There is a specific kind of freedom that comes with a tabletop griddle. It’s the ability to turn a trailhead, a stadium parking lot, or a tiny apartment balcony into a high-output diner kitchen. Over the last month, I’ve been living the “portable life,” dragging both the Royal Gourmet PD1300 and the Royal Gourmet PD1301S across various campsites and back patios. While both are 3-burner powerhouses designed to fit in a trunk, the experience of cooking on them revealed some subtle but significant forks in the road regarding heat retention and out-of-the-box value.
At first glance, these two look like they came from the same mold. They both offer a triple-burner setup – a rarity in the tabletop world where most competitors stick to one or two – giving you the kind of zone control usually reserved for full-sized backyard units. But after flip-flopping between them for breakfast hashes and late-night smash burgers, I realized that the PD1300 leans into “protection and capacity,” while the PD1301S focuses on “raw performance and durability.” Here is my hands-on breakdown of how these two travel companions stacked up in the field.
The Key Difference: Royal Gourmet PD1300 vs. PD1301S Griddle
The divide between the Royal Gourmet PD1300 and the PD1301S boils down to the Cooking Surface Finish and the Inclusion of Accessories.
- The Royal Gourmet PD1300 (The “Ready-to-Go” Bundle): This model is highlighted by its porcelain-enameled flattop. This finish is much more “non-stick” right out of the box and requires less seasoning maintenance. Crucially, it comes bundled with a PVC Cover, making it a more comprehensive package for those who want to buy it and head straight to the campsite.
- The Royal Gourmet PD1301S (The “Heavy-Duty” Specialist): This unit features a 5 mm thick steel cooking surface. While it requires more diligent seasoning than the enameled PD1300, the thicker steel provides superior heat retention and a more professional sear. It does not typically include the cover, focusing instead on the “pro” feel of the ignition and the plate thickness.
In short: The PD1300 is the convenient, “non-stick” option for casual campers, while the PD1301S is the heavy-duty choice for those who want a serious sear and don’t mind the maintenance of a traditional steel plate.
Comparison Table: Royal Gourmet PD1300 vs. PD1301S Griddle
| Feature | Royal Gourmet PD1300 | Royal Gourmet PD1301S |
| Cooking Area | 319 Sq. Inches | 304 Sq. Inches |
| Burner Output | 26,400 BTUs (Total) | 25,500 BTUs (Total) |
| Number of Burners | 3 Individually Controlled | 3 Individually Controlled |
| Surface Material | Porcelain-Enameled Steel | 3.5 mm Thick Raw Steel |
| Included Accessories | PVC Cover Included | None |
| Ignition System | Standard Piezo | Enhanced Piezo (Battery-Free) |
| Dimensions | 18.1″D x 18.1″W x 9.1″H | 17.52″D x 22.44″W x 8.66″H |
| Capacity | ~15 Burger Patties | ~12 Burger Patties |
| Portability | Tabletop / Trunk-Ready | Tabletop / Trunk-Ready |
| View Current Price On Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Month on the Road
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Design: Stability and Form Factor
When I first pulled the PD1300 out of the box, I was impressed by its square-ish, compact footprint. It’s a very “tidy” machine. The silver and black aesthetic looks modern, and the knobs have a nice, tactile resistance. It felt slightly taller on the table, which I preferred for ergonomic reasons when flipping pancakes for twenty minutes straight.
The PD1301S, by contrast, feels a bit more “spread out.” It’s wider and lower to the table. This lower center of gravity made it feel incredibly stable, even on a slightly uneven wooden picnic table at a state park. The most noticeable design difference, however, is the weight of the cooktop. The 3.5 mm steel plate on the PD1301S feels significantly heavier and more “industrial” than the enameled top of the PD1300. If you’re a fan of equipment that feels like it could survive a small earthquake, the 1301S wins the build-quality debate.
- PVC Cover Included: Put the cover on after every use to keep the unwelcome natural elements away like sun exposure,...
- Portable and Convenient: This compact, easy-to-store tabletop griddle fits easily in car trunks. Sturdy feet provide...
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Ease of Use: Startup and Seasoning
If you’re the type of person who wants to unbox a grill and start cooking within ten minutes, the PD1300 is your best friend. Because the top is porcelain-enameled, I only had to give it a quick soapy rinse and a light wipe of oil before I was throwing down bacon. It behaved much like a non-stick pan – eggs slid right off, and I didn’t have to worry about a complex seasoning process.
The PD1301S demanded a bit more patience. Since it’s raw steel, I spent about forty-five minutes “blueing” the metal and applying multiple thin layers of oil before my first cook. However, the Piezo ignition on the 1301S felt a bit more robust. It fired up the three burners instantly every time, whereas the 1300 occasionally required a second click to catch the flame on the far-left burner.
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Functions: The Three-Zone Advantage
Both of these units are absolute monsters when it comes to heat. Having three burners on a tabletop unit is a luxury.
- The PD1300 Experience: I loved the extra 15 square inches of space on this model. While it doesn’t sound like much, it allowed me to fit three extra burger patties compared to the 1301S. The heat is intense – I rarely had to turn the knobs past “medium” to get a great sizzle. The enameled surface is fantastic for delicate items like fish or soft tortillas that might stick to a less-seasoned steel plate.
- The PD1301S Experience: This is where the 3.5 mm steel plate shines. I noticed that the PD1301S had much fewer “cold spots.” Once that thick steel gets hot, it stays hot. When I dropped cold, thick steaks onto the PD1301S, the temperature didn’t dip as much as it did on the PD1300. For serious searing and getting those crispy edges on a smash burger, the PD1301S is functionally superior.
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Maintenance: The Cleanup Routine
Cleanup is always the part of grilling that no one talks about, but it’s what determines if you actually use the grill again.
On the PD1300, the “oil leak hole” and grease cup are positioned well. Because the surface is enameled, I could essentially “deglaze” the top with a little water while it was still hot, and the residue scraped right off. However, you have to be careful not to use metal scrapers too aggressively, as you don’t want to chip that porcelain coating.
The PD1301S is the opposite – you can go to town on it with a heavy metal scraper without fear. In fact, that’s how you’re supposed to clean it. The detachable griddle top on the 1301S also felt a bit easier to lift off for a deep clean of the burner tubes. The real winner in maintenance, though, is the PD1300’s included PVC cover. After the unit cooled, I could just pop the cover on and leave it on the patio table overnight without worrying about the morning dew starting a rust cycle.
Royal Gourmet PD1300 Griddle
- PVC Cover Included: Put the cover on after every use to keep the unwelcome natural elements away like sun exposure,...
Pros:
- True Non-Stick: Porcelain-enameled top is very beginner-friendly.
- All-In-One Value: Includes a PVC cover, saving you $20–$30.
- Larger Cooking Area: 319 sq. in. is the best in class for this size.
- High Output: 26,400 BTUs is incredibly powerful for a tabletop unit.
Cons:
- Fragile Surface: The enamel can chip if dropped or scraped with sharp metal.
- Heat Fluctuations: Thinner surface loses heat faster when loaded with cold food.
Royal Gourmet PD1301S Griddle
- Portable and Convenient: This compact, easy-to-store tabletop griddle fits easily in car trunks. Sturdy feet provide...
Pros:
- Heavy-Duty Steel: The 3.5 mm thick plate is built for “pro” heat retention.
- Reliable Ignition: Excellent battery-free Piezo system.
- Stability: Lower, wider stance is great for outdoor tables.
- Durability: You can use metal tools and heavy scrapers without fear.
Cons:
- Seasoning Required: Not “ready-to-cook” out of the box; requires maintenance to prevent rust.
- No Cover: You’ll need to purchase protection separately for outdoor storage.
The Verdict: Which Tabletop Titan Should You Buy?
Choosing between these two depends on your relationship with your cooking equipment.
I recommend the Royal Gourmet PD1300 if: You want convenience and a “turnkey” experience. If you’re a casual camper or someone who wants to host a breakfast on the patio without learning the “science” of seasoning steel, the PD1300 is the better choice. The included cover and the easy-to-clean enamel surface make it the ultimate “grab-and-go” griddle.
I recommend the Royal Gourmet PD1301S if: You are a “sear-seeker.” If you take pride in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet and you want that same performance in your backyard, the 3.5 mm steel plate on the PD1301S is worth the extra effort. It’s a sturdier, more “professional” feeling machine that rewards the cook who knows how to manage a raw steel surface.
My Personal Choice: I am keeping the Royal Gourmet PD1301S. There is something about the way a thick steel plate sears a burger that the enameled versions just can’t quite replicate. I don’t mind the seasoning ritual, and the stability of the wider base makes it feel like a permanent piece of my outdoor gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a full-sized propane tank for these?
Both are designed for “on-the-go” use, but with three burners, they pull a lot of fuel. You can use the 1 lb. “camping” green canisters with an adapter, but for a 3-burner unit, I highly recommend a standard 20 lb. tank if you’re cooking for more than 20 minutes.
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Can I use the PD1300 cover on the PD1301S?
The dimensions are very close, but the PD1301S is wider (22.44″ vs 18.1″). The PD1300 cover will likely be too snug or won’t fit at all over the wider base of the 1301S.
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Is the PD1300 surface “cast iron”?
It is porcelain-enameled steel. It looks and acts a bit like cast iron, but it is much smoother and doesn’t require the same “building up” of seasoning that raw cast iron or steel does.
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How many burners should I light for a small meal?
The beauty of both models is the three-zone control. If you’re just making two grilled cheese sandwiches, you can light just the center burner to save fuel. However, for even heat across the whole plate, it’s best to have all three on a low setting.
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Will these fit in a standard car trunk?
Yes, both are specifically designed for this. The PD1301S is wider, so you’ll want to measure your trunk if you have a very compact car, but for most sedans and SUVs, both units fit comfortably with room for a cooler.
