Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven Review

Let’s Dive into Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven

The Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven is a simple, yet incredibly useful piece of kit designed to expand the cooking capabilities of your camp stove or oven. Made by Camp Chef, a brand known for its durable and reliable outdoor cooking equipment, this griddle promises to bring the joys of breakfast, lunch, and dinner cooked on a flat top to the campsite. It’s a steel griddle designed to fit over a single burner, offering a substantial cooking surface for those pancake breakfasts or grilled cheese sandwiches we all crave in the great outdoors.

I was looking for a way to expand my cooking options while camping without investing in a full-sized, dedicated griddle. The problem I needed to solve was simple: versatility in a compact, easy-to-transport package. I wanted the ability to fry bacon, make pancakes, or sear burgers without the hassle of carrying multiple pans.

Upon unboxing, the griddle felt solid. The heavy-gauge steel construction gives the impression of durability, and the slightly sloped sides seem practical for containing grease and preventing spills. It’s a no-frills design, but it feels like it’s built to last.

I considered a cast iron skillet and a portable propane griddle. I chose the Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven because of its compact size, its ability to utilize my existing camp stove, and its significantly lower price point compared to a full griddle system. It seemed like the perfect balance of functionality and portability.

My first impression was positive. It wasn’t flashy, but it looked like a well-made piece of equipment that would hold up to the rigors of camping. I was excited to try it out and see if it could live up to its promise of versatility.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven during a weekend camping trip in the mountains. The weather was dry, but the mornings were quite cold, providing a decent range of operating conditions. I set it up on top of my Camp Chef Explorer stove, a two-burner model, using only one burner to heat the griddle.

The griddle performed admirably. I cooked bacon and eggs for breakfast, and the sloped sides effectively contained the bacon grease. The heat distribution was surprisingly even, with only slight variations noticeable towards the edges.

The griddle was simple to use, requiring no special techniques. I did find that I needed to adjust the burner’s flame to avoid burning the food, a common issue with steel griddles, but nothing unexpected. I was initially surprised by how quickly the griddle heated up, highlighting the importance of careful temperature control.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use on camping trips and even in the backyard, the Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven has held up remarkably well. There are some minor scratches and discoloration from the heat, but no signs of warping or structural damage. The “antique” patina is indeed developing, which I find adds to its character.

The griddle’s durability has proven to be a significant strength. It has survived being tossed in the back of the truck, exposed to rain, and subjected to high heat without any issues. Cleaning the griddle requires some effort, but it’s manageable.

I typically scrape it down with a metal spatula while it’s still warm, then wipe it clean with a paper towel and apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rusting. Compared to my previous experiences with less durable camping cookware, the Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven has exceeded my expectations. It’s a reliable and robust piece of kit.

Breaking Down the Features of Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven

Specifications

The Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven boasts some respectable specifications:

• Manufacturer: Camp Chef.
• Application: Cooking, Camping. This highlights its intended use for outdoor cooking scenarios.
• Color: Black. This is the typical color of the steel after seasoning.
• Width: 11.5 in.
• Length: 19.5 in.
• Age Group: Adults. This indicates the intended user demographic.
• Fabric/Material: Steel. This denotes its construction material, which is crucial for durability and heat retention.
• Area: 224.25 sq. in.

These specifications matter because they define the griddle’s size, cooking area, and material. The steel construction ensures even heat distribution and long-term durability. The size is perfect for cooking for 2-4 people, making it ideal for small camping groups.

Performance & Functionality

The Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven performs its job admirably, providing a flat, even cooking surface for various foods. It’s accurate in that it heats consistently, it’s reliable in its steel construction, and it’s relatively easy to use. The sloped sides are a thoughtful design feature that contains grease and prevents messes.

The griddle’s strengths lie in its simplicity, durability, and even heat distribution. One weakness is that it requires careful temperature control to prevent burning food, as steel can get very hot quickly. Overall, it meets my expectations for a portable camping griddle and even exceeds them in terms of durability.

Design & Ergonomics

The Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven features a straightforward, functional design. The heavy-gauge steel construction gives it a substantial weight, but this also contributes to its durability. The side handle makes it easy to move and position on the stove, though it can get hot, requiring the use of gloves or a towel.

The design is user-friendly, with no complicated features or settings. There is a slight learning curve to mastering the temperature control, but it’s minimal.

Durability & Maintenance

The Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven is built to last. Its heavy-gauge steel construction can withstand years of use and abuse. With proper care and seasoning, it should provide a lifetime of reliable service.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only regular cleaning and oiling to prevent rust. Repairs are unlikely, given the griddle’s robust construction, making it a very dependable piece of camping gear.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven doesn’t come with many accessories, reflecting its simple design. The main accessory is the griddle itself. There are no customization options available, as it’s a straightforward steel griddle.

It is compatible with most Camp Chef stoves and any other camp stove with a burner large enough to accommodate it. While not a customization, finding a good carrying case is recommended, as the product description mentions wishing the stove carry bag had a sleeve to keep the griddle with it.

Pros and Cons of Camp Chef Universal Fry Griddle For Camp Oven