The Camp Chef Gridiron 36 is one of the most versatile flat-top griddles on the market — a 36-inch, 3-burner outdoor cooking platform with 604 square inches of cold-rolled steel cooking surface and a modular 14-inch accessory system that transforms it into a full outdoor kitchen.
Flat-top griddle cooking has exploded in popularity, offering a unique alternative to traditional grilling. The solid griddle top provides even heat and prevents flare-ups, making it perfect for everything from breakfast classics to delicate seafood. The Gridiron 36 enters this competitive space with a focus on quality construction and unmatched versatility.
Available as a standalone unit or in Starter and Complete bundle configurations, choosing the right version depends on what you want to cook beyond smash burgers and stir-fries. This review breaks down all three options so you can make the right call for your backyard setup.
Quick Roundup List
- Base Model: Camp Chef Gridiron 36
- Starter Package: Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Starter Bundle
- All-in-One Value: Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Complete Bundle
Camp Chef Gridiron 36 vs. Starter Bundle vs. Complete Bundle: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing the right Camp Chef Gridiron 36 bundle comes down to your cooking ambitions, desired accessories, and budget. The base model provides a powerful griddle, the Starter Bundle adds a versatile pizza oven, and the Complete Bundle includes everything for seasoning and maintenance. Each package builds upon the last, offering progressively more capability.
Buy the base Gridiron 36 if you want a capable flat-top griddle and plan to add accessories over time. The Starter Bundle is ideal for serious outdoor cooks, adding the Artisan Outdoor Oven for making authentic pizza.
For the ultimate convenience, the Complete Bundle includes griddle seasoning and a scraper, making it the most comprehensive option right out of the box.
| Product | Cooking Surface | Total BTU | Includes | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Chef Gridiron 36 | 604 sq in | 30,000 | Griddle, Cover | View on Camp Chef |
| Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Starter Bundle | 604 sq in | 30,000 | Griddle, Artisan Oven, 2 Carry Bags | View on Camp Chef |
| Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Complete Bundle | 604 sq in | 30,000 | Griddle, Oven, Bags, Seasoning, Scraper | View on Camp Chef |
In-Depth Gridiron 36 Bundle Reviews
We reviewed all three Camp Chef Gridiron 36 packages to help you decide. The base model offers a solid foundation, the Starter Bundle adds a versatile pizza oven, and the Complete Bundle includes everything you need to season, cook, and clean right away. Here’s a closer look at each option.
Camp Chef Gridiron 36 – Best Base Model
The base Camp Chef Gridiron 36 delivers 604 sq in of flat-top griddle cooking on 3 independently controlled burners producing 30,000 BTU total. The cold-rolled steel griddle top seasons like cast iron, developing a natural non-stick patina over time.
Key design features include two foldable side shelves, an efficient rear grease trap, and compatibility with Camp Chef’s 14-inch accessory system. This makes the Gridiron 36 a genuinely expandable outdoor cooking platform, not just a standalone griddle.
The unit also includes adjustable leg levelers, a critical feature for proper surface leveling. This ensures grease flows correctly to the grease trap and prevents pooling on the griddle top, leading to more consistent cooking results.
Highlights
- 604 sq in cold-rolled steel griddle top (36″ x 16″)
- 3 independently controlled stainless steel burners, 30,000 BTU total
- Efficient rear grease trap with removable grease cup
- Two foldable stainless steel side shelves
- Adjustable leg levelers for perfect surface leveling
- Compatible with Camp Chef’s 14-inch accessory system (Artisan Oven, Pizza Oven, etc.)
- Matchless ignition system with push-button lighting
Specifications
- Cooking Surface: 604 sq in (36″ x 16″)
- Burners: 3 independently controlled
- Total BTU: 30,000
- Griddle Material: Cold-rolled steel
- Side Shelves: 2 foldable stainless steel
- Accessory System: Camp Chef 14-inch compatible
Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Starter Bundle – Best Starter Bundle
The Starter Bundle pairs the Gridiron 36 with the Artisan Outdoor Oven. This 14-inch accessory reaches over 600°F, perfect for achieving authentic, wood-fired style pizza, flatbreads, and roasted dishes. The oven’s design circulates heat to cook toppings and crust evenly.
This bundle also includes the 3-Burner Carry Bag for the griddle body and the Artisan Pizza Oven Bag for the oven attachment. These additions transform the entire setup into a portable outdoor kitchen, ideal for tailgating, camping, or storing neatly in the garage between uses.
Highlights
- Includes the base Gridiron 36 griddle
- Adds the Artisan Outdoor Oven attachment (14-inch, 600°F+ capable)
- Includes 3-Burner Carry Bag for the griddle body
- Includes Artisan Pizza Oven Bag for the oven
- Allows for simultaneous pizza cooking and griddling on separate burner zones
- Offers significant value over buying the components separately
Specifications
- Includes: Gridiron 36 + Artisan Outdoor Oven + 2 bags
- Oven Max Temp: 600°F+
Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Complete Bundle – Best All-in-One Bundle
The Complete Bundle is the all-in-one solution for serious outdoor cooks. It includes everything in the Starter Bundle plus Griddle Seasoning & Cast Iron Conditioner and a Griddle Scraper. These are two essentials for properly seasoning and maintaining a cold-rolled steel cooking surface.
For first-time flat-top owners, the Complete Bundle eliminates the guesswork and the need to source these supplies separately. You have everything required to unbox, assemble, season, and cook your first meal, making it the most convenient and comprehensive package available.
Highlights
- Includes everything in the Starter Bundle
- Adds Griddle Seasoning & Cast Iron Conditioner (for initial and ongoing seasoning)
- Adds a heavy-duty Griddle Scraper for cleaning between cooks
- Offers the most components for the price of all three bundles
- Everything you need to start cooking immediately — no additional purchases required
Specifications
- Includes: Gridiron 36 + Oven + 2 bags + seasoning + scraper
How to Season the Camp Chef Gridiron 36
Season the Gridiron 36 before first use by heating the surface to high, applying a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (flaxseed, avocado, or canola), and letting it smoke off completely. This process, called polymerization, creates a hard, non-stick layer. Repeat 3-5 times to build up a durable patina.
The Seasoning Process Explained
Unlike some cast iron griddles that arrive pre-seasoned, the Gridiron 36 requires this crucial first step. Camp Chef’s Griddle Seasoning & Cast Iron Conditioner (included in the Complete Bundle) is specifically formulated for this process. For more on mastering your flat top, see our griddle cooking tips.
Tips for a Perfect Patina
Pitmaster Tip: Apply griddle seasoning oil in very thin coats — thicker applications pool and create a sticky, uneven surface rather than a smooth patina. Thin layers that fully polymerize build a better non-stick coating faster.What Can You Cook on the Camp Chef Gridiron 36?
The Gridiron 36’s flat griddle top excels at cooking anything from breakfast favorites like eggs and pancakes to dinner staples like smash burgers, stir-fries, and quesadillas. Its solid surface is perfect for sautéed vegetables, fried rice, and delicate seafood that would fall through traditional grill grates.
Breakfast Classics and Dinner Staples
The large surface allows for cooking multiple items at once. You can get a great sear on pork steaks on one side of the meat while sautéing onions and mushrooms on the other. The even heat distribution is also ideal for making large batches of hibachi-style fried rice or a full breakfast for a crowd.
Multi-Zone and High-Volume Cooking
With the Artisan outdoor pizza oven accessory (Starter and Complete Bundles), you can also cook wood-fired pizza, flatbreads, and roasted vegetables simultaneously on a separate burner zone. When making burgers, always cook ground meat to a safe internal temperature of 160°F[USDA]. For more ideas, see our guide to what you can cook on a flat top grill.
Artisan Oven Capabilities
Pro Tip: The Camp Chef Gridiron 36 is a versatile outdoor flat-top griddle perfect for a wide array of foods, from breakfast to stir-fries, and can even make pizza on a pizza stone with the Artisan Oven accessory.Camp Chef Gridiron 36 vs. Blackstone 36-Inch
The most common comparison for the Gridiron 36 is against the popular Blackstone 36-inch griddle. While both platforms deliver a large, versatile flat-top cooking experience, they differ in key areas of build quality, design features, and overall accessory ecosystem.
Build Quality and Materials
Both brands offer sturdy construction, but Camp Chef often gets the edge for its thoughtful design details. The Gridiron 36 includes features like adjustable leg levelers for perfect surface leveling and robust, foldable side shelves. The overall fit and finish feel engineered for long-term durability.
Grease Management
The Gridiron 36 features a rear grease trap, which many users prefer as it keeps the hot grease away from the front of the unit where cooks are standing. Blackstone models often use a front-facing grease trap. Both systems are effective, but the location of the grease trap is a significant ergonomic difference.
Features and Accessory System
This is where Camp Chef stands apart. The Gridiron 36’s 14-inch modular accessory system is a game-changer. Blackstone has a wide range of griddling tools and organizers but no equivalent attachment ecosystem that transforms the Blackstone griddle into a pizza oven or grill box.
Camp Chef’s system is part of a broader ecosystem that includes their popular pellet grill line. While the Gridiron is a standalone unit, its accessory system is similar in concept to the Sidekick attachment for a Camp Chef pellet grill, which adds griddling or searing capabilities. This focus on modularity makes the Gridiron 36 a more versatile long-term investment.
Value and Price
Blackstone griddles are typically positioned at a lower price point, making them an accessible entry into the world of flat-top cooking. The Camp Chef Gridiron 36 commands a premium, but it justifies the cost with superior versatility and features. See our full Camp Chef vs Blackstone comparison for a deeper dive.
What Foods Are Not Ideal for a Flat-Top Griddle?
A flat-top griddle is not ideal for foods that require direct flame contact or deep smoke penetration. The solid griddle top creates conductive and radiant heat, but it blocks the convection and smoke flavors that define traditional barbecue. Low-and-slow brisket, ribs, and char-grilled steaks are best left to a dedicated smoker or charcoal grill.
Foods Requiring Direct Flame or Smoke
For those who want both griddling and smoking capabilities, pairing the Gridiron 36 with a dedicated pellet grill is an excellent solution. This combination creates a complete outdoor kitchen, allowing you to sear on the griddle while infusing smoke flavor in the pellet grill.
Creating a Complete Outdoor Kitchen
The Gridiron 36 pairs naturally with a pellet grill or offset smoker to create a complete outdoor cooking station. While the griddle handles high-heat searing and delicate foods, a dedicated smoker handles low-and-slow proteins that benefit from smoke. This combination covers virtually every outdoor cooking technique in a compact backyard setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Camp Chef Gridiron 36, including seasoning, accessory compatibility, and natural gas conversion options.
Are Camp Chef griddles any good?
Yes, Camp Chef griddles are highly regarded for their robust build quality, innovative features, and overall performance. They are known for durable materials, effective grease management systems, and the versatile 14-inch accessory system that sets them apart from many competitors in the griddle market.
Is Camp Chef better than Blackstone?
Whether Camp Chef is “better” than Blackstone depends on your priorities. Camp Chef typically offers more features and versatility through its accessory system, making it a better choice for cooks who want an all-in-one outdoor kitchen. Blackstone often provides better value at a lower price point, making it ideal for those focused purely on griddling.
Does the Camp Chef Gridiron 36 come pre-seasoned?
No, the Gridiron 36’s griddle top is not pre-seasoned. It ships with a protective coating that must be washed and burned off before first use. This must be followed by 3-5 seasoning rounds with oil to build a non-stick surface.
The Complete Bundle includes Camp Chef’s Griddle Seasoning for this process.
Is the Camp Chef Gridiron 36 compatible with natural gas?
Yes. Camp Chef sells a conversion kit for the Gridiron 36 that allows connection to a natural gas line — ideal for permanent patio setups. The base unit runs on standard 1lb or 20lb propane; the conversion kit is sold separately.
How do you clean the Camp Chef Gridiron 36?
After each cook, scrape food residue with a metal griddle scraper while the surface is still hot. Add a small amount of water to help lift stuck bits, then dry completely and apply a thin coat of oil before storing. Avoid soap on the seasoned griddle top, as it strips the non-stick patina.
What accessories work with the Camp Chef Gridiron 36?
The Gridiron 36 is compatible with any Camp Chef 14-inch accessory, including the Artisan Outdoor Oven, cast iron reversible griddle, pizza stone, and wok. These attach to the front accessory burner separately from the main cooking zone, allowing simultaneous cooking on multiple surfaces.
How does the 14-inch system compare to the Camp Chef Sidekick?
The Gridiron’s 14-inch system is a built-in, standalone feature. The Camp Chef Sidekick is a separate attachment designed specifically for their pellet grill models, allowing you to add a griddle or other accessory to your smoker. The Gridiron offers similar versatility without requiring ownership of a Camp Chef pellet grill.
Does the Gridiron 36 have a flamethrower ignition?
The Gridiron 36 uses a reliable push-button matchless ignition system. Camp Chef reserves its powerful flamethrower ignition for its line of pellet grill smokers, which require a more robust system to ignite wood pellets for smoking.
Take Home Message
For the serious outdoor cook, the Camp Chef Gridiron 36 is a worthwhile investment. It justifies its premium with superior build quality, thoughtful design, and an unmatched 14-inch accessory system that expands its culinary capabilities far beyond a basic griddle.
Its cold-rolled steel griddle top seasons beautifully, and features like the rear grease trap and surface leveling legs enhance the user experience. Whether you choose the base model or a bundled package with the Artisan Outdoor Oven, its modular design and robust features make it a superior long-term investment that grows with your skills.
See our detailed reviews of the Camp Chef Gridiron 36, the Gridiron 36 Starter Bundle, and the Gridiron 36 Complete Bundle above for full specifications and pricing.
