If there’s one thing I’ve learned from countless weekends spent grilling outdoors, it’s that a good portable griddle can make or break the experience. The Royal Gourmet PD1300 and PD1301S are two compact tabletop gas griddles that promise big flavor without taking up much space — perfect for camping trips, tailgating parties, or patio cookouts.
I’ve had the chance to use both models extensively — cooking everything from pancakes and eggs in the morning to burgers, shrimp, and steak in the evening. While they look quite similar at first glance, there are subtle but meaningful differences that might make one a better fit for your outdoor cooking style.
So, if you’re torn between these two fan-favorite portable griddles, let’s dig into the details and see which one truly deserves a spot in your outdoor cooking lineup.
Key Difference Between Royal Gourmet PD1300 vs PD1301S Portable Griddle
The Royal Gourmet PD1300 comes with a porcelain-enameled cooking surface and slightly higher BTU output, while the PD1301S offers a thicker steel griddle top, better ignition system, and easier portability.
In short, the PD1300 is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who want reliable performance and a cover included, while the PD1301S is a refined upgrade — sturdier, easier to ignite, and more polished in its design.
- PVC Cover Included: Put the cover on after every use to keep the unwelcome natural elements away like sun exposure, water spots, and dust
- Portable and Convenient: This compact, easy-to-store tabletop griddle fits easily in car trunks. Sturdy feet provide extra stability, making it ideal for...
Comparison Table: Royal Gourmet PD1300 vs PD1301S Portable Griddle
| Feature | Royal Gourmet PD1300 | Royal Gourmet PD1301S |
| Cooking Surface | 319 sq. in. | 304 sq. in. |
| BTU Output | 26,400 BTUs | 25,500 BTUs |
| Number of Burners | 3 | 3 |
| Cooking Surface Material | Porcelain-enameled | 3.5mm thick steel |
| Ignition System | Manual | Piezo ignition (battery-free) |
| Portability | Compact, includes PVC cover | Lightweight, stable feet |
| Dimensions | 18.1″ x 18.1″ x 9.1″ | 25″ x 16.3″ x 7.9″ |
| Color | Silver & Black | Black & Silver |
| Grease Management | Removable grease cup | Removable grease cup |
| Included Accessories | PVC cover | Griddle top & grease cup |
| Best For | Patio or backyard grilling | Camping, tailgating, on-the-go cooking |
| Check Latest Price & Deals | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Both of these Royal Gourmet models deliver an impressive balance of power, portability, and performance, but after using them side by side, I found some noteworthy distinctions that might sway your decision depending on how and where you grill.
- PVC Cover Included: Put the cover on after every use to keep the unwelcome natural elements away like sun exposure, water spots, and dust
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, both griddles feel sturdy, but the PD1301S edges ahead in terms of construction and ergonomics. Its longer design (25 inches wide) gives you a bit more room to move food around, while its sturdy non-slip feet make it stable even on uneven picnic tables or tailgate setups.
The PD1300, on the other hand, is more compact and comes with a PVC cover, which is a nice touch for those who want to protect the griddle when storing it outdoors or traveling. The silver and black color combo gives it a clean, modern look, though the finish is slightly more reflective and prone to smudges compared to the PD1301S’s matte-black tones.
Both are portable enough to lift and carry by hand, but if I had to pick one for long road trips, the PD1301S feels more travel-friendly thanks to its slimmer height and tighter overall form factor.
- Portable and Convenient: This compact, easy-to-store tabletop griddle fits easily in car trunks. Sturdy feet provide extra stability, making it ideal for...
Cooking Performance
When it comes to real-world cooking, both griddles perform beautifully — but they shine in slightly different ways.
The PD1300 offers 26,400 BTUs of total power, split across three independently controlled burners. That’s plenty of heat to sear burgers and cook thick cuts of meat quickly. The porcelain-enameled top heats evenly and is fairly nonstick, which made flipping delicate items like eggs and pancakes a breeze. However, you do need to be cautious about scratching the surface — metal utensils can wear it down over time.
The PD1301S, on the other hand, uses a 3.5mm thick steel griddle top, which retains heat incredibly well. Once it’s hot, it stays hot — ideal for searing steaks or getting that perfect crust on smash burgers. The slight drop in total BTU (25,500 vs 26,400) is hardly noticeable; in fact, I found the PD1301S to be slightly more efficient because of how evenly it distributes heat.
Both models have independent temperature knobs, letting you create different heat zones for cooking multiple foods at once — bacon on one side, pancakes on the other. That feature alone makes these griddles incredibly versatile for any outdoor cooking setup.
- PVC Cover Included: Put the cover on after every use to keep the unwelcome natural elements away like sun exposure, water spots, and dust
Ease of Use
The PD1301S clearly wins this category thanks to its Piezo ignition system. It’s a battery-free, push-button starter that ignites the burners instantly. No fumbling with lighters or matches, which is especially handy on windy days.
The PD1300, while equally reliable once lit, requires manual ignition, which can be a bit less convenient, especially if you’re setting up camp early in the morning or grilling after sunset.
Both models have simple control knobs that respond smoothly and a removable grease cup at the back for catching drips and oil. I also appreciate how both have slightly slanted cooking surfaces, guiding grease away from food naturally.
- Portable and Convenient: This compact, easy-to-store tabletop griddle fits easily in car trunks. Sturdy feet provide extra stability, making it ideal for...
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleanup is one of the most important aspects of any griddle, and both models do a solid job here.
The PD1300 has a porcelain-coated surface, which makes wiping away residue easier since food doesn’t stick as much. However, if you tend to use metal spatulas or scrape vigorously, this coating can wear over time.
The PD1301S uses thick rolled steel, which requires a bit of seasoning (like a cast iron pan), but once seasoned properly, it develops a natural nonstick surface and is incredibly durable. After cooking, a quick scrape with a metal spatula and a wipe with paper towels is usually all it needs.
Both griddles have removable grease cups, making post-cook cleanup simple, though the PD1301S has a slightly wider grease channel that handles more drippings, especially during long grilling sessions.
- PVC Cover Included: Put the cover on after every use to keep the unwelcome natural elements away like sun exposure, water spots, and dust
Portability and Outdoor Usability
Both models are designed for outdoor use, but they serve slightly different audiences.
The PD1300’s inclusion of a PVC cover gives it a strong edge if you plan to keep it outdoors between uses or take it camping in unpredictable weather. Its compact design makes it easy to pack into a trunk or RV storage compartment.
The PD1301S, meanwhile, feels more refined in terms of build stability and is a bit easier to set up on uneven surfaces. I found the feet to grip picnic tables better, and the ignition system makes it faster to start cooking.
If your idea of grilling involves constant travel, tailgates, and camping, the PD1301S is the slightly more practical pick. But if you want an affordable, all-in-one setup that includes protection right out of the box, the PD1300 is a smart buy.
Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable Gas Grill Griddle
- PVC Cover Included: Put the cover on after every use to keep the unwelcome natural elements away like sun exposure, water spots, and dust
Pros:
- Slightly higher total BTU output (26,400)
- Includes PVC protective cover
- Porcelain-enameled surface heats quickly and resists sticking
- Compact and ideal for patios or RVs
- Easy to clean with removable grease cup
Cons:
- Manual ignition (no push-start)
- Porcelain coating can wear with heavy use
- Slightly smaller cooking area for larger meals
Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable Gas Grill Griddle
- Portable and Convenient: This compact, easy-to-store tabletop griddle fits easily in car trunks. Sturdy feet provide extra stability, making it ideal for...
Pros:
- Piezo ignition for instant, reliable startups
- Thick 3.5mm steel surface retains heat beautifully
- Stable design with sturdy feet
- Excellent grease drainage system
- Slightly lighter and easier to transport
Cons:
- No cover included
- Needs seasoning before first use
- Slightly lower BTU output (though negligible difference in performance)
Conclusion and Recommendation
After grilling, flipping, and cleaning both models multiple times, I can confidently say that both are fantastic portable griddles — but they’re built for slightly different users.
If you’re looking for maximum convenience and durability, the Royal Gourmet PD1301S takes the win. Its Piezo ignition, thick steel plate, and solid construction make it feel like a professional tool designed for real outdoor cooking enthusiasts. It’s perfect for campers, tailgaters, or anyone who wants restaurant-quality searing power on the go.
However, if you’re more of a casual backyard griller who values simplicity and included accessories, the PD1300 still holds great value — especially since it comes with a protective PVC cover and a slightly higher BTU output.
My Recommendation:
- Pick the PD1301S if you want the most convenient, well-built, and efficient option for outdoor cooking.
- Go for the PD1300 if you prefer an affordable, ready-to-use setup with a protective cover and don’t mind manual ignition.
Either way, both models prove why Royal Gourmet continues to be a go-to brand for compact, reliable griddles that make outdoor cooking genuinely enjoyable.
