Captiva Designs 22-inch 24,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Griddle Review: The Ultimate Portable Flat Top?

For years, my outdoor cooking was a constant battle against the elements of a traditional grill. I’d carefully marinate a beautiful flank steak, only to watch a sudden flare-up char one side to a crisp. I’d lose precious asparagus spears and shrimp to the fiery abyss between the grates. It was a frustrating, inefficient dance. The dream was always the same: a single, consistent cooking surface that could handle everything from a delicate pancake breakfast for the family to a sizzling, high-heat sear on a premium cut of beef. This search for versatility and control is what led us away from the grates and toward the solid, expansive world of flat top griddles, a change that has completely transformed our camping trips, tailgate parties, and backyard cookouts.

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Griddle

A propane griddle is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking unparalleled culinary versatility outdoors. Unlike traditional grills, a griddle’s solid flat top surface eliminates flare-ups, prevents small foods from falling through, and provides an even, consistent heat source perfect for everything from frying bacon and eggs to creating the perfect crust on smash burgers. Its ability to cook a wide variety of meals simultaneously—think sizzling fajita veggies on one side and warming tortillas on the other—makes it an indispensable tool for feeding a crowd efficiently. The primary benefit is control; you’re essentially taking your kitchen’s cast iron pan and expanding it into a powerful, portable outdoor cooking station.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves cooking a variety of foods outdoors and feels limited by a standard grill. This includes avid campers, dedicated tailgaters, RV owners, and anyone with a small patio or balcony who wants maximum cooking power in a compact footprint. It’s for the home chef who wants to make a full breakfast for six people at once without juggling multiple pans. However, it might not be suitable for those who exclusively crave the distinct, smoky flavor imparted by charcoal or wood smoke, or for individuals who only ever grill large roasts or whole chickens, which benefit from the circulating heat of a traditional lidded grill. For those users, a classic kettle grill or a larger gas grill might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your intended space, whether it’s a spot in your RV’s storage bay, the trunk of your car, or a corner of your patio. The Captiva Designs 22-inch 24,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Griddle offers 370 square inches of cooking space in a tabletop design. Consider the overall footprint (24″ W x 20.7″ D) and weight (44 lbs) to ensure it meets your portability and storage needs.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). With 24,000 BTUs spread across three burners, this griddle offers significant power for quick preheating and excellent searing. The three-burner design is a critical feature, as it allows you to create distinct temperature zones for cooking different foods simultaneously at different heats.
• Materials & Durability: The cooking surface is paramount. This griddle features a ceramic-coated cast iron top, which combines the superior heat retention of cast iron with the non-stick convenience and easier maintenance of a ceramic coating. The body is alloy steel, and the handle is stainless steel, suggesting a robust build designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify your life. This model boasts a slide-out grease cup for easy cleanup, a removable griddle plate that can be washed separately, and minimal assembly. The inclusion of two types of gas regulators for different propane tank sizes adds a layer of convenience that speaks to its versatile design.

While the Captiva Designs 22-inch 24,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Griddle is an excellent choice, 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: Heavy-Duty Build and Shockingly Simple Setup

Upon unboxing the Captiva Designs 22-inch 24,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Griddle, the first thing we noticed was its substantial weight. At 44 pounds, this is no flimsy piece of equipment. The bulk of that weight is in the ceramic-coated cast iron griddle top, and in our experience, heft in a cooking surface is a very good sign. It speaks to quality materials and promises excellent heat retention. Many users echoed this sentiment, with one noting, “This thing is heavy- obviously made of high quality materials that will last for years.”

Assembly was, to our pleasant surprise, almost non-existent. The “Free assembly” claim is largely accurate; our setup involved simply screwing on the four small feet and attaching the lid handle. As one user happily reported, it “took about 3 mins.” This is a massive advantage for anyone who wants to get cooking right away, especially in a camping or tailgating scenario. The knobs feel solid and turn smoothly, and the overall construction feels tight and well-engineered, giving an initial impression of a product that offers great value.

A Deep Dive Into the Captiva Designs Griddle’s Performance

A griddle’s worth is proven on the flat top, under the heat of the burners with a full spread of food sizzling away. Over several weeks, we put the Captiva Designs 22-inch 24,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Griddle through its paces, cooking everything from massive family breakfasts to perfectly seared steaks and hosting a sizable barbecue. It’s here, in the practical application of its features, that this griddle truly begins to shine and stake its claim as a serious contender in the portable outdoor cooking space.

Triple-Burner Powerhouse: Heat Distribution and Zonal Control

The heart of any griddle is its heating system, and the 24,000 BTU output from the three independent burners is nothing short of impressive for a unit this size. Firing it up for the first time, we were struck by how quickly the heavy cast iron surface came up to temperature. Within minutes, it was ready for the first drop of oil, a significant advantage when you have a hungry family waiting. This raw power is what allows for that coveted, steakhouse-quality sear. We tested this with thick-cut ribeyes, and the results were phenomenal. As one user perfectly described their experience, “This griddle gets a lot hotter than the cast iron skillet did on my single burner stove… the sear on the rib eye was fantastic.” We can confirm this; the griddle produced a deep, flavorful crust while leaving the interior perfectly medium-rare. We estimate the 370-square-inch surface could comfortably fit six large ribeyes at once, making it more than capable for family dinners or small gatherings.

Beyond sheer power, the true genius of the three-burner design is the ability to create distinct heat zones. This isn’t just a feature; it’s a fundamental technique for advanced griddle cooking. We found, as one observant user noted, that the area near the back of the griddle runs hottest, while the front edge near the knobs is cooler. Far from being a flaw, we used this thermal gradient to our advantage. We could sear burgers on high heat in the back, toast buns in the middle on medium, and keep a pile of cooked onions warm at the front, all at the same time. During breakfast cooks, we had bacon and sausage sizzling at high temp on two-thirds of the griddle while gently cooking scrambled eggs on the other third with its burner set to low. This level of control, typically found on much larger, more expensive units, is a feature that really sets it apart in the portable category.

The Ceramic-Coated Cast Iron Advantage: A Joy to Cook On and Clean

The cooking surface itself is perhaps the most significant selling point of the Captiva Designs 22-inch 24,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Griddle. While many griddles use rolled steel that requires meticulous seasoning and maintenance, Captiva Designs opted for a ceramic-coated cast iron pan. This is a brilliant hybrid approach. You get the incredible, even heat retention that only a heavy slab of cast iron can provide, combined with a smooth, non-stick surface that is remarkably easy to clean. From the very first cook, food release was exceptional. Pancakes bubbled up evenly and flipped effortlessly, cheese from our smash burgers wiped away cleanly, and even sticky marinades presented little challenge.

This “game-changer,” as one reviewer called it, extends directly to the cleanup process, which is often the most dreaded part of outdoor cooking. The efficiency here cannot be overstated. After cooking, most residue can be scraped into the slide-out grease cup. Once the griddle top has cooled, it can be lifted off the base entirely. This is a fantastic design choice. Being able to carry the griddle top to a sink for a quick wash with soap and water is a luxury many other griddle owners don’t have. One user specifically praised this, stating, “The griddle top is removable so it can be cleaned in the sink. Easy to clean!” This simple, thoughtful design element saves an immense amount of time and effort, making you more likely to use the griddle day after day, as we found ourselves doing.

Built for the Road: Portability, Durability, and Thoughtful Design

Designed for camping, tailgating, and other on-the-go adventures, the griddle’s portability is a core aspect of its identity. While its 44-pound weight means it has a reassuring sturdiness, it remains manageable for one person to move and set up. Its compact, rectangular form factor fits neatly into an RV storage compartment or the trunk of a car, a point highlighted by a user who found it was the “just right to fit in my RV.” We found it perfect for setting up on a park picnic table or a tailgate, providing a far more capable cooking station than typical single-burner camp stoves.

The build quality contributes to this road-worthy nature. The alloy steel frame feels rigid, the stainless steel handle is heat-resistant and secure, and the entire unit feels stable on its four feet. The inclusion of two different gas regulators is another nod to its versatile mission; you can easily connect it to a small, 1-pound propane cylinder for maximum portability on a hike, or use the included adapter hose to hook it up to a standard 20-pound tank for an extended weekend of camping or a backyard barbecue. This dual-fuel capability is a premium feature that adds significant value and flexibility. It’s a durable, space-saving unit that feels engineered for the specific demands of various outdoor environments, from an apartment balcony to a remote campsite.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Captiva Designs 22-inch 24,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Griddle is overwhelmingly positive. Many users describe it as a “game-changer for outdoor cooking,” praising its quick and even heating, which makes “meal prep a breeze.” The ease of assembly and cleanup are recurring themes, with multiple reviewers expressing delight at how simple it is to set up and maintain. One happy customer shared, “We have enjoyed using it almost every day! Perfect for smash burgers or breakfast!”

However, no product is perfect, and it’s important to consider the critical feedback. A small but significant number of users have encountered issues with component durability. One user reported that their “regulator blew out” after only two uses and found it extremely difficult to get a replacement part or contact customer service. Another long-term user noted that after four months, the center of the griddle top began to warp, creating a low spot where food would stick and burn. While this user later updated their review to say the seller promptly sent a replacement, it highlights a potential quality control concern worth noting for prospective buyers.

How Does the Captiva Designs Griddle Compare to the Competition?

The portable outdoor cooking market is crowded, but the Captiva Designs 22-inch 24,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Griddle carves out a distinct niche with its focus on high-power, multi-burner griddling. Before making a final decision, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against some popular alternatives. Let’s take one last look at the full feature set and user reviews for the Captiva Designs model before comparing.

1. Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill

The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is an iconic portable grill from a legendary brand in outdoor gear. Its primary difference is that it’s a traditional grill with grates, not a griddle. It offers 11,000 BTUs across two burners, less than half the power of the Captiva Designs model. The Coleman is lighter and features a collapsible stand design, making it arguably more portable for situations where every ounce counts. A user should choose the Coleman if they prioritize brand recognition, an ultra-compact design, and the traditional grilling experience of cooking over open flames. However, they would sacrifice the immense versatility, non-stick surface, and superior power of the Captiva Designs griddle.

2. Sophia & William Propane Grill Griddle Combo

The Sophia & William model represents a completely different category: a full-size, stationary backyard combo unit. It offers both traditional grill grates and a flat top griddle surface side-by-side, powered by a total of five burners. With a massive 696 square inches of cooking area, this is for the home user who wants the best of both worlds and has no intention of moving their grill. It’s the perfect choice for someone looking to replace their main backyard BBQ and wants maximum surface area and dual functionality. The Captiva Designs griddle, in contrast, is the specialist’s choice for powerful, portable griddling in a compact form factor.

3. Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill

The Weber Q1200 is another top-tier portable grill, known for its exceptional build quality and iconic design. Like the Coleman, it’s a traditional grill with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. It operates on a single 8,500 BTU burner, focusing on efficiency and even heat within its domed lid design. The Weber is for the discerning user who values the premium feel and proven longevity of the Weber brand and prefers the flavor of classic grilling. Someone might choose the Q1200 for its brand reputation and excellent performance as a *grill*. The Captiva Designs griddle, however, is the superior choice for anyone specifically seeking the unique culinary possibilities of a high-power, three-burner flat top surface.

Final Verdict: A Powerful and Versatile Griddle That Delivers

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Captiva Designs 22-inch 24,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane Griddle is a formidable player in the portable outdoor cooking market. Its combination of a powerful three-burner system, a high-quality ceramic-coated cast iron top, and an incredibly user-friendly design makes it a joy to use. It excels at everything from delicate breakfast items to high-heat searing, offering a level of versatility that traditional portable grills simply cannot match. The thoughtful details, like the removable top and dual regulator compatibility, elevate the user experience significantly.

While the reports of potential regulator failure and warping are valid concerns, the overwhelmingly positive feedback and the sheer performance of the unit suggest these may be isolated issues. For campers, tailgaters, RV owners, or anyone seeking big griddle performance in a compact, easy-to-clean package, this product offers exceptional value. It strikes a fantastic balance between power, portability, and convenience. If you’re ready to leave the limitations of grill grates behind and embrace the world of flat top cooking, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability of the Captiva Designs griddle today.