Explore the Royal Gourmet GB8003 Gas Grill Review: Is It Worth the Investment?

Description

Grilling Performance

After a few weeks of putting the Royal Gourmet GB8003 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill through its paces, I can confidently say this is a beast when it comes to grilling for large gatherings. I hosted a backyard BBQ for about 30 people, and the massive 947 square inches of cooking space was a game-changer. Cooking up to 60 burgers at once felt like a breeze, and they cooked evenly thanks to the heat distribution from the eight burners. Each burner offers 13,000 BTUs, making it powerful enough to handle steaks, chicken, and even delicate seafood like salmon without any issues. However, I noticed that keeping an eye on the heat settings is crucial; the intense power can lead to overcooking if you’re not careful.

Temperature Control

The dual system with individual controls for separate grilling zones was something I didn’t know I needed until I used it. This feature allowed me to sear steaks on one side while slowly cooking veggies on the other, which was perfect for multitasking during the BBQ. The electronic ignition is straightforward, though one side of the ignition system acted finicky on occasion, requiring a few extra tries to ignite. Adjusting the temperature is intuitive, but I recommend keeping it on the lower side for softer meats like sausages to avoid charring.

Ease of Use

Using this 8-burner grill feels intuitive, but setting it up was another story. The assembly instructions were vague and relied solely on images, which made the process frustrating. It took me over two hours to assemble, and I had to leave bolts loose initially to align everything correctly. Once assembled, it was smooth sailing. The folding side tables with utensil rails were a lifesaver for prepping and organizing tools, and the folding wind deflector kept the flames steady even on a breezy day.

Cleaning

Cleaning the grill was simpler than I anticipated, thanks to the two grease management systems. They efficiently collected the drippings, making disposal easy. I tried lining the porcelain-enameled steel wire grates with heavy-duty foil, which helped minimize grease buildup and made scrubbing less arduous. However, the drip trays, while easy to remove, required frequent emptying during longer cooking sessions. It’s worth noting that any grease left unattended can result in flare-ups over time.

Durability

The grill’s overall construction feels sturdy, with a solid stainless steel frame that seems capable of withstanding weather and heavy use. That said, the panels and components are prone to bending if not handled delicately during transport. Once fully assembled and tightened, the grill becomes more stable, but I wouldn’t recommend moving it frequently. This is more of a “park it and leave it” kind of grill.

Portability & Storage

While the four lockable caster wheels make this grill technically portable, I wouldn’t call it easy to move. The weight of 121.8 pounds and the somewhat flimsy panels make transportation a gamble. I had to move it from the garage to the patio, and even that short trip required a lot of caution. The foldable side tables do help save space when storing, but this grill is still a sizable piece of equipment. Definitely measure your storage area before committing to it.

Warranty

The warranty provided by Royal Gourmet is standard, but I’d recommend checking the specifics before purchase. Customer support seems to be hit-or-miss based on other reviews I’ve read. Personally, I didn’t have any parts missing, but I’ve seen complaints about incomplete shipments and difficulty in reaching their service team.

Features

The Royal Gourmet GB8003 comes packed with features like the collapsible wind deflector, dual gas systems, and eight individually controlled burners. The utensil rails on the folding side tables are a small but thoughtful touch, providing convenient storage for grilling tools. The porcelain-enameled steel wire grates are another highlight, offering durability and even heat distribution. However, the lack of a built-in thermometer is a noticeable omission, especially for a grill at this price point.

Highlights

• Massive cooking surface (947 sq. in.) accommodates 60 burgers simultaneously.
• Dual systems allow for separate grilling zones.
• Foldable side tables and utensil rails make prep work manageable.
• Easy-to-remove grease trays simplify cleaning.
• Powerful burners (104,000 BTUs total) ensure quick and even cooking.

Areas for Improvement

• Assembly instructions are vague and time-consuming.
• One side of the ignition system can be temperamental.
• Panels are prone to bending, making it unsuitable for frequent transport.
• No built-in thermometer for temperature monitoring.
• Customer support could be more accessible and efficient.

Competitive Options

Comparing this grill to other large propane models like the Weber Summit S-670, the Royal Gourmet GB8003 stands out for its cooking surface size and affordability. However, the Weber offers more advanced features like a built-in thermometer, a rotisserie system, and better overall build quality. On the other hand, models like the Dyna-Glo Premier 5-Burner are more compact and portable but lack the sheer cooking capacity of the Royal Gourmet. If you host large gatherings regularly, this grill wins on size and power, but for smaller spaces or more advanced features, you might want to explore alternatives.

Price Performance

For the size and functionality it offers, the grill delivers good value for money. The ability to cook for large crowds without sacrificing performance is its strongest selling point. However, the minor quality control issues and lack of some convenience features make it feel slightly overpriced compared to its competitors. If you’re on a budget and need a high-capacity grill, it’s worth considering, but be prepared for a few compromises.

Additional information