A portable 24-inch, 3-burner propane tabletop griddle with 25,500 BTU output, about 319 sq. in. of cooking space, piezo ignition, and a removable grease cup.
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Royal Gourmet PD1301R review: portable 3-burner griddle for camp cooking
Royal Gourmet PD1301R review readers usually want one clear answer: is this compact red tabletop griddle a smart pick for camping, tailgating, and patio breakfasts? Based on the manufacturer specs, Amazon listing data, and safety guidance from public sources, it is best for campers who want more cooking space than a single-burner stove without hauling a full backyard griddle.
The PD1301R uses three independently controlled propane burners and a flat griddle surface, so it is built for pancakes, eggs, bacon, burgers, hash browns, fajitas, and other food that benefits from a wide hot plate. It is not a backpacking stove, and at about 30 pounds it still needs a stable table, but it brings a lot of cooking area for car camping. For shoppers comparing portable flat tops, this Royal Gourmet PD1301R review focuses on heat control, portability, and cleanup in real-world camp setups.
Key features of the Royal Gourmet PD1301R review model
Royal Gourmet lists the PD1301R as a 24-inch portable tabletop gas griddle with 25,500 BTU of total output, 318.95 to 319 square inches of cooking area, and a porcelain-enameled steel flat top. The official product page also notes piezo ignition, three independently controlled burners, sturdy feet, a slide-out grease cup, and a PVC cover.
The cooking surface measures about 23.82 by 13.39 inches, while the full unit is about 26.7 by 16.1 by 7.9 inches. That gives it enough width for breakfast or burgers for a small group, while still being short enough to pack into a vehicle for a campsite or tailgate.
- Best use: car camping, tailgating, picnics, and patio cooking.
- Fuel: propane, connected to a standard 20 lb. LP cylinder; tank not included.
- Ignition: integrated piezo ignition for simple startup.
- Cleanup: detachable griddle top and slide-out grease cup.
Cooking performance and heat control
The three-burner layout is the main reason to consider this model. Separate controls let you run hotter and cooler zones, which helps when cooking bacon on one side while holding pancakes or buns on another.
The 25,500 BTU rating is strong for a tabletop propane griddle in this size class. In practical terms, the bigger advantage is not only peak heat, but the ability to spread heat across a broader cooking surface than a camp stove with a small pan.
Because the griddle top is porcelain-enameled steel rather than heavy cast iron, it should be easier to move and clean than a thick cast plate. The tradeoff is that serious high-heat searing fans may still prefer a heavier griddle or a larger cart-style unit.
Setup, cleaning, and outdoor safety
Setup should be straightforward: place the unit on a level, heat-safe outdoor table, connect the regulator to a 20 lb. propane cylinder, open the lid or cover area, and ignite according to the owner’s manual. The official Royal Gourmet support page specifically calls out the gas regulator, piezo ignition, and four sturdy feet as key features.
Do not use this indoors, in a tent, or in an enclosed vehicle. The NFPA propane grill safety guidance stresses checking gas hoses for leaks with soapy water and turning off the gas if a leak is detected.
For food safety, use a food thermometer instead of relying only on browning or grill marks. FoodSafety.gov’s temperature chart lists 160 deg F for ground meats and 165 deg F for poultry and leftovers.
Cleaning is one of the stronger points on paper. A removable grease cup makes it easier to collect runoff, and the detachable top helps with post-cook wipe-downs after the surface cools.
How it compares to other camp cooking options
Compared with a compact two-burner stove, this griddle gives you a larger continuous cooking surface and better short-order breakfast workflow. A stove is still more flexible for boiling water or using deep pots.
Compared with a larger backyard griddle, the PD1301R is more portable and easier to store. The compromise is prep space, grease management capacity, and the need to bring a sturdy table. That is also why this Royal Gourmet PD1301R review is most favorable for car campers and tailgaters rather than minimalist hikers.
If you want cast iron simplicity, the Lodge cast iron skillet review covers a cheaper, pan-based option. If you need more burner power and a standing setup, the Gas One double burner camp stove review is the more rugged direction.
Who should buy it?
Buy it if you camp by car, cook breakfast for two to five people, and want a flat-top surface without committing to a full-size griddle cart. It is also a useful tailgate cooker because burgers, onions, eggs, and sandwiches are simpler on a wide plate than in small pans.
Skip it if you need an ultralight stove, mostly boil water, or want a premium griddle with a thick cooktop and cart storage. Apartment users should also check local rules before using any propane cooker on balconies or shared outdoor spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PD1301R include a propane tank?
No. Royal Gourmet lists it as compatible with a standard 20 lb. LP cylinder, but the tank is not included.
How much cooking area does it have?
The official Royal Gourmet product pages list about 319 square inches of cooking area, with a cooking surface around 23.82 by 13.39 inches.
Is it good for camping?
Yes, as long as you mean car camping or tailgating. At roughly 30 pounds, it is portable for vehicle-based trips but not suitable for backpacking.
Can it be used indoors?
No. This is an outdoor propane cooking appliance and should only be used in a properly ventilated outdoor area.
Final verdict
The Royal Gourmet PD1301R review bottom line is simple: this is a practical value griddle for campers who want a real flat-top surface, three heat zones, and easier breakfast cooking without buying a bulky cart model. Its best strengths are cooking area, burner control, portability, and cleanup design.
The main drawbacks are weight, table dependence, and the usual propane safety responsibilities. For car camping and tailgate meals, though, it hits a useful middle ground between a small camp stove and a full backyard griddle.
Check the latest price on Amazon or compare against the official Royal Gourmet product listing before buying, since availability and pricing can move quickly.
