Uncover the Royal Gourmet CD1824M Charcoal Grill in This Detailed Review

Description

Ease of Use

Setting up the Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill was an adventure. The instructions were straightforward, but a few screws had me scratching my head. My teenage son decided to lend a hand, and together we managed to assemble it in about an hour. The folding side table was a highlight during setup—it’s sturdy and conveniently folds away when not in use. The handles, which are made from stainless steel, felt solid and safe to grip even when the grill heats up. However, if you’re not in the mood to assemble furniture-like grills, this one might test your patience.

Durability

This charcoal grill promises durability with its alloy steel frame and powder-coated finish. I’ve used it several weekends now, and it holds up well against the elements, although I’ve been careful to cover it after each use. One thing I noticed is that the cooking grates, made from porcelain-enameled steel, seem robust but might need extra care to prevent rust over time. My cousin, who has a similar grill, suggested seasoning the grates after cleaning to extend their lifespan. The legs, however, feel a bit flimsy. I could see them being a problem if the grill is moved around too often.

Grilling Performance

The grilling performance is where this product shines. With 384 square inches of cooking space on the main grate and an additional 106 square inches on the warming rack, it easily accommodated enough food for a family gathering. I grilled burgers, hot dogs, and a few veggie skewers all at once without any overcrowding. The adjustable charcoal pan is a game-changer. I could easily crank it up or down to control the heat, ensuring evenly cooked food. The built-in thermometer on the lid also helped me monitor the temperature without opening the grill too frequently.

Cleaning

Cleaning this grill was a mixed bag. The removable ashtray was a lifesaver—the convenience of sliding it out and dumping the ashes was appreciated after a long grilling session. However, cleaning the cooking grates wasn’t as easy. Some burnt-on bits required serious scrubbing, even with a steel grill brush. A neighbor suggested lining the bottom of the grill with aluminum foil to catch drips, which I’ll definitely try next time.

Portability & Storage

Weighing just over 40 pounds, the grill is light enough for one person to move around, though having two people makes it easier. The folding side table is a fantastic feature, making the grill more compact for storage in my already cluttered garage. The wheels are sturdy enough for rolling it across the patio, but I’m not sure how they’d fare on rougher surfaces like gravel.

Features

The Royal Gourmet CD1824M comes packed with thoughtful features. The height-adjustable charcoal pan is a standout, allowing precise control over cooking temperatures. Two air vents make a noticeable difference in airflow, ensuring efficient charcoal burning. The front charcoal access door is another convenient addition, especially when you need to add more charcoal mid-cook without lifting the entire grate. The warming rack is perfect for keeping buns or side dishes warm while the main course cooks. These features make grilling feel like less of a chore and more of a rewarding experience.

Warranty

The product comes with a standard warranty, but after reading through some online reviews, it seems the customer service experience is hit or miss. A co-worker mentioned they had a minor issue with a missing part, and it took a while to get a replacement. Personally, I haven’t had to test the warranty yet, but it’s worth noting that some users found the process less than ideal.

Temperature Control

Temperature control is one of the grill’s strongest suits. The adjustable charcoal pan and built-in thermometer give you all the tools you need to maintain consistent heat. During one cooking session, I tried smoking a rack of ribs, and the adjustable air vents helped me keep the temperature steady for a few hours. The only downside is that the thermometer isn’t always perfectly accurate; I recommend using an additional digital thermometer for precision.

Random Positives

Key Benefits:

• The crank handle for adjusting the charcoal pan is incredibly smooth and easy to use.
• Folding side table adds extra prep space without taking up too much room.
• Removable ashtray simplifies cleanup significantly.

Random Negatives

Weaknesses:

• The legs feel a bit wobbly, especially when moving the grill around.
• Cleaning the cooking grates can be time-consuming and requires some elbow grease.
• The built-in thermometer isn’t the most accurate, so you might need a backup.

Product Competitors

Comparing this grill to other options like the Weber Original Kettle or the Kingsford Charcoal Grill, it holds up surprisingly well in terms of grilling performance and features. The Weber grill offers a more solid build and easier cleaning, while the Kingsford model provides a similar cooking area but lacks the adjustable charcoal pan. Where the Royal Gourmet CD1824M excels is in its price-to-feature ratio—it offers many premium features at a budget-friendly cost. However, if durability is your main concern, the Weber might be a better investment.

Financial Value

This grill offers excellent financial value for its range of features. The adjustable charcoal pan, removable ashtray, and folding side table are standout features that would typically be found on more expensive models. While it’s not the most durable or luxurious option, it provides a solid grilling experience for the price. If you’re looking for a medium-sized charcoal grill that delivers good performance without breaking the bank, this one is worth considering.

Additional information