How to Clean a Royal Gourmet Griddle

Royal Gourmet sits at the entry-level end of the outdoor griddle market — typically the cheapest brand-name option in the category. The build reflects the price: lighter materials than Blackstone or Camp Chef, but functional enough for casual outdoor cooking.

The cleaning routine is essentially the same as any griddle, with extra attention to the components that wear faster on lower-priced cookers.

What’s distinctive about Royal Gourmet

Thinnest plate among major brands: lighter-gauge cooking surface. Lower heat retention; faster cooling.

Painted cart finishes: develops surface rust faster than enameled or stainless premium alternatives.

Lighter hardware: hinges, latches, and wheels are cost-engineered. Wear faster than premium grills.

Standard burner setup: multi-burner gas, similar to other entry-level griddles.

Lowest price point in the category: typically $200-350 for full-size models. About 50% of premium pricing.

After-cook routine (5 minutes)

Same as any seasoned griddle:

1. While warm (within 5-10 minutes), push residue toward the grease channel
2. Water-and-scrape stubborn spots
3. Wipe with paper towels
4. Apply a thin oil layer
5. Cover

Speed matters more on Royal Gourmet because the lighter plate cools faster. Don’t let the cooker fully cool with residue on it.

Monthly routine

• Empty the grease cup (smaller than Blackstone equivalents)
• Wipe burner shrouds and cart exterior
• Visual check for rust on painted panels
• Touch up paint immediately on any new chips
• Wipe the cart wheels and joints

The painted cart is the weakest part of Royal Gourmet construction. Aggressive monthly attention preserves the cosmetic appearance and prevents structural rust.

Re-seasoning a Royal Gourmet

Standard process — heat, scrape, thin oil, smoke off, repeat 3-5 times. Same as any cold-rolled steel griddle.

Plan on 3-4 re-seasons per year for typical use; the lighter plate develops less durable seasoning than thicker construction.

Royal Gourmet-specific issues

Painted cart rust: develops within 1-2 years on outdoor cookers. Touch-up paint as needed; consider a fitted cover for maximum protection.

Cooking plate warping: more common than on premium griddles. Heavy use at maximum heat for extended periods can warp the plate. Replacement plates are model-specific, $80-130 typically.

Igniter wear: Royal Gourmet igniters typically last 2-4 years. Replacement is straightforward but parts availability varies.

Wheel and cart wobble: develops after 1-2 years of moving the cooker. Tighten hardware periodically; budget wheels can be replaced with better aftermarket options.

Grease cup undersizing: small cups fill fast. Empty during long fatty cooks (sausage breakfasts, burger marathons).

Lifespan

A maintained Royal Gourmet typically lasts 5-8 years. Plate replacement at year 4-6 can extend life if the cart and burners remain serviceable; total ownership can stretch to 10 years for committed owners.

For most owners: realistic expectation is 5-7 years before significant replacement parts or upgrade is warranted. The price-per-year ($35-50) is competitive with more-expensive alternatives.

Royal Gourmet vs. other entry-level griddles

Comparable cookers:

Royal Gourmet vs. Cuisinart: very comparable build. Royal Gourmet typically cheaper; Cuisinart has slightly better customer service and parts ecosystem.

Royal Gourmet vs. Pit Boss: Pit Boss has slightly better build quality at slightly higher price. Both are accessible options.

Royal Gourmet vs. Blackstone: Blackstone is dramatically more refined — thicker plate, larger ecosystem, stronger build, longer expected life. Royal Gourmet is genuinely entry-level; Blackstone is mid-tier.

For owners who want flat-top cooking at the lowest reasonable price: Royal Gourmet works. For owners who plan to use the cooker heavily: invest in a better-built option from the start.

Frequently asked questions

Is Royal Gourmet worth buying? +

For tight budgets and casual use, yes. For owners who anticipate using the griddle frequently or want it to last 10+ years, a step up to Blackstone, Pit Boss, or Camp Chef is worth the price difference. Royal Gourmet is the affordable option, not the premium one.

How often does the cooking plate need replacement? +

On Royal Gourmet specifically, every 4-6 years on heavy-use cookers, or 8-10 years on lightly-used ones. Cooking plate replacement extends the cooker's effective life and is usually cheaper than buying a new griddle.

Can I use Blackstone accessories on a Royal Gourmet? +

Some — generic accessories (covers, scrapers, oil bottles) often fit either. Brand-specific items (hoods, side shelves) usually aren't compatible. Verify dimensions before cross-buying.

How do I keep a Royal Gourmet from rusting? +

Religious cover use (a fitted cover; not generic), monthly cart wipe-down, immediate touch-up paint on chips, off-ground storage, and avoiding outdoor exposure during long off-seasons. The lighter materials are more vulnerable to rust than premium alternatives — discipline matters more, not less.

Is the heat retention really worse than a Blackstone? +

Yes, meaningfully. Royal Gourmet's lighter plate cools faster between batches and recovers slower after lid opens. For one-pancake-at-a-time cooking, the difference is invisible. For high-volume cooking (15 burgers in a row), the heat retention deficit shows up as longer cook times and more inconsistency.

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