Royal Gourmet PD1301R Outdoor Cooker Review
Our verdict
The Royal Gourmet PD1301R is one of the most-reviewed outdoor griddles in its price range, with over 6,700 ratings averaging 4.5 stars at $97.98. Its propane-powered 8,500 BTU burner, 319 square inches of cooking area, and alloy steel with porcelain construction make it a practical flat-top griddle for everyday backyard cooking.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Backyard cooks who want a propane outdoor griddle with a flat cooking surface for eggs, pancakes, burgers, and stir-fry without spending over $100.
Skip if
You need more than 319 sq in of cooking space for large groups, or you want a higher-BTU output for faster heat-up on bigger cooks.
- Fuel Propane
- BTUs 8500 BTU
- Cooking area 319 Sq In
- Material Alloy Steel, Porcelain
- Color Red
- Dimensions 25 X 16.3 X 7.9 In
- Priced 22% above the category median ($79.99 across 79 tracked models)
- Weight of 30.0 lb - heavier than 67% of the 79 models we track
Pros
- Over 6,700 reviews at 4.5 stars, one of the best-validated outdoor griddles under $100
- 8,500 BTU propane burner delivers solid heat for a griddle this size
- 319 sq in cooking area handles meals for 2 to 4 people comfortably
- Porcelain-coated surface is easier to maintain than bare cast iron
- Compact dimensions (25 x 16.3 x 7.9 in) fit most patio tables and cart setups
Cons
- 319 sq in cooking area may be tight when cooking for larger groups
- 8,500 BTU is moderate for the category, slower to heat than higher-BTU units
- 30 lb weight is manageable but not light for a portable griddle
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 6,709 owner ratings
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Popularity5.0/5
6,709 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other grills, grill parts and burners, smokers and smoking gear, grill tools, outdoor griddles, outdoor kitchen appliances and grill covers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Royal Gourmet PD1301R is a propane flat-top griddle that delivers 8,500 BTU across a 319 square inch cooking surface. At 25 x 16.3 x 7.9 inches and 30 lb, it is compact enough for a standard patio but sized for cooking for two to four people comfortably. The alloy steel and porcelain construction provides a solid base with a cooking surface that cleans up more easily than raw cast iron.
At $97.98, this is one of the better-value propane griddles available when you factor in the sheer number of buyer reviews. More than 6,700 reviews at a 4.5-star average is a large, credible sample, and it consistently places this model among the top-rated outdoor griddles in its price class.
The red color option is distinctive in a category dominated by black or stainless finishes. The porcelain-coated cooking surface requires less seasoning maintenance than bare steel or cast iron alternatives, which is a practical advantage for buyers who cook less frequently.
Specifications
| Fuel | Propane |
|---|---|
| BTUs | 8500 BTU |
| Cooking area | 319 Sq In |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Porcelain |
| Color | Red |
| Dimensions | 25 X 16.3 X 7.9 In |
| Weight | 30.0 lb |
Performance notes
The PD1301R runs on propane and outputs 8,500 BTU across 319 sq in of cooking surface. That works out to roughly 26.6 BTU per square inch, which is a reasonable heat density for flat-top cooking. The alloy steel frame and porcelain cooking surface combination is common in this price range and balances durability with ease of cleaning. At 30 lb and 25 inches wide, this is a tabletop-style unit rather than a standalone cart griddle.
What buyers say
More than 6,700 reviews averaging 4.5 stars is a strong, high-volume signal. At this review count the rating is statistically reliable and consistently reflects that most buyers find this griddle meets their expectations for the price. It is one of the most-reviewed outdoor griddles in the under-$100 segment.
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Frequently asked questions
What size propane tank does the Royal Gourmet PD1301R use?
The PD1301R connects to a standard 1 lb propane cylinder for portable use or can be adapted for a larger 20 lb propane tank with an appropriate hose and regulator. Check the product listing and any included documentation for the specific connection details and compatible adapters.
Is 319 square inches enough cooking area for a family of four?
319 square inches is workable for a family of four when cooking items like burgers or eggs in batches. It may feel a bit tight if you are trying to cook everything at once. For larger groups or bigger cuts of meat, a griddle with 400 sq in or more would give you more flexibility.
How do you clean the porcelain cooking surface on the PD1301R?
Porcelain-coated surfaces are generally easier to clean than bare steel or cast iron. Wipe down the surface while it is still warm with a paper towel or griddle scraper to remove food residue, then follow up with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive metal pads that can chip the porcelain coating.