Royal Gourmet PD1300 Review (2026): The Budget Portable Griddle That Comes with a Case

The Royal Gourmet PD1300 is a 3-burner portable tabletop griddle with one feature that stands out immediately: it comes with a carrying case. 316 sq in of porcelain enamel cooking surface, 27,000 BTU across 3 independent zones, 30 lbs, and a case that makes transport to campsites and tailgates significantly easier. At a price well below the Blackstone 17-inch, it’s the go-to budget recommendation for portable flat-top cooking.

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At a Glance

Spec	Value
Cooking surface	316 sq in
Burners	3 independent
Total BTU	27,000 (3 × 9,000)
Weight	30 lbs
Dimensions	25” × 18.1” × 9.1”
Surface material	Porcelain enamel
Carrying case	Included
Best for	Budget-conscious campers and tailgaters who want 3-zone cooking

Pros

• Carrying case included — significant advantage for transport vs. competitors
• 3 independent burner zones in a tabletop form factor (unusual at this price)
• 30 lbs with the case — genuinely portable
• 316 sq in handles 2–4 servings comfortably
• Porcelain enamel surface is easy to clean and resists staining
• Budget-friendly price point

Cons

• Porcelain enamel doesn’t season like cold-rolled steel — no flavor accumulation over time
• Porcelain enamel can chip if mishandled, which affects the surface permanently
• 27,000 BTU is lower than the Blackstone 17-inch’s 12,500 BTU per burner setup (despite more burners)
• No true grease management system — grease flows toward the edges
• Less brand support and accessory ecosystem than Blackstone

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: Budget is your primary constraint and you want a portable tabletop griddle with 3 cooking zones and a carrying case included. The PD1300 delivers strong value per dollar for camping and tailgating.

Skip it if: You want a surface that improves over time with use. Porcelain enamel doesn’t develop seasoning the way cold-rolled steel does — the cooking surface on the Blackstone 17-inch gets better with every cook. The PD1300 is consistent but static.

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Is Porcelain Enamel Better or Worse Than Cold-Rolled Steel?

It’s different — not strictly better or worse. Porcelain enamel cleans very easily (food doesn’t bond to it the way it can on steel), resists staining, and doesn’t require the same seasoning maintenance. Cold-rolled steel develops non-stick seasoning over time, responds better to high-heat searing, and the flavor of accumulated seasoning contributes to food quality over many cooks. Porcelain enamel stays consistent but never improves. For a travel griddle that lives in a carrying case and doesn’t see daily use, porcelain enamel is practical.

What Does Having 3 Burner Zones at This Price Mean?

The Blackstone 17-inch has a single burner zone — one temperature across the whole surface. The PD1300’s 3 independent burners let you run high on the left (for searing), medium in the center, and low on the right (for warming) simultaneously. For a tabletop griddle at this price, that’s unusual and genuinely useful — you can cook protein, vegetables, and eggs at different temperatures without timing them to rotate in and out.

How It Compares

• vs. Blackstone 17-inch Tabletop — Blackstone is lighter (25 vs 30 lbs), has better surface quality (cold-rolled steel that seasons), and a stronger brand. PD1300 has 3 burner zones (vs 1 on the Blackstone) and includes a case. Budget buyers lean PD1300; quality-focused buyers lean Blackstone. Blackstone 17” review →
• vs. Pit Boss Sportsman tabletop — Pit Boss Sportsman has 320 sq in and a lid but no carrying case. Similar price point. Pit Boss Sportsman →
• vs. Royal Gourmet GD401 — GD401 is a full-size combo grill+griddle for the backyard; PD1300 is a portable tabletop. Very different use cases. GD401 review →

Our Verdict

The Royal Gourmet PD1300 is the best budget portable tabletop griddle when price is the primary constraint. The included carrying case is a genuine convenience advantage, the 3 independent burner zones are unusual at this price, and 30 lbs is manageable for camping and tailgating. The porcelain enamel surface won’t develop the character that cold-rolled steel does, but for occasional outdoor cooking, it works well.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Royal Gourmet PD1300 come with a carrying case?

Yes — the carrying case is included in the purchase. It’s one of the distinguishing features vs. competing portable griddles that require you to source your own carrying solution.

Is porcelain enamel easier to clean than steel griddles?

Generally yes — food doesn’t adhere as strongly to porcelain enamel as it can to cold-rolled steel, and it resists staining. The tradeoff is that enamel doesn’t develop the non-stick seasoning over time that steel does.

How many people can the PD1300 cook for?

Comfortably 2–4 people. 316 sq in fits about 4–5 burgers or a full breakfast for 3 (eggs, bacon, and hash browns) in one pass.

Can the PD1300 use a 20 lb propane tank?

It connects to a standard 1 lb propane cylinder by default. With an adapter hose (sold separately), it can connect to a 20 lb tank for extended cooking sessions.