Royal Gourmet GD401 vs GD401C: My Hands-On Take on These Combo Grills

Some grills are made for simplicity, others for performance—but then there are the ones that bring the best of both worlds. When I first laid eyes on the Royal Gourmet GD401 and the Royal Gourmet GD401C, I knew they weren’t just typical backyard grills. These two combo setups, offering both a traditional gas grill and a flat-top griddle, are built for anyone who wants variety in outdoor cooking.

Over the last couple of months, I’ve cooked everything from seared steaks to pancake breakfasts on these models. And let me tell you, while they share many similarities, the small differences between them matter more than you’d expect.

So, if you’re debating between the GD401 and the GD401C, let me walk you through my personal experience.

The Key Difference Between GD401 and GD401C Propane Grill Griddle Combo

At first glance, the GD401 and GD401C look nearly identical: both are 4-burner propane gas grill and griddle combos with folding legs, side tables, and locking casters. However, the GD401C ships with a custom-fit grill cover, while the GD401 does not.

It might sound like a small detail, but if you store your grill outdoors like I do, that cover makes a big difference in durability and long-term appearance.

Another minor difference I noticed is the height: the GD401C stands slightly shorter at 36.6 inches compared to the GD401’s 43.7 inches. This doesn’t affect performance but does change comfort depending on your cooking style.

Quick Comparison Table: GD401 Vs GD401C Propane Grill Griddle Combo

Feature	Royal Gourmet GD401	Royal Gourmet GD401C
Cooking Zones	Grill + Griddle (292 sq. in. each)	Grill + Griddle (292 sq. in. each)
Total Cooking Area	584 sq. in.	584 sq. in.
Burners	4 x 12,000 BTU (48,000 BTUs total)	4 x 12,000 BTU (48,000 BTUs total)
Dimensions	66.1″ L x 21.8″ W x 43.7″ H	66.1″ L x 21.7″ W x 36.6″ H
Special Features	Folding legs, locking casters, side tables	Folding legs, locking casters, side tables, includes cover
Cleanup	Removable grease tray	Removable grease tray
Portability	Yes	Yes
Best For	Occasional grillers, budget-friendly buyers	Outdoor cooks wanting protection & slightly more compact design
Check Latest Price	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Design and Build Quality

Both grills come in a black and silver finish with a rugged, practical design. The stainless-steel control panels feel sturdy, and the knobs are large and easy to grip even when my hands were greasy from marinating meat.

The GD401’s taller frame made it more comfortable for me to cook without bending, especially during long grilling sessions. However, my wife preferred the GD401C because the shorter height felt more manageable when cooking pancakes or veggies on the griddle.

The side tables are wide enough to hold plates, seasoning trays, or grilling tools. Plus, the lower bar design to hang utensils is incredibly handy. I kept my tongs and spatula there, which meant no scrambling around when things got hot.

The cover included with the GD401C deserves extra praise—it fits snugly and saves you from having to buy one separately. After a surprise rain shower one evening, I was grateful the GD401C stayed spotless while the GD401 needed a quick wipe-down before use.

Ease of Use

Setting up either grill was straightforward. The automatic ignition system really is as smooth as advertised. With just a turn and click, all four burners lit up reliably every time.

I loved how quickly they heated up. Within 10 minutes, I was getting searing temps on the grill side for steaks while the griddle side was perfect for sautéing vegetables.

The folding legs and locking casters made it surprisingly portable for such a large grill. I wheeled both units onto my patio easily and even folded them down to fit in the back of a pickup for a tailgate party.

If you like flexibility in cooking, both units deliver. Burgers on the grill and quesadillas on the griddle? Done. Pancakes on one side, bacon on the other? Easy. It’s the versatility that really sold me.

Cooking Performance

Both models share the same 48,000 BTU output across four burners, and I didn’t notice any difference in actual cooking power. Heat distribution was even, and both the grill grates and griddle top retained heat well.

On the grill side, I cooked ribs, burgers, and chicken breasts. Everything had a consistent sear, and the juices were well-retained thanks to the even flame control.

On the griddle side, I made stir-fried rice, fajitas, and even French toast for brunch. The porcelain-enamel griddle is thick and glossy, and food cooked evenly without cold spots.

The only slight difference? Because of the GD401C’s shorter height, I felt closer to the cooking surface, which made it easier to manage delicate foods like crepes or fried eggs.

Cleanup

Cleanup is always a deciding factor for me, and both models made it painless. The removable grease tray and oil management system caught excess drippings without making a mess.

The griddle top is detachable, which made it easier to scrub down after a particularly saucy batch of teriyaki chicken. If you’ve ever wrestled with a grill that holds onto grease like it’s glued on, you’ll appreciate how user-friendly these are.

Royal Gourmet GD401 Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo

Pros:

• Tall build for comfortable grilling
• Powerful 48,000 BTU burners
• Large cooking space (584 sq. in.)
• Easy ignition and even heat distribution
• Versatile grill + griddle combo

Cons:

• No included cover (must buy separately)
• Taller design may be less convenient for shorter users

Buy on Amazon

Royal Gourmet GD401C Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo

Pros:

• Comes with a custom grill cover
• Slightly more compact height
• Same powerful burners and cooking area
• Portable with folding legs and locking casters
• Excellent heat control for griddle cooking

Cons:

• Shorter height may not be as comfortable for taller users
• Slightly less storage space underneath compared to GD401

Buy on Amazon

My Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

After plenty of meals cooked on both, here’s my take:

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly grill and griddle combo that’s tall, comfortable, and doesn’t skimp on cooking performance, the Royal Gourmet GD401 is a fantastic pick. Just remember you’ll likely want to invest in a separate cover.

On the other hand, if you value protection, portability, and convenience right out of the box, the Royal Gourmet GD401C is worth the extra cost. The included cover alone saves you money, and the slightly shorter build makes it approachable for all heights.

For me personally, I lean toward the GD401C—the cover and compact build gave it the edge in everyday practicality. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. Both offer restaurant-style versatility in your backyard at a price that’s hard to beat.