Royal Gourmet PD1300 vs. PD1301S: Sizzling Showdown of the Tabletop Titans

Dragging a full-sized griddle to a tailgate or campsite is a chore that usually ends in a cramped trunk and a frustrated chef. After spending weeks putting the Royal Gourmet PD1300 and its cousin, the PD1301S, through their paces, I’ve found that high-performance griddling doesn’t require a permanent backyard installation.

These 3-burner units are the gold standard for portable flat-tops, but they approach the outdoor culinary experience from two distinct angles. One is a powerhouse of heat and surface area, while the other is a refined, compact traveler built for traditionalists. I’ve seared everything from breakfast hash to midnight sliders on both to see which one deserves the precious space on your picnic table.

The Key Difference: Surface Personality and Verticality

The primary key difference between the Royal Gourmet PD1300 and the PD1301S is the cooking surface material and the overall unit footprint. The PD1300 is the “heavy hitter,” featuring a 319 square inch porcelain-enameled top that is virtually non-stick out of the box and pumps out a massive 26,400 BTUs.

The PD1301S is the “precision traveler.” It offers a slightly smaller 304 square inch surface made of 3.5 mm thick raw steel. While its output is slightly lower at 25,500 BTUs, the raw steel allows for a traditional “seasoned” patina that many professional griddlers prefer for better flavor development. Physically, the PD1301S is also about 2.5 inches narrower and an inch shorter, making it the more space-efficient choice for tight packing.

Comparison Table: Royal Gourmet PD1300 vs. PD1301S

Feature	Royal Gourmet PD1300	Royal Gourmet PD1301S
Cooking Area	319 sq. in. (15 Burgers)	304 sq. in. (12 Burgers)
Heat Output	26,400 BTUs	25,500 BTUs
Griddle Material	Porcelain-Enameled Steel	3.5 mm Raw Steel
Ignition Type	Push-Button Electronic	Battery-Free Piezo
Exterior Color	All-Silver (Stainless Panel)	Black & Silver
Width	25.0 Inches	22.4 Inches
Best For	Families & Easy Cleanup	Campers & Seasoning Fans
Buy NOW	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience

Living with these griddles taught me that the best specs on paper don’t always translate to the best experience in the field. I hauled both to a windy lakeside campsite to see how they handled the elements and the high-volume demand of a group breakfast.

Design: The Professional vs. The Compact Warrior

The PD1300 feels like a miniature version of a commercial kitchen range. Its silver finish is sharp, and the unit stands taller, which I found much more comfortable when I was standing at a standard-height folding table. The porcelain top has a high-end look, though you have to be careful not to drop it, as enamel can chip.

The PD1301S is surprisingly dense and feels built for abuse. The black powder-coated body hides grease splatters better than the silver PD1300, and the lower profile makes it feel incredibly stable on uneven picnic tables. The raw steel top is a beast—at 3.5 mm thick, it resisted warping even when I had all three burners on high for a sustained period.

Ease of Use: Getting Fired Up

For the PD1301S, the Piezo ignition is the unsung hero. I’ve had many electronic igniters fail because of a dead AA battery or a damp wire; the Piezo system is purely mechanical and worked on the first click every time.

The PD1300 provides a bit more “oomph” in the heat department. That extra 900 BTUs might sound small, but when you are trying to sear cold, thick-cut bacon in 50-degree morning air, that extra power is noticeable. The heat distribution on the PD1300 was slightly more uniform across the larger porcelain surface.

Functions: The Seasoning Ritual

If you love the ritual of seasoning your cast iron, the PD1301S is your machine. I spent an afternoon layering oil on the raw steel until it turned a beautiful, jet-black color. This steel top provides a superior sear for “smash burgers” because the meat can really grab the surface before releasing.

On the other hand, the PD1300 is ready for those who want to “plug and play.” The porcelain-enameled surface acted like a non-stick skillet right away. I made over-easy eggs on the PD1300 without a single yolk breaking—a feat that took much more skill and seasoning to achieve on the PD1301S.

Cleanup: Dealing with the Aftermath

Both units utilize a removable grease cup that works efficiently. However, the PD1300 is the clear winner for low-effort maintenance. Because of the enamel coating, most food residue simply wiped away with a damp cloth and some water. With the PD1301S, I had to be more diligent—scraping, oiling, and ensuring it was completely dry to prevent rust. If you’re the type of person who wants to eat and then get back to the hike, the PD1300 will save you 10 minutes of scrubbing.

Royal Gourmet PD1300

Pros:

• Immediate Non-Stick: Porcelain enamel is perfect for delicate foods like eggs.
• Massive Power: Highest BTU output in the portable 3-burner category.
• Large Surface: 319 sq. in. is enough to feed a crowd without waiting.
• Professional Height: Better ergonomics for taller cooks.

Cons:

• Fragile Surface: You cannot use metal scrapers aggressively on porcelain.
• Bulkier: Noticeably wider and harder to fit in small trunks.

Royal Gourmet PD1301S

Pros:

• Indestructible Top:5 mm steel can handle metal spatulas and scrapers.
• Compact Footprint: Saves several inches of space in your gear loadout.
• Reliable Ignition: Piezo system never needs a battery.
• Flavor Profile: Raw steel allows for a better-seasoned “griddle flavor” over time.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: Requires regular seasoning to prevent oxidation and rust.
• Smaller Area: About 5% less cooking space than the PD1300.

The Final Recommendation: Which Tabletop Titan Wins?

I recommend the Royal Gourmet PD1300 if you are looking for a “backyard extension.” If this griddle is mostly going to live on your patio or come out for the occasional neighborhood picnic, the easier cleanup and larger, more powerful surface make it a joy to use. It’s the better choice for the casual cook who wants a stress-free experience.

I recommend the Royal Gourmet PD1301S if you are a “gear-head” who spends more time in the woods than on the patio. Its compact size, battery-free ignition, and rugged steel top make it the superior tool for hunters, campers, and serious tailgaters who need their equipment to be as tough as the environment.

In my kit, the PD1301S takes the lead. The durability of raw steel is worth the extra maintenance, especially when you’re tossing it in and out of a truck bed every weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use these on a plastic folding table?

A: Both units have feet that provide a gap, but they get extremely hot. I highly recommend placing a heat-resistant mat or a piece of plywood underneath if you are using a plastic surface to prevent warping.

Q: Does the porcelain on the PD1300 wear off?

A: Not if cared for properly. Use silicone or wood utensils and avoid abrasive steel wool. If the enamel chips, the underlying steel can rust, so handle the plate with care during transport.

Q: Is the PD1301S heavy?

A: Both units weigh around 30 lbs. They are easy for one person to carry, but they feel substantial enough that they won’t slide around while you’re scraping the surface.

Q: Can these be used with a 1 lb propane bottle?

A: Out of the box, they are set up for 20 lb tanks. You will need to buy a specific 1 lb tank adapter regulator to use the smaller camping canisters.