ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 3-Burner Portable Gas Griddle Review: A Heavy-Duty Contender with Some Sharp Edges

There’s a special kind of magic to cooking outdoors. The sizzle of bacon echoing through a quiet campsite, the aroma of searing burgers at a tailgate, the simple joy of not having to clean a splattered kitchen. For years, my team and I have chased this experience, but we often ran into the same frustrating compromises. The ultra-portable grills were flimsy and small, turning a family meal into a slow, sequential cooking marathon. The larger “portable” models often lacked the power to achieve a respectable sear, resulting in sad, grey-looking steaks. We were constantly searching for a solution that offered the robust performance of a backyard griddle but could still be packed up and taken on the road. The challenge was finding a unit that didn’t sacrifice heat, cooking space, or build quality in the name of portability. This search is what led us to put the ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 3-Burner Portable Gas Griddle through its paces.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Griddle

A Propane Grills, especially a portable tabletop model, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom beyond the confines of your kitchen. It’s designed to bring the versatility of a flat-top cooking surface—perfect for everything from pancakes and eggs to smash burgers and hibachi-style vegetables—to wherever your adventures take you. The main benefit is the expansive, evenly heated surface that a traditional grill with grates simply can’t offer. This eliminates the risk of food falling through and allows for cooking delicate items like fish or frying up hashbrowns with ease, all while containing the mess outside.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently cooks for a group in various outdoor settings: the dedicated RVer, the weekend camper, the die-hard tailgater, or the homeowner with a small patio who wants a powerful cooking station without committing to a massive, stationary grill. It’s for the person who sees the value in a heavy-duty cooktop that can handle a full breakfast spread in one go. However, it might not be suitable for those who prioritize weight above all else, like a backpacker or someone who needs to carry their gear over long distances. For them, a much smaller, single-burner stove would be a better fit. Likewise, if you exclusively want the char and grill marks from an open flame, a traditional portable propane grill would be a more direct alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to both the cooking surface area and the overall footprint. A 315-square-inch surface like this one is ample for feeding a family, but also consider the unit’s storage dimensions and weight. At 47 pounds, the ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 is more “luggable” than truly portable; it’s an ideal companion for a vehicle, but not for a long walk to a picnic spot.
• Capacity/Performance: The number of burners is a critical metric. Three independently controlled burners, as featured on this model, provide significant advantages in heat management. This allows you to create different temperature zones on the griddle—one side searing hot for steaks, the other on low to keep vegetables warm. Total BTU output is important, but burner control is what delivers true versatility.
• Materials & Durability: The construction materials dictate the griddle’s longevity and performance. A stainless steel body offers excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, making it suitable for outdoor environments. The griddle top itself is often either steel or, in this case, iron. Iron offers superior heat retention and distribution, creating a wonderfully seasoned, non-stick surface over time, but it requires meticulous care to prevent rust.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features like reliable electronic ignition, foldable legs, and a secure lid for transport. The most significant maintenance aspect of a flat-top griddle is the cooktop itself. Proper seasoning (the process of polymerizing oil onto the surface) is non-negotiable for performance and rust prevention. Be prepared for a cleaning process that involves scraping, wiping, and re-oiling after every use.

While the ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 3-Burner Portable Gas 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: Heavy-Duty Ambition Meets Reality

Unboxing the ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 3-Burner Portable Gas Griddle was an experience in itself. The first thing we noticed was the sheer heft. At 47 pounds, this is not a lightweight piece of equipment; it feels substantial and robust, immediately suggesting a more durable build than many of its featherweight competitors. The stainless steel body has a professional gleam, and the large iron griddle top looks ready for serious cooking. Assembly was mostly straightforward, and we had it put together in under 30 minutes. However, we immediately understood the mixed feedback from other users regarding quality control. While our unit was intact, we took great care handling it, noting some surprisingly sharp edges on the sheet metal that could easily cause a cut if you’re not careful. We also had to apply considerable force to align the handle with its screw holes, a minor annoyance but indicative of manufacturing tolerances that could be tighter. These initial hiccups were a prelude to the griddle’s larger story: one of immense potential tempered by a few notable flaws.

Deep Dive: A Performance Analysis of the ONLYFIRE Griddle

A griddle’s worth is proven on the cooktop. Over several weeks, we put the ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 3-Burner Portable Gas Griddle through a gauntlet of tests, from delicate pancakes at a campsite to a full-on smash burger feast in the backyard. It was a journey of discovering incredible power, learning the nuances of its iron surface, and navigating some of the very real quirks we, and other users, have encountered.

Raw Cooking Power and Heat Management

The heart of this griddle is its three-burner system, and in terms of raw power, it does not disappoint. After connecting a propane tank and hitting the electronic ignition—which fired up reliably on our test unit—the iron top began to heat up rapidly. We found that this griddle gets hot, and we mean *searing* hot. This is a massive advantage when you want to put a deep, flavorful crust on burgers or steaks. We were able to achieve a perfect Maillard reaction on smash burgers in under a minute per side, something lesser grills struggle with. Confirming what some users noted, we found it can almost run *too* hot for more delicate items if you’re not careful. For a batch of pancakes, we fired up the two outer burners on low and left the middle one off entirely. This created a perfect, evenly heated zone that cooked them to a golden brown without scorching the centers. This ability to manipulate heat zones is a professional-level feature that truly sets a three-burner system apart and makes this griddle incredibly versatile. However, this power comes with a responsibility to monitor it closely. We also noted user reports of burner ignition failures out of the box, a clear quality control issue that, while we didn’t experience it, is a critical point of concern for potential buyers.

The Iron Griddle Top: Seasoning, Cooking, and Cleanup

The 22.5″ x 14″ iron griddle surface is the main stage, and like any great stage, it needs to be prepped. We were surprised to find the instruction manual lacked any guidance on seasoning, a critical first step for any iron or carbon steel cooktop. Following standard practice (and what another user discovered on the company’s website), we applied four thin coats of cooking oil, heating the griddle until the oil smoked off between each coat. This 45-minute process created a beautiful, dark, and naturally non-stick surface. Our first test, bacon and eggs, was a resounding success. The bacon crisped up perfectly, and the eggs slid around without a hint of sticking. It confirmed the experiences of users who, after proper seasoning, found the surface to be fantastic. The cleanup process, however, sharply divides users, and we quickly understood why. If the griddle is seasoned well and you manage your heat, cleanup is simple: a quick scrape with a flat-edged tool while it’s still warm, a wipe-down with a paper towel, and a thin coat of oil for protection. But we intentionally left a sugary marinade on one section, and it became a sticky, burnt-on mess, echoing the frustrations of one user. This isn’t a flaw of the griddle itself, but the nature of iron cooktops. They reward proper technique with incredible performance but punish mistakes with a difficult cleaning session. The small grease drain hole also required some coaxing to clear larger bits of food, a minor design quibble.

Portability vs. Build Quality: A Heavyweight Trade-Off

The term “portable” is subjective, and with the ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 3-Burner Portable Gas Griddle, it means “movable with intent.” The 47-pound weight is the first thing you’ll notice. This isn’t a griddle you’ll casually carry to the park. It’s a car camping, RV, and patio specialist. The foldable legs lock securely into place, and the locking lid and sturdy handle are excellent design choices that make moving it from the garage to the truck bed a manageable, two-handed task. The heft contributes to a very stable cooking platform; it doesn’t wobble or feel flimsy in the slightest. This is where the trade-off becomes clear. To get this level of stability and the thick, heat-retaining iron top, weight is a necessity. The major caveat here, and a recurring theme in user feedback, is manufacturing consistency. Our unit’s handle was tough to install. Others have received units with bent frames, damaged corners, or, most critically, misaligned or even missing screw holes for the legs. When these defects occur, the excellent portability features become utterly useless, turning a great design into a frustrating piece of metal. It highlights a clear gap between the product’s design and its execution on the production line, which is a significant risk for a buyer.

Safety Concerns and Long-Term Durability

When dealing with propane and high heat, safety is paramount. The majority of our testing was uneventful, with the griddle performing as expected. However, we cannot ignore the serious safety concerns raised in a handful of user reports. One user experienced a small, manageable leak at the regulator, which the company quickly resolved—a positive sign for customer service in that instance. Far more troubling are the accounts of significant flare-ups and fires, with one user describing flames shooting from the front of the unit. We inspected our own unit’s gas lines and burner assembly closely and found no obvious flaws, but these reports suggest a potential for failure over time. It’s possible these incidents are caused by grease buildup or component failure, but it underscores the need for extreme vigilance. We made it a habit to inspect all connections before each use and to keep the griddle impeccably clean to minimize fire risk. Long-term durability appears to be a mixed bag. The stainless steel frame should hold up well against the elements, but the iron top’s longevity is entirely dependent on user maintenance. If cared for, it will last a lifetime. If neglected, it will rust quickly. Given the potential for issues, we see this as a product for a hands-on owner who is diligent about maintenance and safety checks.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the broad spectrum of user experiences. The sentiment is generally positive about the griddle’s core cooking ability, but concerns about quality control and shipping are persistent and valid. On the positive side, one user captured the ideal use case perfectly, stating, “I love this griddle. I use it for almost everything. It’s perfect for outdoor use… Have breakfast done in half the time.” This speaks to the speed and capacity we also appreciated. Another user had a propane regulator leak but praised the company for providing a “fabulous solution that was quick and easy,” showing that positive customer service outcomes are possible.

Conversely, the negative feedback often centers on issues present right out of the box. One owner reported, “No holes to attach the legs on the back of the grill… The right side of the grill has one hole, but not threaded.” This type of manufacturing error is unacceptable and makes the product unusable without modification. The most alarming feedback comes from a long-term user who had used it “probably 15-20 times when I lit this past Saturday morning it shot flames out the front” and required a fire extinguisher. This highlights a critical, if infrequent, safety risk that potential buyers must weigh heavily.

How Does the ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 Compare to the Alternatives?

The outdoor cooking market is crowded, and the ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 3-Burner Portable Gas Griddle faces stiff competition. It’s crucial to understand how it fits into the landscape and whether a different type of cooker might better suit your needs.

1. Char-Broil Performance Series 4-Burner Gas Grill

The Char-Broil Performance Series is a fundamentally different beast. This is a full-size, stationary cabinet grill designed for a permanent home on a patio or deck. It offers a massive cooking area, a side burner for pots, and the traditional grated cooking surface for those who live for grill marks and open-flame flavor. Someone would choose the Char-Broil over the ONLYFIRE if they have no need for portability and their primary cooking style is traditional grilling of steaks, chicken, and ribs. The ONLYFIRE griddle is the clear choice for versatility (you can’t cook pancakes on grates) and for anyone who needs to take their cooking station on the road.

2. Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Grill

The Masterbuilt MB20030819 is a much more direct competitor in the portable category. Like the ONLYFIRE, it features folding legs and a stainless steel build designed for travel. The key difference is the cooking surface: the Masterbuilt is a traditional grill with grates, not a griddle. It’s lighter than the ONLYFIRE and is perfect for someone whose portable cooking consists mainly of burgers, hot dogs, and kebabs, and who prefers the flavor that comes from drippings vaporizing on a flame. You would choose the ONLYFIRE if your menu includes breakfast foods, chopped vegetables, or smash burgers—anything that would fall through the grates of the Masterbuilt.

3. ROVSUN 3 Burner Propane Gas Stove with Side Shelf

The ROVSUN 3 Burner Stove is a high-power outdoor cooker, but it’s not a grill or a griddle. This is essentially a portable gas range designed for use with pots, pans, and woks. With an impressive 225,000 BTU output, it’s built for tasks like large-batch canning, deep-frying a turkey, or running a massive stockpot for a crawfish boil. An adventurer or prepper would choose the ROVSUN for its raw power and ability to handle heavy cookware. It’s a tool for boiling and frying, whereas the ONLYFIRE is a self-contained surface for griddling and searing. They serve entirely different outdoor cooking purposes.

Our Final Verdict on the ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 3-Burner Portable Gas Griddle

After extensive testing, our verdict on the ONLYFIRE GRILLS #GS309 3-Burner Portable Gas Griddle is one of qualified enthusiasm. When you get a good unit, its cooking performance is absolutely fantastic. The powerful three-burner system and spacious iron top deliver versatility and heat that can rival stationary backyard models, making it a dream for serious outdoor cooks. It can handle a huge amount of food and gives you the control needed for a wide range of meals. However, this performance is shadowed by a significant gamble on quality control. The prevalence of shipping damage, manufacturing defects, and sharp edges is a serious concern that cannot be overlooked.

We recommend this griddle to the dedicated RVer, tailgater, or patio chef who prioritizes cooking power above all else and is willing to thoroughly inspect the product upon arrival and potentially deal with customer service. It is not for the person who wants a perfect, hassle-free experience out of the box. If you’re prepared for the maintenance an iron top requires and you receive a well-made unit, you will be rewarded with a truly exceptional portable cooking machine. For those ready to take on its heavy-duty performance and quirks, you can check the latest price and explore its full feature set online.