Should you buy the Royal Gourmet CC2036F charcoal grill? Detailed review here!

Description

Grilling Performance

I fired up this charcoal grill on a sunny Saturday to host a family barbecue. The results? Pretty impressive! The spacious cooking surface is a game-changer, allowing me to grill multiple racks of ribs, burgers, and even a whole chicken all at once. The porcelain-enameled steel wire grates distribute heat evenly, ensuring that everything cooks to perfection. I managed to achieve that sought-after smoky flavor with the offset smoker attachment, which seems firmly attached for optimal heat and smoke circulation. It’s worth noting that wood logs worked better than charcoal for maintaining steady heat, especially for low-and-slow cooking.

Durability

This grill has a robust appearance, but upon closer inspection, the construction could use some improvement. The steel is a bit on the thinner side, which might not withstand heavy use over time. After a few uses, I noticed some minor warping in the charcoal pan where the highest heat concentrates. While the grill gets the job done, I wouldn’t recommend leaving it exposed to the elements for too long. A cover is essential if you want to keep it in good shape. My friend who bought the same model mentioned that treating it with oil and keeping it covered significantly reduced rusting issues.

Portability & Storage

At 87.5 pounds, this grill is no lightweight. Moving it around the yard was a bit of a challenge, especially since the wheels aren’t designed for rough terrain. Once parked in its spot, however, it holds steady. The compact design doesn’t take up too much space, but the lack of foldable side tables means you’ll need a separate counter for prep work. For storage, it fits nicely in my garage, but I imagine it could be a bit cumbersome for those with smaller spaces.

Features

This grill is packed with features that cater to both novice and experienced grillers. The adjustable charcoal pan with three height levels is a standout, giving me better control over the heat intensity. It can hold up to 7.7 pounds of coal, which was more than sufficient for a full day of grilling during a neighborhood cookout. The side charcoal door is also a thoughtful addition, letting me add fuel without disrupting the grilling process. One of my neighbors even commented on how convenient it is for maintaining a consistent temperature.

Cleaning

Cleaning up after a barbecue is never fun, but this grill makes it a bit easier. The removable grease drip cup and charcoal pan collect residue effectively, saving time and effort. That said, the grease cup is on the smaller side, so you’ll want to empty it frequently during extended cooking sessions. I also noticed that ash tends to accumulate around the edges of the firebox, which can be a bit of a hassle to clean thoroughly. A quick tip: using a small vacuum made clearing out ashes a breeze for me.

Ease of Use

Assembling this grill was a bit of a workout. It took me and my brother-in-law about two hours, with some parts requiring a bit of patience to fit correctly. Once set up, though, the grill is straightforward to operate. The side handles stay cool to the touch, which is fantastic when you’re working with high temperatures. The built-in thermometer, however, isn’t entirely accurate, so I’d suggest using a separate grill probe for precise readings. My coworker borrowed it for a weekend party, and even as a first-time user, he found it intuitive.

Warranty

The warranty support for this grill is somewhat of a mixed bag. A friend of mine needed a replacement part due to a broken weld, and the process took months. While the customer service was polite, the delay was frustrating. It’s something to keep in mind if you run into issues down the line. On the bright side, the manufacturer does seem willing to address concerns, which is better than some experiences I’ve had with other brands.

Temperature Control

Controlling the temperature on this grill takes a bit of practice. The adjustable charcoal pan is a fantastic feature that allows for some control, but the vent on the firebox could be better placed. It’s easy for coals to block airflow, which can make maintaining a consistent temperature a bit tricky. My cousin suggested sealing the gaps around the lid with a smoker gasket, which worked wonders for minimizing heat and smoke loss.

Positive Features

Key Benefits:

• Spacious grilling area suitable for large gatherings.
• Offset smoker attachment adds versatility for smoking meats.
• Adjustable charcoal pan provides decent heat control.
• Side charcoal door simplifies refueling during cooking.

Areas of Concern

Pitfalls:

• Thinner metal construction may not last for years of heavy use.
• Built-in thermometer lacks accuracy, requiring an external probe.
• Wheels struggle on uneven terrain, limiting portability.

Competing Products

Compared to other grills in a similar price range, this one holds its own in terms of grilling space and features. Models like the Weber Performer Deluxe offer sturdier construction and better temperature control but lack the offset smoker attachment. On the other hand, grills from brands like Char-Griller provide similar functionality but with slightly smaller cooking surfaces. If you’re planning to prioritize smoking over grilling, you might want to consider dedicated smokers like the Oklahoma Joe’s Highland, though they tend to cost a bit more.

Cost Efficiency

For its price, this grill delivers decent value. The combination of grilling and smoking capabilities makes it a versatile choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. However, the need for modifications like sealing gaps and replacing the thermometer adds to the overall cost. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a bit of DIY to enhance performance, this grill is a solid option. It’s a good bang for the buck, especially for hosting large gatherings.

Additional information