Uncover the Royal Gourmet GA5401T Gas Grill Review: Is It Worth the Investment?

Description

Grilling Performance

Testing out the Royal Gourmet GA5401T 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill has been an adventure for my taste buds. It produces a whopping 64,000 BTUs, thanks to its six burners, including four main burners, a sear burner, and a side burner. I tried grilling steaks on the sear burner, and it delivered mouth-watering, restaurant-quality results with its even heat distribution. The sear burner emits 14,000 BTUs, which gave my steaks that crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy. The side burner, perfect for sauces and side dishes, made multitasking during barbecues incredibly convenient. However, I noticed that while the heat is consistent across the main burners, the sear burner runs significantly hotter, which may cause uneven cooking if you’re not paying attention.

Durability

The build of this grill is a mixed bag. Made of stainless steel and alloy steel, the Royal Gourmet GA5401T feels sturdy during use, but the materials don’t scream premium. My biggest concern lies in the thinner parts, like the grease tray, which felt flimsy during cleaning. While the double-layer lid adds durability and retains heat efficiently, some components seem like they may not withstand heavy use for several years. After a few months of frequent grilling, I noticed minor signs of wear. If you live in a salty coastal area, consider investing in a cover to prevent accelerated rusting.

Cleaning

Cleaning this grill is both a breeze and a bit of a chore, depending on how much you’ve grilled. The removable grease tray and grease cup are fantastic features, making it easy to slide out the residues for cleaning. Still, the grease tray itself is on the thinner side, and I can see it wearing out after repeated use. After a big family barbecue, where I cooked burgers, chicken, and veggies, it took me about 15 minutes to dismantle and clean all the parts. The porcelain-enameled cooking grates are easy to wipe down, but the warming rack needed a bit more elbow grease.

Ease of Use

One thing I appreciated while using this grill is how straightforward it is to operate. The knobs feel smooth and are easy to control, and the built-in thermometer on the lid allowed me to monitor the internal temperature without lifting it. Preheating was quick, and I had it ready to grill in under 10 minutes. However, assembling the grill was a bit of a test for my patience. It took me nearly four hours to put it together, even with the help of a friend. The instructions could definitely use improvement, as they were unclear at times.

Portability & Storage

While this grill isn’t exactly lightweight at 80.9 pounds, it does come with wheels, which makes moving it around my patio feasible. Storing it, however, is another story. The absence of enclosed storage for grilling tools or propane tanks feels like a missed opportunity. I found myself looking for alternative ways to keep my tools handy, which wasn’t ideal when I needed to flip burgers quickly.

Warranty

The one-year limited warranty for all parts provides peace of mind, but I wish it were longer. Considering some parts, like the grease tray, seem prone to wear, a more extended warranty would have been reassuring. I haven’t needed to use the warranty yet, but knowing it’s there gives a slight cushion in case something goes wrong within the first year.

Key Benefits

• The grill delivers a powerful 64,000 BTUs for excellent cooking performance.
• The sear burner is a highlight, offering professional-quality results for steaks.
• The removable grease tray and grease cup make cleanup straightforward.

Areas for Improvement

• Assembly instructions are difficult to follow and could use more clarity.
• The grease tray feels flimsy and might not last long with frequent use.
• Lack of enclosed storage for tools or propane tanks is inconvenient.

Features

The Royal Gourmet GA5401T comes packed with features that cater to both casual grillers and barbecue enthusiasts. The 632 square inches of cooking space, including porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates and a chrome-plated steel warming rack, is more than enough for large gatherings. I managed to grill 28 hamburgers at once during a family reunion, which was impressive. The built-in thermometer is accurate and helps in maintaining the perfect cooking temperature. I also appreciated the tool holder, which kept my spatula and tongs within easy reach. However, one small gripe is that there’s no dedicated spot to hang a grill brush.

Competitive Options

In comparison to other grills in this range, such as the Weber Spirit II E-310, the Royal Gourmet GA5401T stands out for its larger cooking area and additional sear burner. The Weber, however, excels in build quality and ease of assembly. Another contender, the Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner Gas Grill, offers slightly better durability but lacks the sear burner and the same level of BTU output. If you prioritize cooking space and heat, the Royal Gourmet GA5401T is a better option, but if durability is your primary concern, the Weber might be worth the extra investment.

Cost-Effectiveness

When considering the price-to-quality ratio, this grill offers decent value for its features. It isn’t a high-end grill like a $1,000 Weber, but it gets the job done for casual and moderate grillers. The inclusion of a sear burner and side burner adds to its appeal, making it a versatile choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. However, the thinner materials and lack of certain premium features make it clear that this is not a top-tier product. For its price point, though, it delivers a lot of functionality.

Additional information