There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you cook outdoors. It’s the sizzle of bacon on a crisp morning at the campsite, the sear of burgers at a tailgate party, or the aroma of fajitas on a warm evening in the backyard. For years, our team has relied on traditional portable grills, but we always hit a wall. You can’t make pancakes on grill grates. Smash burgers become a messy, flame-licked affair. And forget about cooking a heap of fried rice. We were missing out on half the fun of outdoor cooking, constrained by the limitations of our equipment. This frustration led us on a hunt for a solution that offered not just portability, but true culinary versatility—a flat top griddle that could travel with us and handle anything we threw at it. This search is what brought the ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS310 3-Burner Propane Griddle into our hands for rigorous testing.
- BUILT TO LAST GAS GRIDDLE: The upgraded gas griddle with 3 burners is made of stainless steel and it's built to last. It comes with a 315 sq inches griddle...
- POWERFUL BURNER FOR EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION - Gas valve and hose are included for both a 1lb propane cylinder and a 20lb propane tank. The portable gas...
What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Griddle
A Propane Grills, specifically a flat top griddle like this one, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking a whole new world of outdoor cuisine. It solves the problem of limited cooking surfaces, offering a solid, even-heating plane perfect for everything from breakfast scrambles to delicate fish. The main benefit is versatility. You get the high heat of a grill combined with the precise surface of a stovetop pan, allowing you to sear, sauté, scramble, and steam with ease. This eliminates the need to pack multiple pans and creates a social, communal cooking experience where everyone can gather around the action.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves to cook outdoors but feels limited by traditional grills. This includes avid campers, RV enthusiasts, dedicated tailgaters, and those with smaller patios or balconies who need a compact yet capable cooking station. It’s for the family that wants to make a full breakfast at the lake or the sports fan who wants to be the hero of the parking lot party. However, it might not be suitable for those who are die-hard charcoal purists seeking that specific smoky flavor, or for individuals who need an enormous, stationary grilling station to cook for massive crowds of 50 or more. For them, a larger, built-in unit or a classic kettle grill might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A portable griddle needs to strike a balance. It must be large enough to cook a decent meal but compact enough to fit in a car trunk or RV storage bay. The ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS310 3-Burner Propane Griddle offers 315 square inches of cooking space, which we found ample for a family of four. Crucially, its foldable cart design means its storage footprint is significantly smaller than its operational one.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at the BTU (British Thermal Unit) output and the number of burners. More burners allow for better heat control and the creation of different temperature zones. The GS310’s 24,000 BTU spread across three burners provides substantial power, enabling a hot searing zone on one side while keeping foods warm on the other. This level of control is a feature that really sets it apart.
- Materials & Durability: The cooking surface is paramount. The GS310 uses a heavy-duty iron flat top, which offers fantastic heat retention and seasoning potential, much like a cast-iron skillet. The trade-off is that it requires proper care and seasoning to prevent rust. The frame is stainless steel, offering decent corrosion resistance, though some user feedback suggests the accompanying stand can be less robust than the griddle unit itself.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like electronic ignition, a built-in grease management system, and simple controls make the cooking experience more enjoyable. The GS310 features a twist-start ignition and a rear-mounted grease catcher, which simplifies cleanup significantly. Long-term care involves keeping the iron top seasoned with oil after each cleaning to maintain its non-stick properties and prevent rust.
While the ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS310 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:
- High-Heat Propane Gas BBQ Grill – This 4-burner gas grill with an additional 8,500 BTU side burner delivers a total of 46,500 BTU. Enjoy rapid...
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition...
- Heavy-Duty Griddle Plate – Built with a 4mm thick, reinforced hot-pressed steel griddle that ensures excellent heat retention and durability. Perfect for...
First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembling the GS310
The ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS310 3-Burner Propane Griddle arrived in a single, manageable box weighing in at 47 pounds. Upon opening it, we were greeted by the hefty iron griddle top, securely packed, with the stainless steel body and cart components nestled beneath. The initial feel of the griddle unit itself is substantial and promising. The stainless steel frame feels solid, and the control knobs have a decent, responsive click. However, our first-hand experience confirmed what some users have noted: the assembly instructions are sparse, relying more on diagrams than clear, written steps. That said, the assembly process was largely intuitive. As one user aptly put it, with just a few small tools included, it can’t be that difficult. We had the entire unit built and ready in about 30 minutes. The cart, while functional, does feel lighter and less robust than the main cooking unit, a sentiment echoed in user feedback about its quality. Once assembled, its foldable design and wheels immediately signal its purpose: this is a griddle built to move.
Key Benefits
- Excellent portability with a well-designed foldable cart and wheels.
- Powerful 24,000 BTU output from three independent burners allows for versatile zone cooking.
- Dual fuel compatibility with included hoses for both 1lb and 20lb propane tanks.
- Effective rear grease management system simplifies the cleanup process.
Potential Drawbacks
- The quality of the foldable stand feels less durable than the main griddle unit.
- Assembly instructions are minimal and can be confusing for beginners.
- Some user reports indicate issues with shipping damage and quality control.
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the ONLYFIRE GS310 to the Test
A griddle’s worth is measured in sizzle and sear. We put the ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS310 3-Burner Propane Griddle through its paces over several weeks, cooking everything from breakfast feasts to hibachi-style dinners to see if its performance matched its promising feature set. Our goal was to test its heat distribution, temperature control, portability, and overall user experience in real-world scenarios.
Assembly and Portability in the Real World
Our journey with the GS310 began with assembly. As noted, the instructions are more of a suggestion than a guide. However, we found the process straightforward. The main body comes mostly pre-assembled, and the primary task is constructing the foldable cart and attaching the griddle. Most parts fit together without issue, although we did have to apply a bit of force to align one of the screw holes for the legs, a minor hiccup that hints at the quality control issues some users have reported. Once built, the portability features truly shine. The cart collapses with a simple mechanism, allowing the entire unit to be wheeled around like a piece of luggage. At 47 pounds, it’s not feather-light, but it’s easily managed by one person lifting it into the back of an SUV or an RV compartment. The side table is a thoughtful touch, providing crucial prep space that is often missing on portable units, and it folds away neatly for transport. The stand’s stability is adequate on a flat surface like a patio, but on uneven ground at a campsite, it felt a bit wobbly. This confirms our initial impression and user feedback that the stand is the weakest link in an otherwise solid design. It’s functional for its purpose, but we wouldn’t call it heavy-duty.
The Cooking Experience: Power, Control, and the Iron Griddle Top
Before our first cook, we performed the most critical step for any iron griddle: seasoning. Following standard practice (and a few YouTube videos, as one user wisely suggested), we coated the surface with a thin layer of cooking oil and heated the griddle until the oil smoked off, repeating the process several times. This created a dark, non-stick patina that is essential for performance and rust prevention. With the griddle seasoned, we fired it up. The Twist Start ignition worked flawlessly every time, and the three burners roared to life, generating impressive heat quickly. The 24,000 BTU output is more than just a number; we found it delivered powerful, even heat across the 315-square-inch surface. The three-burner design is the star of the show. We could run one side on high for a hard sear on smash burgers while leaving the other side on low to toast the buns. For breakfast, we cooked bacon on the hot side, then moved it to a warming zone while we fried eggs in the rendered fat on the cooler side. This level of temperature control is what elevates a griddle from a simple hot plate to a versatile cooking instrument. The iron top provides exceptional heat retention. Even after turning off the burners, the surface stayed hot enough to keep food warm for several minutes, a major plus when coordinating a meal. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its cooking capabilities.
Design, Durability, and Maintenance
The overall design of the ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS310 3-Burner Propane Griddle is smart and user-focused. The inclusion of adapters for both 1lb and 20lb propane tanks out of the box is a massive convenience, offering flexibility for a quick picnic or a week-long camping trip without needing to buy extra parts. The stainless steel side shelf with its integrated tool hooks proved invaluable, keeping our spatulas, tongs, and oil bottle within arm’s reach. The grease management system is simple yet effective. A small hole in the cooktop channels all excess grease and drippings into a removable catch pan at the back. We cooked a full pound of bacon, and the system handled it all without any overflow or mess. Cleanup was as easy as scraping the surface clean while still warm, wiping it down, and applying a fresh, thin coat of oil for storage. This routine maintenance is non-negotiable for an iron top, but as one user confirmed, if you keep it oiled, there is “aucun risque de rouille” (no risk of rust). While the griddle itself feels built to last, the cart is where we have durability concerns. The thin metal legs and plastic wheels feel like they could be a point of failure with rough handling over time. It’s a trade-off for portability, but one potential buyers should be aware of.
What Other Users Are Saying
Diving into feedback from other home chefs, we found a consensus that aligns closely with our own findings. Many users express that the quality and performance of the ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS310 3-Burner Propane Griddle surpassed their expectations, especially for the price. Positive comments frequently highlight the powerful burners, with one satisfied customer noting, “Les brûleurs fonctionnent encore plus fort que j’aurais pensé” (“The burners work even stronger than I would have thought”). The ease of assembly, despite poor instructions, is another common point of praise. On the flip side, the most consistent criticism targets the foldable stand, which one reviewer bluntly rated a “1 out of 10,” suggesting buying the griddle top without it if possible. Another recurring issue revolves around shipping and handling, with several reports of units arriving with scratches, dents, or even broken parts. One user stated their product “looks used out of box,” while another received a unit with a missing burner, rendering one side useless. This points to potential quality control gaps that can lead to a frustrating initial experience.
How Does the ONLYFIRE GS310 Compare to Alternatives?
The ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS310 3-Burner Propane Griddle occupies a specific niche of portable, versatile flat top cooking. However, the world of outdoor cooking is vast, and different tools serve different masters. Here’s how it stacks up against some distinct alternatives.
1. ROVSUN 3 Burner Propane Gas Stove
- 225,000 BTU ★ Stove give off a strong flame that can be adjusted easily. Heat is controlled by a CSA approved regulator, which is more safety and longer...
- STURDY FRAME ★ This outdoor cooker is made from cast iron, which can support all kinds of cooking. Great for canning, home brewing, wok cooking, crawfish...
The ROVSUN 3 Burner Propane Gas Stove is not a griddle but a high-power outdoor cooker. Its massive 225,000 BTU output is designed for tasks that require intense, focused heat, like turkey frying, home brewing, or using large stockpots for a crawfish boil. If your outdoor cooking involves large pots, woks, or skillets rather than cooking directly on a flat surface, the ROVSUN is the superior choice. It offers raw power that the GS310 can’t match. However, it completely lacks the griddle’s versatility for making things like pancakes, eggs, or smash burgers. It’s a specialized tool for high-heat pot-and-pan cooking, whereas the ONLYFIRE is a multi-purpose surface cooker.
2. Monument Grills Mesa415BZ 4+1 Propane Gas Grill
- PORCELAIN-ENAMELED CAST IRON GRATES : Achieve optimal flavor with our durable, easy-to-clean porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, ensuring even heat...
- ADVANCED SEAR-REACH UP TO 650F° In 10 MINUTES: Unlike conventional burners with side flame holes, this sear zone showcases U-shaped fire holes at the...
The Monument Grills Mesa415BZ represents a more traditional outdoor cooking experience. As a classic propane grill with grates, it excels at creating beautiful sear marks on steaks and burgers and imparting that characteristic “grilled” flavor through direct flame contact. With four main burners and a side burner, it offers more cooking area and power than the GS310. This is the better choice for someone who primarily wants a stationary backyard grill for classic barbecue fare. The ONLYFIRE GS310, by contrast, is for the chef who wants to sauté onions and peppers, cook a full breakfast, or make quesadillas—tasks that are impossible on standard grill grates. The choice here comes down to grates versus a flat top.
3. Concord 16″ Single Banjo Wok Burner with Stand
- Concord Professional 16" Stronghold burners are capable to putting out up to 270,000 BTU and are built like tanks. This is part of our professional series,...
- This is our DROP IN WOK Edition, this means that there is a custom built wok ring that allows you to drop your 11" or wider wok into the burner. Drop in...
The Concord Banjo Wok Burner is the definition of a specialist. With a staggering potential output of up to 270,000 BTU from a single burner, this is a commercial-grade tool designed for one thing: incredible heat for wok cooking. It’s built to achieve “wok hei,” the elusive, smoky flavor that only comes from ultra-high-temperature stir-frying. Someone who is passionate about authentic Asian cuisine or needs a powerful burner for home brewing would choose the Concord. It is in no way a competitor for general-purpose outdoor cooking. The ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS310 3-Burner Propane Griddle offers vastly more versatility for a family meal, while the Concord offers unparalleled, singular power for a specific culinary craft.
Our Final Verdict: Is the ONLYFIRE GS310 Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the ONLYFIRE GRILLS GS310 3-Burner Propane Griddle is a fantastic and versatile cooking tool that punches well above its weight, particularly for those who prioritize portability. Its three powerful burners, generous cooking surface, and clever foldable design make it an ideal companion for camping, tailgating, and small-patio living. The ability to cook a huge range of foods that are impossible on a traditional grill makes it a truly fun and engaging piece of equipment. However, this recommendation comes with a caveat. The primary weakness lies in the build quality of its stand and the inconsistent quality control reported by some users. The griddle unit itself is a solid performer, but the cart feels like an afterthought. If you are looking for a portable griddle that delivers excellent cooking performance and can live with a stand that is functional but not bombproof, then the GS310 is an outstanding choice that offers tremendous value. For the outdoor adventurer looking to elevate their culinary game, this griddle is a worthy investment. If you’re ready to transform your outdoor cooking, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability for the ONLYFIRE GS310 and get ready for a season of delicious possibilities.
Last update on 2025-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API