Royal Gourmet CC1830 Grill Review – Best Charcoal Grill?
Introduction
Tired of unevenly cooked barbecue? Do flare-ups constantly interrupt your grilling flow? The Royal Gourmet CC1830 Barrel Charcoal Grill aims to solve these common backyard cooking frustrations. Many charcoal grills suffer from temperature instability and inconsistent heat distribution, leading to either burnt edges or undercooked centers. The CC1830 addresses these issues with a thoughtful design featuring adjustable fire grates and a built-in thermometer, promising more predictable and enjoyable grilling experiences. It also eliminates the hassle of ash disposal with its removable charcoal pan.
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about delivering the authentic smoky flavor that only charcoal grilling can provide. Whether you’re craving fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy burgers, or perfectly seared steaks, this grill provides the versatility and control you need to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own backyard.
Overview
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 is a 30-inch barrel-style charcoal grill designed for backyard grilling and outdoor entertaining. Its robust construction and clever features make it an excellent choice for both novice grillers and seasoned BBQ enthusiasts. The grill boasts a generous 627 square inch cooking surface, split between a main grilling area and a warming rack, allowing you to cook large quantities of food efficiently.
Built around a classic barrel design, the CC1830 uses the simple but effective principles of charcoal grilling. It’s ideal for individuals or families who appreciate the robust flavor of charcoal-cooked food but desire more control over the cooking process than traditional kettle grills often offer. Its portability, thanks to durable wheels, makes it suitable for patio cookouts, tailgating, or even camping trips, making it a versatile addition to any outdoor cooking setup.
Features
Adjustable Fire Grates: The 2-level height-adjustable fire pan is a standout feature. Raising the fire pan allows for quick-cooking tasks like grilling hot dogs or burgers, while lowering it creates a hotter environment for searing steaks. This flexibility gives you incredible control over cooking temperatures and is a significant upgrade over fixed-height charcoal grills.
Convenient Accessory Storage: The built-in mesh shelf provides a convenient space to store grilling tools, sauces, or seasonings. Plus, three handy hooks provide a place to hang grilling utensils, keeping everything organized and within reach while you cook.
Generous Cooking Area: With 627 square inches of total cooking space (443 sq. in. grates + 184 sq. in. warming rack), the CC1830 can handle a substantial amount of food. It’s perfect for feeding a large family, hosting a barbecue for friends, or preparing a feast for a weekend gathering. No more cooking in batches – grill everything at once.
Built-in Temperature Monitor: Say goodbye to constant lid lifting and guesswork! The lid-mounted thermometer provides a clear, real-time indication of the internal temperature. This allows for precise heat management and consistently cooked food, eliminating the common frustration of undercooked or overcooked meals.
Effortless Ash Disposal: Cleaning up after a grilling session is significantly easier thanks to the removable charcoal pan. Simply slide it out, dispose of the ashes, and you’re done – no more messy scraping and scrubbing. This feature makes maintenance quick and painless, encouraging more frequent grilling.
Benefits
Easy Portability: The durable wheels allow for effortless movement, making it easy to relocate the grill to your desired grilling spot or store it away when not in use.
Consistent Cooking Results: The adjustable fire grates and built-in thermometer work together to ensure even heat distribution and precise temperature control, resulting in perfectly cooked food every time.
Enhanced Outdoor Entertaining: The large cooking surface and convenient features make the CC1830 a perfect centerpiece for backyard gatherings and outdoor parties.
Reduced Cleanup Time: The removable charcoal pan minimizes post-grill cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing.
Versatile Cooking Options: From searing steaks to smoking ribs, the CC1830’s adjustable features make it suitable for a wide range of cooking styles and recipes.
Usages
Backyard Patio Relaxation: Grilling becomes more enjoyable with a grill that simplifies the cooking process and delivers consistent results.
Ideal for Searing Steaks: The adjustable fire grate allows for quick and efficient searing, producing a delicious crust on your steaks.
Perfect for Family BBQs: The spacious cooking area is ideal for grilling enough food to feed a hungry family or a group of friends.
Versatile Weeknight Grilling: Quickly grill burgers, chicken, or vegetables for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Great for Low and Slow Smoking: By adjusting the airflow vents, you can easily create a low-and-slow smoking environment for ribs, brisket, or pulled pork.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Generous cooking area
- Adjustable fire grates for versatile cooking
- Built-in thermometer for accurate temperature control
- Removable charcoal pan for easy cleanup
- Durable construction and portability
Cons
- Assembly required
- Requires charcoal, which can produce smoke
- Barrel design might require more space than a smaller grill
- Can be affected by wind conditions
FAQs
How easy is the grill to clean?: The removable charcoal pan makes ash disposal a breeze. The porcelain-enameled grates are also easy to clean with a brush or grill cleaner.
What fuel types are compatible?: The Royal Gourmet CC1830 is designed for use with standard charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal.
What is the maximum temperature the grill can reach?: The grill can reach temperatures up to 700°F (371°C) when properly set up.
How well does the grill retain heat?: The barrel design helps to retain heat, while the adjustable vents allow you to control airflow and maintain consistent temperatures.
What is the warranty period?: The grill is covered by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Product Specifications
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Dimensions | 22.74″D x 42.56″W x 48.66″H |
| Temperature Range | Up to 700°F (371°C) |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Porcelain-enameled Steel |
| Cooking Area | 627 Square Inches |
| Weight | 37.9 pounds |
| Fuel Type | Charcoal |
Ratings
| Cooking Performance | 4.7 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6 |
| Durability | 4.4 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Versatility | 4.6 |
Recommendation
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 is an excellent choice for backyard grillers who want a versatile and easy-to-use charcoal grill. It’s particularly well-suited for families or groups who frequently host barbecues or enjoy outdoor entertaining. If you’re looking to upgrade from a basic kettle grill and desire more precise temperature control and cooking flexibility, the CC1830 is a fantastic option at a reasonable price point.
Compared to more complex pellet grills or gas grills, the CC1830 offers a simpler and more authentic charcoal grilling experience. While it requires a bit more attention than a gas grill, the reward is the rich, smoky flavor that only charcoal can deliver. The built-in thermometer and adjustable fire grates significantly reduce the learning curve, making it accessible to grillers of all skill levels.
Conclusion
The Royal Gourmet CC1830 Barrel Charcoal Grill delivers a compelling combination of cooking performance, convenience, and versatility. Its user-friendly design, adjustable features, and ample cooking space make it a standout choice for backyard cooking enthusiasts. While requiring the use of charcoal, the resulting flavor and control far outweigh this minor consideration.
Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, the CC1830 offers a reliable and enjoyable grilling experience. Its ease of use, combined with its ability to produce delicious, smoky food, makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone who loves to cook outdoors.
