How to Use a 14" Griddle with Side Burner for Camping Meals
By blackstoneproducts | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn step-by-step how to set up, cook, and clean a portable 14-inch griddle with side burner for delicious outdoor camping meals.
Quick Answer
To cook great camping meals, set up your 14-inch griddle with side burner on a stable, level surface, preheat it properly, and use the side burner to multitask—like simmering coffee or sauce while your main dish cooks.
Why the Side Burner Changes Your Camping Routine
The 14-inch griddle with side burner is more than a compact cooking surface. The side burner lets you heat water for coffee, hot chocolate, or gravy while you cook bacon and eggs on the main griddle. That means you can prepare a full breakfast in the same time it used to take to just cook the main dish.
Because this is a portable griddle, it's easy to carry with its latching hood and handle—like a briefcase. You can take it from the car to the campsite without hassle.
Trade-Offs of a Compact Griddle
The 14-inch cooking surface is smaller than full-size models, so you'll need to cook in batches for a large group. Plan your meals accordingly—maybe cook proteins first, keep them warm, then finish with sides.
Also, the side burner is not a full stove; it's best for boiling water, simmering sauces, or keeping something warm. Don't expect to deep-fry or use large pots on it.
Step-by-Step Camping Meal Guide
- Set up on a stable, level surface: Place the griddle on a flat, heat-resistant surface away from tents and flammable materials. Use the leveling feet to adjust if the ground is uneven. A common mistake is skipping this, which can cause food to slide or cook unevenly. Check that the griddle doesn't wobble before lighting.
- Preheat the griddle and side burner: Turn on the griddle burner and set it to medium-high. Close the hood and let it preheat for 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, light the side burner and start heating water for coffee or a side dish. A common mistake is not preheating enough, leading to sticking. Use the side burner early to maximize efficiency.
- Cook your main dish on the griddle: Place your main items—like bacon, eggs, or pancakes—on the preheated surface. Leave space between items for even cooking. Use the side burner to simmer sauces or keep sides warm. A common mistake is overcrowding, which lowers temperature and steams food. Cook in batches if needed; keep cooked items warm on the side burner.
- Monitor and adjust heat as needed: Keep an eye on the griddle temperature. If food is browning too fast, lower the heat. If it's not sizzling, increase slightly. The side burner can be adjusted independently. A common mistake is leaving the heat too high, causing burning. Adjust burners separately to balance cooking and warming.
- Clean up after cooking: Turn off both burners and let the griddle cool slightly. Scrape off food residue with a griddle scraper, then wipe with a paper towel. For stubborn bits, add a little water and let it steam, then scrape again. A common mistake is cleaning while too hot, which can damage the surface. Clean while still warm, not hot, for easier removal.
Product Spotlight
- 14" Griddle with Side Burner: The portable design with a latching hood and handle makes carrying this griddle as easy as carrying a briefcase. You can easily transport the griddle from your car to the campsite, making it a convenient option for outdoor cooking.
14" Griddle with Side Burner - 14" Griddle with Side Burner: With the side burner, you can heat up water for coffee or hot chocolate or gravy and other sauces, while cooking your main dishes. The side burner lets you multitask, so you can prepare beverages and sides simultaneously, saving time and fuel.
- 14" Griddle with Side Burner: Convenient add-ons like leveling feet help keep your cooking surface more even. Leveling feet ensure your griddle sits stable on uneven campsite ground, preventing hotspots and uneven cooking.
