Camp Chef Flat Top Grill Review (2026): Which FTG Model Is Right for You?
Camp Chef’s flat top grill lineup covers more ground than almost any other brand: from the compact FTG250 at 247 sq in and 24 lbs (genuinely backpack-portable) up to the FTG900 at 877 sq in and 160 lbs (cooking for a crowd). All models share the same cooking surface material (flat-top steel with Camp Chef’s proprietary seasoning), the same burner design, and the key Camp Chef differentiator: the cooking surface can be removed and swapped for grill grates. No other major flat-top brand offers this.
Here’s how to pick the right Camp Chef model.
Quick Comparison: All Camp Chef FTG Models
| Model | Surface | Burners | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTG250 | 247 sq in | 1 | 24 lbs | $150–200 |
| FTG475 | 468 sq in | 3 × 12k BTU | 100 lbs | $350–400 |
| FTG600 | 604 sq in | 4 × 12k BTU | 144 lbs | $400+ |
| FTG900 | 877 sq in | 6 burners | 160 lbs | $650+ |
| Portable FTG600 | 604 sq in | — | 100 lbs | See Amazon |
FTG250 — The Ultralight Option
247 sq in, 24 lbs, single burner. This is the most portable flat-top Camp Chef makes, small enough for backpacking and solo camping where a 100+ lb griddle isn’t an option.
Best for: Solo and 2-person camping, backpacking, small-batch cooking where size and weight are the primary constraints.
FTG475 — The Mid-Size Sweet Spot
468 sq in, 3 independent burners at 12,000 BTU each (36,000 BTU total), 100 lbs. This is the Camp Chef for a family of 4 — enough surface to run proteins, eggs, and sides simultaneously without feeling cramped.
Best for: Families of 4–6, backyard cooking where you want a 3-zone burner setup and don’t need the 36-inch-class footprint.
FTG600 — The Full-Size Flagship
604 sq in, 4 independent burners at 12,000 BTU each (48,000 BTU total), 144 lbs. The FTG600 is Camp Chef’s most popular model and the direct competitor to the Blackstone 36-inch. It has slightly less surface than the Blackstone (604 vs 756 sq in) but the same 4-zone burner control and the same griddle cooking experience.
The key Camp Chef advantage at this size: the griddle surface swaps with grill grates, so you can switch between flat-top and grill cooking on the same stand.
Best for: Serious home cooks who want the best flat-top performance with the option to add grill capability via surface swap.
FTG900 — The Crowd Feeder
877 sq in, 6 burners, 160 lbs. The largest Camp Chef flat-top and one of the largest consumer griddles available. 877 sq in is significantly more surface than the Blackstone 36-inch (756 sq in) and runs 6 independent burner zones.
Best for: Large gatherings, cooking for 8–12+ people, high-volume cooking where you need every inch of surface running simultaneously.
Portable FTG600 — Full Surface, Folding Legs
Same 604 sq in surface as the FTG600, at 100 lbs (vs 144 lbs for the standard FTG600) thanks to the folding leg design. Same 4-zone burner control, same griddle/grill interchangeability.
Best for: Cooks who want FTG600 cooking performance in a transportable format for tailgating or events.
Check Portable FTG600 price on Amazon
What Makes Camp Chef Different from Blackstone?
Grill grate interchangeability is the standout. Camp Chef’s flat-top surface physically removes from the stand and can be replaced with grill grates — giving you both flat-top and traditional grilling capability on one piece of equipment. Blackstone doesn’t offer this on any model.
BTU per burner: Camp Chef runs 12,000 BTU per burner (vs Blackstone’s 15,000 BTU per burner on the 36-inch). The Blackstone 36-inch reaches cooking temperature slightly faster. In practice, both produce excellent griddle food — the difference is 2–3 minutes of preheat time.
Price: Camp Chef generally runs higher than the equivalent Blackstone model. The FTG600 vs Blackstone 36-inch comparison typically shows Camp Chef at a premium. You’re paying partly for the surface swap system.
Camp Chef vs. Blackstone: Which Should You Choose?
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Grill + griddle interchangeability | Camp Chef |
| Maximum surface per dollar | Blackstone 36” |
| Largest consumer flat-top available | Camp Chef FTG900 |
| Deepest accessory ecosystem | Blackstone |
| Portable full-size flat-top | Camp Chef Portable FTG600 or Razor Griddle |
Blackstone 36” review → | Razor Griddle review →
Our Verdict
Camp Chef makes excellent flat-top griddles across all size classes. The lineup’s main differentiation is the griddle/grill surface swap — if that flexibility matters to you, Camp Chef is the right choice over Blackstone. If you want the largest accessory ecosystem, fastest preheat, or lowest price per square inch, Blackstone wins. Choose the FTG model based on how many people you typically cook for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swap the Camp Chef FTG cooking surface with grill grates?
Yes — this is the key Camp Chef differentiator. The flat-top griddle surface removes from the stand and can be replaced with grill grates on all FTG models, giving you both cooking surfaces on one piece of equipment.
How does Camp Chef compare to Blackstone?
Camp Chef has grill/griddle interchangeability and a wider size range. Blackstone has more BTU per burner (15k vs 12k per burner), a larger accessory ecosystem, and lower prices on equivalent models. Both deliver excellent flat-top cooking results.
Which Camp Chef FTG model is best for a family of 4?
The FTG475 (468 sq in, 3 burners) handles a family of 4 comfortably. The FTG600 (604 sq in, 4 burners) is the better choice if you entertain frequently or want more surface per cook.
Is the Camp Chef FTG600 better than the Blackstone 36-inch?
Depends on your priorities. FTG600 has grill grate interchangeability; Blackstone 36-inch has more surface (756 vs 604 sq in), more BTU (60k vs 48k), and costs less. For pure griddle performance per dollar, Blackstone. For grill/griddle flexibility, Camp Chef.
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