Royal Gourmet PD1301R vs Cuisinart CNTB-422

The Royal Gourmet PD1301R and the Cuisinart CNTB-422 solve different outdoor cooking problems, so comparing them is really about matching the right tool to your backyard situation. The PD1301R is a standalone propane tabletop griddle, giving you a dedicated flat cooking surface fueled by a propane tank. The Cuisinart CNTB-422 is a nonstick metal grilling basket that sits on a grill you already own, meant for foods that would otherwise fall through the grates. At $97.98 versus $21.38, the price gap alone tells part of the story. If you need a whole cooking unit, the Royal Gourmet is the answer; if you just need a basket for vegetables or small cuts, the Cuisinart makes more sense.

Quick winner

The Royal Gourmet PD1301R wins on versatility and cooking capacity, while the Cuisinart CNTB-422 wins on price and portability as a grill accessory.

Key differences, measured

  • The Cuisinart CNTB-422 is 78% cheaper ($21.38 vs $97.98).
  • Amazon buyers rate the Royal Gourmet PD1301R 0.3 stars higher across 8,909 combined reviews.

Side-by-side specs

Spec Royal Gourmet PD1301R Outdoor Cooker Cuisinart CNTB-422 Outdoor Cooker
Price $97.98 $21.38
Rating 4.5 (6,709) 4.2 (2,200)
Material Alloy Steel, Porcelain Metal
Color Red Simply Grilling Nonstick Grilling Basket
Dimensions 25 X 16.3 X 7.9 In 25.8 X 2.2 X 12.3 In

The two contenders

Royal Gourmet PD1301R Outdoor Cooker

Royal Gourmet PD1301R outdoor cooker, Red

The Royal Gourmet PD1301R runs on propane and puts out 8,500 BTU across a 319 square inch cooking surface, which is enough room for a solid family breakfast or a batch of burgers. It comes in red, weighs 30 lb, and measures 25 by 16.3 by 7.9 inches, so it sits comfortably on a patio table or folding stand. The alloy steel and porcelain construction holds up well to regular outdoor use. With 6,709 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it is one of the more proven tabletop griddles in its price range at $97.98.

Buy this if: Buy the Royal Gourmet PD1301R if you want a complete standalone outdoor cooking unit that runs on propane and does not require a separate grill. It is also a strong pick for anyone who regularly cooks for a group and wants a flat griddle surface for pancakes, eggs, smash burgers, or stir-fried vegetables.

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Read the full Royal Gourmet review →

Cuisinart CNTB-422 Outdoor Cooker

Cuisinart CNTB-422 outdoor cooker, Simply Grilling Nonstick Grilling Basket

The Cuisinart CNTB-422 is a nonstick metal grilling basket designed to expand what you can cook on a grill you already own. At 25.8 by 2.2 by 12.3 inches, it lays flat across most standard grill grates and keeps smaller items from dropping into the fire. It carries a 4.2-star rating across 2,200 reviews, showing it has a real following among backyard cooks. At $21.38, it is an easy add-on purchase rather than a major commitment.

Buy this if: Buy the Cuisinart CNTB-422 if you already have a gas or charcoal grill and want a quick way to cook shrimp, diced vegetables, or other small foods that would fall through the grates. It is the right call when you want a low-cost add-on rather than a whole new cooker.

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Read the full Cuisinart review →

Frequently asked questions

Can the Cuisinart CNTB-422 replace the Royal Gourmet PD1301R as a cooking surface?

No. The Cuisinart CNTB-422 is a grilling basket that must rest on an existing grill, so it has no heat source of its own. The Royal Gourmet PD1301R is a self-contained propane griddle with an 8,500 BTU burner and 319 square inches of cooking surface. They are not interchangeable products.

How does cooking area compare between these two products?

The Royal Gourmet PD1301R has a stated cooking area of 319 square inches, which comfortably fits several portions at once. The Cuisinart CNTB-422 does not list a dedicated cooking area, but its 25.8 by 12.3-inch footprint gives a rough sense of its capacity on the grill grate. For volume cooking, the PD1301R is the stronger choice.

Which product is easier to store and transport?

The Cuisinart CNTB-422 wins here clearly. It is a flat basket that measures only 2.2 inches tall and weighs very little, so it fits in a cabinet drawer or a grill bag without much thought. The Royal Gourmet PD1301R weighs 30 lb and measures nearly 8 inches tall, making it a piece of gear you store on a shelf or in a garage rather than toss in a bag.

Which product has stronger buyer feedback?

Both have meaningful review counts. The Royal Gourmet PD1301R has 6,709 reviews at a 4.5-star average, which is a strong signal for a product in the under-$100 outdoor cooking segment. The Cuisinart CNTB-422 has 2,200 reviews at 4.2 stars, which is solid for a simple basket accessory. The PD1301R has the edge in both volume and average rating.

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