Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle Review: The Ultimate Backyard Cooking Station?

There’s a special kind of controlled chaos that comes with hosting a big backyard barbecue. You’ve got burgers sizzling on a cramped grill, onions and peppers sautéing in a pan on the side burner, and buns toasting precariously on the warming rack. You’re constantly running back and forth to the kitchen, trying to time everything perfectly so it all comes out hot at the same time. We’ve all been there. That moment of panic when you realize the bacon for the cheeseburgers is still in the fridge, and there’s simply no more room on the grill. It’s a frustrating dance that can take the joy out of cooking for a crowd. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to truly enjoying the company of your friends and family. The solution isn’t a bigger traditional grill—it’s a completely different approach to outdoor cooking. It’s about having a single, massive, and versatile surface that can handle everything at once, turning your patio into a genuine outdoor kitchen.

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Griddle

A Propane Griddle is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming your outdoor cooking capabilities from a simple grilling station into a full-fledged culinary command center. Unlike traditional grills with grates, a flat top griddle offers a solid, continuous cooking surface that opens up a world of possibilities. You can cook delicate items like eggs, pancakes, and fish without them falling apart, achieve a perfect all-over sear on steaks and burgers (the Maillard reaction at its finest), and sauté vegetables for an entire party without needing a single pan. The primary benefit is unparalleled versatility and capacity, allowing you to cook entire meals, from breakfast scrambles to hibachi-style dinners, all in one place.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves to entertain, has a large family, or simply craves the flexibility to cook complex, multi-component meals outdoors. If you find yourself constantly limited by the space on your current grill and dream of cooking everything from bacon and eggs to smash burgers and Philly cheesesteaks for a crowd, a large propane griddle is your answer. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those with limited patio space, those who only cook for one or two people, or individuals who strongly prefer the distinct char and smoke flavor that only comes from cooking over open grates. For them, a smaller, more portable propane grill or a classic kettle-style charcoal grill might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A six-burner griddle is a substantial piece of equipment. The Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle, for example, measures over six feet wide with its side tables extended. Before you even consider purchasing, measure your patio, deck, or backyard space meticulously. You need to account not only for the unit’s footprint but also for safe clearance from walls and railings, as well as enough room to comfortably move around it while cooking.
• Capacity/Performance: Look beyond just the square inches of cooking space. The total BTU (British Thermal Unit) output is a critical metric for performance. A higher BTU, like the 78,000 offered by the GB6000, indicates powerful heating capabilities and faster pre-heating. Equally important is the number of independent burners. Six burners allow you to create distinct heat zones, keeping cooked food warm on one side while searing fresh ingredients on the other.
• Materials & Durability: The construction materials directly impact the griddle’s longevity and performance. The frame is typically made of powder-coated or painted steel to resist the elements. The griddle top itself is the most important component. While many are made of rolled steel, which requires diligent seasoning, the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle features a ceramic-coated top, designed for better rust resistance and an easier-to-maintain surface.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the entire user experience. Features like an efficient grease management system, integrated storage shelves, tool hooks, and folding side tables can dramatically improve usability. For maintenance, consider how easy the griddle top is to clean and season. A good griddle is a long-term investment, and its upkeep should be manageable, not a chore.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a propane griddle that not only fits your space but also matches your cooking style and entertainment needs, setting you up for countless successful outdoor feasts.

While the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane 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:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Backyard Behemoth

The arrival of the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle is an event in itself. The shipping box is massive and, at over 150 pounds, it’s definitely a two-person job to move. Unboxing reveals a well-organized but extensive set of parts. Our assembly experience was straightforward, taking about an hour and a half with clear instructions. However, we did note one user’s feedback about receiving parts with dents that needed to be bent back into shape. While our unit arrived in pristine condition, this suggests that shipping and handling can be rough on such a large item, so a thorough inspection of all components before assembly is crucial. Once built, its sheer presence is impressive. The black powder-coated alloy steel frame feels sturdy and substantial, and the four locking casters make it surprisingly maneuverable for its size. The star of the show, the 44-inch ceramic-coated griddle top, feels thick and heavy, promising excellent heat retention. The folding side tables, while functional, felt a bit lighter than the rest of the unit, a minor point echoed by a user who wished they were heavier. Overall, the initial impression is one of immense scale and potential, a true centerpiece for any outdoor cooking space. You can check the current price and see more details on this impressive setup.

A Deep Dive into the Royal Gourmet GB6000’s Performance

A griddle of this magnitude is judged not just by its size, but by its performance under fire. We put the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle through its paces, cooking everything from a full breakfast feast for ten to a hibachi-style dinner, to see if its capabilities matched its imposing stature. This wasn’t just about cooking; it was about orchestrating a meal, and the GB6000 proved to be a masterful conductor.

Assembly, Build Quality, and Initial Setup

Assembling the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle is a project, but a manageable one. The instructions are primarily visual, which we found clear enough to follow without much trouble. All the hardware was correctly labeled. The main cart and shelves are made from powder-coated alloy steel, which provides a solid and stable base once fully assembled. The double-layer bottom shelves are a standout feature, offering an incredible amount of storage space for accessories, pans, and supplies, keeping everything you need within arm’s reach. The dedicated cylinder base is also a thoughtful touch, securing the propane tank neatly out of the way. While the core structure is robust, we did find ourselves agreeing with user feedback regarding the folding side shelves. They are perfectly functional, featuring a towel rack, knife holder, and tool hooks, but they lack the heavy-duty feel of the rest of the grill. They support a tray of ingredients without issue, but you wouldn’t want to lean on them heavily. The most critical step in the setup process, as one user wisely pointed out, is leveling. The griddle has leveling nuts on its feet, and taking the time to get the surface perfectly level is non-negotiable. An unlevel surface will cause grease to pool or run off unevenly and, more importantly, can affect heat distribution as heat may escape more from one side. This is a crucial detail for ensuring consistent cooking results across the vast 994-square-inch surface.

Unleashing 78,000 BTUs: Power and Precision Heat Control

The heart of the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle is its immense power. With six independent stainless-steel tube burners pushing out a combined 78,000 BTUs, this griddle gets hot, and it gets hot fast. During our testing, the entire surface was ready for searing in under 10 minutes. This raw power is so significant that we found ourselves aligning with a user who noted that “so far everything I needed to cook has been on the lowest setting.” For tasks like cooking eggs or warming buns, the lowest setting is more than sufficient. This isn’t a negative; it’s a testament to the griddle’s impressive heat output and means you have an incredible range of temperature control at your disposal. The real magic lies in the six-burner configuration. We were able to create three distinct heat zones with ease: a high-heat searing zone on the right for smash burgers, a medium-heat zone in the middle for sautéing onions and mushrooms, and a low-heat warming zone on the left for holding toasted buns and melted cheese. This level of control is what elevates the GB6000 from a simple griddle to a versatile outdoor cooking station. The ceramic-coated griddle top performed exceptionally well, distributing heat evenly and proving relatively easy to clean. As another user learned, proper seasoning is key. We recommend using a high-smoke-point oil like canola or grapeseed oil, not olive oil, to build up a non-stick patina. This surface is a fantastic feature that really sets it apart, offering a great out-of-the-box experience with less fuss about rust compared to traditional raw steel tops.

Ergonomics and Storage: A True Outdoor Workstation

Beyond its raw cooking power, the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle excels in its thoughtful design and storage solutions. Cooking for a large group requires organization, and this griddle delivers it in spades. The dual bottom shelves are a game-changer. We were able to store mixing bowls, serving platters, oil, and seasonings below, eliminating trips back to the kitchen. The addition of a front-facing spice rack is another simple yet brilliant feature, keeping your most-used spices visible and accessible. The side tables, while a bit lightweight, are incredibly useful. The integrated paper towel holder, knife block, and S-hooks for spatulas and tongs mean your entire arsenal of tools is right where you need it. When you’re finished cooking and the griddle has cooled, the tables fold down, significantly reducing the unit’s storage footprint. The grease management system is also well-designed, with a large, removable cup that slides out easily for cleaning. From the placement of the control knobs to the comfortable height of the cooking surface, every element feels designed to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. It’s one of the most feature-rich designs we’ve tested, truly built for someone who takes their backyard entertaining seriously.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our experience with the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle aligns closely with the feedback from the wider user community. The positive sentiment is overwhelmingly focused on its sheer cooking power and capacity. One user exclaimed, “Oh my this thing rocks out the food,” which perfectly captures the excitement of cooking on such a large and powerful surface. They also provided valuable insights about the learning curve, specifically regarding seasoning (avoiding olive oil) and the critical importance of leveling the grill for proper heat distribution—tips we can wholeheartedly endorse. Another simply stated, “Amazing,” reflecting the satisfaction many feel once they have this unit up and running. However, the experience isn’t universally perfect. A significant concern raised by one user was shipping damage: “This thing has so many dents on it!!!! Very disappointing!” They noted that assembly was “not bad” but required bending some parts to fit. This feedback is crucial for potential buyers; it highlights a potential risk associated with ordering such a large, heavy item online and underscores the importance of inspecting all parts upon delivery before starting assembly.

How Does the Royal Gourmet GB6000 Compare to Alternatives?

The Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle is an undisputed heavyweight champion designed for large-scale home entertaining. However, its massive size and scope aren’t for everyone. For those with different needs—namely portability and compactness—the market offers very different solutions. It’s less a question of which is “better” and more about which is right for your specific lifestyle.

1. Coleman Fold ‘N Go 6,000 BTU Portable Propane Grill

The Coleman Fold ‘N Go is on the absolute opposite end of the spectrum from the Royal Gourmet GB6000. With a mere 6,000 BTUs and a compact, foldable design, this grill is built for adventure. It’s the ideal choice for campers, tailgaters, or anyone with a tiny balcony. It can handle a few burgers or hot dogs with ease, but its capacity is a tiny fraction of the GB6000’s. If your priority is portability and you’re cooking for one to three people on the go, the Coleman is an excellent, convenient option. If you’re looking to host a backyard party, it simply isn’t in the same league.

2. Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand

The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet strikes a balance between portability and functionality. Its 5,500 BTU burner and 150 sq. in. cooking surface are modest, but its telescoping VersaStand makes it far more versatile than a simple tabletop grill. It can be used on the ground, on a table, or at a comfortable standing height. This makes it a great choice for those who want a portable grill for camping or picnics but also desire a more traditional grilling experience at home without dedicating a large patio space. It’s perfect for a small family or couple, but like the Coleman, it cannot compete with the sheer volume of food the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle can produce.

3. Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 1-Burner Portable Gas Grill

The Char-Broil Grill2Go X200 is a rugged, durable portable option. Its cast aluminum construction is built to withstand the bumps and scrapes of travel, and its TRU-Infrared cooking system is designed to prevent flare-ups and cook food more evenly. This makes it a fantastic choice for serious tailgaters or RV enthusiasts who demand a higher level of performance from a portable unit. While it’s a top-tier portable grill, its single burner and 200 sq. in. surface area still place it firmly in the small-scale cooking category. It’s for the grilling enthusiast on the move, whereas the Royal Gourmet GB6000 is for the grilling enthusiast who is the destination.

Our Final Verdict on the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle is an absolute powerhouse for the serious backyard entertainer. Its colossal 994-square-inch cooking surface, combined with the immense power and control of its 78,000 BTU six-burner system, transforms patio cooking from a chore into a performance. The well-thought-out storage solutions, including dual shelves and integrated tool holders, create a highly efficient and enjoyable workstation. While the lighter-weight side tables are a minor drawback and the potential for shipping damage is a valid concern, these points are overshadowed by its incredible cooking capacity and versatility. This griddle isn’t for the solo cook or the small-apartment dweller; it’s for the person who loves being the host, who relishes the challenge of feeding a crowd, and who wants to cook pancakes, bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, burgers, and cheesesteaks all at the same time. If you have the space and the ambition to become the undisputed grilling champion of your neighborhood, this is the tool you need.

Ready to revolutionize your outdoor cooking and become the ultimate host? We highly recommend you get the Royal Gourmet GB6000 6 Burner Propane Griddle for your backyard and experience the difference for yourself.