Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 Stove with Griddle: Versatile One‑Burner Outdoor Cooker

What it is and what it solves

The Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 Stove with its integral griddle is a compact, single‑burner camp stove designed for easy outdoor cooking. With a heat output of 2200 watts and a compact footprint, it aims to deliver straightforward meals when you’re away from the kitchen. The included carry case supports portable setup and simple transport, making it a practical choice for hikers, campers and casual alfresco cooks who want reliable heat without packing multiple devices. On the surface, this setup appears to tick boxes for convenience, but as you judge value, you’ll want to consider how well the griddle’s extra surface integrates with the base stove’s features and how the whole package travels and cleans up after a day out.

Design and build quality

The griddle accessory is constructed from heat‑resistant Di Cast aluminium, designed to be paired with Campingaz Camp Bistro 3 and Camp Bistro DLX stoves. The non‑stick surface is pitched as easy to clean with water, soap and a sponge, which is helpful when outdoor cooking leaves you with oil and residue. Dimensions of 24 x 22.4 cm and a weight of 700 g place the griddle in a practical range for portable use without overly burdening the kit. The griddle concept is straightforward: convert the stove into a two‑surface cooker—one for standard simmering or frying and an upper grill area that takes advantage of the grill‑style cooking while you keep the main burner active.

Cooking versatility in real life

If you prioritise a compact kit that can handle both pan‑cilling and grill‑style cooking, the Camp Bistro 3 with its griddle may offer sensible flexibility. The ability to use a dedicated surface for grilled items can reduce mess on the main burner and keep flavours separate, which is handy when you’re cooking meats alongside vegetables or breakfast items. On the other hand, it’s important to recognise that the griddle is an add‑on accessory rather than a full grill module. The effective surface area is modest, so you’ll likely limit higher volumes of food at once and manage your timings accordingly. This suits short trips or solo cooking more than big group feasts.

What stands out day to day

The standout for many buyers is the combination of portability and simplicity. A 700 g accessory that cleans easily after use can save time at the campsite. The non‑stick surface means less scrubbing and more time enjoying the outdoors. The compatibility note is practical: this griddle is advertised as fitting Camp Bistro 3 and Camp Bistro DLX stoves, which helps reduce uncertainty if you already own one of those models. It’s worth noting that the value here hinges on how often you plan to grill on trips and whether you want a dedicated grill surface or you’re happy to rely on a separate pan for grilled elements.

Pros and cons in practical terms

Pros: compact footprint, lightweight for a portable stove kit, non‑stick surface simplifies cleaning, designed to integrate with existing Camp Bistro stoves, carry case included for easier transport. Cons: the grill area is relatively small, so high‑volume grilling isn’t its strongest suit, and the accessory relies on the Camp Bistro platform to deliver full functionality rather than being a standalone grill unit. If you rarely grill and mainly need a reliable stove, you may be investing in a feature you won’t use often.

Who it’s for and who it isn’t

This setup is well suited to casual campers, backpackers or urban explorers who want a compact, reliable stove with a light grill option. It’s a reasonable pick if you value ease of cleaning and a tidy transport solution. If you routinely cook for multiple people or crave large‑scale grilling on camping trips, you may find the griddle’s surface area limiting and could look for a larger grill surface or a separate grill platform to supplement the stove.

When does it make sense to buy

Consider this accessory if you already own a Camp Bistro 3 or Camp Bistro DLX stove and you want a simple, integrated way to add grilled or searing capability without carrying multiple devices. It’s particularly sensible for short trips, solo adventures, or situations where you want quick cleanup and straightforward operation. If you expect to cook elaborate meals or feed a crowd, balance the cost against the benefit of a larger grill surface or separate cooking gear.

What to check before buying

• Confirm your existing stove model is Camp Bistro 3 or Camp Bistro DLX to ensure compatibility.
• Consider how much you value a dedicated grill surface versus a workaround with a pan on the main burner.
• Measure your planned cooking space at your typical campsite to ensure the combined stove and griddle fit.
• Think about cleaning routine after cooking, the non‑stick surface is helpful, but keep in mind the need for proper storage to avoid scratches.
• If weight and pack size are priorities, factor in the carry case and the whole kit’s portability.

Comparison in context

Compared with a bare stove, adding the griddle offers more cooking options for grilled or seared items while still remaining compact enough for travel. It sits in a middle ground: more capable for certain meals than a plain burner, yet not as fully featured as larger, dedicated camping grills. If you want a simple upgrade to your existing Camp Bistro setup that adds spice to camp meals without complicating packing, this griddle could be a sensible middle ground.

FAQ (practical, non‑technical)

• How durable is the Di Cast aluminium griddle with regular use? It’s designed for heat resistance and everyday camping use, but like all non‑stick surfaces, longevity depends on care and cleaning approach.
• Can I use metal utensils on the griddle? It’s best to use non‑metal utensils to preserve the non‑stick coating and avoid scratching.
• Is cleaning easier with soap and water on site? Yes, the surface is described as easy to clean, having dish soap and a sponge is recommended for quick maintenance.

Final decision: Is it worth it?

Worth considering if you already own a compatible stove and want a compact, lightweight way to add grill functionality for light‑to‑moderate cooking on outdoor trips. It suits the budget‑conscious camper who values portability and straightforward maintenance more than maximum grilling capacity. If you prioritise high‑volume or very frequent grilling, you might want to explore larger or additional cooking options. In short: a sensible upgrade for certain trips, with clear limits on volume and surface area.