I recently purchased the Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker, and I must say that overall, I am quite pleased with my purchase. Having read various user reviews beforehand, I knew what to expect in terms of assembly and performance. Here’s my detailed review based on my experience and some of the feedback from other users.
First, let’s talk about the assembly process. The instructions provided were clear and easy to follow, and all the necessary parts were included in the package. However, it is worth noting that assembly can be time-consuming, especially for those who are not experienced in putting together grills. With patience and a few hours of work, I was able to complete the assembly without any major issues. It would have been helpful to have an extra set of hands at certain points, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker.
Now, let’s address a few concerns raised by other users. Some mentioned the presence of dents and scratches on the grill upon delivery. While my unit did have a few dents, they did not affect the grill’s performance, so it wasn’t a significant issue for me. Additionally, a couple of users pointed out difficulties in removing ashes from the firebox. I encountered this challenge as well, as the grate didn’t fit through the end door and required tilting to pass through the top door, resulting in ashes falling back into the firebox. It would have been helpful if the grill had a trap door in the bottom of the firebox for easy ash removal. Nevertheless, considering the affordable price point of this model, such minor inconveniences are somewhat expected.
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 construction quality.
In terms of construction and quality, the Royal Gourmet CC1830F impressed me. It is well-built and sturdy, especially considering its unbeatable price. While there were some gaps between the upper cover of the firebox and the opening, I was able to bend the cover into a better shape and add self-adhesive smoker gasket material to address this issue. Although there are still gaps between the base and the lid of the smoking chamber, they didn’t affect the grill’s overall performance. Despite some minor leakage, once the smoke and heat are encouraged to go up from the firebox, they do their job effectively.
Regarding temperature control, it’s important to note that maintaining a steady temperature in a charcoal/wood-fired smoker requires attention and adjustments. However, with practice, I found it relatively easy to fine-tune the temperature within the desired range. It’s worth mentioning that this type of smoker demands consistent monitoring and involvement, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a “set it and forget it” cooking experience. However, for those who enjoy the traditional process and the opportunity to spend time outdoors while cooking, it can be a rewarding experience.
Moving on to the grilling and smoking performance, I found the Royal Gourmet CC1830F to be a versatile grill that can handle various cooking tasks. Whether it’s standard burgers and dogs for a casual summer gathering or more elaborate dishes like ribs and brisket for family cookouts, this grill delivers satisfying results. It offers ample space, allowing you to smoke multiple items simultaneously. Some users even mentioned successfully smoking three 5-pound butts or two full racks of ribs. The flavor imparted by the smoker box is a standout feature, enhancing the taste of the food and providing a delightful smoky essence.
The durability of this grill is worth noting as well. Despite being exposed to various weather conditions, including being left uncovered for years, many users reported minimal to no rusting or breakage. This speaks to the grill’s solid construction and ability to withstand outdoor.
In conclusion, the Royal Gourmet CC1830F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker, Black, is an affordable option that offers decent performance and versatility. It may have some minor flaws, such as dents upon delivery and challenges with ash removal, but these are outweighed by its sturdy build, ease of assembly, and excellent grilling capabilities. It may not provide the same convenience as electric or pellet grills, but for those who appreciate the traditional charcoal/wood-fired smoking experience, this model is a reliable choice. I would recommend using lump charcoal for better temperature control and avoiding chemical additives.
All in all, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly grill and smoker combo that delivers satisfactory results and doesn’t compromise on flavor, the Royal Gourmet CC1830F is definitely worth considering. Or check our other Reviews and deals at GrillShift.