Top Grills with Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces
When I first started camping regularly, I didn’t realize how limiting a single-style grill surface could be. I mean, I love a good burger—but what about pancakes in the morning, stir-fry at night, or searing a steak with perfect grill marks? That’s when I discovered the magic of grills with interchangeable cooking surfaces.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the top propane grills on Amazon that let you swap out grates, griddles, and flat tops, all designed for versatility. If you’re like me and love cooking different meals without needing multiple appliances, these are the game-changers.
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Why Choose a Grill with Swappable Surfaces?
For me, it’s all about flexibility and saving space. Instead of packing multiple pans or stoves, I now rely on a single grill that can handle:
- Searing steaks on cast iron grates
- Making eggs and bacon on a flat griddle
- Cooking veggies or stir-fry on a smooth top surface
The best part? These grills work just as well at home as they do out in the wild.
Best Propane Grills with Interchangeable Cooking Surfaces (Amazon Picks)
1. Coleman RoadTrip 285 Stand-Up Grill
This grill is a staple in my gear. It’s not just portable—it’s built for versatility. The Swaptop interchangeable cooktops let you switch between a grill grate, griddle, or stove insert. Perfect if you’re cooking different meals during the same trip.
- Compatible with Coleman Swaptop accessories
- 3 adjustable burners
- Foldable design with wheels
2. Blackstone Tailgater Combo Grill and Griddle
I used this at a tailgate last fall, and I was blown away. You get both a griddle and grill box, and they sit over two independently controlled burners. I grilled chicken on one side and made cheesy quesadillas on the other.
- Grill box and griddle included
- Cast iron surface = amazing sear
- Durable legs for uneven terrain
3. Camp Chef Explorer Double Burner Stove with Attachments
What I love about Camp Chef is how modular their system is. The Explorer stove is the base—you can add a grill box, griddle, or artisan pizza oven (yes, really). This is one of the most versatile setups I’ve used when camping with a group.
- Two 30,000 BTU burners
- Tons of cooking surface options
- Attachments sold separately
4. Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill
Now, the Weber Q1200 doesn’t have “swappable plates” like the others, but its porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates are compatible with Weber’s accessory griddles, which makes this a great compact choice for versatile cooking.
- Compact and stable
- Compatible with Weber Q-series griddle insert
- Built-in thermometer
5. Royal Gourmet PD1301S Flat Top Grill
This one is all griddle, but it’s worth including if you want to keep things simple and swap out accessories manually. I use this with a cast iron grill grate on top when I want to switch up textures.
- Easy to clean flat top
- 3 burners with separate controls
- Optional accessories for customization
What to Look for in a Multi-Surface Camping Grill
Here’s what I personally check before buying:
- Compatible Accessories – Some brands (like Coleman and Camp Chef) have custom attachments.
- Heat Zones – Independent burners help you cook different foods at once.
- Cleaning Ease – Removable plates or grease trays save time.
- Size and Portability – You want something compact enough for camping but big enough to cook for everyone.
Why I Recommend These for Serious Camp Cooks
If you’re someone who enjoys making real meals outdoors, these interchangeable surface grills are a no-brainer. They’ve saved me time, cut down on extra gear, and opened up way more recipe options. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on one setup? Yes, please.
Whether you’re flipping flapjacks, searing salmon, or grilling kebabs—these grills give you the flexibility to do it all.
My Final Pick
If I could only recommend one grill, it’d be the Coleman RoadTrip 285. It’s affordable, durable, and you can truly customize it for any kind of meal. Just grab the Swaptop accessories, and you’re good to go.
Why Interchangeable Grill Surfaces Are Great for Meal Variety
When I’m out camping, I don’t want to eat the same meal every day. With a grill that has interchangeable cooking plates, I can switch from burgers one night to pancakes the next morning. It saves space in my trunk, and honestly, it just makes the entire trip more enjoyable.
Cleaning Is Easier with Swappable Plates
One unexpected perk of using swappable grill surfaces? Cleaning becomes a breeze. I simply remove the dirty plate, soak it in water, and pop on a clean one to keep cooking. This is especially helpful when I’m making greasy bacon or saucy BBQ and want to switch to something light like veggies.
Griddles Are Underrated for Camp Cooking
Before I used one myself, I didn’t realize how useful a griddle was at a campsite. With the Camp Chef griddle attachment, I now make everything from French toast to stir-fry. It distributes heat more evenly than most grill grates and avoids flare-ups from oil drips.
My Go-To Combo: Grill + Griddle at the Same Time
When I’m cooking for a group, I love using a dual-surface setup. The Blackstone Tailgater lets me grill steaks on one side and make garlic butter shrimp on the griddle at the same time. It feels like cooking at home, except surrounded by trees and stars.
How to Store Extra Grill Surfaces While Traveling
Here’s a tip that’s saved me space: I use a flat, zippered tool bag to store my grill plates and griddles. It keeps them from scratching each other and makes it easier to load the car. I also bring along a few towels or oven mitts to wrap hot surfaces during cleanup.
Swappable Grills Are Perfect for RV or Car Camping
If you’re in an RV or camping out of your vehicle like I sometimes do, every inch of space matters. Swappable grills let you pack light without sacrificing cooking options. Just one grill base, a couple of surfaces, and you’re set for the weekend.
The Right Surface Makes a Difference in Flavor
I’ve found that using cast iron grill plates gives a much better sear and deeper flavor than traditional grates. When I want that classic grill mark and smoky char, I go for the cast iron. But when I want clean, consistent heat, the griddle wins every time.
Best Grills for Tailgating and Backyard Cooking Too
These grills aren’t just for camping. I also use mine for tailgating and quick cookouts in the backyard. It’s convenient to have a grill that can adapt depending on what I’m craving. Pancakes in the morning, grilled corn and hot dogs in the afternoon.
Upgrade Options for Serious Outdoor Chefs
If you’re serious about cooking outside, look into grills that support pizza oven inserts, wok rings, or smoker boxes. The Camp Chef modular system really shines here. It’s like having a full outdoor kitchen that fits in the back of my SUV.
Keep a Spare Surface Clean for Fast Meal Swaps
One thing I always do is keep an extra clean cooking plate in a sealed bag. That way, if I want to switch from raw meat to veggies, I don’t have to stop and deep clean everything. It saves time and keeps my food safe from cross-contamination.
Propane Grills with Swappable Surfaces Are More Fun to Use
I never thought I’d say this, but having options while cooking outdoors actually makes the process more fun. I find myself experimenting more—making quesadillas, frying potatoes, even baking flatbread on the griddle. It opens up a whole new world of camping meals.
Final Thoughts: Get the Most Out of Your Camping Grill
Investing in a propane grill with interchangeable surfaces has changed the way I cook outside. It’s more flexible, saves space, and makes every trip feel like a food adventure. Whether you’re new to camping or a seasoned outdoor chef, having the right grill setup is worth it.