The first time I packed a portable griddle for a camping trip, I realized just how much better life gets when you can fry bacon, flip pancakes, and sear burgers all on the go. Bulky backyard grills have their place, but when you’re cooking outdoors—whether it’s tailgating, camping, or even a simple patio dinner—you need something compact yet powerful.
That’s where Royal Gourmet’s PD1300 and PD1301S come into play. Both are tabletop gas griddles, both promise portability, and both come with three burners that punch way above their weight class. But after using them side by side, I noticed some subtle differences that might make one more appealing than the other depending on your needs.
Let’s dive into how they compare.
Key Difference Between Royal Gourmet PD1300 vs PD1301S Portable Propane Gas Grill Griddle
While the PD1300 and PD1301S look almost identical at first glance, the key difference lies in heating power and portability details.
- The PD1300 delivers 26,400 BTUs of cooking power, making it slightly stronger, with a build designed for versatile outdoor adventures.
- The PD1301S, on the other hand, offers 25,500 BTUs and emphasizes stability and ease of cleaning, with sturdier legs and a detachable griddle top for simpler maintenance.
Both are compact, both come with protective PVC covers, and both give you the same 319 sq. in. of cooking space. But depending on whether you value raw heat or extra stability, you’ll lean toward one or the other.
- 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: The griddle can be put in the trunk of the car and placed on your countertop, making it perfect for picnics, camping, nights on the patio, or outdoor cooking
- Portable and Convenient: This compact, easy-to-store tabletop griddle fits easily in car trunks. Sturdy feet provide extra stability, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and backyard use
- Spacious Cooking Surface: With 304 sq. in. of cooking space, the griddle can cook up to 12 burgers at once. The 3.5 mm thick steel surface ensures even heat distribution for consistent results
Comparison Table: Royal Gourmet PD1300 vs PD1301S Portable Propane Gas Grill Griddle
| Feature | Royal Gourmet PD1300 | Royal Gourmet PD1301S |
| Burners | 3 | 3 |
| Cooking Power | 26,400 BTUs | 25,500 BTUs |
| Cooking Area | 319 sq. in. | 319 sq. in. |
| Dimensions | 18.1″D x 18.1″W x 9.1″H | 25″D x 16.3″W x 7.9″H |
| Weight | ~24 lbs (approx.) | ~30 lbs (approx.) |
| Fuel Source | Portable LP cylinder | Connects to 20 lb. LP tank (regulator included) |
| Cleanup System | Removable grease cup | Slide-out grease cup + detachable griddle top |
| Portability | Lightweight, fits easily in car trunks | Sturdier build with stronger feet |
| Cover Included | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Camping, quick outdoor grilling | Tailgating, patios, home + outdoor use |
| Check Latest Price | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review
Design & Build Quality
The PD1300 feels like it was designed with travelers in mind. Its compact 18-inch square footprint means it slips into the trunk without fuss, and the lightweight build makes it easy to carry around. The silver-and-black design looks simple but sturdy, and it comes with a PVC cover to keep it protected from dust or rain.
The PD1301S, however, feels more refined. It’s longer and slimmer, with reinforced legs that add stability. I noticed it sits firmer on tabletops compared to the PD1300, which can wobble slightly on uneven ground. The griddle top is also detachable, making cleanup easier if you’re using it often at home.
- 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: The griddle can be put in the trunk of the car and placed on your countertop, making it perfect for picnics, camping, nights on the patio, or outdoor cooking
- Portable and Convenient: This compact, easy-to-store tabletop griddle fits easily in car trunks. Sturdy feet provide extra stability, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and backyard use
- Spacious Cooking Surface: With 304 sq. in. of cooking space, the griddle can cook up to 12 burgers at once. The 3.5 mm thick steel surface ensures even heat distribution for consistent results
Ease of Use
Lighting up both models is straightforward since they rely on piezo ignition. With the PD1300, I loved how quickly it fired up and how portable propane cylinders made setup a breeze. If you’re on the road, the smaller tank option is a blessing.
The PD1301S, though, connects to a full 20 lb. propane tank. That’s less convenient for quick trips but excellent for longer cookouts where you don’t want to worry about running out of gas. Its design also feels slightly more user-friendly when cooking large batches, thanks to the better stability.
Cooking Performance
Both griddles offer 319 sq. in. of porcelain-enameled cooking space—plenty for 15 burger patties at once. That’s more than enough for family outings.
The PD1300’s 26,400 BTUs give it a slight edge in raw power. When I cooked steaks on both, the PD1300 heated faster and seared meat with just a little more intensity. For foods like fried rice or stir-fry, the extra heat translated into faster cooking.
The PD1301S, while a bit less powerful at 25,500 BTUs, delivered steadier performance across the surface. It heated evenly and maintained temperature beautifully, which is crucial when cooking foods like pancakes or eggs where consistency matters more than sheer heat.
- 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: The griddle can be put in the trunk of the car and placed on your countertop, making it perfect for picnics, camping, nights on the patio, or outdoor cooking
- Portable and Convenient: This compact, easy-to-store tabletop griddle fits easily in car trunks. Sturdy feet provide extra stability, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and backyard use
- Spacious Cooking Surface: With 304 sq. in. of cooking space, the griddle can cook up to 12 burgers at once. The 3.5 mm thick steel surface ensures even heat distribution for consistent results
Cleaning & Maintenance
The PD1300 keeps things simple with a removable grease cup. After cooking bacon, I found cleanup quick enough—just slide the cup out, dump the drippings, and wipe down the surface.
The PD1301S takes it a step further. Its slide-out grease cup plus detachable griddle top made cleanup feel effortless. I could actually lift the griddle surface off and give it a deep clean at home, which is a major advantage if you’re using it regularly on the patio.
Royal Gourmet PD1300 Portable Propane 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
- Portable and Convenient: The griddle can be put in the trunk of the car and placed on your countertop, making it perfect for picnics, camping, nights on the patio, or outdoor cooking
Pros:
- Higher cooking power (26,400 BTUs)
- Lightweight and extremely portable
- Easy to pack in car trunks for trips
- Protective cover included
- Simple cleanup system
Cons:
- Slightly less stable on uneven surfaces
- Smaller propane tank means frequent refills for long sessions
- Griddle top isn’t detachable
Royal Gourmet PD1301S Portable Propane 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 outdoor adventures and backyard use
- Spacious Cooking Surface: With 304 sq. in. of cooking space, the griddle can cook up to 12 burgers at once. The 3.5 mm thick steel surface ensures even heat distribution for consistent results
Pros:
- Excellent stability with sturdy feet
- Spacious cooking surface with even heating
- Detachable griddle top for easier cleaning
- Connects to larger propane tank for longer use
- Comes with protective PVC cover
Cons:
- Slightly heavier and bulkier
- Lower BTU output compared to PD1300
- Less convenient for short trips due to 20 lb. tank requirement
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Royal Gourmet PD1300 and PD1301S deliver fantastic portable grilling experiences, but the choice depends on how and where you plan to use them.
- If you’re always on the move—camping, tailgating, or road-tripping—the PD1300 is the smarter option. It’s lighter, uses smaller tanks, and heats up fast, making it a reliable companion for adventure.
- If you’re mostly grilling on your patio, backyard, or need a more stable setup for big gatherings—the PD1301S shines. Its sturdier build, detachable griddle top, and large-tank connection make it perfect for regular outdoor cooking.
My recommendation: Go for the PD1300 if portability is your top priority. Choose the PD1301S if you want durability and easier cleanup for frequent use.
