Royal Gourmet PD1300 vs. PD1301S: Sizing Up the Portable Griddle Kings

The sizzle of bacon hitting a hot flat-top is the universal soundtrack of a great camping trip, but hauling a full-sized backyard rig to a trailhead is a recipe for a sore back. I recently spent a few weeks living the tabletop life with the Royal Gourmet PD1300 and the PD1301S to see if these compact 3-burner units could actually handle a real family breakfast. On the surface, they look like twins—both offer three independent burners and a sleek portable frame—but the devil is in the details of the cooking surface and the raw heat output.

Whether you are a tailgate regular or just someone who wants a secondary griddle for the patio, choosing between these two comes down to a trade-off between maximum cooking real estate and ultra-compact portability. I’ve flipped enough burgers on both to tell you exactly where your money is best spent.

The Key Difference: Cooking Area and Surface Coating

The fundamental key difference between the Royal Gourmet PD1300 and the PD1301S lies in the cooking surface dimensions and the material finish. The PD1300 is the slightly larger sibling, offering 319 square inches of cooking space on a porcelain-enameled flat top. This enamel coating is designed for easier cleanup and resistance to sticking right out of the box. It also boasts a higher heat output of 26,400 BTUs.

In contrast, the PD1301S is the more “trimmed down” version, featuring a 304 square inch cooking area on a 3.5 mm thick steel surface. While it has a slightly lower output of 25,500 BTUs, its steel top is designed for those who prefer a traditional seasoned surface for even heat distribution. The PD1301S is also more compact in its external dimensions, making it the easier pick for those with very limited trunk space.

Comparison Table: Royal Gourmet PD1300 vs. PD1301S

Feature	Royal Gourmet PD1300 (Silver)	Royal Gourmet PD1301S (Black/Silver)
Cooking Surface	319 sq. in.	304 sq. in.
Total BTU Output	26,400 BTUs	25,500 BTUs
Surface Material	Porcelain-Enameled Steel	3.5 mm Thick Raw Steel
Dimensions (WxDxH)	25″ x 18.1″ x 9.6″	22.4″ x 17.5″ x 8.6″
Burners	3 Stainless Steel	3 Stainless Steel
Ignition	Electronic / Push-Button	Piezo (Battery-Free)
Burger Capacity	Approx. 15 Patties	Approx. 12 Patties
Weight Profile	Sturdy Tabletop	Ultra-Compact Portable
Buy Now	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience

Taking these out for a weekend of outdoor cooking revealed that “portable” is a relative term. I moved them from my kitchen counter to my truck bed and finally to a wooden picnic table to see how they handled the wind, the grease, and the heat. Both units feel high-quality for the price point, but they definitely cater to different types of “on-the-go” chefs.

Design: Aesthetics and Build Quality

The PD1300 has a very clean, all-silver look that feels like a professional piece of kitchen equipment. It sits a bit higher off the table, which I found helpful for managing heat on wooden surfaces. The porcelain-enameled top has a slight gloss to it that makes it look modern and sleek.

The PD1301S goes for a more rugged, tactical look with its black and silver contrast. It is noticeably smaller—about three inches narrower than the PD1300. When I was packing my gear into a mid-sized SUV, those three inches actually mattered. The PD1301S feels “tighter,” and the 3.5 mm thick steel top feels incredibly durable, like it could survive a few bumps in the back of a truck without a scratch.

Ease of Use: Ignition and Heat Control

I fired up the PD1301S first using its Piezo ignition. I love battery-free systems because there is one less thing to fail when you’re miles away from a hardware store. One push and it was roaring. The PD1300 uses a standard electronic ignition that was equally reliable but does require that internal spark mechanism to stay clean.

Once they were hot, the PD1300 definitely felt punchier. With 26,400 BTUs spread across three burners, I could create three very distinct heat zones. I had high heat on the left for searing steaks, medium in the middle for peppers, and low on the right for keeping tortillas warm. The PD1301S also handles three zones well, but with 25,500 BTUs, the “high” setting didn’t feel quite as aggressive as its silver sibling.

Functions: The Surface Battle

This is where my experience diverged the most.

• On the PD1300, the porcelain-enameled top is a dream for things like eggs and pancakes. I didn’t have to spend an hour “seasoning” it before my first use; nothing stuck.
• On the PD1301S, you are working with a raw steel top. It requires a bit of a “Blackstone-style” seasoning process with oil and heat before it becomes truly non-stick. However, once seasoned, the steel top on the PD1301S provided a much better “crust” on my smash burgers. Steel holds heat a bit more tenaciously than the enameled surface of the PD1300.

Cleanup: The Grease Management

Both units feature a removable grease cup and an oil leak hole. On the PD1300, the hole is situated in a way that makes it very easy to scrape debris into with a standard spatula. The porcelain surface wipes down almost like a non-stick pan.

The PD1301S also has a great cleanup flow, but because it’s steel, you have to be careful not to use too much soap, or you’ll strip your seasoning. For a quick camping cleanup, the PD1300 is definitely the lower-maintenance option.

Royal Gourmet PD1300 Gas Grill Griddle

Pros:

• Bigger Cooking Area: 319 sq. in. is impressive for a tabletop unit.
• Higher BTU: More raw power for high-heat searing.
• Porcelain Top: Naturally more non-stick and easier for beginners to clean.
• Higher Capacity: Easily feeds a group of 4-6 people.

Cons:

• Larger Footprint: Takes up more space in the car.
• Delicate Surface: Enamel can chip if you use metal scrapers too aggressively.

Royal Gourmet PD1301S Tabletop Grill Griddle

Pros:

• Ultra-Portable: The most compact 3-burner in the Royal Gourmet lineup.
• Traditional Steel: Thick steel top provides excellent heat retention and “sear power.”
• Piezo Ignition: No batteries required, making it more reliable for long-term camping.
• Sturdy Feet: Extremely stable on a variety of outdoor surfaces.

Cons:

• Seasoning Required: You must maintain the steel surface to prevent rust.
• Slightly Lower Output: Doesn’t get quite as “screaming hot” as the PD1300.

The Final Recommendation: Which Tabletop Griddle Wins?

I recommend the Royal Gourmet PD1300 if you are cooking for a larger family or if you hate the maintenance of raw steel. The porcelain-enameled top is very forgiving, and the extra cooking space allows you to flip 15 burgers at once without the patties touching. It is the better “backyard tabletop” choice for parties and picnics where volume is the goal.

I recommend the Royal Gourmet PD1301S if you are a true outdoor adventurer. If every inch of cargo space is precious and you want a rugged steel top that you can treat like a cast-iron skillet, the PD1301S is the winner. The battery-free ignition and compact build make it the ultimate companion for tailgating and solo or duo camping trips.

Personally, I would choose the PD1301S. I’m a fan of the traditional steel seasoning, and the compact dimensions mean I can leave it in the trunk of my car all summer long without losing my grocery space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need a full-sized propane tank for these?

A: Both are designed to connect to a 20 lb propane tank, but you can buy an adapter hose separately to use those small 1 lb green camping canisters if you want to stay truly portable.

Q: Is the PD1300 top removable for cleaning?

A: Yes, the griddle plate lifts right off the burner base, which makes it much easier to deep clean in a sink or with a hose.

Q: Does the PD1301S come with a lid?

A: No, both the PD1300 and PD1301S are open-top tabletop griddles. You would need to purchase a universal griddle cover or a melting dome if you want to steam vegetables or melt cheese quickly.

Q: How many burners do these actually have?

A: Both units feature three independent stainless steel burners, giving you much better temperature control than smaller 1 or 2-burner portable units.