasoned for added convenience. This means it’s non-stick straight out of the box and ready for use. Beneath the griddle, you’ll also find multiple leveling bolts, so if your outdoor griddle is on an incline you can get the flat top…well perfectly flat.
As with the other two Camp Chef griddles in this review, assembly will take about 45 minutes. This specific unit is actually even easier as it weighs less than it’s larger cousins. Overall, this is a great low priced patio flat top griddle that’ll stand the test of time. It cooks great, has enough space for a small family and will revolutionize your weekend breakfasts without breaking the bank. If you need something that fits in a small space, this is definitely the best Camp Chef Griddle on the market.
#3 Camp Chef FTG900
- Includes 877 sq. in. True Seasoned, non-stick & ready to cook, cold rolled steel griddle
- Six 12,000 BTU stainless steel burners
Big, Beastly, and Bold are the best way to describe the supersized Camp Chef FTG900. With 6 ultra powerful stainless steel burners that are able to push out an staggering 72,000 BTU’s of heat, this is truly an amazing outdoor griddle. It also boasts 864 sq. in. of cooking space and the pre-seasoned griddle is stunning to behold. If you’ve ever wanted to cook 20 burgers, buns, eggs and more at the same time, the FTG900 can handle the job easily.
Each of the huge burners is covered by a dedicated grease shield to prevent droppings from clogging up the nozzles. This is super important when in grilling mode. Each of the Camp Chef Flat Top Griddles comes with both enamel coated grilling grates and a griddle on top. This lets you convert it to a traditional grill with ease. A heat diffuser under the main griddle keeps the surface evenly warmed and prevents any cold spots from forming. Plus, the griddle has leveling bolts to ensure it is perfectly flat and your eggs don’t go sliding into the grease trap.
A secondary bottom mounted grease catch pan easily collects any drippings and is a breeze to keep clean. The main front mounted grease system is even easier to take care of. A large V trough funnels the grease through a small opening and into the main grease pan. Due to the design, there are no leaks and the grease flows smoothly and evenly, even under a massive load of bacon.
As with the Camp Chef FTG475 and FTG600, the FTG900 has two 19” x 15” side shelves as well as two bottom shelves for additional storage. The side shelves are able to fully fold down for added space savings. However, if you’ve got the propane tank installed, the shelf right above it will lay at a bit of an angle. The Camp Chef Soft Covers are designed with this in mind so it’s no big deal. Each of the shelves come with a towel rack where you can, obviously, hang towels from but also hang utensils and tongs at a moment’s notice.
Assuming you’re planning to run this patio griddle on propane, it comes with all the necessary hoses, regulators and connections. This means you can hook it up and be ready to cook in next to no time. As with the smaller FTG600, this model comes with a handy dandy bottle opener. That means cooking up some burgers for the big game and drinking a few cold ones has never been easier.
We also want to mention how robust the stunning red control knobs are. They are super durable, easy to read and work very well. No wiggling or loose connections in sight. Plus, each knob has its own individual matchless ignition system so you can light any burner at any time. A secondary backup match hole is also there in case you want to light the burner with a lighter or kitchen match. You’ll only need to light them once each session though as a built in windscreen keep the burners from blowing out and cooling off.
Assembling this beast is probably the hardest of the bunch, but that’s mainly due to its sheer weight. The cooktop alone is quite heavy and we recommend grabbing a helper when putting it on. No point in straining your back when you could be enjoying a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich. All in all, you can expect to spend right at around an hour to get this Camp Chef backyard griddle operational.
Overall, the Camp Chef FTG900 is great for large families and for folks who simply love to entertain. We’d also recommend this as an entry level food card griddle. It’s large, reliable and can stand up to hours and hours of cooking. While it’s not specifically designed for it, it’ll do the trick. If you need some seriously large cooking space and don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, this is definitely the best camp chef griddle on the market.
Summary
In the end, Camp Chef makes an incredibly well reviewed line of outdoor griddles. If you want the best and most versatile option, we’d recommend going with the Camp Chef FTG600. It’s large enough to feed a crowd, easy on the wallet and won’t take up too much space on the patio. However, each of the three models are virtually identical with the exception of the number of burners and cook top space, so they all make for great choices. If you really want to step it up to the next level, you might even consider checking out some EVO flat top griddles.
However, we’d recommend you instead consider splurging on an outdoor patio refrigerator or an outdoor ice maker for cold drinks during the height of summer. To give things a tropical vibe an outdoor artificial palm tree or a fire fountain can really help to spruce things up a notch. If you really want to impress the neighbors, a full fledged outdoor kitchen island will make you king of the backyard.
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