Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Review: 30-Inch Charcoal Grill or Smoker Combo
The Royal Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Grill or Smoker Combo presents itself as an appealing option for those entering the world of smoking and grilling.
This review delves into the product’s features, assembly process, performance, and overall value, drawing on a personal unboxing experience and additional product details from Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Unboxing and Assembly
The journey begins with the anticipation of unboxing the grill, a process that is met with mixed feelings. The excitement of adding a new tool to one’s cooking arsenal is somewhat tempered by the daunting prospect of assembly.
The Royal Gourmet arrives with numerous pieces, suggesting a complex assembly ahead. However, the detailed instruction manual provides solace, offering a roadmap to successful assembly.
Design and Features
The design of the Royal Gourmet Grill and Smoker Combo is both practical and user-friendly. With a substantial cooking area, it promises the capability to handle multiple racks of ribs or large quantities of food simultaneously.
Its offset smoker design is a highlight, albeit with a unique left-handed configuration that may require some adjustment for those accustomed to right-sided smokers.
The inclusion of fire starters in the initial setup is a thoughtful touch, aiming to identify and rectify any smoke leaks early on.
Performance and Functionality
Upon firing up the grill for the first time, the anticipation of smoke leakage is quickly addressed.
Surprisingly, initial tests with fire starters reveal minimal leakage, suggesting a better construction quality than anticipated.
However, the true test comes with the introduction of real wood and charcoal, where minor leaks become apparent, particularly around the firebox and chimney.
This insight prompts plans for future modifications using high-heat gaskets and sealants to optimize performance.
The cooking experience is described as positive, with the grill accommodating a full complement of ribs with ease.
Temperature management proves to be a learning curve, with fluctuations noted during the cooking process. This aspect underscores the importance of getting to know the smoker’s characteristics and the potential benefits of the planned modifications.
Value and Conclusion
Considering its price point, the Royal Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Grill or Smoker Combo represents a solid entry-level option for aspiring grill masters and smokers.
While it may require some tweaks and adjustments to seal smoke leaks and improve temperature control, its overall performance and capacity offer great potential for a wide range of outdoor cooking adventures.
Royal Gourmet CC1830SC
Getting Started
- Assembly: Ensure all parts are correctly assembled according to the manual. This step is crucial for safety and functionality.
- Initial Burn: Perform an initial burn to remove any manufacturing residues. This process involves heating the grill at a high temperature for a couple of hours without cooking any food.
Grilling and Smoking Techniques
- Temperature Control: Mastering temperature control is vital. The CC1830SC comes with a lid-mounted thermometer gauge for monitoring. However, it’s advisable to invest in a digital meat thermometer for more accuracy.
- Fuel Management: The smoker uses charcoal as its primary fuel source. For smoking, adding wood chips alongside charcoal can impart a smoky flavor to your meats. Hardwoods like hickory, oak, or applewood are excellent choices.
- Airflow Management: Adjust the dampers to control airflow and temperature. Opening the dampers will increase the temperature while closing them will lower it. Effective management is key to maintaining a consistent cooking environment.
Quirks and Tips
- Offset Smoker Box: The offset smoker box is ideal for slow and low cooking, perfect for briskets or pork shoulders. Note that the smoker box is on the smaller side, so managing space and fuel for long cooks requires practice.
- Leakage Issues: Some users have reported smoke leakage around the smoker box and main chamber doors. Using high-temperature silicone or gasket tape to seal these areas can improve efficiency and temperature control.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular cleaning extends the life of the grill. The CC1830SC features a removable ash tray for easy cleanup. After each use, ensure to remove ash and leftover food particles to prevent rust and maintain hygiene.
Customer Insights For The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC
- Pros:
- Affordable: Highlighted as a budget-friendly option for beginners.
- Spacious: Ample cooking space for large batches of food.
- Versatile: Capable of grilling and smoking, offering flexibility in cooking methods.
- Cons:
- Assembly Required: Time-consuming and complex assembly process.
- Smoke Leaks: Potential for smoke leakage, necessitating modifications for optimal performance.
- Learning Curve: Requires time to master temperature control and smoke management.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable: Great value for beginners, offering a low entry price for a smoker and grill combo. | Complex Assembly: The grill comes with many parts, making the assembly process time-consuming and potentially challenging for some. |
| Spacious Cooking Area: Ample space to cook multiple dishes at once, suitable for large gatherings. | Smoke Leaks: Potential for smoke to leak from various parts, which might require additional modifications for optimal performance. |
| Versatile Cooking Options: Functions both as a grill and a smoker, providing flexibility in cooking methods. | Temperature Management: Learning curve in maintaining consistent temperatures, which is crucial for smoking meats properly. |
| User-Friendly Features: Includes practical additions like fire starters to identify smoke leaks and plan modifications. | Material Quality: While sturdy, the material might not be as thick as more expensive models, affecting longevity and heat retention. |
| Modifiable: Designed with the potential for upgrades and modifications to enhance performance. | Learning Curve for New Smokers: New users may need time to adapt to the specifics of using an offset smoker, especially with temperature control and smoke management. |
- Handling Different Types of Meat and Vegetables: The Royal Gourmet 30-Inch Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker is praised for its versatility and ample cooking space, which is ideal for smoking meats and seafood to perfection. Its offset design enables simultaneous cooking of meat and vegetables at different temperatures, ensuring perfectly cooked food every time thanks to the built-in thermometer. The grill is capable of handling a variety of foods from large briskets to full salmon fillets, although it’s noted that the offset smoker box may be a bit small for very large cuts of meat.
- Recommended Maintenance Practices: For maintenance, the grill features a powder-coated finish for durability and easy cleaning. The removable coal pan simplifies the removal of spent embers, but cleaning the side smoker box and the grill grates might require more effort. It’s recommended to wipe down the grates after each use and to periodically check for any leaks that might affect performance, addressing them with LavaLock gasket material and RTV sealant.
- Temperature Control During Extended Cooking: Managing the grill’s temperature for extended cooking sessions can be challenging, particularly with the adjustable charcoal pan. It’s suggested to use quality welding gloves for adjustments during cooking, as the pan can get very hot. For consistent temperature, consider using a grill brick to maintain heat, and learn to adjust the dampers for proper airflow.
- Accessories or Modifications for Enhanced Functionality: To optimize the grill’s performance and address smoke leakage, applying LavaLock gasket material and RTV sealant at the leaking areas is recommended. Additionally, using wood chunks for smoking rather than chips can provide a more consistent and controlled smoke, especially for larger cuts of meat.
- Customer Service and Support Experience: Royal Gourmet offers a one-year warranty for the grill, assuming normal use, indicating confidence in their product’s quality and commitment to customer satisfaction. For further support, they provide comprehensive FAQs, product manuals, and contact options for customer inquiries, ensuring users can get help when needed.
Grill Tips and Tricks (click each line for more info)
Always preheat your grill for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking.
Ensure your meats are perfectly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Regularly clean your grill to prevent flare-ups and ensure the best flavor for your food.
FAQ
- Is the Royal Gourmet easy to assemble?
- Assembly can be challenging and time-consuming, but the detailed instructions help navigate the process.
- How does the grill perform with smoke leakage?
- Initial tests may show minimal leakage, but real cooking conditions can reveal areas that need sealing for improved performance.
- Can it cook large quantities of food?
- Yes, its spacious design accommodates multiple racks of ribs or large food quantities, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Is it suitable for beginners?
- Absolutely, its affordability and versatility make it an excellent choice for those starting their smoking and grilling journey.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker offers a promising start for those new to smoking and grilling.
While it may not be without its challenges, particularly in assembly and initial smoke management, its potential for customization and learning makes it a worthwhile investment for the culinary enthusiast.
With patience and some modifications, this grill can become a reliable companion for outdoor cooking adventures.
