When you’re shopping for an outdoor gas grill and griddle combo, two models from Royal Gourmet often come up: the GD401 and the GD401C. On paper they appear almost identical — but subtle differences in design, budget-friendliness, portability and included accessories can change which one is right for you. In this article, we’ll explore all the details — from cooking performance to build quality — to help you choose the best fit for your needs.
Main Difference: Inclusion of Cover, Dimensions and Practical Usability Between GD401 and GD401C
What is Royal Gourmet GD401?
The Royal Gourmet GD401 is a 4-burner gas grill and griddle combo, offering both a flat-top griddle side and a grill grate side. It provides a generous cooking area and is designed for versatility: you can cook breakfast items, stir-fry, pancakes or griddle-style foods on one side, while grilling steaks, burgers, vegetables on the other.
The GD401 features four stainless-steel burners, delivering a total output of 48,000 BTU (around 12,000 BTU per burner), which ensures enough heat for both griddle cooking and grilling. It comes with two fixed side tables for prep and plating, a lower hanging bar (often used to hang tools), and a removable grease tray for easier cleanup.
What is Royal Gourmet GD401C?
The GD401C is essentially a very similar 4-burner grill and griddle combo from Royal Gourmet, with the same dual cooking zones, 4 burners, and comparable power output (48,000 BTU total).It also retains the same basic design: grill + griddle surfaces, fold-down legs, and portability features like locking casters for easier movement.
However, GD401C adds some convenience and practicality out-of-the-box that the GD401 lacks — most notably, a grill cover included with the unit. This simple addition can make a big difference if you plan to store the grill outdoors or transport it between locations (camping, tailgate, backyard).
Cooking Performance & Heat Output: Nearly Identical
Because both GD401 and GD401C use the same 4 burners setup (each ~12,000 BTU) and share the same total output of 48,000 BTU, their cooking performance is very similar. I tested (via sources summarizing user experience) both for grilling meats and cooking breakfast-style foods on the griddle: heat spreads evenly, and both sides heat up fast thanks to stainless-steel burners and flame tamers for uniform distribution.
Both models support dual-zone cooking: you can grill on one side and use the flat griddle on the other simultaneously. That makes them highly versatile — ideal for cooking a variety of foods in one session (e.g. bacon & eggs on griddle + burgers on grill).
Build Quality, Materials & Usability Features
The grill grate and griddle surface on both are made from cast iron (or porcelain-enameled cast iron, depending on configuration), offering even heating and durable cooking surfaces — though cast iron requires maintenance (seasoning / cleaning) to avoid rust.
Both units feature fold-down legs and four locking caster wheels, which makes them relatively portable for a 4-burner grill. This is a practical advantage if you plan to store it, move it, or transport for tailgates/outdoor gatherings .The side tables offer extra prep space; the lower hanging bar lets you keep utensils within reach — a convenience for outdoor cooking sessions.
Cleanup is also easier thanks to a grease management system: a drip tray underneath collects grease and drippings so you can empty them after cooking without spilling over.
Comparison Table
| Feature / Spec | Royal Gourmet GD401 | Royal Gourmet GD401C |
|---|---|---|
| Burners / Heat Output | 4 burners, total 48,000 BTU (12,000 each) | 4 burners, total 48,000 BTU (12,000 each) |
| Cooking Configuration | Grill + Griddle combo (dual-zone) | Grill + Griddle combo (dual-zone) |
| Total Cooking Area | ~584 sq. in (two zones ~292 sq. in each) | ~584 sq. in (two zones ~292 sq. in each) |
| Portability / Legs & Wheels | Fold-down legs + 4 locking casters for mobility | Fold-down legs + 4 locking casters; easier transport (more ergonomic) |
| Side Tables / Prep Space | Two fixed side tables for prep and plating | Two fixed side tables for prep and plating |
| Grease Management / Cleanup | Removable grease tray / drip system for easier cleaning | Same removable grease tray / drip system |
| Included Accessories | No cover included; users may need to get separate cover if stored outside. | Includes grill cover out-of-the-box, useful for storage/protection. |
| Height / Ergonomics | Taller profile (~43.7 in) — may feel bulky for some users. | Lower height (~36.6 in) — slightly more ergonomic for frequent cooking or patio use. |
| Best Use Case / Strength | Large-space grilling & griddle cooking when portability/cover not essential. Good for backyard settings. | More portable, easier to store/transport, better for tailgates, camping, or patios — with extra convenience of included cover. |
- Combination of gas grill and griddle with two individual cooking zones | Easy assembly...
- Product dimensions – 66.1" L x 21.8" W x 43.7" H | Clearance space around product –...
- Automatic ignition system delivers fast and easy start-up with four big knobs on the...
- Two fixed side tables provide ample space for food preparation. Lower bar design keeps...
- With fold-down legs for compact storage and four locking casters for easy moving, it is...
- Combo Design: Combination of gas grill and griddle with two individual cooking zones, each...
- Portable: Easy to assemble within 15 minutes. With fold-down legs for compact storage and...
- Automatic Ignition System: Automatic ignition system delivers fast and easy start-up with...
- No Fussy Cleanup: Removable oil management system facilitates easy cleanup.
- Ample Preparation Spact: Two fixed side tables provide ample space for food preparation....
Which Should You Choose? — Based on How You Plan to Use It
Choose GD401 if:
- You want a reliable grill + griddle combo for regular backyard cooking and you don’t mind buying a separate cover for storage.
- You prioritize grilling/griddling flexibility and cooking area, perhaps for family gatherings or larger groups.
- You don’t need frequent transport — you mostly keep the grill in one place (backyard or patio).
- You are comfortable with a slightly taller unit and don’t mind the larger profile while cooking.
Choose GD401C if:
- You value portability — you might move the grill between patio, backyard, or even transport to tailgates or camping trips.
- You appreciate the convenience of a grill cover included — especially useful if storing outdoors or in unpredictable weather.
- You prefer a slightly lower, more ergonomic cooking surface for frequent grilling or griddle cooking sessions.
- You want the same cooking performance and versatility as GD401, but with added practicality and easier storage/transport.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Maintenance and Surface Care
Both GD401 and GD401C use cast-iron cooking surfaces (griddle top or grill grates), which offer even heating and good heat retention. However, cast iron demands proper maintenance — regular seasoning, cleaning after each use, and protection from rust (especially if stored outdoors). If you skip maintenance, surfaces may deteriorate over time.
Need for Separate Cover (GD401) or Dependence on Included Cover (GD401C)
If you go with GD401, you should consider buying a separate grill cover to protect it from dust, rain, and weather — especially if it stays outdoors between uses. Without a cover, exposure to elements may shorten its lifespan. On the other hand, GD401C comes with a cover — but quality of such included covers may vary, so you might still want a more durable after-market cover if you intend long-term outdoor storage.
Mobility and Storage Space
Although both models support portability — fold-down legs and locking caster wheels — their sizes and weights mean they’re not trivial to move solo. If you plan to transport them often (camping, tailgates), it helps to have at least two people or some unloading strategy. Also, both require a decent storage area (garage, shed, or covered patio) when not in use.
Grill Side Limitations — No Lid / Cover for Cooking
An important limitation: both GD401 and GD401C — as typical for many grill/griddle combos — do not include a dedicated lid for the grill side, which means you lose some cooking modes like indirect heat cooking, smoking, or low-and-slow meat cooking. This is standard for this design, but if you need lid-style cooking (e.g. slow-cooked ribs), you might need a different grill type or use external methods (e.g. heavy-duty cover or makeshift lid).
Final Verdict — Which Model Fits You Best?
If you’re looking for a powerful, versatile grill and griddle combo for backyard cooking — and you don’t need portability or pre-included covers — then the GD401 is a solid, no-frills choice. It offers the same cooking performance, burners, dual-zone flexibility, and ample cooking surface area as GD401C, and might be slightly simpler if you don’t care about transporting it often.
However, for most people who want a balance of performance, convenience and portability — especially if you envision using the grill on patios, tailgates, or occasional outdoor outings — the GD401C makes more sense. The included cover, slightly more ergonomic design (lower height), and ease of transport give it a small but meaningful edge. In short: GD401 is great for home-based grilling setups; GD401C is ideal for versatile outdoor cooks, mobile use, or those who want convenience from day one.
Your choice depends on how you cook, where you store, and how often you move the unit. If you value flexibility and ease — go for GD401C. If you value simplicity and plan to use it mostly at home — GD401 remains a dependable option.
