6 Best Griddles For RV Breakfast Cooking That Nomads Swear By

There’s nothing quite like the smell of bacon and pancakes wafting through a campsite on a cool morning. But trying to cook a big breakfast for everyone on a tiny two-burner RV stove is a recipe for frustration and cold food. The right griddle transforms that chaotic juggle into a simple, enjoyable ritual that defines the RV experience.

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Why a Quality Griddle is an RV Kitchen Must-Have

A griddle is more than just a flat pan; it’s a force multiplier for your tiny kitchen. Most RV stovetops are cramped, making it impossible to use more than one or two small pans at once. A griddle that spans two burners, or a standalone unit, instantly expands your cooking real estate, letting you cook eggs, bacon, and pancakes simultaneously.

This isn’t just about breakfast, either. That same surface is perfect for searing burgers, making quesadillas for a crowd, or stir-frying vegetables. By handling multiple jobs, a good griddle earns its precious storage space. It simplifies your cook kit, reduces the number of pans you need to wash, and makes feeding more than two people a genuinely manageable task.

The best part? Many griddle options move the cooking outside. This keeps grease, smoke, and lingering food smells out of your small living space. An outdoor griddle setup effectively doubles your kitchen, preserving the inside of your rig as a clean, peaceful retreat after a big meal.

Blackstone 17" Tabletop Griddle: Outdoor Favorite

The Blackstone is practically standard-issue for a reason. It’s a portable, propane-powered workhorse that sets up on any picnic table, turning your campsite into a functional outdoor kitchen. Its rolled steel surface seasons like cast iron, creating a wonderfully non-stick surface that can handle anything you throw at it.

This griddle shines for cooking in volume. The 17-inch surface is big enough to cook a full breakfast for a family of four all at once. Because it runs on a 1-lb propane canister (or can be adapted to a larger tank), it’s completely independent of your RV’s systems, making it perfect for boondocking or just keeping the cooking mess outside.

The tradeoff is storage and setup. While portable, it’s still a bulky item that needs a dedicated spot in a storage bay. You also have to factor in hauling a propane source and setting it up for every use. For full-timers who value outdoor living, these are minor inconveniences for a major upgrade in cooking capability.

Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Griddle: Stovetop Champ

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. The Lodge Reversible Griddle is a slab of pre-seasoned cast iron designed to sit directly over two burners on your RV’s propane stove. It requires no extra fuel, no electricity, and stores almost flat, sliding easily into a cabinet or under a dinette seat.

Its genius lies in its versatility and durability. One side is a smooth griddle for pancakes and eggs; flip it over, and you have a grill plate for putting a beautiful sear on steaks or chicken. Cast iron provides incredible heat retention, giving you a consistent cooking surface that cheap pans can’t match. This is a buy-it-for-life piece of gear.

However, cast iron isn’t for everyone. It’s heavy, and you need to be mindful of your RV’s weight limits. It also requires a bit of care—it must be kept seasoned to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick properties. Lastly, its effectiveness depends entirely on the spacing and power of your built-in stovetop burners.

Presto 22-Inch Electric Griddle for Shore Power

When you’re plugged into shore power at a campground, an electric griddle offers unmatched convenience. The Presto 22-inch model gives you a massive, non-stick cooking surface with perfectly even, dial-controlled heat. There’s no fuel to manage, no heavy iron to season, and cleanup is as simple as wiping it down.

This is the ideal tool for RVers who primarily stay in parks with hookups. It allows you to cook a huge meal for guests without firing up the propane stove, which is great on hot days when you don’t want to add extra heat inside the rig. Just plug it in on the picnic table and you’re ready to go.

The obvious limitation is its reliance on electricity. For boondockers or those with limited battery and inverter setups, this is a non-starter. It’s a power-hungry appliance. It’s also awkwardly shaped and large, presenting a real storage challenge in smaller RVs. It’s a fantastic convenience, but only if your travel style supports it.

Cuisinart Griddler: The Compact Countertop Hero

For solo travelers, couples, or those in truly tiny rigs like camper vans, the Cuisinart Griddler is a game-changer. This compact countertop appliance is a master of multitasking. It functions as a small flat-top griddle, a contact grill, and a panini press, all thanks to its reversible and removable plates.

Its small footprint is its biggest asset. It takes up minimal counter space when in use and can be stored in a cabinet without the logistical headache of a larger griddle. It’s perfect for making a couple of pancakes, grilling two burgers, or pressing a sandwich. The removable plates are non-stick and often dishwasher-safe, making cleanup incredibly easy.

The downside is its size. You simply cannot cook for a family on this thing. It’s a personal or two-person appliance. Like the Presto, it also requires AC power, tethering you to shore power or a capable inverter. But for those it’s designed for, it replaces three separate appliances, making it a brilliant space-saver.

Camp Chef Professional Griddle for Camp Stoves

Many RVers already travel with a separate two-burner propane camp stove for outdoor cooking. If that’s you, the Camp Chef Professional Griddle is the most efficient way to get a high-quality griddle surface. This isn’t a standalone unit; it’s a heavy-gauge steel griddle top designed to sit perfectly on a standard 14-inch camp stove system.

This approach leverages gear you already own, which is a core principle of smart RVing. You get a massive, high-performance cooking surface with excellent heat distribution and a built-in grease management system. It’s the same quality you’d find on a dedicated griddle station but without the redundant legs and burners.

The main consideration is compatibility. You need to have the right kind of camp stove for it to work. It’s also another heavy and sometimes greasy item to store. But if you’re already committed to the outdoor camp stove lifestyle, this add-on is a far better use of space and money than buying a whole separate Blackstone-style unit.

Royal Gourmet Portable Griddle: Solid Budget Choice

Not everyone needs a top-of-the-line griddle for daily use. If you’re a weekend warrior or just want a griddle for occasional campsite cookouts, the Royal Gourmet series offers a fantastic value. It mimics the design of the more expensive Blackstone tabletop models at a fraction of the price.

You get the same core benefits: a propane-powered, portable outdoor cooking station that keeps the mess out of your rig. It’s a great way to see if the griddle lifestyle is for you without a major investment. It will cook your pancakes, burgers, and bacon just fine.

So what’s the catch? At a lower price point, you can expect thinner steel, which may lead to less even heating and potential warping over time. The igniter and knobs might not feel as robust. For the price, however, it’s a perfectly functional tool that gets the job done and makes outdoor breakfast a reality for any RVer.

Key Factors: Griddle Size, Fuel, and Storage

Choosing the right griddle boils down to an honest assessment of your travel style. There is no single "best" option, only the best option for you. Think through these three critical factors before you buy.

First, size and capacity. Are you usually cooking for one or two, or are you feeding a family of five? A Cuisinart Griddler is perfect for a couple but useless for a crowd. A 22-inch electric griddle or a large Blackstone is overkill for a solo vanlifer. Match the cooking surface to the number of mouths you feed.

Second, fuel source. This is the most important consideration. Your choice directly connects to where and how you travel.

• Propane (Standalone): The Blackstone or Royal Gourmet offers ultimate freedom. Cook anywhere, anytime. Perfect for boondockers.
• Propane (Stovetop): The Lodge cast iron uses your RV’s existing fuel. It’s simple and requires no extra tanks, but keeps the cooking inside.
• Electric: The Presto or Cuisinart offers push-button convenience but tethers you to shore power or a powerful inverter/battery bank. Useless for off-grid camping.

Finally, and most critically for RV life, storage. Every single item you bring aboard needs a home. A flat cast iron pan can slide into a sliver of space. A bulky Blackstone or Presto griddle requires a significant chunk of a storage bay or a large cabinet. Before you click "buy," physically identify the exact spot where the griddle will live when you’re driving down the road. If you can’t find a spot, it’s not the right griddle for you.

Ultimately, the best RV griddle is the one that removes friction from your cooking process and aligns with how you travel. Whether it’s a heavy-duty cast iron plate or a convenient electric unit, the right choice will transform your meal prep from a chore into a cherished part of your life on the road. Don’t just buy the most popular one; choose the one that fits your rig, your power source, and your appetite for adventure.