Royal Gourmet CC1830SC Review: Grill & Smoker Combo
Introduction
Weekend barbecues are synonymous with good food and great company, but uneven heat, frustrating flare-ups, and the constant battle to maintain a consistent temperature can quickly derail the fun. Many charcoal grills fall short on smoke infusion, leaving you with a grilled flavor instead of that coveted smoky depth. And let’s be honest, cleaning up after a traditional charcoal grill can feel like a chore. The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC aims to solve these common grilling frustrations by combining a sizable main grilling area with an offset smoker, all within a compact and user-friendly design.
This grill promises a versatile cooking experience, allowing you to sear steaks, roast vegetables, and low-and-slow smoke ribs – all on a single appliance. But does it deliver on those promises, or is it another case of marketing hype? Our in-depth review explores the Royal Gourmet CC1830SC’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s the right backyard companion for your grilling needs.
Overview
The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC is a versatile charcoal grill and offset smoker, designed for the backyard griller who desires both searing power and smoky flavor. It’s a compact unit, perfect for patios, balconies, or decks where space is at a premium. This isn’t a massive competition-style smoker, but rather a thoughtfully designed hybrid that combines 443 square inches of primary grilling space with an additional 184 square inches for offset smoking.
Targeted towards backyard grillers, families, and those seeking an easy entry point into charcoal smoking, the CC1830SC offers a blend of convenience and performance. Its key selling points are its offset smoking capabilities, adjustable charcoal pan for temperature control, and included grill cover for weather protection. It is a great option for people who like to multitask and have a lot of mouths to feed.
Features
Offset Smoker for Authentic Smoky Flavor: The firmly attached offset smoker adds a crucial dimension to this grill. It provides 184 square inches of dedicated smoking space, allowing you to infuse your food with that signature smoky flavor without compromising the primary grilling area. The side door allows for easy charcoal replenishment and ash removal, while the air vent quickly gets the fire going.
Ample Workspace & Storage: Grilling is a process, and you need space to work. The CC1830SC provides front and side tables for organizing tools and seasonings. The bottom shelf offers extra storage for grilling accessories, keeping your grilling area organized and clutter-free.
Adjustable Charcoal Pan for Precise Temperature Control: The CC1830SC’s standout feature is its 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan. This innovative design allows you to precisely control the heat and airflow within the main grilling chamber, enabling everything from high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking. Raising the pan reduces heat, perfect for delicate fish or vegetables, while lowering it boosts the temperature for searing steaks.
Included Grill Cover: Protect Your Investment: The included heavy-duty grill cover isn’t just an accessory; it’s an essential safeguard for your investment. Protecting the grill from the elements significantly extends its lifespan, preventing rust and damage from rain, snow, and sun.
Porcelain-Enameled Steel Wire Cooking Grates: Durable & Easy to Clean: Forget about flimsy grates that warp and stick. The CC1830SC boasts durable, porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates. These grates not only provide a reliable cooking surface but are also incredibly easy to clean – a welcome convenience after a long grilling session.
},: Each of these features contributes to a more versatile and enjoyable grilling experience, addressing common frustrations faced by charcoal grillers.
Benefits
Expand Your Grilling Repertoire: The CC1830SC’s versatility allows you to explore new recipes and cooking techniques, expanding your grilling repertoire beyond simple burgers and hot dogs.
Easy Cleanup & Maintenance: The porcelain-enameled cooking grates and easily accessible ash pan make cleanup a breeze, freeing up more time to enjoy your company and the fruits of your labor.
Consistent Heat for Perfectly Cooked Meals: The adjustable charcoal pan eliminates the guesswork of temperature control, allowing you to consistently achieve desired cooking temperatures for a wide range of dishes – from perfectly seared steaks to tender, smoky brisket.
Protected Investment with Included Cover: The included grill cover extends the life of your grill by protecting it from the elements, saving you money on replacements and repairs in the long run.
Smoky Flavor Without the Hassle: The integrated offset smoker provides authentic smoky flavor without the need for complex smoker setups. Simply load the smoker box with wood chips and let the delicious aroma fill your backyard.
Usages
Outdoor Camping & Tailgating (with caution): While not designed specifically for portability, the CC1830SC can be transported for camping or tailgating, providing a taste of home-style barbecue on the go (consider the weight and size).
Hosting Family Barbecues: With ample grilling and smoking space, this grill is ideal for hosting large family barbecues, ensuring there’s enough food for everyone.
Searing Steaks & Smoking Ribs Simultaneously: The versatility allows for simultaneous cooking, searing steaks on the main grill while smoking ribs in the offset smoker – a true grilling multitasker.
Weeknight Family Dinners: The combination grill and smoker easily handles weeknight family dinners, allowing you to grill chicken, burgers, and vegetables while simultaneously smoking a side dish.
Low and Slow Brisket Smoking: The offset smoker excels at low-and-slow smoking, making it perfect for achieving that fall-off-the-bone brisket everyone craves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large cooking area (811 sq. in.)
- Integrated offset smoker for smoky flavor
- Adjustable charcoal pan for temperature control
- Durable porcelain-enameled cooking grates
- Included grill cover
- Easy assembly
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Durability concerns based on customer reviews
- Sturdiness of smoker box questionable
- Paint quality issues reported (chipping)
- Heat retention can be inconsistent
- Heavy and not easily portable
- Limited long-term reliability based on user feedback.
FAQs
What is the warranty?: Please refer to the manufacturer’s website or included documentation for warranty details.
How easy is the grill to clean?: The porcelain-enameled cooking grates are easily cleaned with a grill brush. The ash pan is easily accessible for ash removal.
What fuel is compatible with the CC1830SC?: This grill is designed for charcoal only. Lump charcoal or briquettes can be used.
Does the grill retain heat well?: Customer feedback is mixed; some find heat retention adequate, while others experience difficulty maintaining consistent temperatures. Proper charcoal management is key.
What’s the cooking capacity?: The 443 sq. in. main grill area and 184 sq. in. offset smoker can accommodate a substantial amount of food, ideal for feeding a family or small gathering.
Product Specifications
| grate material | Porcelain-enameled Steel Wire |
| cleaning requirements | Regular cleaning with a grill brush, ash removal |
| fuel type | Charcoal |
| weight | 54.5 pounds |
| included accessories | Grill Cover |
| hopper capacity | N/A |
| BTUs | N/A (Charcoal Grill) |
| wheels/mobility | Four Wheels |
| temperature range | 200°F – 600°F (approximate) |
| ignition system | Manual (Charcoal) |
| material type | Alloy Steel, Porcelain-enameled Steel |
| warranty | Varies – Check Manufacturer’s Details |
| cooking area (sq. in.) | 811 |
| dimensions | 27.95″D x 53.39″W x 48.82″H |
Ratings
| ease of use | 4.2 |
| cooking performance | 4.0 |
| smoke infusion | 4.6 |
| versatility | 4.4 |
| design | 4.1 |
| durability | 3.5 |
| value | 4.3 |
| heat distribution | 3.9 |
Recommendation
The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC is an excellent option for backyard grillers seeking a versatile charcoal grill with offset smoking capabilities. It’s particularly well-suited for families and those new to charcoal grilling who appreciate a user-friendly design and included accessories.
While it doesn’t compete with high-end competition smokers, its balanced performance, reasonable price, and convenient features make it a compelling choice for anyone wanting to expand their outdoor cooking repertoire beyond simple grilling.
Conclusion
The Royal Gourmet CC1830SC delivers on its promise of providing a versatile grilling and smoking experience in a compact and affordable package. While some customers have reported concerns about durability and heat retention, the grill’s overall performance, ease of use, and included accessories make it a worthwhile investment for many.
Ultimately, the CC1830SC strikes a good balance between affordability, convenience, and performance, offering a gateway to both searing delicious steaks and creating authentic smoky barbecue flavors. With proper care and maintenance, this grill can provide years of outdoor cooking enjoyment.
