6 Best Small Outdoor Griddles for 2026

The Blackstone 1666 is built for buyers who want a compact griddle that still feels like a real cooking station. Its 361 square inches of surface area is enough for family-style breakfasts or a round of burgers without pushing into full-size territory. The two independently controlled H-shaped burners are the key advantage here because they let you create separate heat zones instead of treating the surface like one flat hot plate. That flexibility matters when one side needs a hard sear and the other side needs gentler heat.

The format is portable, but it is not featherweight. At 25.3 pounds and roughly 22.44 by 22.87 by 9.8 inches, it sits in the range where it is still manageable for transport but substantial enough to feel stable on a table or outdoor setup. The carbon steel cooktop and powder-coated steel body are practical choices for outdoor use, and the rear grease management system simplifies cleanup by pushing drippings toward the back collection area instead of spreading them across the cooking zone. That design lowers the friction of cooking bacon, smash burgers, and anything else that leaves a mess.

Among the six options here, this one lands in the most versatile middle ground. It is larger than the most compact tabletop choices, but it gives you more cooking room and more temperature control than the lightest portable models. It also offers a stronger all-around package than a simple reversible pan because it is purpose-built for outdoor gas cooking. If you want one griddle that can handle camping, tailgating, and regular backyard duty without feeling undersized, this is the safest recommendation and the easiest one to justify.

The Blackstone 1971 is the most portability-focused option in this group. Its 17-inch format and 267 square inches of cooking space are sized for 2 to 4 people, so it is easier to bring along when space is tight or the meal is modest. The 12,500 BTUs and H-style burner are important because they show this compact griddle is not just small for the sake of storage. It is still built to heat the surface evenly enough for eggs, hashbrowns, burgers, and mixed breakfasts.

This model is also one of the easier griddles to live with in temporary setups. The non-slip feet help keep it planted, which matters on picnic tables, tailgate surfaces, and less-than-perfect campsite tables. The push-and-turn Piezo ignition reduces the usual ignition fuss, and the stainless steel front plate is a sensible touch for a unit that may see frequent transport and quick wipe-downs. The rear grease management system is another useful detail because it keeps cleanup from becoming the reason you avoid using the griddle often.

Compared with the larger 22-inch Blackstone and the 3-burner Royal Gourmet, this one trades cooking capacity for lighter, simpler mobility. Compared with the Lodge cast iron plate, it gives you a dedicated outdoor gas griddle instead of a stove-and-campfire multitasker. That tradeoff makes sense if you want a true tabletop griddle that is small enough to move easily but still capable of consistent outdoor breakfasts and quick dinners. It is the best fit for buyers who value compact size first and foremost.

This HECASA hard cover is not a griddle itself, but it solves a real problem for owners of compatible 36-inch setups. The aluminum construction keeps weight down to 8 pounds, which makes it much easier to lift on and off than a heavier steel lid. The waterproof design is the main reason to consider it. Covering a griddle with a lid that resists water pooling can reduce the chance of sitting moisture collecting on the cooktop after use.

The fit matters here more than almost anything else. It is designed for 36 by 22-inch griddles and is compatible with rear-grease griddle tops and griddle surround tables. That means buyers should think about compatibility before anything else, because this is a sizing decision rather than a universal add-on. The suitcase-style handle and rear-hanging brackets are practical touches that make the cover easier to manage while cooking, since you need a place to rest it when the surface is hot and in use.

Against the actual cooking units in this roundup, the value is very different. It does not add BTUs, burner zones, or capacity. Instead, it protects a larger griddle and can make the setup easier to maintain over time. That makes it the clear pick for someone who already owns a compatible 36-inch flat top and wants less worry about exposure, staining, and handling. If you need cooking performance from a small outdoor griddle, skip this one. If you need protection for a large griddle, this is the most targeted accessory in the group.

The Lodge reversible grill/griddle takes a different path from the tabletop gas units. Instead of giving you burners and ignition, it gives you a compact cast iron cooking plate with two distinct surfaces. The reversible design is the headline feature because one side handles griddle-style cooking while the other side works as a grill surface for searing. At 16.75 by 9.5 inches, it is sized to span two burners, which makes it a practical choice when you want flat-top flexibility without buying a dedicated outdoor station.

Its broader compatibility is what separates it from the propane griddles in this roundup. It can be used in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or over a campfire, and it is induction compatible. That makes it far more adaptable than a single-purpose tabletop cooker. The tradeoff is that cast iron demands a different cooking rhythm. At 9.4 pounds, it is portable enough to move, but it still behaves like heavy cookware, not like a quick-start grill. The pre-seasoned surface is valuable because it reduces the amount of preparation needed before first use.

This is the least outdoor-specific product here, but it is also the most flexible if you cook in more than one place. It will not replace the control, surface area, or grease management of a dedicated griddle station, and it is not the best choice if you want a ready-made tailgating appliance. It does make sense for buyers who want one piece of cookware that can move from kitchen to campfire without drama. For that use, it is the strongest value-oriented option and the most versatile cooking surface in the roundup.

The Royal Gourmet PD1301S is the strongest choice for buyers who want more burner count and more heat in a small outdoor format. Its 304 square inches of cooking space sit between the most compact tabletop griddles and the larger 22-inch Blackstone, so it still feels manageable while giving you room for a serious breakfast spread. The three independently controlled burners are the key advantage because they let you manage multiple zones with more precision than a two-burner layout. The 25,500 BTU output reinforces that this model is built for speed and recovery.

That extra power comes with a practical benefit in mixed cooking. Thin foods can be kept in a gentler zone while heavier proteins or denser vegetables sit over stronger heat. The 3.5 mm thick steel griddle top supports even heat distribution and durability, while the piezo ignition removes the need for matches or a separate lighter. Cleanup is also thought through well, thanks to the removable grease cup and detachable griddle top. Those details matter because a griddle that is easy to clean gets used more often.

Against the other gas models in this list, the Royal Gourmet is the most burner-rich option, but it is also one of the heavier tabletop choices at 27.6 pounds. That makes it better for buyers who prioritize cooking control over the easiest possible carry. It is more purpose-built for outdoor cooking than the cast iron pan and more aggressive than the compact 17-inch Blackstone. If your idea of small still includes multi-zone cooking for a group, this is the model to put near the top of the list.

The Pit Boss portable tabletop griddle stands out because it arrives as a more complete package. The included custom-fit cover adds immediate value for storage and transport, and the 265 square inches of cooking space put it in the same practical range as other compact tabletop griddles. The 18,000 BTU output is solid for this size class, and the two separately controlled stainless steel burners let you manage different foods without needing a larger station. That combination makes it a sensible choice for travelers who still want real heat control.

There are also several setup details that improve everyday use. The 3 mm thick griddle surface gives the cooktop a sturdier feel, while the four black non-slip legs are adjustable so you can level the cooking surface. That is a meaningful convenience on uneven campsite tables or rough tailgate setups. The low-pressure gas regulator and propane fuel requirement keep it in the familiar outdoor gas category, and the EZ Access grease trap makes cleanup less awkward after a greasy meal. Those are exactly the kinds of details that determine whether a portable griddle feels easy or fussy.

In direct comparison with the Blackstone 17-inch model, this Pit Boss offers similar portability but adds the cover and a more robust sense of setup control. It does not match the Royal Gourmet for burner count, and it does not match the 22-inch Blackstone for surface area. What it does well is deliver a balanced, ready-to-go package for buyers who want convenience without stepping all the way up to a larger station. It is the best recommendation if you value the included cover and want a portable griddle that feels thoughtfully equipped out of the box.