Discover the Royal Gourmet ZH3002N Grill Combo: An In-Depth Review for BBQ Enthusiasts!

Description

Grilling Performance

Using the Royal Gourmet ZH3002N Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo has been an interesting journey. I’ve cooked everything from steaks to burgers and even some veggies, and the dual-fuel feature truly shines here. The gas side heats up quickly, perfect for when I’m short on time or just need to whip up a quick meal. The charcoal side, on the other hand, is where the magic happens. The smoky flavor it imparts to the food is unmatched. I grilled some chicken wings last weekend using the charcoal section, and they turned out incredible—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside with that classic smoky essence.

However, I noticed that the heat distribution on the gas side isn’t as even as I’d like. There are definite hotspots, which means you have to keep an eye on your food and move it around to avoid burning. The charcoal side, while giving amazing flavor, does require some patience to get the temperature just right. For someone like me, who enjoys experimenting with both quick and slow cooking methods, these quirks weren’t dealbreakers but could be a challenge for beginners.

Features

The idea of combining gas and charcoal in one unit is genius, and this combo grill executes it fairly well. With a spacious 759 square inch cooking area, I was able to grill for a small gathering of ten people without breaking a sweat. The two side shelves are lifesavers—they hold all my tools, seasonings, and even a plate or two. I loved the integrated hooks as well; my tongs and spatula were always within reach.

Another feature I appreciated was the ash tray and grease cup. Cleaning up after grilling can be a nightmare, but the slide-out ash tray and removable grease cup simplify the process. The wheels made it easy to move the grill around my patio, though I did find it a bit heavy, especially when shifting it alone.

Ease of Use

Assembling this grill was a task in itself. The instruction manual wasn’t as clear as I hoped, and some of the labeled pieces didn’t match the diagram. It took me about two hours to get everything set up, and there were moments when I honestly considered calling a friend for help. Once assembled, however, using the grill was straightforward. The controls on the gas side are intuitive, and the charcoal section allows for easy adjustment of the coals.

Lighting the gas burners was as simple as turning a knob, but managing the charcoal took a bit of practice. For someone comfortable with charcoal grilling, this wouldn’t be an issue, but if you’re used to gas grills exclusively, there’s a bit of a learning curve.

Cleaning

No one likes cleaning a grill, but the Royal Gourmet ZH3002N makes it relatively painless. The ash tray on the charcoal side slides out smoothly, and the grease disposal system on the gas side is efficient. I’ve had grills in the past where cleaning felt like a bigger chore than cooking, but that wasn’t the case here. I did notice, however, that food tends to stick to the cooking grates, especially when grilling with marinades. This meant I had to spend extra time scrubbing the grates after every use.

Durability

This grill feels sturdy once assembled, thanks to its heavy-duty steel frame and porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates. That said, some of the metal parts, particularly on the charcoal side, seemed thinner than I expected. After just a few weeks of use, I noticed minor rust spots on the edges, despite keeping it covered. I’ve started applying a protective spray to prevent further rusting, but it’s something to keep in mind if you live in a humid area.

Portability & Storage

The wheels are a much-needed addition, making it easy to move the grill around. However, the weight of this grill (over 100 pounds) makes it cumbersome to carry up steps or across uneven terrain. Storage-wise, the side shelves don’t fold down, which means it takes up a lot of space. If you have a small patio or limited storage area, this might be a concern.

Warranty

This grill comes with a standard warranty, but I haven’t had the chance to test their customer service yet. Based on online reviews, the company appears to be responsive to warranty claims, but I’d recommend registering your product as soon as you receive it, just to be safe.

Pluses

• Dual-fuel design offers versatility with both gas and charcoal grilling.
• Large cooking area accommodates plenty of food for gatherings.
• Convenient side shelves and hooks for tools and prep.
• Easy-to-clean ash tray and grease cup.
• Sturdy wheels for mobility.

Areas of Concern

• Assembly instructions are confusing, and setup takes time.
• Uneven heat distribution on the gas side.
• Thin metal parts prone to rust over time.
• Heavy and difficult to move across uneven surfaces.
• Non-collapsible side shelves make storage challenging.

Market Rivals

Comparing this combo grill to competitors like the Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill, I’d say the Royal Gourmet model wins in terms of cooking space. The Char-Broil grill, while easier to assemble and slightly more compact, doesn’t offer the same level of versatility with its charcoal section. On the other hand, the Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill excels in durability and ease of use but lacks the dual-fuel feature that makes the Royal Gourmet stand out.

If you’re someone who values authentic charcoal flavor but also appreciates the convenience of gas grilling, the ZH3002N strikes a good balance. However, if portability or storage space is a priority, you might find other options more suitable.

Price Worthiness

Considering the features it offers, this grill delivers solid value for its price range. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the dual-fuel capability and spacious cooking area make it worth the investment for avid grillers. You might need to spend a bit extra on protective sprays and a cover to extend its lifespan, but those are minor expenses compared to what you’re getting. If you’re looking for a versatile grill that can handle everything from quick weekday dinners to weekend BBQs, this one’s worth every penny!

Additional information