Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Review: A Culinary Masterpiece

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There’s nothing quite like firing up a griddle and cooking up a storm under the open sky. And when it comes to outdoor cooking, the Camp Chef Gridiron 36 Griddle is a true masterpiece. This bad boy is the ultimate grilling companion, designed to take your al fresco culinary adventures to new heights.

As someone who loves to cook and entertain, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect outdoor griddle for quite some time. And let me tell you, the Gridiron 36 has exceeded my wildest expectations. From its durable and sturdy construction to its expansive cooking surface, this griddle is a remarkable and transformative outdoor cooking appliance.

But before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let me give you a quick rundown on Camp Chef. This Utah-based company has been crafting top-notch outdoor cooking equipment for over three decades, and their reputation for quality and innovation is second to none. They truly understand what it takes to create products that stand up to the rigors of outdoor cooking while delivering exceptional performance.

Unboxing

When the Gridiron 36 arrived at my doorstep, it came in two large, heavy boxes. The boxes were sturdy and well-packaged, ensuring that every component was securely protected during transit. As I unpacked the contents, I was struck by the attention to detail and the quality of the materials used.

Assembly

Assembling the Gridiron 36 from Camp Chef was a straightforward process. The instructions were clear and detailed, and the packages were well-labeled, making the assembly steps easy to follow. With a few common tools like a Phillips screwdriver, Allen wrench, and crescent wrench, I was able to put the whole thing together in about an hour. Even if you are someone without much prior experience in this type of assembly, the instructions and labeling make the process very manageable. Camp Chef has done a good job in designing the assembly process to be as user-friendly as possible.

Design

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Camp Chef Gridiron 36 exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic that seamlessly blends form and function. Its all-black exterior, accentuated by vibrant red highlights, exudes a bold and confident presence, leaving no doubt that this is a griddling powerhouse. But make no mistake, this beauty is more than just a pretty face – it’s a true workhorse engineered to deliver unparalleled performance.

Once assembled, the Gridiron 36 stood before me in all its glory, and let me tell you, this thing is built like a tank. The heavy-duty steel construction and reinforced griddle surface exude a sense of durability and longevity that’s hard to match. But it’s not just about brute strength; the Gridiron 36 is also designed with convenience in mind.

• The folding shelves provide ample workspace for prepping your ingredients or keeping your tools within easy reach.
• The built-in cover not only protects the griddle when not in use but can also be utilized during cooking to help hold heat on the food.
• And let’s not forget the wheels, which make it a breeze to move this behemoth around your outdoor cooking area.

Easy to Lit – Flamethrower Ignition

Firing up the Gridiron 36 is a cinch thanks to the flamethrower ignition system. No more fiddling with matches or lighters – just a simple push and twist of the knob, and this thing is ready to rock and roll every time without fail. The ignition system is reliable and consistent, ensuring that you can start cooking without any unnecessary delays.

Griddle Leveling

One of the more impressive features of the Gridiron 36 is its griddle leveling system. With the included Allen key, you can easily adjust the griddle surface to achieve a perfectly level cooking area. This can be done while cooking, which is amazing for those of us who have struggled with pooling grease on traditional griddles.

Cooking on the Gridiron 36

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter – the cooking experience. I have thoroughly tested the Gridiron 36, and I must say, it truly excels in every aspect. From its performance to its functionality, this griddle delivers outstanding results that left me impressed.

Breakfast

Ah, the most important meal of the day! There’s nothing quite like starting the morning with a delicious and satisfying breakfast. And when it comes to cooking up a breakfast feast, the Gridiron 36 is the ultimate champion. With its spacious cooking surface, you can easily whip up a variety of mouthwatering dishes to please the whole family or a hungry group of friends. Whether you’re in the mood for fluffy pancakes, sizzling bacon, or perfectly scrambled eggs, this versatile appliance has got you covered. Say goodbye to the hassle of cooking breakfast in batches and hello to a stress-free and enjoyable cooking experience. The Gridiron 36 truly takes breakfast to a whole new level of convenience and deliciousness.

Lunch

Lunchtime is truly a magical moment when the Gridiron 36 comes to life. Picture yourself indulging in mouthwatering grilled sandwiches, where the cheese is perfectly melted and oozes out from the sides, tantalizing your taste buds. And let’s not forget about the juicy burgers, cooked to absolute perfection with a sear that locks in all the flavors. With the Gridiron 36’s exceptional heat distribution, every single bite becomes an explosion of delightful flavors that will leave you craving for more. The possibilities are truly endless!

Dinner

As the sun begins to descend below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape, the Gridiron 36 emerges as the star of the evening, ready to take on the responsibility of preparing a delectable dinner. With its versatile capabilities, this griddle becomes the ultimate culinary companion, whether you’re in the mood for perfectly seared succulent steaks, charred and flavorful grilled vegetables, or a mouthwatering savory stir-fry. Its exceptional high heat output and precise temperature control empower you to effortlessly achieve the same level of culinary excellence found in renowned restaurants, all within the comfort of your own backyard.

Even Heating

One of the standout features of the Gridiron 36 is its even heating capabilities. No more chasing the heat or dealing with cold spots – this griddle distributes heat evenly across its entire surface, ensuring consistent cooking results every time. When you are cooking on the Gridiron 36 it is saying goodbye to the frustration of uneven cooking and hello to perfectly cooked meals from edge to edge.

Grease Management Made Easy

Let’s face it, dealing with grease can be a messy affair when it comes to outdoor cooking. But the Gridiron 36 has got you covered with its ingenious grease management system. The griddle features a generously sized built-in grease trough in the front of the griddle that makes it simple to channel excess grease away from your food. That trough drains into a large removable grease bucket that is hidden out-of-site behind the Gridiron’s front swinging door. No more greasy messes – just clean, hassle-free cooking.

Easy Clean Up

One of the biggest perks of the Camp Chef Gridiron 36 is its effortless cleanup process. Let’s face it, the last thing you want to do after whipping up a delicious griddle feast is wrestle with a greasy mess. Here’s how the Gridiron 36 makes post-meal cleanup a breeze:

• Grease Management Made Easy: The angled grease drainage system with a large grease cup captures all the drippings, preventing them from pooling on the griddle top or creating flare-ups. Simply empty the cup after cooking, and you’re good to go!
• Non-Stick Victory: The pre-seasoned cooking surface boasts exceptional non-stick properties. Food practically slides off, requiring minimal scrubbing. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to restore the griddle to its shiny glory.

But after many uses it is best to give the Gridiron a proper cleaning and seasoning. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how I keep the Gridiron 36 is sparkling clean:

1. Cool Down: Allow the griddle to cool completely before cleaning. This is important for safety and to prevent warping the griddle top.
2. Scrape the Big Stuff: While the griddle is still slightly warm (but not hot!), use a wide metal spatula or long tongs to remove any large food particles or debris. Start from the cool side and push the debris towards the grease trough.
3. Grease Cup Duty: Don your heat-resistant gloves and carefully remove the grease cup. Empty the contents into a disposable container and wipe the cup clean with a paper towel. Reattach the cup securely.
4. Hot Water Rinse: Fill your spray bottle with hot water and generously spray the griddle surface. The hot water helps loosen stuck-on food particles.
5. Scrub-a-Dub-Dub: Depending on the level of food residue, you can take two approaches:
   • Light Cleaning: For a quick clean, use a damp paper towel or dishcloth to wipe down the entire griddle surface.
   • Heavy Cleaning: For more stubborn messes, add a few drops of dish soap to the hot water solution and scrub the griddle with the damp cloth. For particularly stuck-on food bits, a chainmail scrubber can be a handy tool (be gentle to avoid damaging the seasoning).
   • Final Touches: After scrubbing, give the griddle a final rinse with hot water and wipe it dry with a clean paper towel or dishcloth. This removes any remaining soap residue.
6. Dry Thoroughly: Once you’ve given it a good scrub, make sure to dry the griddle thoroughly to prevent any rust or corrosion.
7. Seasoning: After cleaning, it’s a good idea to re-season the griddle surface with a thin layer of cooking oil to maintain its non-stick properties.

Fuel Flexibility

While the Camp Chef Gridiron 36 is designed to run on propane, it also offers the versatility of natural gas conversion. With a simple conversion kit (sold separately) and some elbow grease, you can seamlessly transition to natural gas, ensuring that your griddling adventures are never limited by fuel constraints.

Worthy Accessories

To truly unlock the full potential of the Camp Chef Gridiron 36, an array of ingenious accessories awaits your discovery. From the indispensable Griddle Cleaning Kit to the mouthwatering Smash Burger Kit, these add-ons are designed to elevate the griddling experience to new heights. The sheer versatility and convenience these accessories offer transform the griddle into a culinary command center.

• Breakfast Kit: Ditch the spatula ballet and burnt sausage struggles! The Camp Chef Breakfast Kit turns the Gridiron into a short-order window champ. From perfectly round eggs (thanks, egg rings!) to mess-free pancake pours (that batter dispenser is a game-changer), this kit says “breakfast is served” with a griddle-full of confidence. Just be warned, your spatula-wielding friends might get a little jealous.
• Smash Burger Kit: Level up the burger game from backyard to bistro with the Camp Chef Smash Burger Kit. This three-piece stainless steel dream team lets you create restaurant-worthy smash burgers with crispy, sear-stained crusts and juicy, melty centers. The burger press cranks out uniformly thin patties, while the wide spatula wrangles them with ease. And the melting dome? Forget about cheese that stubbornly refuses to cooperate – this baby gets the cheese melty and gooey in seconds flat.
• Griddle Essentials Kit: The Camp Chef Griddle Essentials Kit is a knight in shining (stainless steel) armor. This handy little package equips you with all the basic tools for griddle mastery. Two spatulas in different sizes tackle everything from flipping pancakes to dicing veggies, while the scraper makes cleaning a breeze (no more welded-on cheese!). Top it all off with handy squeeze bottles for oil or sauces, held securely by a magnetic bottle holder. This kit is the perfect sous chef for griddle adventures, letting you focus on the fun part: cooking delicious food!
• Griddle Cleaning Kit: Say goodbye to stubborn grime and hello to a sparkling clean griddle with the Camp Chef Griddle Cleaning Kit. This cleaning crew isn’t afraid to get dirty. The stainless steel scraper tackles burnt-on bits with ease, while the scouring pads and pumice stone leave the griddle smooth as glass (almost good enough to eat off of…almost). Don’t forget the sneaky grease chute! The included brush gets in those nooks and crannies to keep grease flowin’ freely. This kit is the secret weapon for a spotless griddle.
• Patio Cover: Shield the Gridiron 36 from the elements and keep it looking like new with the Camp Chef Gridiron Patio Cover. This weather-warrior is crafted from heavy-duty fabric that shrugs off rain, snow, and whatever else Mother Nature throws its way. Unlike flimsy grill covers, the Gridiron Patio Cover boasts a snug fit with secure straps, so you won’t find it flapping in the wind like a lost kite. Plus, ventilation keeps moisture at bay to prevent rust, ensuring your griddle stays in tip-top shape for seasons to come.

Final Thoughts

So, is the Camp Chef Gridiron 36 a worthy addition to an outdoor kitchen arsenal? Let’s just say, after sizzling up countless meals and leaving the neighbors drooling with envy, it’s safe to say this griddle is the real MVP. From perfectly seared steaks to fluffy pancakes feeding a whole army, the Gridiron 36 tackles any culinary challenge with aplomb. Cleanup’s a breeze, thanks to the thoughtful design, and the durable construction promises years of delicious memories. Remember, friends don’t let friends grill on subpar equipment. Upgrade your grilling game and snag yourself a Gridiron 36 – because life’s too short for uneven heat and lackluster meals. As the saying goes, “There’s nothing quite like a good friend and a hot griddle.” Highly recommended! For more info or to pick one up for yourself, visit www.campchef.com.