ROVSUN 2 Burner Portable Propane Griddle Review: The Budget Griddle That Demands a Closer Look

There’s a special kind of freedom that comes with cooking outdoors. Whether it’s the sizzle of bacon at a misty morning campsite, the sear of burgers in a stadium parking lot before the big game, or just a simple weeknight dinner on the back patio, the experience elevates the meal. For years, my adventures were powered by a trusty but limited single-burner camp stove. It was great for boiling water or heating a can of beans, but it fell short when it came to cooking a real, satisfying meal for more than one person. Pancakes came out one at a time, with the first one cold by the time the last was done. Trying to cook eggs and bacon simultaneously was a logistical nightmare. I knew I needed an upgrade—something with the power and surface area of a real griddle, but with the portability to match my on-the-go lifestyle. The challenge was finding a unit that wouldn’t break the bank but also wouldn’t buckle under the heat—literally.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Griddle

A Propane Grills, specifically a portable tabletop model, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary versatility anywhere you go. It transforms a picnic table into a diner, a tailgate spot into a short-order kitchen, and a small balcony into a steakhouse. The main benefits are obvious: a large, even cooking surface that excels at everything from smash burgers and Philly cheesesteaks to fried rice and a full breakfast spread. Unlike traditional grills with grates, a flat top ensures nothing falls through, and you get that incredible all-over crust (the Maillard reaction) that’s impossible to achieve otherwise. It combines the convenience of gas with the cooking style of a restaurant flattop.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values mobility and versatility. Think RV owners, avid campers, tailgating enthusiasts, and apartment dwellers with limited outdoor space. They need a unit that’s light enough to carry, compact enough to store, and powerful enough to feed a small group of 2-4 people efficiently. On the other hand, this might not be suitable for those who primarily host large backyard parties. If you’re regularly cooking for 8-10 people, a larger, stationary 4- or 5-burner griddle or a traditional gas grill would be a more practical investment. For those who prioritize extreme lightweight design over cooking area, a smaller single-burner unit might suffice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to the overall footprint (17.3” x 15.4” x 6.3” for this model) to ensure it fits where you plan to use and store it. The cooking surface area, 246 square inches in this case, is the most important number. This is ample for about 6-8 burgers or a full breakfast for two, but measure it against your typical cooking needs.
• Capacity/Performance: Heat output, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), is critical. The ROVSUN 2 Burner Portable Propane Griddle boasts a combined 20,000 BTUs across two independent burners. This is a solid power level for a griddle this size, allowing for quick pre-heating and the ability to create different temperature zones on the cooktop.
• Materials & Durability: This is where budget models can differ wildly from premium ones. The cooktop material is paramount; enameled steel, like this ROVSUN, offers non-stick properties but can be prone to chipping. Heavier cold-rolled steel is more durable but requires meticulous seasoning and care. The body should be stainless steel or powder-coated steel to resist rust and wear.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features like a reliable ignition system (Piezo is standard) and an effective grease management system. A removable drip tray is non-negotiable for easy cleanup. The simpler the design, the easier it will be to maintain in the long run, especially when you’re using it away from home.

Ultimately, choosing the right portable griddle involves balancing power, size, and build quality against your budget and intended use.

While the ROVSUN 2 Burner Portable Propane Griddle is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the ROVSUN 2 Burner Griddle

Upon unboxing the ROVSUN 2 Burner Portable Propane Griddle, the first thing we noticed was its weight. At just 16.5 lbs, it’s genuinely portable. One person can easily carry it from the garage to the car or to a picnic table without straining. Assembly was virtually non-existent; the main unit is fully assembled, requiring only the connection of the regulator and propane tank. The black and red color scheme is striking, and the stainless steel body feels reasonably sturdy for a unit in this price category. The two large control knobs are intuitive and have a solid feel, and the Piezo ignition button provides a satisfying click. The enameled cooking tray lifts off easily for cleaning, revealing the two H-shaped stainless steel burners beneath. It’s a simple, no-frills design that prioritizes getting you cooking as quickly as possible. Compared to more established brands, the materials feel a bit thinner, but the initial impression is one of surprising value for the cost.

Performance Under Fire: A Deep Dive into the ROVSUN Griddle

A griddle can look great on paper, but its true worth is only revealed through the sizzle of bacon and the searing of steak. We put the ROVSUN 2 Burner Portable Propane Griddle through a series of real-world cooking tests, from a full campsite breakfast to a weeknight dinner of smash burgers, to see if its performance matched its promising specs. While it delivered on some fronts, we uncovered a few critical issues that any potential buyer should be aware of.

Heating Power and the Warping Dilemma

The heart of any griddle is its heating system, and the ROVSUN’s dual 10,000 BTU burners are impressive for its size. Firing it up is simple, thanks to the Piezo ignition which lit on the first or second click every time. The unit gets hot, and it gets hot fast. We were able to get a screaming hot searing zone in under 10 minutes, which is fantastic for getting a great crust on burgers. The dual-knob control is a key feature, allowing us to run one side on high for searing while keeping the other on low to toast buns or keep food warm. This versatility is a major advantage over single-burner portable units.

However, this impressive heat introduced our first major concern. The instruction manual recommends an initial 20-minute burn-in to cure the surface. About 10 minutes into this process, on medium-high heat, we noticed it. A distinct “ping” sound, and the front-right corner of the griddle top lifted ever so slightly. The surface had begun to warp. While our warp was minor and settled down somewhat after cooling, this is a significant issue confirmed by numerous user reports. One user noted their surface warped so badly during the initial burn-in that it rendered the grease drain unusable. This is a classic symptom of using relatively thin metal for the cooktop, which can’t handle rapid temperature changes without deforming. For cooking, this means oil can pool in the center instead of draining properly, and food like eggs or pancakes may cook unevenly. It’s a critical flaw that tempers the excitement over the griddle’s raw power and is something you can investigate further in user feedback.

The Cooking Experience: Surface and Cleanup

Setting aside the warping concern, how does it actually cook? The nonstick enameled tray is, initially, a joy to use. We cooked a batch of pancakes with minimal oil, and they slid right off. Fried eggs were equally effortless, and bacon crisped up beautifully. The 246 square inches felt spacious, easily accommodating a pound of bacon and four eggs simultaneously. The surface provides a consistent, edge-to-edge sear that’s perfect for smash burgers, giving them that coveted lacy, crispy crust.

Cleanup is also straightforward, in theory. The integrated grease trap does a decent job of collecting runoff, and the nonstick surface allows you to simply wipe it down with a paper towel while it’s still warm. However, this is where a second durability concern emerges. We were very careful, using only silicone and plastic utensils, yet after just a few uses and gentle cleanings, we started to worry about the enamel’s longevity. This concern was validated by a user who reported the enamel was already chipping after their second use. Chipped enamel not only ruins the non-stick properties but can also flake into your food, which is a non-starter. This suggests that while the surface performs well out of the box, its lifespan may be disappointingly short, making it a crucial point to consider before you check the latest price and availability.

Portability and Build Quality: A Mixed Bag

There is no question that the ROVSUN 2 Burner Portable Propane Griddle excels in portability. At 16.5 pounds, it’s light enough to be a permanent fixture in an RV storage bay or to be grabbed for an impromptu trip to the park. Its compact, low-profile design makes it easy to pack in a trunk and stable on a picnic table. This is its single greatest strength and the primary reason to consider it. It’s a massive upgrade in cooking capability over a standard camp stove without a significant penalty in size or weight.

The overall build quality, however, reflects its budget price point. The stainless steel body is thin but adequate. The real weak point appears to be in the quality control of its components. We read a troubling report from a user who discovered their included propane regulator was leaking gas as soon as they fired it up for the first time. While our unit’s regulator was fine, a leaking gas fitting is an unacceptable and dangerous flaw. This, combined with the warping griddle top and fragile enamel, paints a picture of inconsistent manufacturing. It seems that while you might get a perfectly functional unit, there’s a tangible risk of receiving one with a critical defect. This is the gamble one takes with a product at this aggressive price point, a gamble many might not be willing to take when dealing with combustible gas.

What Other Users Are Saying

Sifting through feedback from other buyers, a clear pattern emerges that mirrors our own findings. There’s a consensus that the size and portability are fantastic for camping and tailgating. Users love the concept and the powerful heat output for the price. However, the praise is consistently tempered by significant complaints about quality and durability.

The most common issue cited is, without a doubt, the warping of the griddle top. Multiple users state that the surface warped within the first few uses, sometimes during the initial seasoning, rendering the grease management system ineffective. Another frequent complaint involves the quality of the components. “Nice griddle for the price itself….but the regulator already leaking,” one user stated bluntly, highlighting a major safety concern. Others point to the enamel surface chipping easily. It’s a classic “you get what you pay for” scenario, where the attractive initial price is offset by the potential for critical failures that undermine the product’s usability and safety.

How Does the ROVSUN Compare to the Alternatives?

The portable griddle market has options at various price points and feature sets. To understand the ROVSUN 2 Burner Portable Propane Griddle’s place, it’s helpful to compare it against a few distinct alternatives that cater to different needs.

1. EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner

The EUHOME grill is in a completely different class. This is a full-size, stationary backyard grill, not a portable unit. It offers four main burners plus a side burner, delivering a massive 46,500 BTUs and a much larger cooking area with traditional enameled cast iron grates. A user would choose the EUHOME over the ROVSUN if their primary need is hosting larger gatherings at home and portability is not a factor. It’s built for power and capacity for a permanent patio setup, whereas the ROVSUN is built exclusively for cooking on the move.

2. Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill

The Kenmore 3-Burner grill represents a middle ground. While it has wheels for mobility around a patio, it’s not a truly “portable” grill you’d take camping. It’s a step up in brand recognition and likely build quality from the ROVSUN. A buyer would opt for the Kenmore if they want a reliable, moderately-sized grill for their backyard from a well-known brand and value features like folding side tables. It competes more with traditional grills than with the hyper-portable griddle category the ROVSUN occupies.

3. Char-Broil 1-Burner Portable Propane Grill

The Char-Broil portable grill is the most direct competitor, but with a different philosophy. It prioritizes ultimate portability and a smaller footprint over cooking space and power. With only one burner, you lose the ability to create dual temperature zones that makes the ROVSUN 2 Burner Portable Propane Griddle so versatile. Someone would choose the Char-Broil if they are a solo camper or couple who needs the smallest, lightest possible option for basic grilling. The ROVSUN is for the user who wants to do more ambitious griddle cooking for a slightly larger group while still retaining excellent portability.

Final Verdict: A Capable Performer with Serious Caveats

So, where do we land on the ROVSUN 2 Burner Portable Propane Griddle? It’s a product that is both impressive and frustrating. On one hand, it delivers on its promise of powerful, versatile, and highly portable griddle cooking at an extremely attractive price. The dual burners, quick ignition, and light weight make it a fantastic concept for campers, tailgaters, and RV owners. When it works, it cooks wonderfully, turning out fantastic breakfasts and perfectly seared burgers.

On the other hand, our testing and the consistent chorus of user feedback reveal potential deal-breaking flaws in build quality and material durability. The tendency of the griddle top to warp under the unit’s own impressive heat, the questionable longevity of the enamel coating, and alarming reports of faulty regulators are serious concerns. We can recommend this griddle, but only to a specific type of buyer: one who is on a strict budget, prioritizes portability above all else, and is willing to accept the significant risk of quality control issues. If you get a “good one,” you’ll likely be very happy with the value. If not, you may face a frustrating experience. For those reasons, it’s a gamble, but one that might be worth taking if you’re prepared for the potential pitfalls. If you feel the portability and power are a good fit for your adventures, you can see the full product details and make your own decision here.