Royal Gourmet Grill Review

Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill

Royal Gourmet has established itself as one of the leading budget-friendly grill brands, offering a wide range of charcoal grills, gas grills, smokers, and combination grills. Known for generous cooking space and affordable pricing, Royal Gourmet products appeal to first-time grill owners and backyard BBQ enthusiasts looking for solid performance without spending a premium.

While they may not match the heavy-duty construction of high-end brands like Weber, Royal Gourmet grills provide excellent value for occasional grilling, family cookouts, and weekend barbecues.

In this review, we'll examine Royal Gourmet's build quality, cooking performance, durability, popular models, and whether they're worth buying in 2026.

Quick Verdict

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Large cooking surfaces
  • Wide variety of grill styles
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Easy temperature adjustment
  • Great choice for occasional grilling

Cons

  • Steel is thinner than premium brands
  • Assembly can take time
  • Paint and finish may require maintenance over the years
  • Heat retention isn't as strong as heavier grills

Overall Rating

  • Build Quality: ★★★★☆
  • Cooking Performance: ★★★★☆
  • Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
  • Cleaning: ★★★★☆
  • Value for Money: ★★★★★
  • Overall: 4.5/5

Why Choose a Royal Gourmet Grill?

Royal Gourmet focuses on delivering feature-rich grills at an affordable price.

Their lineup includes compact portable grills, large charcoal grills, offset smokers, gas grills, and combination models, making it easy for buyers to find a grill that fits their cooking style and budget.

Royal Gourmet CC Series

For homeowners looking to enjoy charcoal grilling without investing in a premium cooker, Royal Gourmet offers an attractive balance of performance and affordability.

Build Quality

Royal Gourmet grills are designed with value in mind.

Steel Construction

Most models feature powder-coated steel bodies with porcelain-enameled cooking grates that provide good heat retention while resisting rust and corrosion when properly maintained.

Practical Features

Many Royal Gourmet grills include:

  • Adjustable charcoal trays
  • Built-in temperature gauges
  • Foldable side shelves
  • Front access charcoal doors
  • Warming racks
  • Bottom storage shelves
  • Large wheels for easier movement

While the steel is lighter than that found on premium grills, the overall construction is more than adequate for regular backyard use.

Cooking Performance

Royal Gourmet grills perform well across a wide range of cooking styles.

They're suitable for:

  • Burgers
  • Steaks
  • Chicken
  • Pork chops
  • Ribs
  • Sausages
  • Vegetables
  • Whole chickens
  • Indirect charcoal cooking

Many charcoal models feature adjustable charcoal trays that allow users to raise the coals for high-heat searing or lower them for slower cooking.

The larger cooking surfaces also make it easy to prepare meals for families and gatherings.

Temperature Control

Royal Gourmet grills provide several features that simplify heat management.

Depending on the model, you'll typically find:

  • Adjustable air vents
  • Built-in lid thermometer
  • Adjustable charcoal tray
  • Front charcoal access door
  • Multiple cooking zones

These features make maintaining cooking temperatures much easier, especially for beginners.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is straightforward and requires only basic routine care.

After cooking:

  • Remove cooled ash.
  • Brush cooking grates.
  • Empty grease trays where applicable.
  • Wipe down the exterior.

To maximize the grill's lifespan, store it under a weather-resistant cover and inspect painted surfaces for scratches that could lead to rust.

Popular Royal Gourmet Grill Models

Royal Gourmet CC1830 Charcoal Grill

One of the brand's best-selling charcoal grills.

Royal Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Barrel Grill

Features include:

  • Over 800 square inches of cooking space
  • Adjustable charcoal pan
  • Built-in thermometer
  • Front charcoal access door
  • Side preparation table

A great option for families and weekend grilling.

Royal Gourmet CD1824 Barrel Charcoal Grill

Royal Gourmet CD1824 Grill model

A traditional barrel-style charcoal grill that offers:

  • Excellent heat circulation
  • Large cooking surface
  • Adjustable charcoal tray
  • Warming rack
  • Easy ash management

Ideal for backyard BBQ enthusiasts who enjoy classic charcoal cooking.

Royal Gourmet Offset Smoker

For those interested in authentic barbecue, Royal Gourmet also offers offset smokers suitable for:

  • Brisket
  • Pork shoulder
  • Ribs
  • Turkey
  • Whole chickens

These models provide an affordable introduction to traditional offset smoking.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

  • Affordable pricing
  • Spacious cooking areas
  • Good airflow
  • Beginner-friendly design
  • Wide variety of models
  • Practical cooking features
  • Excellent value

Disadvantages

  • Lighter construction than premium grills
  • Assembly requires patience
  • Paint may require touch-ups over time
  • Heat retention can be affected by windy conditions

Customer Reviews

Customer feedback consistently highlights Royal Gourmet's strong value proposition.

Owners commonly praise:

  • Large cooking capacity
  • Easy assembly instructions
  • Attractive design
  • Good temperature control
  • Excellent performance for the price

Many reviewers mention that these grills exceed expectations considering their affordable price, making them particularly popular with first-time grill owners.

Some owners note that routine maintenance, such as using a grill cover and cleaning regularly, helps extend the grill's lifespan and maintain its appearance.

Who Should Buy a Royal Gourmet Grill?

A Royal Gourmet grill is an excellent choice for:

  • First-time grill owners
  • Families
  • Budget-conscious shoppers
  • Weekend BBQ enthusiasts
  • Homeowners upgrading from a small portable grill

Those seeking competition-grade construction or premium materials may prefer brands such as Weber or PK Grills.

Looking for Another Option?

If you're considering other charcoal grills before making a decision, you may also want to read our reviews of the Weber Charcoal Grill, Dyna-Glo Grill, and Oklahoma Joe's Smoker. Each brand has its own strengths, whether you're looking for premium build quality, authentic offset smoking, or the best value for your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Royal Gourmet a good grill brand?

Yes. Royal Gourmet is known for producing affordable grills that offer solid cooking performance and excellent value for money.

Are Royal Gourmet grills durable?

With proper maintenance and protection from the weather, Royal Gourmet grills can provide many years of reliable backyard grilling.

Can you smoke meat on a Royal Gourmet charcoal grill?

Yes. Many charcoal models support indirect cooking, while the brand's offset smokers are specifically designed for traditional barbecue.

Where are Royal Gourmet grills made?

Royal Gourmet grills are manufactured overseas and distributed worldwide, offering competitive pricing while maintaining a wide selection of models.

Final Verdict

Royal Gourmet has become one of the strongest choices for buyers seeking an affordable charcoal grill without sacrificing essential features. While the materials and construction don't quite match premium brands, the combination of generous cooking space, practical design, and competitive pricing makes these grills an excellent option for everyday backyard cooking.

Whether you're grilling burgers for a family dinner or preparing ribs for a weekend barbecue, Royal Gourmet offers dependable performance at a price that's hard to beat. For beginners and casual grillers, it's one of the best value brands currently available.