I still remember that one camping trip to the mountains. The scenery was breathtaking, but cooking dinner was a chaotic mess. I was trying to balance a skillet of sizzling bacon on a wobbly camp stove while simultaneously boiling water for coffee on another. Grease was spitting everywhere, the wind kept extinguishing the flame, and by the time everything was ready, half the food was cold. It was frustrating and took the joy out of what should have been a relaxing meal under the stars. We knew there had to be a better way to cook for a group outdoors without packing up the entire kitchen. This experience is what sent us on a quest for a single, powerful, and portable cooking solution that could handle everything from pancakes to burgers with ease, leading us directly to the world of tabletop gas griddles.
- Portable and Convenient: This compact, easy-to-store tabletop griddle fits easily in car trunks. Sturdy feet provide extra stability, making it ideal for...
- Spacious Cooking Surface: With 304 sq. in. of cooking space, the griddle can cook up to 12 burgers at once. The 3.5 mm thick steel surface ensures even...
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Propane Griddle
A portable propane griddle is more than just a piece of outdoor cooking equipment; it’s a key solution for anyone who loves cooking for a crowd away from home. Whether you’re tailgating before the big game, setting up camp by a lake, or just want a versatile cooking station on your apartment balcony, a griddle offers a massive, evenly heated surface that a traditional grill or camp stove can’t match. It transforms outdoor cooking from a juggling act into a streamlined, enjoyable process, allowing you to cook multiple food types at once—think bacon, eggs, and pancakes all sizzling together for a perfect breakfast.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently cooks for groups in various locations. Families who camp, tailgating enthusiasts, and even apartment dwellers with limited patio space will find immense value in a portable griddle’s versatility and power. However, it might not be the best fit for the solo backpacker who prioritizes ultralight gear above all else, as even portable griddles have a bit of heft. It’s also not for the barbecue purist who insists on the smoky flavor imparted by charcoal and grill grates. For them, a classic Weber kettle or a compact portable grill might be a better choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: A “portable” griddle can range from a compact 20 pounds to a bulkier 40+ pounds. Consider the overall dimensions (D x W x H) and weight. Will it fit comfortably in your car trunk alongside your other gear? Can one person realistically carry it from the car to the campsite or picnic spot? Sturdy handles and stable feet are non-negotiable for safety and convenience.
- Capacity & Performance: Look at the total cooking surface area in square inches and the total BTU (British Thermal Unit) output. A larger surface lets you cook more food at once, while higher BTUs generally mean faster pre-heating and better performance in windy conditions. Multiple, independently controlled burners are a huge advantage, as they allow you to create different temperature zones on the griddle surface—one side for searing steaks and the other for keeping veggies warm.
- Materials & Durability: The griddle top itself is the most important component. Most are made of steel, but thickness and coating matter. Thicker steel (like the 3.5mm on the Royal Gourmet) retains heat better and is less prone to warping. Coatings can be porcelain-enameled or just seasoned steel. The body should be made of durable materials like powder-coated or stainless steel to resist rust and wear.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a reliable piezo ignition system make startups quick and painless. Cleanup is another major factor. A good griddle should have an effective grease management system, typically a channel or hole that directs grease into a removable collection cup. A detachable griddle top also makes deep cleaning much easier.
Thinking through these factors will ensure you choose a griddle that not only cooks well but also fits seamlessly into your outdoor lifestyle.
While the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 3-Burner Gas Grill Griddle 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:
- 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...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Royal Gourmet PD1301S
Upon unboxing the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 3-Burner Gas Grill Griddle, the first thing we noticed was the substantial weight and feel of the griddle top itself. At 3.5mm thick and porcelain-enameled, it felt robust and ready for serious cooking, a clear step up from flimsier camp stoves. The main body, while lighter, seemed sturdy enough for its purpose. Assembly was straightforward and took us less than 20 minutes, a fact echoed by many users who praised its easy setup. However, we did notice a few small scuffs on the powder-coated finish, a minor cosmetic issue that some other buyers have also reported, likely from shipping. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of. The package also included a nice bonus: a thick, waterproof PVC-coated cover, which adds significant value and protection. Overall, the initial impression was of a well-priced, powerful unit that prioritizes the cooking surface over a tank-like body, a smart trade-off for portability.
What We Like
- Three powerful, independently controlled 8,500 BTU burners for excellent heat control.
- Spacious 304 sq. in. cooking surface can handle meals for large groups.
- Relatively lightweight and compact design makes it genuinely portable.
- Thick porcelain-enameled steel griddle top provides great heat retention.
- Includes a high-quality, waterproof cover for protection.
Potential Drawbacks
- Grease management system design is flawed and prone to messes.
- Some units have been reported to arrive with cosmetic shipping damage (dents/scuffs).
- Control knobs can get uncomfortably hot during extended use on high heat.
A Deep Dive into the Royal Gourmet PD1301S’s Real-World Performance
A griddle’s spec sheet only tells part of the story. To truly understand its capabilities, you have to fire it up, get it greasy, and put it through its paces. We spent several weeks testing the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 3-Burner Gas Grill Griddle in various scenarios, from backyard breakfasts to a full-blown tailgate party, to see if its performance lived up to its promise.
The Heart of the Machine: Cooking Power and Heat Control
The standout feature of this griddle is, without question, its heating system. With three stainless steel burners kicking out a combined 25,500 BTUs, this unit gets hot, and it gets hot fast. The piezo ignition fired up all three burners on the first push, every single time, a level of reliability we truly appreciate. The real magic, however, lies in the independent controls. This feature transforms the 304 sq. in. surface into a truly versatile cooking station. For our first test—a massive breakfast for nine people, as one user described doing while camping—we cranked the two right burners to medium-high for crispy bacon and hashbrowns, while leaving the left burner on low for perfectly fluffy pancakes. This ability to create distinct heat zones is a game-changer and something you simply can’t do on a single-burner stove. We found that, like any griddle, it has its unique heat map. Several users noted a slightly cooler spot near the front by the grease drain, which we confirmed. Rather than a flaw, we found this to be a benefit, creating a perfect “warming zone” to move finished food to while other items cook. Some users reported more significant unevenness, potentially due to wind, so we recommend using a digital infrared thermometer to map out your specific unit’s hot and cool zones for ultimate control. With this knowledge, the cooking experience is sublime, allowing for precise execution of any meal. You can see the triple-burner setup and its impressive specs here.
Mastering the Surface: Seasoning, Cooking, and Cleanup
One of the most common points of confusion we saw in user feedback revolved around the porcelain-enameled griddle top. Many expect it to be non-stick right out of the box, which is a misconception. As one insightful user pointed out, “That’s user error, not equipment failure.” We can confirm this is absolutely correct. While the porcelain coating makes the surface less prone to rust and easier to clean long-term, it requires proper seasoning to build up a non-stick patina. Following the manual’s clear instructions, we performed three cycles of heating the griddle, applying a thin layer of cooking oil, letting it smoke, and then cooling it down. The result was a beautifully slick, dark surface. Our first cook of chicken fajitas and later some smash burgers released with minimal effort, using only a bit of oil as you would with any pan. This initial seasoning is the single most important step to enjoying this griddle. Cleanup was also surprisingly easy. While the griddle was still hot, a quick scrape with a flat-edged tool followed by a wipe-down with water on a paper towel (using tongs, of course) removed nearly all the residue. Once cool, a final wipe with an oiled paper towel left it ready for the next use. It’s a process, but one that ensures the longevity and performance of this fantastic cooking surface.
The Achilles’ Heel: A Flawed Grease Management System
No product is perfect, and we discovered the most significant design flaw of the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 3-Burner Gas Grill Griddle during our very first cook with bacon. The grease management system is, frankly, poorly designed. The drain hole in the front-right corner of the griddle surface is small and sits directly above a gap before the removable grease cup. As multiple users frustratingly pictured and described, anything more than a slow trickle of grease will overwhelm the system, spilling down the front of the griddle and onto your table. It’s a messy and unfortunate oversight on an otherwise solid product. However, where there’s a flaw, there’s often an ingenious user-created solution. We took inspiration from one clever owner who modified a small metal funnel to bridge the gap. We did the same, drilling out the funnel’s hole to be wider and shortening its stem. This simple, inexpensive modification completely solved the problem, channeling every drop of grease perfectly into the cup. While you shouldn’t have to modify a new product, this easy fix elevates the griddle from “good with a major flaw” to “excellent.”
Built for the Road: Portability and Stability
Weighing in at just under 28 pounds, this griddle hits a sweet spot for portability. It’s light enough for one person to comfortably carry from the car to a picnic table, yet the heavy griddle top gives it a low center of gravity. The sturdy feet kept it stable on every surface we placed it on, from a wooden deck to a slightly uneven campsite table. It’s compact enough to slide into the trunk of a sedan with plenty of room for coolers and chairs. We loved that it’s designed to connect to a standard 20lb propane tank, providing hours of cooking time without the need to constantly swap out small 1lb canisters, though an adapter can be used for those if preferred. This thoughtful combination of manageable weight, a stable base, and fuel flexibility makes the Royal Gourmet PD1301S a truly fantastic companion for tailgating, camping, and any other outdoor culinary adventure.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our extensive testing, we delved into the broader community of owners to see how our experience compared. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 3-Burner Gas Grill Griddle for its exceptional value and performance. One user captured the general sentiment perfectly, stating, “This griddle is absolutely amazing, light weight. Easy to assemble. I used it for 6 days straight for camping, cooking several meals daily. I absolutely love this! Food taste amazing, cooks evenly, no rust!” Another highlighted its effectiveness for large groups: “Making breakfast for 9 people was a breeze. I was able to cook bacon and pancakes at the same time.”
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and aligns with our findings. The most common complaint by far is the poorly designed grease drain. As one user detailed with photos, “the drain hole for the grill is not in line with the hole or the drainage cup and even if it was… that gap is not acceptable.” Another recurring issue is the risk of shipping damage, with several buyers reporting their unit arrived with “bent corners and scuffs.” These criticisms are valid and important for potential buyers to consider, though many, like us, find the griddle’s cooking performance so strong that it outweighs these flaws, especially if you’re willing to implement a small fix for the grease system. You can read through more user feedback to get a full picture before buying.
How Does the Royal Gourmet PD1301S Compare to Alternatives?
The portable cooking market is crowded, and the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 3-Burner Gas Grill Griddle faces stiff competition. To help you make the best choice, we’ve compared it to three popular alternatives, each serving a slightly different purpose.
1. Coleman RoadTrip 285 3-Burner Propane Grill
- GRILLING POWER: Up to 20,000 total BTUs
- 3 ADJUSTABLE BURNERS: With improved burner technology for more precise temperature control
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 is an all-in-one portable grilling station. Its key advantage is the integrated stand with wheels, making it incredibly easy to transport and set up without needing a separate table. It’s a traditional grill with grates, offering that classic flame-broiled flavor many people crave. While it also features three adjustable burners, its 20,000 BTU output is lower than the Royal Gourmet’s. The primary reason to choose the Coleman is if you want a true grilling experience with grates and prioritize the convenience of a built-in, collapsible stand. However, if you want the versatility of a flat-top griddle surface for things like breakfast, fried rice, or smash burgers, the Royal Gourmet is the superior choice.
2. BLACKSTONE 36” Omnivore Griddle Folding Shelves
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over...
- Cook for a Crowd: Make up to 47 fried eggs, 21 pancakes, 30 burgers, or 27 steaks on this spacious 768 square inch griddle. Invite family and friends over...
The Blackstone 36″ is a titan in the griddle world and represents a step up in size and capacity. It’s less of a portable tabletop model and more of a “movable” backyard powerhouse. With a massive 768 sq. in. cooking surface and four burners, it’s designed for feeding huge crowds. Its “Omnivore” plate technology is engineered for higher heat retention and less fuel consumption. You would choose the Blackstone if your primary need is a large, stationary griddle for your patio or deck that can occasionally be folded down and transported for a major event. For true portability and everyday camping or tailgating, the smaller, lighter, and more manageable Royal Gourmet PD1301S 3-Burner Gas Grill Griddle is a much more practical option.
3. Royal Gourmet GT1001 Portable Tabletop Gas Grill
- Portable Design: Folding support legs and latching hoods with compact handle make it easy to carry or store to the decks, patios, camping, tailgating and...
- Spacious Cooking Space: Total of 285 square inches cooking area, including 214 sq. in. stainless steel cooking grate and 71 sq. in. chrome-coated warming...
This is Royal Gourmet’s answer to the compact, traditional grill. The GT1001 is much smaller and lighter than the PD1301S, featuring a single 10,000 BTU burner and traditional grill grates. Its strengths are its extreme portability, stainless steel construction, and lockable lid, making it perfect for small groups, couples, or individuals who want to grill a few burgers or hot dogs. It’s a direct competitor to small portable charcoal grills but with the convenience of propane. Choose the GT1001 if your priority is minimum size and weight for traditional grilling. For anyone needing to cook multiple food types for a larger group on a flat top, the PD1301S griddle is infinitely more capable and versatile.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Royal Gourmet PD1301S Worth It?
After extensive use and careful consideration, our verdict is a resounding yes. The Royal Gourmet PD1301S 3-Burner Gas Grill Griddle is a phenomenal piece of outdoor cooking equipment that offers incredible power and versatility for its price point. The three-burner system provides excellent heat control for cooking a wide variety of foods at once, and the heavy, porcelain-enameled top delivers fantastic searing and heat retention once properly seasoned. It truly shines in situations where you’re cooking for a crowd, turning potentially stressful meals into a fun and efficient experience.
While it’s not without its flaws—namely the frustrating grease drain and the potential for shipping scuffs—these are manageable issues. The grease problem can be permanently solved with a simple, five-dollar modification, and the cosmetic blemishes don’t affect performance. For campers, tailgaters, and anyone with a small patio, this griddle provides a level of cooking capability that is hard to beat. If you’re ready to elevate your outdoor cooking and leave the frustration of juggling multiple pans behind, we wholeheartedly recommend this griddle. Check the latest price and add the Royal Gourmet PD1301S to your outdoor gear today.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API