For most people, Camp Chef is the definitive winner due to its superior heat distribution, thoughtful design, and overall versatility. While Pit Boss offers incredible value and a larger cooking surface for the price, Camp Chef’s premium build quality and user-friendly features like the efficient grease management system make it the better long-term investment for a frustration-free cooking experience.
Choosing between these two top brands can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. We are going to break down everything you need to know, side-by-side. We’ll look at how they cook, how easy they are to clean, and which one gives you the most for your money. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which griddle is perfect for you. Let’s get cooking!
Meet the Contenders: A Quick Intro to Pit Boss and Camp Chef
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s get to know the two brands battling for the top spot in your backyard. Both make excellent products, but they come at it from slightly different angles.
Pit Boss: The Value King
Pit Boss is famous for bringing high-quality outdoor cooking to the masses at an affordable price. They are a big player in the pellet grill world and have brought that same “more for your money” approach to their griddles. When you see a Pit Boss griddle, you’ll often notice a huge cooking surface, lots of burners, and a price tag that makes you do a double-take. They focus on giving you the core features you need to cook for a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Best Known For: High value, large cooking areas, and powerful performance.
- Ideal Customer: The backyard chef who needs to feed a large family or loves to host parties and wants the biggest cooking space for their budget.
Camp Chef: The Versatile Innovator
Camp Chef started with a focus on rugged, portable cooking systems for outdoor adventurers. Their motto, “The Way to Cook Outdoors,” says it all. Over the years, they’ve expanded into high-end backyard cooking, but they’ve never lost that focus on smart design and versatility. Camp Chef griddles are known for their excellent heat control, thoughtful features, and compatibility with a whole ecosystem of accessories. They often cost a bit more, but they are built to be a complete, do-it-all cooking station.
- Best Known For: Premium build quality, smart features, and unmatched versatility.
- Ideal Customer: The cooking enthusiast who values even heat, convenience, and wants a versatile system that can do more than just griddle.
The Ultimate Griddle Showdown: Pit Boss vs Camp Chef
Alright, let’s put these two griddles head-to-head. We’ll compare them on the most important features so you can see where each one shines.
1. Cooking Surface and Heat Performance
The heart of any griddle is its cooktop and the burners underneath. This is where the magic happens, and it’s also where you’ll find some of the biggest differences between Pit Boss and Camp Chef.
Pit Boss Griddles
Pit Boss griddles typically feature a heavy, cold-rolled steel cooktop. They pack a lot of power, with multiple stainless steel burners that pump out high BTUs (British Thermal Units, a measure of heat output). This means they can get very hot, very fast. However, some users report that this immense power can lead to hot spots, especially directly over the burners. You may need to spend a little more time learning your griddle’s quirks to manage the heat perfectly across the entire surface.
Camp Chef Griddles
Camp Chef also uses a heavy-duty steel cooktop, but they put a huge emphasis on even heat distribution. Their griddles, like the popular Flat Top Grill 600 (FTG600), feature a large griddle top with heat-dispersing plates underneath. This design helps spread the heat from the burners evenly across the cooktop, minimizing hot and cold spots. This makes cooking more predictable and forgiving, which is a huge plus for beginners. You can confidently use the entire surface, from edge to edge.
Winner: Camp Chef
While Pit Boss brings the raw power, Camp Chef’s focus on even heat distribution provides a better, more consistent cooking experience.
2. Grease Management System
Cooking delicious, greasy food like bacon and burgers is fun. Cleaning up the grease afterwards? Not so much. A good grease management system is a game-changer.
Pit Boss Griddles
Many Pit Boss griddles feature a front-access grease tray or a small hole in the front corner that drains into a removable cup. While this works, the front placement can sometimes get in the way while you’re cooking. On some models, the grease trap can be small, requiring you to empty it more frequently during a long cook session. Their newer “Ultimate Griddle” line has a much-improved rear drain system, but the standard models stick with the front trough.
Camp Chef Griddles
This is an area where Camp Chef truly excels. Most of their griddles feature a rear grease management system. A large channel at the back of the griddle directs all the grease into a big collection cup. This design is brilliant because it’s completely out of your way while you cook. It’s also typically larger, so you can cook a whole pack of bacon without worrying about overflows. It’s simple, effective, and makes cleanup so much easier.
Winner: Camp Chef
Camp Chef’s rear grease management system is smarter, cleaner, and more convenient than the typical front-trough design found on many Pit Boss models.
3. Build Quality and Design
A griddle is an investment, and you want it to last. The overall construction, materials, and thoughtful design features play a big role in its longevity and ease of use.
Pit Boss Griddles
Pit Boss builds solid, heavy-duty griddles. They use powder-coated steel for the frames and often include convenient features like folding side shelves and paper towel holders. The carts are sturdy and provide a stable cooking platform. To keep costs down, the finish and some smaller components might not feel as refined as a Camp Chef, but they are built to be workhorses.
Camp Chef Griddles
Camp Chef’s background in building gear for the rugged outdoors shows in their construction. Their griddles feel incredibly well-built and sturdy. They feature thoughtful design touches everywhere, like adjustable leg levelers for uneven patios and wind guards to protect the flames. The side shelves are often larger and more robust. Everything feels intentional and designed for convenience, from the placement of the propane tank holder to the easy-to-use ignition system.
Winner: Camp Chef
Camp Chef’s attention to detail, rugged construction, and user-friendly design give it the edge in overall build quality.
4. Portability and Versatility
Do you plan to keep your griddle on the patio, or do you want to take it camping or tailgating? This is where the core philosophies of the two brands really show.
Pit Boss Griddles
Most full-size Pit Boss griddles are designed primarily for backyard use. They are large, heavy, and not easily portable. While they do offer smaller, tabletop versions, their main griddle line is meant to be a semi-permanent fixture in your outdoor kitchen. Their versatility comes from the massive cooking surface, allowing you to cook many different foods at once.
Camp Chef Griddles
Versatility is Camp Chef’s middle name. Many of their griddles are part of their 14-inch cooking system. This means you can remove the griddle top and use the burner base with other accessories like a grill box, pizza oven, or just a pot for boiling water. The legs often fold up easily for transport, making them a fantastic option for both home and on-the-go cooking. For more information on safe outdoor cooking, you can visit the USDA’s guide on grilling and food safety.
Winner: Camp Chef
With its modular cooking system and easier portability, Camp Chef is the clear winner for anyone who wants a griddle that can do more than just be a griddle.
5. Price and Overall Value
Finally, let’s talk about the bottom line. How much will one of these griddles set you back, and what do you get for your money?
Pit Boss Griddles
This is Pit Boss’s home run category. They consistently offer more cooking surface area and more BTUs for the dollar than almost any other brand. If your top priority is getting the largest possible flat top for the lowest price, Pit Boss is nearly impossible to beat. You get a powerful, capable griddle that can feed an army without emptying your wallet.
Camp Chef Griddles
Camp Chef griddles are priced as a more premium product. They generally cost more than a similarly sized Pit Boss. However, with that higher price, you are paying for the superior heat distribution, clever grease management, enhanced versatility, and more refined build quality. The value here is in the improved cooking experience and thoughtful design.
Winner: Pit Boss
For pure, raw value—measured in square inches of cooking space per dollar—Pit Boss is the undisputed champion.
Feature Comparison: Pit Boss vs Camp Chef Griddle
Here is a simple table to help you see the key differences at a glance.
| Feature | Pit Boss | Camp Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Strength | Exceptional value, massive cooking space | Versatility, even heat, premium features |
| Heat Distribution | Very powerful, but can have hot spots | Excellent, even heat across the surface |
| Grease Management | Typically a front trough or small cup | Superior rear-draining system |
| Build & Design | Solid and functional, built for value | Rugged, refined, and user-friendly |
| Versatility | Mainly focused on griddling | Modular; can swap top for grill box, etc. |
| Best For | Large families, entertainers, budget-conscious buyers | Cooking enthusiasts, campers, those who value convenience |
Who Should Buy a Pit Boss Griddle?
A Pit Boss griddle is the perfect choice for you if:
- Your budget is your top priority. You want the most griddle for your money, period.
- You need to cook for a crowd. You have a large family or are the designated cook for neighborhood parties.
- You primarily cook in your backyard. You don’t need to take your griddle on the road.
- You don’t mind a little learning curve. You are willing to learn where the hot spots are on your cooktop to master the heat control.
Who Should Buy a Camp Chef Griddle?
You should lean towards a Camp Chef griddle if:
- You value a premium cooking experience. Even heating and convenient cleanup are very important to you.
- You love versatility. You want the option to grill, make pizza, or boil water all on the same unit.
- You might want to take it with you. Portability for camping, tailgating, or RVing is a big plus.
- You are willing to invest more for quality and convenience. You see the griddle as a long-term investment in your outdoor cooking hobby.
The Definitive Winner: It’s Camp Chef (With a Caveat)
After comparing them across the board, the definitive winner for the best overall griddle is Camp Chef.
Camp Chef’s commitment to thoughtful design makes a real difference in the day-to-day experience of using the griddle. The superior heat distribution means more consistent results and less stress while cooking. The brilliant grease management system makes cleanup faster and less messy. And the incredible versatility of the modular system means you’re buying more than just a griddle; you’re buying a complete outdoor cooking station.
However, this doesn’t mean Pit Boss is a bad choice. Far from it! If your number one goal is to get a massive, powerful cooking surface for the best possible price, then Pit Boss is the winner for you. It delivers amazing value and will absolutely get the job done. But for the person who wants the most enjoyable, convenient, and versatile griddling experience, Camp Chef is worth the extra investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which griddle is easier to clean?
Camp Chef is generally easier to clean thanks to its superior rear grease management system. The large channel and collection cup are out of the way and effectively capture grease, making cleanup simpler and less messy than the front-trough systems on many Pit Boss models.
2. Are Camp Chef griddles worth the extra money?
For most people, yes. The extra cost pays for significant upgrades in convenience and performance, like more even heating, better grease management, and higher overall build quality. If you plan to use your griddle often, these features make the cooking experience much more enjoyable.
3. How do I season a new flat top griddle?
Seasoning is crucial for creating a non-stick surface. To season your new griddle, wash it with soap and water, then dry it completely. Turn the burners on high and let it heat up for about 15 minutes. Apply a very thin layer of a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or flaxseed oil) over the entire surface with a paper towel. Let the oil burn off until the smoke stops. Repeat this process 3-5 times until the surface is dark and shiny. Reputable manufacturers like Lodge Cast Iron have great guides on seasoning.
4. Can I use a Pit Boss or Camp Chef griddle for camping?
Camp Chef is the far better option for camping. Many of their models are designed with portability in mind, featuring folding legs and a modular design. Most full-size Pit Boss griddles are too large and heavy to be considered portable, though they do offer separate, smaller tabletop models.
5. What is the difference between a griddle and a grill?
A grill cooks with direct flame over grates, which gives food a smoky flavor and characteristic char marks. A griddle cooks on a solid, flat metal surface, similar to a giant frying pan. This allows you to cook small or liquid foods that would fall through grill grates, like eggs, pancakes, and chopped vegetables, and provides an even crust on foods like burgers and steaks.
6. Do these griddles come with a lid or cover?
It depends on the specific model. Some griddles are sold as a flat top only, while others come with a hinged lid or a separate cover. Camp Chef often sells a “griddle kit” that includes the griddle top and the burner base. Always check the product description to see exactly what is included in the box.
7. Which brand has better heat control?
Camp Chef generally offers better and more even heat control. Their combination of powerful burners and built-in heat diffuser plates results in a more consistent temperature across the entire cooking surface, reducing the risk of hot and cold spots.
Your Perfect Griddle Awaits
Choosing between a Pit Boss and a Camp Chef griddle comes down to what you value most. There is no single “best” choice for everyone, but there is a best choice for you. If you’re chasing maximum value and cooking space for big backyard parties, you will be thrilled with a Pit Boss. It’s a powerful tool that delivers incredible bang for your buck.
But if you’re looking for a more refined, versatile, and user-friendly cooking experience that excels in both your backyard and at the campsite, Camp Chef is the clear winner. The smart design choices make cooking and cleaning a pleasure. Whichever you choose, you’re on your way to making some truly amazing meals. Now, get out there and start cooking!
