Camp Chef or Royal Gourmet? Griddles Compared in 2026
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When you compare the camp chef vs royal gourmet griddle, you are looking at two distinct cooking solutions. The Camp Chef unit is a cast iron accessory designed to sit on top of existing burner systems. In contrast, the Royal Gourmet model is a complete, standalone tabletop gas griddle with its own integrated burners. Both options aim to provide versatile outdoor cooking capabilities, but their form factors and power sources differ significantly. Understanding these core differences helps you decide which setup fits your outdoor kitchen needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Camp Chef 14 x 16 Reversible Cast Iron Griddle | Royal Gourmet 24-Inch 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Griddle |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Griddle accessory | Tabletop unit |
| Fuel Type | Not listed | Gas |
| Surface Material | Cast Iron | Steel |
| Cooking Surface | 14" x 16" | 304 sq. in. |
| Burners | Not listed | 3 |
| Heat Output | Not listed | 25,500 BTU |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Camp Chef 14 x 16 Reversible Cast Iron Griddle if
- You already own a compatible Camp Chef burner system and want to add a versatile cooking surface.
- You prefer the heat retention and traditional feel of cast iron for searing and flipping.
- You need a lightweight accessory that covers one burner for flexible campsite cooking.
Choose Royal Gourmet 24-Inch 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Griddle if
- You want a complete, standalone griddle with its own gas burners and heat control.
- You need a larger cooking area capable of handling multiple items like burgers simultaneously.
- You prefer the convenience of piezo ignition and a detachable surface for easier cleanup.
Verdict: The Camp Chef griddle is the better choice if you already have a compatible burner system and want to expand your cooking options with durable cast iron. The Royal Gourmet griddle suits those who need a self-contained, high-power unit with independent burners and a larger surface area. Your decision should depend on whether you want an accessory or a complete standalone appliance.
Camp Chef vs Royal Gourmet Griddle
Fuel Type
The Camp Chef griddle is a passive accessory made of cast iron. It does not have its own heat source. You must place it on top of an existing burner system, such as a Camp Chef stove or grill, to cook. This makes it dependent on other equipment. The Royal Gourmet PD1301S is a complete, independent unit. It is a portable tabletop gas griddle with built-in burners. It does not need an external stove to function. You can use it anywhere you have a flat surface. This independence gives the Royal Gourmet a clear advantage for users who want a standalone cooking solution without extra gear.
Cooking Area
Surface size is a major factor for griddle capacity. The Camp Chef model offers a cooking surface of 14 by 16 inches. This provides 224 square inches of space. It is suitable for small meals or side dishes. The Royal Gourmet PD1301S features a significantly larger 304 square inch cooking area. This spacious surface can handle up to 12 burgers at once. The extra room allows you to cook for larger groups simultaneously. If you often entertain guests or cook for a family, the Royal Gourmet provides more utility. The Camp Chef is better only if you have limited storage space or need a compact accessory.
Material
The cooking surface material affects heat retention and maintenance. The Camp Chef griddle is made from cast iron. It is reversible, offering both a flat side for traditional cooking and a ribbed side for sear marks. Cast iron holds heat well and distributes it evenly. It also comes pre-seasoned for a non-stick finish. The Royal Gourmet uses a 3.5 mm thick steel surface. Steel heats up faster than cast iron but may not retain heat as long. The steel surface is detachable, which makes cleaning easier. Cast iron is heavier and requires more care to prevent rust. Your choice depends on whether you prefer searing marks or quick cleanup.
Heat Output
Power determines how quickly you can cook. The Royal Gourmet PD1301S is equipped with three independently controlled burners. It delivers a total of 25,500 BTU of cooking power. This high output ensures powerful and efficient heating across the entire surface. You can adjust zones for different cooking needs. The Camp Chef griddle has no internal heat source. Its performance depends entirely on the burner system you place it on. You do not get a specific BTU rating from the griddle itself. For consistent, high-power cooking without guessing the external stove's output, the Royal Gourmet is superior.
Weight
Portability matters for outdoor cooking. The Camp Chef griddle weighs 10 pounds. It is relatively light and easy to lift. The molded side handles provide a secure grip for transport. However, you must also carry the burner system it requires. The Royal Gourmet PD1301S weighs 27.6 pounds. It is heavier due to its steel body and gas components. Despite the weight, it is designed to be portable with sturdy feet for stability. It fits easily in car trunks. The Camp Chef is lighter, but the Royal Gourmet is a self-contained unit. If you prioritize minimal weight for a single item, Camp Chef wins.
Ignition
Starting the cooking process can vary between models. The Royal Gourmet features a piezo ignition system. This battery-free mechanism allows for quick and reliable startups with a simple push of a button. You do not need matches or a lighter. This adds convenience, especially in windy conditions. The Camp Chef griddle has no ignition system. It is a passive piece of cookware. You must light the external burner you place it on. This usually involves a separate ignition method for the stove. The Royal Gourmet offers a more integrated and hassle-free startup experience for the griddle itself.
Choose your griddle by cooking style
You need a standalone tabletop unit
The Royal Gourmet PD1301S is a complete tabletop griddle with its own gas burners. It offers 304 square inches of cooking space and 25,500 BTUs of power. You get independent control over three burners and a piezo ignition system. This all-in-one design requires no additional stove setup, making it ready for immediate outdoor cooking.
You already own a compatible stove
The Camp Chef CGG16B is a reversible cast iron griddle plate designed to fit existing burner systems. It covers one burner with a 14 by 16 inch surface. The cast iron material holds heat well and distributes it evenly. You get a non-stick seasoned finish and molded side handles. This is a cost-effective accessory for your current gear.
You want ribbed sear marks
The Camp Chef griddle features a reversible design with a ribbed side for creating sear marks. The flat side works for traditional cooking. The cast iron construction ensures consistent heat retention. You get a 10-pound unit that fits 14 and 16 inch systems. This versatility allows you to switch between cooking styles easily on your existing stove.
The products compared
Camp Chef 14 x 16 Reversible Cast Iron Griddle
Best for: campers with compatible Camp Chef systems
- Cooking Area
- 224 sq in
- Surface Material
- Cast Iron
- Cooking Dimensions
- 14" x 16"
- Application
- Camping
- Compatible Appliance
- Griddle
- Dimensions
- 17 × 2 × 15 inches
View on Amazon: Camp Chef 14 x 16 Reversible Cast Iron Griddle Affiliate link
This Camp Chef griddle is a 14 x 16 inch cast iron plate designed to cover a single burner. It weighs 10 pounds and measures 1.5 inches thick. The reversible surface offers a flat side for general cooking and a ribbed side for sear marks. You get even heat distribution and a pre-seasoned non-stick finish. It fits Camp Chef 14-inch and 16-inch systems, making it a solid option for camping or outdoor cooking.
Pros
- Reversible ribbed and flat cooking surfaces
- Pre-seasoned cast iron for non-stick performance
- Even heat distribution and retention
- Molded side handles for secure lifting
Cons
- Single burner coverage limits total cooking area
- 10-pound weight reduces portability
- Requires a compatible Camp Chef system
Good fit if
- You own a Camp Chef 14-inch or 16-inch system
- You want reversible cooking surfaces for searing
- You prefer cast iron heat retention
Skip if
- You need a portable standalone unit
- You require multiple burner coverage
- You want a lightweight aluminum plate
Verdict: Camp Chef 14x16 Cast Iron Griddle is a heavy, durable plate for existing Camp Chef users who need reversible cooking surfaces. It suits those who prioritize heat retention over portability.
Royal Gourmet 24-Inch 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Griddle
Best for: portable tabletop cooking
- Cooking Area
- 304 sq. in.
- Fuel Type
- Gas
- Burners
- 3
- Total Heat Output
- 25,500 BTU
- Surface Material
- Steel
- Form Factor
- Tabletop
View on Amazon: Royal Gourmet 24-Inch 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Griddle Affiliate link
This tabletop gas griddle offers 304 square inches of cooking space, enough for 12 burgers. It uses three independent burners to deliver 25,500 BTU of heat. The 3.5 mm steel surface ensures even heating. Piezo ignition provides quick starts without batteries. Its compact 27.6-pound design fits in car trunks for easy transport.
Pros
- 304 sq. in. cooking area
- 25,500 BTU total heat output
- Three independent burners
- Battery-free piezo ignition
- Removable grease cup
Cons
- Steel surface is not non-stick
- Tabletop form factor limits height
- No side shelves included
Good fit if
- You need a portable unit for camping
- You want to cook for a small group
- You prefer quick battery-free ignition
Skip if
- You require a non-stick surface
- You need a permanent outdoor station
- You want to cook for large crowds
Verdict: Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Portable Griddle delivers solid heat and portability for tailgating or backyard use. It suits buyers who prioritize compact storage and independent burner control over a non-stick surface.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Camp Chef 14 x 16 Reversible Cast Iron Griddle | Royal Gourmet 24-Inch 3-Burner Tabletop Gas Griddle |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 224 sq in | 304 sq. in. |
| Fuel Type | not stated | Gas |
| Burners | not stated | 3 |
| Total Heat Output | not stated | 25,500 BTU |
| Surface Material | Cast Iron | Steel |
| Form Factor | not stated | Tabletop |
| Cooking Dimensions | 14" x 16" | not stated |
| Application | Camping | Camping, Tailgating |
| Material | Cast Iron | not stated |
| Compatible Appliance | Griddle | Griddle |
| Dimensions | 17 × 2 × 15 inches | 17.5 × 22.4 × 8.66 inches |
| Weight | 10 pounds | 27.6 pounds |
| Size | 16" x 14" x 1.5" | 24-Inch |
| Color | Cast Iron | Black & Silver |
| Model | CGG16B | PD1301S |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Camp Chef griddle heavy to carry?
Yes, it weighs 10 pounds. This makes it less portable than standalone units. You should pack it carefully if you are hiking. It is best suited for car camping or base camps where weight is less critical. The cast iron construction adds to the mass but improves heat retention.
Does the Royal Gourmet griddle have independent burners?
Yes, the Royal Gourmet PD1301S features three separate burners. This allows you to control heat zones independently. You can cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. This feature is useful for tailgating or backyard cooking where you need flexibility.
Can I use the Camp Chef griddle on any stove?
No, it is compatible with specific Camp Chef systems. The data states it is designed for existing Camp Chef appliances. You cannot place it on just any burner. You must ensure your stove is compatible before purchasing. This limits its use to owners of the brand's ecosystem.
What is the cooking surface size of the Royal Gourmet?
The Royal Gourmet PD1301S offers 24 inches of width. The overall dimensions are 22.4 inches wide by 17.5 inches long. This provides ample space for cooking multiple items. The 24-inch size is ideal for groups or families who need room for large meals.
Is the Camp Chef griddle reversible?
Yes, the Camp Chef CGG16B is a reversible cast iron griddle. One side is flat for searing, while the other has ridges for grilling. This versatility allows you to switch cooking styles without changing equipment. It is a practical choice for campers who want multiple functions in one tool.
How portable is the Royal Gourmet tabletop griddle?
It is designed for portable tabletop cooking. It weighs 27.6 pounds and has a compact form factor. You can set it up on a table or flat surface easily. The unit is suitable for tailgating or backyard use where you need a standalone heat source.
What material is the Camp Chef griddle made of?
It is made of cast iron. This material is known for durability and heat retention. It takes longer to heat up but stays hot longer. Cast iron is heavy but provides consistent cooking performance. You need to season it properly to maintain the surface.