Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo Review: The Ultimate Portable Outdoor Kitchen?

I can still picture the chaos of our last big camping trip before we found a better solution. We had a small, wobbly portable grill for burgers, a separate single-burner camp stove for boiling water for coffee, and an old electric griddle we’d run off an inverter for pancakes in the morning. The tailgate of my truck looked like a kitchen appliance aisle had exploded. It was a constant shuffle of propane tanks, extension cords, and cooking surfaces, all while trying to manage hungry kids and unpredictable weather. More time was spent setting up and tearing down than actually enjoying the meal. We knew there had to be a more streamlined, efficient way to handle outdoor cooking without sacrificing versatility. The dream was a single, compact unit that could do it all, freeing up precious space and time so we could focus on what camping is really about: relaxing and making memories.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Grill

A portable propane grill, especially a combo unit, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom in the great outdoors. It solves the fundamental problem of limited space and resources when you’re away from your home kitchen. The main benefits are immense: unparalleled convenience, the ability to cook a wide variety of meals anywhere, and the elimination of the need to pack multiple cooking devices. It transforms a simple campsite or tailgate party into a gourmet experience, allowing you to sear, sauté, grill, and boil with the turn of a knob. It’s the centerpiece of any successful outdoor gathering, providing hot, delicious food efficiently and reliably.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who lives for adventure and convenience. This includes avid campers, RV enthusiasts, dedicated tailgaters, and even those with small apartment balconies who crave a real grilling experience. If you value portability, versatility, and quick setup, a tabletop grill/griddle combo is designed for you. However, it might not be suitable for those who primarily cook for very large crowds at home. If you need six or more burners and a massive cooking surface for neighborhood block parties, a larger, stationary cabinet-style grill would be a better investment. Similarly, if your sole need is to boil massive pots of water for crawfish boils, a specialized high-BTU single burner might be more appropriate.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Portability is key. Look at the folded dimensions and weight (the Royal Gourmet PD1305H weighs a manageable 32.7 pounds). Will it fit in your car trunk or RV storage compartment easily? When set up, does its tabletop footprint work for your typical camping table or tailgate setup?
• Capacity/Performance: BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the measure of heat output. The combined 29,000 BTUs of this unit is impressive for its size, indicating it can heat up quickly and maintain temperature. Also, consider the total cooking area—364 square inches is ample for a family of 4-6, but be realistic about how many burgers or pancakes you can cook at once.
• Materials & Durability: The longevity of your grill depends on its construction. Look for stainless steel burners, as they resist rust and corrosion. Cooking surfaces with a porcelain-enamel coating, like those on the Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo, are excellent for providing even heat and simplifying cleanup. The main body should be made of sturdy, powder-coated steel to withstand the rigors of travel.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a piezo ignition system are a huge plus, offering reliable, battery-free starting with a simple push and turn. For maintenance, a well-designed grease management system is non-negotiable. Removable grease cups make post-cookout cleanup vastly easier and prevent flare-ups, ensuring the grill is ready for your next adventure with minimal fuss.

While the Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo is an excellent choice for many, 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:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Royal Gourmet PD1305H

Upon arrival, the Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo was packaged securely, a detail noted by other users who received their units without any shipping damage. Pulling it out of the box, our first thought was that it felt more substantial than expected for a portable unit. The griddle plate, in particular, has a satisfying heft that speaks to its quality and heat-retention capabilities. Assembly was remarkably straightforward and took less than 20 minutes, requiring just a few simple steps to attach the handles and regulator. This ease of setup is a massive win for a product designed for quick deployment in the field. The powder-coated steel body feels robust, and the stainless steel control panel and handle add a touch of premium quality. The two lids fit snugly and feel sturdy; the side burner lid is cleverly designed to double as a small shelf, a feature we immediately appreciated for holding utensils or seasonings. Compared to flimsier camping stoves we’ve used in the past, the build quality here inspires confidence right from the start. You can see the full list of included components and specs to get a better sense of its construction.

A Deep Dive into the Royal Gourmet PD1305H’s Real-World Performance

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product like the Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo, you have to put it through its paces. We took it on a weekend camping trip, making it our sole cooking appliance to see if it could truly replace the jumble of gear we used to haul. From breakfast pancakes to late-night burgers, we tested every feature, and here’s our comprehensive breakdown of how it performed.

The 3-in-1 Cooking System: A True Outdoor Kitchen?

The core promise of this unit is its versatility, and we were eager to see if it delivered. We started our first morning with a classic campfire breakfast: bacon, eggs, and pancakes on the griddle side, while simultaneously heating a kettle on the side burner for coffee. The 211 square inch porcelain-enameled griddle heated up remarkably evenly, thanks to the dedicated burner beneath it. We laid down a full pack of bacon and were impressed that there were no significant hot or cold spots; the strips cooked at a consistent rate from end to end. This even-heating characteristic was a sentiment echoed by multiple users, who praised how well it cooks. Once the bacon was done, the griddle held its heat perfectly for frying eggs and cooking a batch of pancakes. There was enough room to cook for four people simultaneously without feeling overly cramped.

For dinner, we switched to the grill. The 153 square inch grill area is perfect for about six to eight standard-sized burgers. The porcelain-enameled grate produced excellent sear marks, and the flame tamers underneath did a good job of minimizing flare-ups, even with fatty ground beef. We also grilled asparagus and corn on the cob, and the heat control was precise enough to cook them through without charring them to a crisp. The side burner, powered by a potent 12,000 BTU element, was no slouch. It brought our kettle of water to a rolling boil faster than our old standalone camp stove. This three-pronged functionality truly makes the Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo feel like a complete, miniaturized outdoor kitchen. It seamlessly handles multiple cooking tasks at once, a capability that fundamentally changes the outdoor cooking experience for the better.

Power and Portability: The 29,000 BTU Engine in a Tabletop Frame

Versatility is useless without the power to back it up. With a total output of 29,000 BTUs across three burners, the PD1305H has serious firepower for its size. This became evident during preheating. On a slightly breezy afternoon, both the grill and griddle sides were ready to cook in under five minutes. This rapid heating is a huge advantage when you have a hungry crew waiting. The power also means it recovers temperature quickly after you add cold food to the surface, ensuring a proper sear rather than a slow, disappointing steam.

Despite this power, its design is centered on portability. Weighing in at just under 33 pounds and with compact dimensions, it was easy for one person to carry from the car to the picnic table. It sits securely on any flat surface and connects to a standard propane tank with ease. We found it to be the perfect size for our adventures—large enough to cook a full meal, but small enough not to be a burden. This blend of high performance and easy handling is precisely what makes it such a compelling option for campers and tailgaters. Many users specifically purchased it to replace multiple, bulkier items in their camper, confirming that it hits the sweet spot of capability and convenience. This powerful and portable design is its defining feature.

Design, Durability, and Day-to-Day Use

Beyond the core cooking functions, the thoughtful design elements of the Royal Gourmet PD1305H make it a pleasure to use. The battery-free piezo ignition is a standout feature, firing up the burners on the first or second click every single time. This eliminates the frustration of searching for a lighter or dealing with dead batteries, a small but significant detail when you’re outdoors. The lids are another brilliant touch. The main griddle lid protects the surface during transport and acts as an effective wind guard while cooking. The side burner lid, as mentioned, doubles as a sturdy shelf capable of holding up to 10 pounds—perfect for a bottle of BBQ sauce, a plate, or your cooking utensils.

Cleanup is often the worst part of outdoor cooking, but Royal Gourmet has made it impressively simple. The porcelain-enameled surfaces are naturally non-stick and wipe clean with a paper towel while still warm. For a deeper clean, both the grill grates and the griddle top are removable. The real star of the show is the grease management system. Two removable grease cups, one for each side, catch all the drippings. They slide out easily for disposal and cleaning, preventing messy spills on your table or ground. This focus on easy maintenance, confirmed by numerous users who rave about its easy cleanup, ensures that you’ll want to use the grill again and again. The robust steel construction suggests it will hold up well to the bumps and scrapes of travel, offering a durable solution for years of outdoor feasts. The overall build quality is impressive for its price point, offering fantastic value.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from fellow owners, a clear and positive consensus emerges. The overwhelming sentiment is that the Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo is a game-changer for outdoor activities. One user called it the “perfect camping cook stove,” highlighting its light weight, easy cleaning, and great value. Another, who used it for a holiday weekend, simply stated it was the “Best purchase ever!” and praised its even cooking performance. Many, like us, were thrilled that it could replace two or three separate appliances in their camper, saving a significant amount of space and hassle. The sturdy build and the surprisingly heavy, high-quality griddle plate were also common points of praise.

However, the feedback wasn’t without minor criticisms. The most frequent request by far is for a dedicated carrying case or cover. As one user aptly put it, “I only need a bag to store it and a table that is adaptable.” This is a valid point; a custom-fit bag would make transport even easier and protect the unit better. There was also an isolated report of a unit arriving with a missing cover for the side burner, which appears to be a rare packaging error rather than a design flaw. These minor issues, however, do little to detract from the widespread satisfaction with the unit’s core performance and versatility.

How Does the Royal Gourmet PD1305H Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Royal Gourmet PD1305H excels in its niche of portable versatility, it’s important to understand how it fits into the broader market of propane cooking appliances. Different needs call for different tools, and these alternatives cater to other types of outdoor chefs.

1. Sophia & William 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill

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The Sophia & William 4-Burner grill is a traditional, full-size cabinet-style BBQ. It’s designed for backyard patios, not campsites. With four main burners, a side burner, and a much larger cooking surface, it’s built to entertain larger groups at home. It offers significantly more cooking area and raw power (42,000 BTUs) than the Royal Gourmet. However, it is completely stationary and requires a large footprint. If your primary need is a powerful home grilling station and you have no intention of taking it on the road, the Sophia & William is a more suitable choice. It sacrifices portability entirely for at-home capacity.

2. ARC Advanced Royal Champion 200,000BTU Single Burner Propane Stove

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The ARC Single Burner is a specialist’s tool. With a staggering 200,000 BTU output from a single, high-pressure burner, its purpose is singular: to apply massive amounts of heat to very large pots. This is the ideal cooker for turkey frying, large-scale seafood boils, or homebrewing. It offers zero versatility for grilling or griddling. While technically portable, it’s designed for a specific, high-heat task. Choose the ARC burner if your outdoor cooking revolves around one huge pot; for anyone wanting to cook a varied meal of burgers, eggs, and vegetables, the Royal Gourmet’s 3-in-1 system is infinitely more practical.

3. Monument Grills 4+2 Burner Propane Gas Grill

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The Monument Grills 4+2 Burner represents a premium, feature-rich backyard grilling experience. Like the Sophia & William, it’s a large, cabinet-style unit meant for home use. What sets it apart are its advanced features, such as an infrared side sear burner for achieving steakhouse-quality crusts and a clear-view lid. It offers immense power and precision for the serious home grill master. This is the choice for the enthusiast who wants top-tier features and is willing to invest in a permanent outdoor kitchen setup. It competes in a different league entirely, prioritizing advanced grilling technology over the portability and all-in-one convenience of the Royal Gourmet PD1305H.

The Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Royal Gourmet PD1305H?

After extensive hands-on testing and analyzing feedback from dozens of users, our verdict is clear: the Royal Gourmet PD1305H 3 Burner Propane Grill Griddle Combo is an outstanding piece of outdoor cooking equipment that delivers emphatically on its promise of versatility and convenience. It successfully combines a powerful griddle, a capable grill, and a functional side burner into one compact, easy-to-transport package. Its robust construction, thoughtful design features like the piezo ignition and clever lids, and incredibly easy cleanup process make it a joy to use.

This is the ultimate cooking solution for campers, RV owners, tailgaters, or anyone who needs a powerful and versatile kitchen on the go. It eliminates clutter, saves precious space, and elevates what’s possible for an outdoor meal. While it may not be large enough to host a massive block party, it is perfectly sized for families and small groups. If you’re tired of juggling multiple devices and want a single, reliable appliance that can do it all, we can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s a fantastic value that will revolutionize your adventures. Ready to simplify your outdoor cooking setup? You can check the latest price and order your own Royal Gourmet PD1305H today.

Last update on 2025-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API