Explore the Royal Gourmet CD1519 Charcoal Grill Review: Is It Worth Your Outdoor Cooking Needs?

Description

Grilling Performance

This portable charcoal grill truly packs a punch for its size. I tested the Royal Gourmet CD1519 during a family barbecue, and I was impressed with how evenly it cooked everything from juicy burgers to a delicate salmon filet. The 303 square inches of cooking space was sufficient for feeding four hungry adults without overcrowding. The porcelain-enameled cooking grates seemed to distribute heat evenly, which is often a struggle with smaller grills. I loved being able to sear steaks quickly while keeping vegetables warm on the included warming rack. The grill performed admirably under high heat, and even with lump charcoal, it maintained a consistent temperature.

Portability & Storage

As someone who relishes outdoor adventures, this grill’s portability stood out. It was light enough for me to carry solo, weighing in at just 25.4 pounds. The two side handles made it easy to load into the car trunk without requiring a second pair of hands. My kids even helped drag it to our picnic spot, which shows how manageable it is for transport. Its compact design allowed it to fit neatly into the storage area of our garage when not in use. However, I noticed the lid doesn’t latch securely for transport, so I had to strap it down to keep everything intact.

Features

This grill has a lot going for it. The built-in thermometer on the lid was a game-changer for monitoring cooking temperatures without lifting the lid. The adjustable fire grates gave me control over the heat intensity, which came in handy when transitioning from high-heat searing to slow-roasting. The front charcoal access door was surprisingly convenient; I could add more charcoal without losing much heat. Two air dampers—one on the lid and one on the body—allowed for smooth airflow control, making it easy to manage the fire’s intensity. The warming rack was an underrated feature, especially for keeping buns warm or holding grilled veggies while finishing the main dish.

Cleaning

Cleaning out the grill is usually my least favorite part of barbecuing, but this one made it somewhat bearable. The removable ashtray simplified the process—just slide it out, dump the ashes, and rinse. I also lined the bottom tray with foil as suggested by another user, which made cleanup even quicker. That said, ash tends to scatter a bit while removing the tray, so I’d recommend doing this over a trash bin or outdoors. The porcelain-enameled grates were easy to scrub clean after a soak, though the warming rack required a bit more effort.

Durability

The grill felt sturdy during use, but I did notice that some materials could be improved for longevity. While the body is made of powder-coated steel, which should resist rust for a while, the thinner lid material might not hold up under heavy use or frequent travel. One user mentioned that parts like the plastic handle on the top vent melted, which I also observed after a particularly long grilling session. Stainless steel components would have been a welcome upgrade, especially for something marketed as portable and outdoor-friendly.

Temperature Control

The Royal Gourmet CD1519 shines in this area. Adjusting the fire grate height was a breeze, and with the two air dampers, I had full control of the airflow. This made it easy to switch between high heat for searing and lower temperatures for slower cooking. I was able to maintain consistent heat for over an hour, which is rare for compact charcoal grills. The built-in thermometer was accurate enough for my needs, though I did cross-check it with a digital probe thermometer for precision.

Warranty

The one-year manufacturer warranty offers some peace of mind. While I haven’t had to make use of it, I appreciate knowing there’s support in case of defects or issues. Based on other reviews, Royal Gourmet seems to have a responsive customer service team, which is always a plus when dealing with outdoor equipment.

Ease of Use

Assembly took about an hour. While I’m not the handiest person, the instructions were straightforward, and all parts were labeled adequately. Once assembled, the grill was intuitive to use. The charcoal access door minimized the hassle of adding fuel mid-cook, and the adjustable fire grates made it easy to manage heat. My coworker, who borrowed the grill for a weekend, praised how simple it was to operate even as someone new to charcoal grilling.

Bang for the Buck

For its price point, this grill delivers a lot of value. The combination of key features like the adjustable fire grates, built-in thermometer, and removable ashtray make it a versatile option for outdoor cooking. While there are areas where materials could be upgraded, it’s hard to argue against the overall quality at this price. Comparable models with similar features often cost significantly more. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, portable charcoal grill that performs well, this one is worth considering.

Peer Products

Compared to other portable charcoal grills in this category, the Royal Gourmet CD1519 holds its own. For instance, the Weber Go-Anywhere grill is another compact option but lacks features like an adjustable fire grate or a warming rack. Meanwhile, the Cuisinart CCG-190 Portable Charcoal Grill is lighter but sacrifices cooking space and doesn’t offer a built-in thermometer. The Royal Gourmet strikes a nice balance between portability, cooking performance, and versatility, making it a strong contender for outdoor enthusiasts.

Positives

• Adjustable fire grates for versatile heat control
• Compact and portable design with side handles
• Built-in thermometer for temperature monitoring
• Convenient charcoal access door minimizes heat loss

Disadvantages

• Lid doesn’t latch securely for transport
• Some components like the plastic vent handle are prone to damage
• Could use sturdier materials for long-term durability

Additional information