There’s a certain magic to the sizzle of burgers on a hot grill, the aroma of barbecue smoke wafting through the neighborhood on a warm summer evening. For me, the grill is the centerpiece of countless family gatherings and weekend cookouts. But I also remember the frustration of my old, undersized grill—the one with sputtering burners, unpredictable hot spots, and not nearly enough room to cook for a crowd. Juggling cooking times, fighting flare-ups, and serving lukewarm side dishes was a constant battle. The search for a new grill became a mission: find a powerful, spacious, and reliable unit that could handle a feast for the whole crew without commanding a premium price tag. This quest for the ultimate combination of performance, size, and value is what led us to put the Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill through its paces.
- Ample Cooking Space: This grill offers 632 sq. in. of cooking space, enough for 29 burgers at once. It features 483 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron...
- Excellent Performance: This propane gas grill has 5 main burners (10,000 BTU each), and a lidded side burner (10,000 BTU). 6 stainless steel burners offer...
What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Gas Grill
A propane grill is more than just an outdoor appliance; it’s a key solution for convenient, controllable, and consistent cooking. Unlike charcoal grills that require significant time to heat up and have a steep learning curve for temperature management, propane grills offer instant ignition and precise heat adjustments with the turn of a knob. This makes them perfect for quick weeknight dinners and elaborate weekend barbecues alike. The main benefits are speed, ease of use, and cleaner operation, allowing you to focus on the food and the company, not on tending a fire. For anyone who values efficiency and repeatable results, a propane grill is an indispensable backyard tool.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently hosts gatherings, from small family dinners to larger neighborhood parties, and needs the capacity and power to deliver. They value the convenience of gas but still want the robust performance to achieve a perfect sear. On the other hand, this type of large, multi-burner grill might not be suitable for those with limited patio space, such as apartment dwellers or those with small townhome backyards. Likewise, barbecue purists who swear by the specific flavor imparted by charcoal or wood smoke might prefer a traditional kettle or smoker. For them, the convenience of gas may not outweigh the allure of solid-fuel cooking.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your available outdoor space carefully. A grill like this, with dimensions of 52.95″ W x 25.2″ D, requires a significant footprint, especially when you account for safe clearance from walls and railings. Consider not just the grill itself, but also the space needed for the side tables to be functional and for you to move around it comfortably.
- Capacity/Performance: The total BTU (British Thermal Unit) output is a measure of heat production, and the 61,000 BTUs of this model signals serious power. Equally important is the primary cooking area—483 sq. in. in this case—which determines how much food you can cook at once. For a family of four, 400-500 sq. in. is ample, while frequent entertainers will appreciate having over 600 sq. in. of total space, including the warming rack.
- Materials & Durability: Look for quality materials that will withstand the elements. Stainless steel burners and a double-layer lid, as found on the Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill, are good indicators of longevity and heat retention. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are prized for their ability to hold heat and create beautiful sear marks, but they require proper maintenance to prevent rust.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a push-button ignition, built-in thermometer, and tool holders add to the user experience. For cleanup, a removable grease tray and cup are non-negotiable for preventing grease fires and making post-cookout maintenance less of a chore. The easier a grill is to clean, the more you’ll want to use it.
While the Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill is an excellent choice, 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:
- High-Heat Propane Gas BBQ Grill – This 4-burner gas grill with an additional 8,500 BTU side burner delivers a total of 46,500 BTU. Enjoy rapid...
- ❤ STAINLESS STEEL BURNERS: This propane gas grill has 3 Stainless Steel burners, can put out 30,000 BTU-per-hour with integrated piezoelectric ignition...
- Heavy-Duty Griddle Plate – Built with a 4mm thick, reinforced hot-pressed steel griddle that ensures excellent heat retention and durability. Perfect for...
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Mix of Excitement and Elbow Grease
The Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill arrived in a single, heavy box that hinted at the substantial piece of equipment within. Upon opening it, we found the components were tightly and cleverly packed, with many of the smaller parts nestled inside the pre-assembled firebox and lid assembly, just as some users had noted. The brushed stainless steel finish on the lid and control panel looked sharp and felt more premium than its price point might suggest. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates felt weighty and substantial in hand, a promising sign for future searing performance.
However, any excitement was quickly tempered by the sheer number of parts and the bag of hardware. It was immediately clear that assembly would be a project, not a simple task. This aligns with a wide range of user feedback, and we braced ourselves for the process. While the individual components felt sturdy enough, the task of putting them all together correctly looked daunting. It’s a moment where you understand this grill is built to a budget, with the trade-off being that the consumer handles the labor. You can check the latest price and availability to see if that trade-off is right for you.
What We Like
- Massive 632 sq. in. total cooking area for large gatherings
- High 61,000 BTU total output for fast preheating and powerful searing
- Versatile side burner for preparing sauces and side dishes
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates provide excellent heat retention
- Effective and easy-to-clean grease management system
What We Didn’t Like
- Assembly is complex, time-consuming, and instructions can be unclear
- Significant uneven heat distribution with an intense hot zone at the front
- Reports of damaged or misaligned parts upon delivery
In-Depth Performance Analysis: Power, Space, and a Critical Flaw
After the build, it was time for the real test: firing it up and cooking. A grill’s worth is ultimately measured in the quality of the food it produces and the experience of using it. We put the Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill through a series of culinary trials, from delicate vegetables to thick-cut steaks, to see how its impressive specs translated to real-world performance. The results were a fascinating mix of impressive power and frustrating quirks.
The Assembly Gauntlet: A Test of Patience
Let’s be blunt: assembling the Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill is a significant undertaking. Our experience mirrored that of many users who reported spending anywhere from two to four hours on the task. The instruction manual relies heavily on diagrams which, at times, can be difficult to decipher. As one 74-year-old user astutely pointed out, trying to distinguish black screws against black metal surfaces in poor lighting is a recipe for frustration. We highly recommend laying out all your parts in an organized fashion, using a good light source, and having a helper on hand, especially for attaching the main grill body to the cart.
While we managed to complete the assembly without any faulty parts, we can’t ignore the numerous online reports from customers who received bent frames, dented panels, or misaligned screw holes. This suggests some inconsistency in quality control during manufacturing and packaging. If you receive a damaged unit, assembly can become impossible, turning an exciting purchase into a major headache. For us, it took two people about two and a half hours, a couple of cold drinks, and a healthy dose of patience. The final product felt reasonably sturdy, but the journey to get there is a definite drawback that potential buyers must be prepared for.
Unleashing the Heat: 61,000 BTUs of Grilling Power
Once assembled, the raw power of this grill is immediately apparent. With five main burners delivering 50,000 BTUs and an additional 10,000 BTU side burner, the Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill heats up remarkably fast. We were able to reach over 600°F in under 10 minutes, confirming one user’s claim of hitting 700°F. This intense heat is fantastic for achieving a deep, flavorful sear on steaks and burgers. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates do an exceptional job of retaining that heat and creating professional-looking grill marks.
The sheer size of the cooking surface is a game-changer for anyone used to a smaller grill. The 483 sq. in. primary area, plus the 149 sq. in. warming rack, provides a cavernous space to cook for a crowd. We easily fit two dozen burgers on the main grates with room to spare. The ability to create different heat zones by adjusting the five burners independently offers great cooking flexibility. The lidded side burner is another highlight, proving invaluable for simmering barbecue sauce or sautéing onions while the main course cooks. From a pure power and capacity standpoint, this grill performs like a much more expensive model.
The Elephant in the Firebox: Unpacking the Uneven Heating Issue
For all its power, the Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill has a critical design flaw that we simply cannot overlook. As several astute users discovered and photographed, the front few inches of each burner tube have double the number of gas ports (orifices) compared to the rest of the burner. This creates a band of intensely high heat running across the entire front of the cooking grate. During our tests, this was not a subtle difference; it was a night-and-day disparity. Chicken wings placed in this zone would char and burn on the outside before the inside was cooked, while wings at the back of the grill cooked slowly and evenly.
This “hot zone” effectively reduces the usable cooking area for anything that requires moderate, even heat. It forces a constant, vigilant rotation of food to prevent burning, which negates much of the convenience of having such a large grill. Reaching over this super-hot area to access food at the back is also uncomfortable. We found ourselves primarily using the middle and back two-thirds of the grill for most cooking, reserving the front for a “sear and move” technique on steaks. Furthermore, as one user rightly noted, this design likely leads to higher propane consumption than necessary. It’s a baffling engineering choice that seriously compromises the grill’s overall performance and is the single biggest reason for hesitation before purchasing this unit. It’s a flaw that requires you to learn the grill’s personality and adapt your cooking style to it, which is something a beginner may struggle with. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to decide if you’re up for the challenge.
Livability and Cleanup: The Day-to-Day Experience
Putting the major heating issue aside, the day-to-day usability of the grill is quite good. The electronic ignition system worked reliably on every burner, firing them up on the first or second try. The control knobs feel solid and offer a good range of adjustment. The side shelves are sturdy and provide much-needed prep space for plates, tools, and seasonings. The built-in tool hooks are a small but appreciated touch that keeps your spatulas and tongs within easy reach.
Where the grill truly shines in convenience is its cleanup process. The grease management system, consisting of a full-width, slide-out grease tray and a smaller, removable grease cup, is incredibly effective. It funnels away drippings efficiently, minimizing the risk of flare-ups and making post-cookout cleaning a breeze. Simply slide out the tray, wipe it down, and empty the cup. This is a feature often found on more expensive grills, and its inclusion here is a major plus that makes maintaining the Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill a much more pleasant task. The overall build feels solid for its price point, and its practical features add significant value.
What Other Users Are Saying
A survey of user experiences reveals a consistent and divided story. On one hand, there is a chorus of praise for the grill’s performance once it’s up and running. One happy customer states, “Once you finally get it assembled, this grill delivers fantastic grilling performance that exceeded my expectations.” Many others echo this, highlighting the great heat output, large size, and excellent value, with one simply calling it a “nice sturdy grill for $300.”
However, this praise is almost always accompanied by two significant caveats. The first is the assembly, which is universally described as challenging, with one user rating the process a “2 out of 5 stars.” The second, and more critical complaint, which we emphatically confirmed in our testing, is the uneven heat. One detailed review explains, “The burners have double orifices… This creates a larger flame and more intense heat for several inches on the front side,” leading to food that “gets burned while food in back is still raw.” Compounding these issues are the troubling reports of quality control lapses, with several buyers receiving units with bent frames or dented panels, making assembly impossible from the start.
How Does the Royal Gourmet GA5401T Compare to the Competition?
While the Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill offers a lot of firepower for the money, it’s wise to consider some alternatives that may offer a more balanced experience. The market for affordable propane grills is competitive, with several models offering different strengths.
1. EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill
- High-Heat Propane Gas BBQ Grill – This 4-burner gas grill with an additional 8,500 BTU side burner delivers a total of 46,500 BTU. Enjoy rapid...
- Spacious Cooking Area for Gatherings – With 458 sq. in. of total space, including 332.28 sq. in. main grilling area and 125.28 sq. in. warming rack, this...
The EUHOME 4-Burner grill presents a slightly more compact and less powerful option. With 46,500 total BTUs and four main burners, it doesn’t have the raw searing capability of the Royal Gourmet, but this can also lead to more manageable and even heat distribution. It’s an excellent choice for someone with a slightly smaller patio or who doesn’t typically cook for a huge crowd. If your priority is a more straightforward cooking experience over maximum size and power, and you want to save a little space, the EUHOME is a very compelling alternative.
2. Monument Grills Mesa415BZ 4+1 Burner Propane Gas Grill
- PORCELAIN-ENAMELED CAST IRON GRATES : Achieve optimal flavor with our durable, easy-to-clean porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, ensuring even heat...
- ADVANCED SEAR-REACH UP TO 650F° In 10 MINUTES: Unlike conventional burners with side flame holes, this sear zone showcases U-shaped fire holes at the...
The Monument Grills Mesa415BZ is a direct competitor, offering a similar power profile with 62,000 total BTUs across four main burners and a side burner. Monument Grills has developed a reputation for solid construction and reliable performance in this price range. This model could be the ideal choice for a buyer who is intrigued by the power of the Royal Gourmet but is wary of the reported uneven heating issues and quality control problems. It represents a potentially safer bet for achieving a consistent, even cook across the entire grill surface.
3. Monument Grills 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- 52000 BTUs COOKING POWER - Four main burners and one side burner with total 52,000 BTUs deliver powerful heat and great grilling experience
- LARGE COOKING AREA - 570 square inches of total cooking area offers plenty of grilling space; 405 square inches of primary cooking area and 165 square...
This larger model from Monument Grills offers a significant upgrade in terms of features and aesthetics: a fully enclosed cabinet-style cart. This design not only provides a cleaner, more streamlined look by hiding the propane tank but also offers valuable, weather-protected storage for grilling tools and accessories. While it features four burners instead of five, its heavy-duty construction and added convenience make it a worthy upgrade for those willing to invest a bit more for a more premium, organized, and permanent-feeling setup in their backyard kitchen.
The Final Verdict: A Powerful Performer with a Major Caveat
The Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5 Burner Propane Gas Grill is a product of extremes. On one hand, it delivers an incredible amount of cooking space and raw heating power that rivals grills costing twice as much. The cast iron grates, side burner, and easy-to-clean grease system are all fantastic features that make a real difference. For the price, the sheer amount of grill you get is hard to beat.
On the other hand, it is held back by two significant flaws: a difficult, often frustrating assembly process and, most critically, a burner design that creates a severe hot zone at the front of the grill. This uneven heating is not a minor quirk; it’s a fundamental performance issue that requires you to actively manage your cooking to avoid burnt food. Therefore, we recommend this grill specifically to the budget-conscious, experienced griller who is willing to put in the effort during assembly and learn to work around the grill’s fiery personality. If you’re a beginner seeking a simple, predictable grilling experience, you may want to look at the alternatives. But if you value power and size above all else and are up for a challenge, the Royal Gourmet GA5401T offers a tremendous amount of potential for a very reasonable price.
Last update on 2025-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API