There’s a unique kind of chaos that comes with cooking for a group in the great outdoors. I remember one particularly memorable camping trip with friends where I volunteered for breakfast duty. The vision was grand: fluffy pancakes, sizzling bacon, and perfectly fried eggs for everyone. The reality was a frantic ballet of a single, tiny camp stove burner. By the time the last pancake was cooked, the first one was stone cold, and the bacon was long gone. It was a juggling act that left me more stressed than satisfied, serving breakfast in frustrating, staggered shifts. This is the common struggle for any outdoor enthusiast, tailgater, or backyard host: how do you deliver a hot, delicious meal for everyone, all at once, without a full-sized kitchen at your disposal? The answer, we’ve discovered, lies in a dedicated, high-capacity portable griddle.
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Gas Griddle
A portable gas griddle is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking culinary freedom outside the confines of your kitchen. It transforms outdoor cooking from a limiting chore into a versatile experience. Unlike traditional grills with grates, a griddle’s solid, flat surface opens up a world of possibilities—from delicate pancakes and eggs to savory smash burgers, hibachi-style stir-fries, and perfectly seared fajitas. The primary benefit is its ability to cook large volumes of diverse foods simultaneously, ensuring everyone gets to eat a hot meal together. It centralizes your cooking station, simplifies the process, and elevates the communal joy of sharing a meal, whether at a tailgate party or a serene campsite.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently cooks for family and friends in outdoor settings. Think of the avid camper, the dedicated tailgating fan, or the homeowner with a small patio who wants more versatility than a standard BBQ. They value convenience, capacity, and the ability to create varied menus. On the other hand, a large portable griddle might not be suitable for the solo backpacker who prioritizes minimal weight above all else, or for the traditionalist who lives for the distinct char marks only grill grates can provide. For those individuals, an ultra-light single-burner stove or a compact charcoal grill might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: A portable griddle needs to strike a balance between a generous cooking area and a manageable footprint for transport and storage. Measure the space in your vehicle or on your patio. Consider the weight (the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle weighs just under 28 pounds) and whether it’s a realistic one-person carry. Sturdy handles and stable feet are non-negotiable for safe setup on uneven ground.
- Capacity & Performance: The power of a griddle is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and the number of burners determines your cooking flexibility. Multiple, independently controlled burners—like the three on this Royal Gourmet model—are essential for creating different heat zones. This allows you to sear burgers on one side while keeping buns warm on the other. Look at the total cooking surface area (measured in square inches) to ensure it can handle the number of people you typically feed.
- Materials & Durability: The griddle top is the most critical component. Porcelain-enameled cast iron, as seen here, offers excellent heat retention and a rust-resistant, easier-to-clean surface. Other models might use cold-rolled steel, which requires more diligent seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust but can build up a legendary non-stick patina over time. The body should be made of durable powder-coated or stainless steel to withstand the elements.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a reliable push-button ignition (Piezo ignition is common) eliminate the hassle of matches or lighters. Cleanup is a major consideration. An effective grease management system, with a well-placed drain hole and a removable collection cup, is paramount for quick, post-meal maintenance. A detachable griddle top also makes deep cleaning significantly easier.
While the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle 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:
Unboxing the Royal Gourmet PD1301S: First Impressions and Core Features
Upon arrival, the box for the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle has a reassuring heft to it. Inside, the components are packed securely, though we have seen numerous user reports of units arriving with minor cosmetic damage like bent corners or scuffs from shipping. Our test unit had a very minor dent on one edge of the burner box, but it was purely cosmetic and didn’t affect assembly or performance. We recommend a thorough inspection of all parts immediately upon unboxing.
Assembly was refreshingly straightforward and took us less than 20 minutes, confirming what many users have said about its ease of setup. The main tasks involve attaching the control panel, the feet, and the propane regulator hose. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the porcelain-enameled griddle top; it feels substantial and heavy, inspiring confidence in its ability to hold and distribute heat. The overall fit and finish are impressive for its price point, with a sleek black powder-coated frame and stainless steel accents. It also includes a durable, waterproof PVC-coated cover—a fantastic value-add that many competitors sell separately. The whole package feels thoughtfully designed for its intended purpose: powerful, portable outdoor cooking.
What We Like
- Three powerful, independently controlled burners deliver 25,500 BTUs for fast, even heating.
- Spacious 304-square-inch cooking surface can easily handle meals for large groups.
- Excellent portability with a manageable weight and compact tabletop design.
- Porcelain-enameled griddle top makes for easier cleanup and maintenance.
- Includes a high-quality, waterproof cover, adding significant value.
- Reliable and simple Piezo ignition system lights all burners instantly.
What We Didn’t Like
- The grease management system design is flawed, with a misaligned drain hole that can cause spills.
- Prone to receiving minor cosmetic damage during shipping.
Putting It to the Test: A Deep Dive into the Royal Gourmet PD1301S Griddle’s Performance
A griddle’s spec sheet can only tell you so much. The real test happens over a flaming burner with a full slab of bacon and a crowd of hungry campers waiting. We put the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle through its paces over several cooking sessions, from campsite breakfasts to backyard burger nights, to see if its performance lives up to its promise.
Power and Heat Distribution: The Heart of the Griddle
The first thing we noticed was the sheer power. With a combined 25,500 BTUs across three stainless steel burners, this griddle gets hot, and it gets hot fast. The Piezo igniter fired up all three burners on the very first push, every single time—a level of reliability we deeply appreciate in the field. The three independent control knobs allow for true zone cooking, which is where this unit truly shines. We could easily create a searing-hot zone on the right side for smash burgers, a medium-heat zone in the middle for toasting buns, and a low-heat warming zone on the left for holding finished food.
Heat distribution across the heavy porcelain-enameled top was remarkably even. Our infrared thermometer showed minimal hot and cold spots, a testament to the quality of the griddle plate. This was confirmed in our cooking tests; bacon strips cooked uniformly from end to end without the need for constant shuffling. We did notice, as some users have pointed out, a slightly cooler 2-3 inch strip right at the front edge, which actually serves as a perfect “safe zone” for resting spatulas or moving food that’s done cooking. There’s also a small cooler spot near the front-right grease drain, but it’s negligible and doesn’t impact the vast majority of the cooking surface. Overall, the heat control and distribution are top-notch, providing a consistent and predictable cooking experience.
The Cooking Experience: From Seasoning to Searing
Before our first cook, we followed the crucial seasoning process outlined in the manual. This is a step that cannot be skipped, even with a porcelain-coated surface. Too many negative reviews about food sticking are, frankly, the result of user error. We applied a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil, heated the griddle until the oil started to smoke, let it cool, and repeated the process three times. The result was a beautiful, slick, and impressively non-stick surface. Our first test: a full breakfast for six. We loaded the entire 304-square-inch surface with a pound of bacon, six eggs, and four large pancakes—all at once. It handled the load without breaking a sweat, a feat that would have been impossible on our old camp stove.
Next up was a hibachi-style shrimp fried rice. The griddle’s high heat capability was perfect for getting that authentic wok-like sear on the shrimp and vegetables. There was ample room to cook all the components separately before combining them. Finally, we made smash burgers, the ultimate griddle test. The surface got hot enough to create that perfect, crispy Maillard crust on the patties in seconds. The capacity claim of 15 patties feels entirely realistic. The cooking performance is, without a doubt, the strongest selling point of this griddle. It’s versatile, powerful, and spacious enough to turn any outdoor gathering into a gourmet event. The entire experience is made better by the intuitive controls and reliable performance, which you can explore in more detail on its product page.
Design, Portability, and Durability
Weighing in at 27.6 pounds, the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle hits a sweet spot for portability. It’s substantial enough to feel stable and durable, yet light enough for one person to comfortably carry from the car to the picnic table. The four sturdy feet provide a solid base, even on slightly uneven surfaces. It’s designed to hook up to a standard 20 lb propane tank, which we prefer for its longevity over the small 1 lb camping canisters, making it ideal for multi-day trips.
The build quality feels solid where it counts. The alloy steel frame is robust, and as mentioned, the porcelain-enameled top is thick and resists warping under high heat. While we noted the potential for shipping damage on the thinner metal of the burner box, the core cooking components are built to last. The included waterproof cover is another major win for long-term durability, protecting the griddle from rain and morning dew when left outside overnight at a campsite. This thoughtful inclusion helps preserve the finish and prevent rust, extending the life of the unit considerably.
The Achilles’ Heel: Grease Management and Other Quirks
No product is perfect, and the Royal Gourmet PD1301S has one significant, well-documented design flaw: the grease management system. The small drain hole in the front-right corner of the griddle top is meant to channel grease and food debris into a removable collection cup below. However, in our unit, and in many described by other users, the hole in the griddle top is not perfectly aligned with the hole in the frame beneath it. Furthermore, there’s a gap between the frame and the cup.
During a heavy cook with fatty foods like bacon or burgers, this becomes a problem. If the grease flow is more than a trickle, it can miss the cup and drip down onto the table or ground, creating a messy cleanup situation. It’s a frustrating oversight in an otherwise well-designed product. Some resourceful users have engineered fixes, such as inserting a small metal funnel or welding a tube to bridge the gap, which effectively solves the problem. While it’s a fixable issue, it’s one buyers should be aware of out of the box. A secondary, minor quirk we noticed is that the control knobs can get quite hot to the touch during extended cooking sessions on high heat, so it’s wise to be cautious when making adjustments.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the broad consensus from other users. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many people praising the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle for its exceptional value and performance. One user captured this perfectly, stating, “This griddle is absolutely amazing… 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 noted, “Making breakfast for 9 people was a breeze. I was able to cook bacon and pancakes at the same time.”
However, the criticisms are just as consistent and mirror our own experience. The most common complaint by far is the flawed grease drain. A reviewer detailed the issue precisely: “…the drain hole for the grill is not in line with the hole or the drainage cup… oil goes all over the place.” The other recurring issue is shipping damage. Numerous buyers report receiving their units with dents and bent corners, with one simply stating, “Arrived with bent corners and scuffs. You expect to receive a mint product when buying new but that wasn’t the case.” This feedback confirms that while the griddle is a fantastic performer, potential buyers should be prepared for these two specific shortcomings.
How Does It Compare? Royal Gourmet PD1301S vs. The Competition
While the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle excels in its category, it’s important to understand the alternatives. Depending on your specific needs, a different type of product might be a better fit.
1. vivicreate 20 PSIG Propane Gas Regulator
This product isn’t a direct competitor but rather an essential accessory or potential upgrade for any propane appliance user. The Vivicreate regulator offers high-pressure output (up to 20 PSIG), which is more than what’s needed for the Royal Gourmet griddle but perfect for high-output burners used for turkey fryers or crawfish boils. If you’re a serious outdoor cook with multiple propane appliances, having a reliable, high-quality regulator like this on hand is a smart move. For the average user of the PD1301S, the included regulator is sufficient, but this is a worthwhile consideration for those seeking more precise gas flow control for other, more demanding equipment.
2. Cuisinart Chef’s Style 20,000 BTU 2-Burner Gas Grill
The Cuisinart tabletop grill is for someone who wants portability but prefers the classic grilling experience with grates. With 20,000 BTUs across two burners, it offers plenty of power for searing steaks and getting those coveted grill marks on chicken and burgers. The primary difference is the cooking style. You lose the flat-top versatility for making things like pancakes, eggs, or chopped vegetables, but you gain the open-flame flavor that many BBQ traditionalists love. If your outdoor cooking menu leans heavily towards traditional barbecue fare and you don’t need the all-in-one capability of a griddle, this Cuisinart is a formidable and high-quality alternative.
3. Char-Broil 1-Burner Portable Propane Gas Grill
The Char-Broil portable grill represents a different philosophy: maximum portability for smaller groups. With just a single burner and a smaller cooking area, it’s not designed to feed a crowd of nine like the Royal Gourmet. Instead, it’s the perfect companion for a solo camper, a couple on a picnic, or anyone with extremely limited storage space. It’s lighter, more compact, and simpler to operate. A user would choose this over the Royal Gourmet if their priority is minimizing weight and size above all else, and they only ever cook for one or two people at a time.
The Final Verdict: Is the Royal Gourmet PD1301S Griddle Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Royal Gourmet PD1301S 24-Inch 3-Burner Table Top Gas Grill Griddle is overwhelmingly positive, albeit with a couple of important caveats. This griddle is a performance beast, offering incredible heat output, fantastic zone cooking capabilities, and a large surface area that truly empowers you to cook for a crowd. It transforms outdoor meals from a hassle into a joy. For its price, the cooking power and included features like the cover represent phenomenal value.
However, it is held back from perfection by its poorly designed grease drain and the unfortunate lottery of shipping damage. If you are a DIY-inclined person willing to implement a simple fix for the drain and can overlook potential cosmetic blemishes, then this griddle is an absolute steal. We wholeheartedly recommend it for avid campers, tailgaters, and anyone who wants to add flat-top versatility to their backyard cooking arsenal without investing in a large, stationary unit. It’s a powerful, portable, and affordable solution that will fundamentally change the way you cook outdoors. If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor feasts, you can check the latest price and secure one for your next adventure.