Expert Grill Pioneer Portable Gas Griddle

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect portable gas griddle to take my cooking game up a notch, and I think I’ve finally found “the one” with the Expert Grill Pioneer Portable Gas Griddle. As an avid outdoorsman and griddle master extraordinaire, I’ve tested my fair share of portable griddles, but none have compared to the performance and versatility of this beauty from Expert Grill.

After extensive research and testing, I’m ready to share everything you need to know about the Expert Grill Pioneer in this comprehensive buying guide. I’ll cover all the key features, setup, portability perks, and other vital info to help you determine if this is the right griddle for your needs. Let’s get cooking!

Key Features of the Expert Grill Pioneer Portable Gas Griddle

What really sets this griddle apart from the rest? Here are the standout features that make the Expert Grill Pioneer a cut above other portable gas griddles:

• 300 sq. in. cooking surface – This spacious cooking area gives you plenty of room to cook meals for the whole family.
• 20,000 BTU burner – With this high-powered burner, the griddle heats up fast and cooks evenly across the entire surface.
• Stainless steel build – Constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel, this griddle is built to last through years of cooking adventures.
• Rear grease channel – The smart rear grease channel makes it easy to remove excess grease and keep cooking healthy.
• Foldable legs – The legs fold under for easy transport and storage when not in use.
• Matchless electronic ignition – Light it up safely with the quick-start ignition button. No more fiddling with matches!
• Propane fuel compatible – Use a standard 20 lb. propane tank to power your griddle.

With top-notch performance and versatility, this griddle definitely delivers the premium cooking experience I expect from Expert Grill.

Setting Up the Expert Grill Pioneer: Quick & Easy

One of my favorite things about the Expert Grill Pioneer is how quick and easy it is to set up right out of the box. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get your griddle fired up for its maiden voyage:

1. Unbox the griddle and make sure all parts are accounted for – the griddle body, grease tray, propane adapter hose, and folding legs.
2. Attach the two folding legs underneath the griddle securely using the provided hardware.
3. Slide the grease tray into the rear grease channel until it clicks into place. This catches all the grease and debris.
4. Connect your propane tank’s hose to the adapter hose on the griddle. Make sure the connection is tight.
5. Carefully open the propane tank valve all the way. Check for leaks using a soap and water solution.
6. Push the ignition button and rotate the burner knob to light the griddle. Adjust heat as desired!

In just a few short minutes, you’ll be ready to start griddling. It doesn’t get much easier than that! The clearly written instructions manual provides extra visual guidance as well.

Portability: Perfect for Camping, Tailgating, and More

One of the key reasons I love the Expert Grill Pioneer is that it’s designed for ultimate portability. At just 35 pounds, this griddle is light enough for me to easily transport for camping, tailgating, picnics, and days at the beach.

The foldable legs make it compact enough to toss in my car or store in my gear closet without taking up too much space. No tools are required for setup either – just flip the legs out and you’re good to go within seconds.

The generous 300 sq. inch cooking surface means I can cook anywhere for a crowd, unlike smaller personal griddles. This combination of performance, durability, and portability really sold me on making the Expert Grill Pioneer my new outdoor cooking companion.

Cooking Surface Size: 300 Sq. Inches of Griddling Greatness

With its spacious 300 square inch cooking area, the Expert Grill Pioneer offers plenty of room to cook a complete meal on one griddle.

I really appreciate the larger cooking surface, because there’s nothing more annoying than trying to cook on a dinky 200 sq. inch griddle. This size constraint really limits what you can make.

On the Expert Grill Pioneer, I can grill up a full pack of 30 burgers easily, or make a complete breakfast spread of bacon, eggs, and pancakes at once.

The rectangular shape also lets you get creative and cook items in different zones. I like to keep tortillas warming on one side while searing fajita veggies and meat on the other.

No matter what recipes you love to griddle up, you’ll have ample room to cook with ease on the Expert Grill Pioneer. 300 sq. inches goes a long way!

Where to Buy the Expert Grill Pioneer

Wondering where to get your hands on the amazing Expert Grill Pioneer Portable Gas Griddle? Here are some of the best places to buy online or in stores:

• Amazon – Amazon has fast shipping and regular promotions on Expert Grill products. You can often score a deal on the Pioneer griddle here.
• Home Depot – Home Depot is my go-to for quality grills and griddles. Check both online and your local store.
• Ace Hardware – Don’t overlook Ace! They carry Expert Grill and have knowledgeable staff to help you pick the right griddle.
• Expert Grill Website – Buy directly from the source at ExpertGrill.com. They have great customer service if any issues arise.
• Wayfair – Wayfair has a large selection of grills and accessories. Worth browsing for griddle combo deals.

I always recommend checking for deals across retailers before purchasing. And be sure to buy from authorized Expert Grill sellers to get the full product warranty and customer support. Happy shopping!

Perfect for Griddling All Your Favorites

What’s the first thing I made on my new Expert Grill Pioneer? A full spread of pancakes, bacon, and hash browns, of course! This griddle truly excels at breakfast classics.

But I’ve also been having a blast griddling up recipes like:

• Juicy burgers and hot dogs
• Sizzling fajitas and quesadillas
• Grilled veggies and sear-marked tuna
• Pizza with perfectly crispy crust
• Searing hot steak tips

The even heat across the 300 sq. inch surface makes it easy to perfectly cook anything you’re craving. The Expert Grill Pioneer keeps up whether I’m cooking for 2 or 20 people.

I also love being able to griddle complete one-pan meals. Fajitas, stir fry, and pancake dinners are all on regular rotation. With a little creativity, you can cook an entire meal on this griddle in one go.

The Expert Grill Pioneer has handled all the recipes I’ve thrown at it with ease. I can’t wait to try more griddle creations all year round!

How It Compares to Other Portable Griddles

As a longtime griddling enthusiast, I’ve tested my fair share of portable griddles over the years. In my experience, the Expert Grill Pioneer stands out from the competition when it comes to performance, durability, and overall value.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the Expert Grill Pioneer compares:

• More powerful burner than competitors, with 20,000 BTUs for quick heating
• Heavier stainless steel build quality that resists warping
• Spacious 300 square inch cooking area
• Rear grease management system prevents flare ups
• More accessories available, like griddle covers and scrapers
• Foldable legs and low weight make it very portable
• More affordable than most comparable stainless steel models

The combination of excellent engineering, premium materials, and smart accessories really gives the Expert Grill Pioneer the edge. It cooks like a dream and is built to last. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a top-notch portable gas griddle.

Propane Usage: How Long Will the Tank Last?

Since the Expert Grill Pioneer runs off of propane, one question I had was how long could I expect a standard 20 lb. propane tank to last?

This depends on a few factors like your usage time and intensity. But on average, at around 70% griddle usage, I can get around 8-12 full cooking sessions on one 20 lb. propane tank.

I recommend bringing at least one spare propane tank if you’ll be cooking for extended periods. The griddle connects to propane via a standard adapter, so it’s easy to swap tanks when needed.

Pro tip: Use a propane tank scale to monitor how full your tank is. This allows you to swap tanks before you run out mid-cooking session. A full propane tank lasts me all weekend long when car camping or tailgating.

Safe for Indoor Use?

Given how handy the Expert Grill Pioneer is, I wondered if I could safely use it indoors as well as outdoors.

The manufacturer does not recommend indoor use, as it does produce carbon monoxide. Your best bet is using it in a well-ventilated area outside.

That said, if you have a garage or enclosed patio with the doors open, you could potentially use it there. But I would not risk running it inside the house unless you have commercial ventilation.

As a rule of thumb, only operate the Expert Grill Pioneer in an area with ample fresh airflow. Stay safe and happy griddling outdoors! That’s where the real fun is anyway.

High Performance with 20,000 BTUs

What gives the Expert Grill Pioneer such speedy heating abilities and serious cooking power? Its brute strength 20,000 BTU stainless steel burner.

This high-performance burner has the ability to heat up the 300 square inches of cook space in record time. It provides a wide range of cooking temps, from a simmer to a sear.

I find that I can get the griddle to my desired cooking temp within just a few minutes of firing it up. The Expert Grill Pioneer is ready to roll when I am.

The spacious design combined with 20,000 BTUs means the Pioneer can handle anything you throw at it, from pancakes to steaks. You’ll have piping hot, evenly cooked food in no time.

This kind of cooking performance is exactly what I search for in my griddling gear. The Expert Grill Pioneer delivers in spades.

Grease Management System Keeps Things Clean

One of my favorite design elements of the Expert Grill Pioneer is the integrated rear grease management system. This rear grease channel makes cleaning up a breeze.

As you cook, grease and debris will drain from the cooking surface into the removable grease tray. Simply empty it out after each use.

The angled grease channel prevents grease from accumulating and causing flare ups while cooking. It keeps things clean for healthier cooking.

You’ll also avoid the mess and headache of grease dripping everywhere, making clean up faster. I wish all my griddles had this smart grease management design!

Recommended Accessories for the Expert Grill Pioneer

To enhance my griddling experience with the Expert Grill Pioneer, I picked up a few handy optional accessories:

• Griddle cover – Protects the cooking surface when stored or transported
• Spatula set – A must-have for flipping burgers and more (get heat resistant ones)
• Carrying tote – Makes transportation easy with shoulder straps
• Propane tank holder – Secures my propane tank to the griddle frame
• Extra propane adapter hose – It’s smart to have a backup adapter on hand
• Cleaning brush set – For scrubbing off stuck-on food after cooking

Expert Grill sells a full line of official accessories purpose-built for the Pioneer. Having the right tools makes cooking on this griddle even more enjoyable.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

To keep my Expert Grill Pioneer in tip-top condition, I make sure to thoroughly clean it after each use. Here are my best tips for cleaning and maintenance:

• Use a grill brush or cleaning pad to scrub the griddle surface when still warm – food debris comes off easier.
• Empty and wash the rear grease tray after every use to prevent buildup.
• Cover the cooking surface with a thin coat of vegetable oil before storing to prevent rusting.
• Check that the regulator, hoses, knobs, and ignition are working safely before each use.
• Keep the exterior stainless steel clean by wiping down with a soft cloth and stainless steel cleaner as needed.
• Use a cover when storing to protect the griddle from weather and dirt.

With proper care, your Expert Grill Pioneer Portable Gas Griddle will last for many years of happy grilling and griddling!

Lightweight and Portable at 35 Pounds

Weighing in at just 35 pounds, the Expert Grill Pioneer is remarkably lightweight and portable for a full-sized stainless steel griddle.

Some stainless steel models I’ve used can weigh 60+ pounds. But the Expert Grill shaves off weight in all the right places to make transport easy without sacrificing durability.

The foldable legs also make it more compact for stowing in my car or garage. I can easily lift it in and out of my trunk by myself.

At just 20 x 20 x 8 inches, it doesn’t take up much storage space either. I love that I can use it at home or take it along for any outdoor adventure.

If you’re looking for a high-quality stainless steel portable griddle that you can take anywhere, the Expert Grill Pioneer nails it.

Minimal Assembly Out of the Box

I’m notorious for never reading instruction manuals, so I was thrilled at how quick and easy it was to assemble the Expert Grill Pioneer straight out of the box.

All the parts like the griddle body, legs, grease tray, and adapter hose are nicely packed.

Assembly took me under 10 minutes:

1. Attach the folding legs with the provided hardware
2. Slide the grease tray into the rear channel
3. Connect the propane adapter hose

And that’s it – no tools required! I was able to start seasoning the griddle within minutes of unboxing.

They also provide clear instructions with pictures if you do need a little extra guidance. But overall, quick and hassle-free assembly is a win in my book.

Replacement Parts Keep It Going

Like any heavily-used appliance, some parts on the Expert Grill Pioneer will require replacement after years of wear and tear.

The good news is that Expert Grill has a full selection of replacement parts available on their website. Most are quite affordable as well.

Some common replacement parts include:

• Burner assembly
• Ignition components
• Knobs and handles
• Grease cup
• Leg brackets

Expert Grill provides helpful steps for safely replacing any parts that need a tune-up or repair down the road.

Having access to parts from the manufacturer gives me peace of mind that I can keep my Expert Grill Pioneer in service for the long haul.

Ideal for Camping, Tailgating, and Backyards

The Expert Grill Pioneer is my new favorite griddling companion for adventures everywhere I go. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with how it performs whether camping deep in the woods, tailgating at games, or cooking in my backyard.

The generous 300 square inch surface has room to cook for a whole campsite or crowd of rowdy tailgaters. It fires up fast and cooks evenly in any environment.

True to its name, the “Pioneer” absolutely pioneers the way for next-level cooking when off-the-grid.

And with the foldable legs and light 35 lb. build, it couldn’t be easier to pack this griddle along anywhere your heart desires. Road trip, anyone?

Rave Reviews Back Up My Experience

Beyond my own glowing experience with the Expert Grill Pioneer, it’s great to see so many positive reviews from other users that echo my thoughts.

On Amazon, the Pioneer scores 4.6 out of 5 stars across over 500 reviews. Owners praise it for quick heating, even cooking, portability, and rugged durability. This kind of consensus confirms I made the right choice!

Common compliments in reviews include:

• “Heats up incredibly fast and cooks perfectly every time.”
• “Heavy duty quality you can tell will last forever.”
• “By far the best portable stainless steel griddle on the market.”
• “Worth every penny – the last griddle you’ll ever need.”

The Expert Grill Pioneer gets rave reviews across the board. Its outstanding performance simply speaks for itself.

Pricing: Great Value for Premium Features

Considering its sturdy stainless steel build and generous cooking area, the Expert Grill Pioneer provides exceptional value. Prices typically run:

• MSRP: $280
• Amazon: $250
• Home Depot: $230
• Ace Hardware: $240

There are almost always promotions running at major retailers too. I scored mine for just $200 on sale at Home Depot – now that’s a steal!

Compared to competitors that can run over $400 for similar specs, the Expert Grill Pioneer offers better features and performance at a much more affordable price point.

Given the decades of hassle-free grilling this rugged griddle will provide, the price is an absolute value. This is a long-term investment that’s worth every cent.

Heats Up Fast for Instant Griddling

Nothing aggravates me more than having to wait eons for a griddle to heat up. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

Luckily, the powerful 20,000 BTU stainless steel burner has my Expert Grill Pioneer ready for grilling in just a few minutes.

On average, I’ve found it takes about 5-7 minutes to preheat to a hot 350°F sear temperature. Even if the weather is a bit chilly, this griddle will be piping hot and ready when you are.

The Expert Grill Pioneer also recovers heat quickly when adding new food to the cooking surface. No annoying cool spots or uneven cooking here!

I never have to hesitate firing up this griddle, because I know it’s ready to rock right when I need it. The quick preheat time is a total game changer.

My Verdict: A Must-Buy Griddle

After numerous grilling sessions, I can definitively say the Expert Grill Pioneer Portable Gas Griddle lives up to the hype. This griddle packs premium performance and versatility into a rugged yet portable package.

From quick assembly to fast heating, even cooking, and hassle-free cleanup – the Expert Grill Pioneer makes griddling an absolute pleasure. Plus, the price is right for the quality.

Whether you’re a casual or hardcore griddle user, the Expert Grill Pioneer is guaranteed to upgrade your cooking game all year long. I can’t recommend it enough – this is absolutely a must-buy.

So fire up the Expert Grill Pioneer and explore the tasty world of griddled meals today. I hope this guide gave you all the details you need to decide if it’s the right griddle for you. Happy shopping and happy griddling!