Reveal the best portable gas grill griddle? Royal Gourmet PD1301S review!

Description

Grilling Performance

The Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable 3-Burner Gas Grill has genuinely impressed me with its grilling performance. This tabletop griddle brings a lot of heat with its 25,500 BTUs output, thanks to the three stainless-steel burners. The heat distribution is surprisingly even, which made cooking a breeze. I prepared everything from sizzling bacon strips to fluffy pancakes during a weekend camping trip, and the results were consistently impressive. However, I did notice a slight variance in heat near the grease drain, but it was manageable once I adjusted my cooking strategy. The burners also ignite effortlessly with the piezo ignition system, which saves time and effort—no more fumbling with matches or lighters!

Ease of Use

Using this grill felt intuitive from the moment I unpacked it. The assembly was straightforward, requiring minimal effort and time. I had it ready to go in about 15 minutes. Once set up, the control knobs were easy to operate, and the compact design made it simple to transport to the tailgating party I attended last week. Even moving it around my backyard patio was hassle-free, thanks to its lightweight build. Despite its simplicity, it doesn’t compromise on functionality. I particularly loved the porcelain-enameled cooking surface, which ensured even cooking and prevented food from sticking too much.

Positives

• Even heat distribution across the cooking surface.
• Compact and portable design, perfect for camping or tailgating.
• Durable porcelain-enameled griddle top.
• Effortless ignition with the piezo system.

Cleaning

Cleaning this grill was a surprisingly pleasant experience. The removable grease cup is incredibly handy, catching all those drippings and making disposal quick and straightforward. After cooking up a storm of burgers and hash browns, I simply slid the grease cup out, gave it a quick rinse, and it was good as new. The detachable griddle top also made cleaning super convenient. I’ve had grills where scrubbing off food residue felt like a gym workout, but not with this one. A little water and a scraper were all I needed to keep it looking pristine. That said, the porcelain finish does need a bit of care to avoid scratches, so I stuck with silicone utensils.

Temperature Control

I was impressed by the precision of the temperature control knobs. Each of the three burners can be adjusted independently, which allowed me to cook multiple dishes at once. For instance, I kept one burner on high for searing steak while using a lower setting on the others for sautéing vegetables. However, I did notice that the very front edge of the griddle tends to stay slightly cooler than the rest of the surface, so I had to shuffle food around occasionally to ensure everything cooked evenly. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind.

Cleaning Downsides

• The porcelain coating requires extra care to avoid scratches.
• Some grease tends to linger near the edges, needing additional effort to wipe clean.

Features

This portable grill comes packed with thoughtful features. The cooking area spans 319 square inches, providing plenty of space for whipping up meals for a small group. On a recent camping trip, I managed to cook enough food for five people in one go—15 burger patties at once! The included grill cover is a fantastic bonus, offering protection from the elements and making the grill even more travel-friendly. Another standout feature is the sturdy feet, which kept the grill stable even on uneven ground at our campsite.

Warranty

The included warranty for this griddle is a reassuring addition. While I haven’t had any issues so far, knowing that the manufacturer stands behind their product adds extra peace of mind. It’s also worth mentioning that customer service appears to be responsive, based on feedback I’ve seen from other users. I’d recommend keeping your proof of purchase handy just in case you need to make a claim down the road.

Portability & Storage

Portability is where this grill truly shines. At just 29.3 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry. The compact design makes storage simple. I’ve tucked it away in my garage without it taking up much space. During a recent tailgating event, it fit neatly into the trunk of my sedan. The detachable griddle top also reduces the hassle when transporting it. This grill feels like it was designed with adventurers in mind.

Other Options

In comparison to its competitors, this grill holds its own remarkably well. For instance, I’ve used a Blackstone tabletop griddle before, which offers a similar cooking experience but is bulkier and more expensive. The Royal Gourmet PD1301S is more budget-friendly while still providing comparable performance. On the other hand, some cheaper griddles on the market lack the durability and even heat distribution this model offers. If you’re looking for a balance of quality and portability, this grill is an excellent choice.

Quality for Price

From my perspective, this grill delivers fantastic quality for its price. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it provides more value than many higher-priced models. The sturdy construction, even heating, and included accessories like the grill cover make it feel like a premium product. For outdoor enthusiasts or casual grillers, this is a smart investment that won’t break the bank.

Additional information