LLAMA VIVA Llamaviva 3 Burner 35" Flat Top Grill with Foldable Shelves 45000 BTU Outdoor Griddle for Propane High-Pressure Systems Portable BBQ Grill with Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grate for Camping-gloves

Why I picked the Llamaviva 3-burner griddle

I’ve cooked on plenty of backyard griddles, from heavy steel plates to compact tailgate units. I wanted something with real searing power, enough surface to feed a small crowd, and wheels so I could park it in the yard one weekend and roll it into a truck the next. The Llamaviva 3-burner griddle promised 45,000 BTU over a 625 sq. in. flat top, foldable shelves, a lid, and a stainless body with porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking surface. After several weekends of breakfasts, stir-fries, and steak nights, here’s how it actually performs.

Setup and first impressions

Assembly was straightforward but not hand-holding. The hardware is labeled, the cart bolts together cleanly, and I had it standing in under an hour with basic hand tools. The instructions are light on detail, so expect a bit of trial-and-error aligning the shelves and lid. Once built, the unit looks clean and modern. The stainless-steel body panels are thinner-gauge than a permanent patio grill, but appropriate for something meant to move around.

The cooking surface here isn’t raw carbon steel; it’s porcelain-enameled cast iron. That makes it different from typical black steel griddles. The upside: it holds heat well, resists rust better than bare steel, and cleans up easily. The caveat: avoid aggressive metal scraping that could chip the enamel. I lightly oiled the surface before the first cook, but you don’t “season” this the way you would a raw steel plate.

Heat and cooking performance

Three burners at a combined 45,000 BTU on a 625 sq. in. surface gives a strong BTU-per-square-inch ratio. In practice, preheat took about 8–10 minutes to reach serious searing temperature across the central zone. With all three burners on medium-high, I clocked a quick Maillard crust on smash burgers and seared sirloins without the meat steaming. It also recovers heat fast after a cold food drop.

Evenness is solid for a griddle in this class. The center two-thirds cook evenly; the outer edges run a bit cooler—helpful for holding tortillas or toast while the main event happens in the middle. Wind affects any open griddle. Here, the included lid doubles nicely as a windbreak when propped. Close it and you can trap heat for thicker cuts or baked sides. With two burners set to medium and one off, I kept a 350–400°F environment to roast chicken pieces and finish a pan of cornbread.

Control feel matters, and the burner knobs offer a predictable range from low to high, with stable low settings for pancakes and eggs. I had no issues getting a consistent low flame for delicate cooks. On high, the unit is unapologetically hot—great for stir-fry and smash burgers, but keep a spray bottle handy for grease control.

Grease management and cleaning

Grease management makes or breaks a flat top. The Llamaviva’s push-out grease trays sit within easy reach, and the surface is sloped just enough to encourage runoff without puddling. After bacon and smash burgers for six, both trays had collected an honest amount of fat. They remove easily for dumping and a quick soap-and-water wash.

Cleanup on the porcelain-enameled cast iron is genuinely simple. I use a splash of hot water on a warm surface, a nonmetal scraper, and paper towels. Stuck-on bits release with minimal effort. Unlike raw steel, you don’t have to finish with a heavy oil coat—just a thin wipe to protect any exposed edges and hardware. If you’re used to the ritual of carbon-steel griddle care, this is less fussy.

Portability and storage

At 35 inches wide with foldable shelves and casters, this is more “rollable backyard and truck-bed friendly” than “toss it in the hatchback.” The cast iron surface adds welcome thermal mass but also weight. Two people can lift it into a pickup without drama; solo, I roll it via the casters and ramps. The shelves fold down smoothly and latch securely for storage. On the move, the cart has some flex; nothing alarming, but it’s not a heavy-duty restaurant stand, so bypass curbs and lift over thresholds.

For tailgates and field days, the footprint works well. I cooked a full breakfast for eight—pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash—without playing Tetris. For burgers, you can comfortably do 12–16 patties per batch with room to toast buns.

Versatility with the lid

The lid is a real asset. It’s not airtight—think roasting, not true smoking—but it expands what you can do. I’ve used it to:
- Finish bone-in thighs without over-charring the exterior
- Melt cheese and steam veggies with a quick splash of water
- Shield the surface from wind on blustery days
- Maintain a steady bake on skillet cornbread

If you want actual smoke, a foil pouch of chips near the burner and the lid down will give you a kiss of flavor, not low-and-slow barbecue. That’s appropriate for a griddle.

Fuel and compatibility: an important note

This griddle is configured for high-pressure propane. That delivers the punchy flame profile I experienced, but it has two implications:
- Use the supplied high-pressure regulator and hose with a standard propane tank.
- If you plan to hook into a low-pressure RV quick-connect or a built-in patio line, you’ll need a proper conversion or a different unit. Don’t mix pressure systems; it’s unsafe and will perform poorly.

For backyard tank users, it’s plug-and-cook. For RVers, confirm your setup before purchase.

Durability and weather care

The stainless body panels and porcelain-enameled cook surface resist rust better than painted mild steel and raw plate, but they’re not immune. After a week of humid weather under a cover, I noticed light surface rust beginning on a couple of fasteners and at an uncoated edge near a cutout. A quick touch-up with oil and a rust inhibitor stopped it. If you live near the coast or store the unit outdoors, I recommend:
- Keeping it covered only once fully cool and dry
- Wiping the perimeter edges with a light oil film after cleaning
- Periodically checking fasteners and touching up exposed steel

The cart itself is light gauge. It holds steady during normal use, and the shelves are fine for plates and light pans, but I wouldn’t park a heavy Dutch oven on the folded shelves. The casters lock securely; on uneven pavers I used shims to level the cook surface.

Day-to-day usability

• Preheat: 8–10 minutes to sear, faster for eggs and pancakes
• Zones: Three controllable heat zones make cooking multiple items easy
• Noise/feel: Burners produce a noticeable, steady roar on high; it’s normal for high-pressure setups
• Space: 625 sq. in. feels generous without being sprawling; plenty for families and small gatherings
• Tools: Use flat, nonmetal scrapers and spatulas to protect the enamel; metal will work but increases chip risk over time

Who it’s for

• Tailgaters and event cooks who want real searing power and a generous surface without a permanent patio footprint
• Backyard griddle fans who prefer easy cleanup over the higher-maintenance ritual of raw steel seasoning
• Cooks who want the option to roast with a lid and shield the surface from wind

Who should look elsewhere

• RV owners seeking a plug-in to low-pressure quick-connects
• Buyers in extremely wet or coastal environments who won’t maintain or shelter the unit—stainless and enamel help, but hardware and edges still need attention
• Anyone wanting a heavy, restaurant-grade cart with zero flex

The bottom line

The Llamaviva griddle hits a sweet spot: serious heat, a legitimately useful lid, and a surface that cleans up fast. The cooking experience is excellent—predictable zones, strong sear, and enough room to run a multi-course breakfast or a burger party without juggling. The cart is on the lighter side and benefits from gentle handling when moving, and you’ll want to be mindful of rust at exposed edges and hardware, especially in humid climates. The high-pressure fuel configuration is a strength for performance, but do make sure it matches your setup.

Recommendation: I recommend the Llamaviva 3-burner griddle to anyone who wants a portable, high-output flat top with easy cleanup and versatile cooking options. It’s a great fit for tailgates, backyard cooks, and family gatherings. Just pair it with the right regulator, store it dry, and treat the cart and hardware with basic care, and you’ll get strong, reliable performance for the price.