Should you buy the Royal Gourmet GA4400T grill? A detailed review awaits!

Description

Grilling Performance

I’ve been using the Royal Gourmet 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill (model GA4400T) for a few months now, and I have to say, its grilling performance is impressive. The four stainless steel burners, generating a total of 34,000 BTUs, provide even and consistent heat across the entire grill surface. I cooked everything from burgers to chicken thighs, and the results were fantastic. Each burner can be independently controlled, so I could set up different heat zones for direct and indirect grilling. The searing I achieved on steaks was restaurant-quality. However, I noticed that the front of the burners tends to get hotter than the back, which required me to shuffle food around a bit to avoid overcooking.

Ease of Use

Using this grill is pretty straightforward. Igniting the burners is a breeze thanks to the built-in ignition system, which worked flawlessly every time—well, except that one time when I forgot to replace the battery for the ignitor. The control knobs are intuitive and easy to adjust, making it simple to manage the temperature. I also appreciated the two spacious side shelves, which provided ample space to keep my tools and prep items within arm’s reach. My cousin, who is not exactly a grill master, borrowed it for a weekend barbecue and commented on how user-friendly it was, even for a novice.

Strong Points

• Four burners with adjustable controls allow for versatile cooking zones.
• Spacious side shelves make food prep and tool organization convenient.
• Generates excellent heat for quick and efficient grilling.

Cleaning

Cleaning this grill was easier than I expected, but it’s not completely hassle-free. The removable grease tray and cup make it simple to collect drippings, and they slide out effortlessly for disposal. The cast iron cooking grates, while great for grilling, do require some elbow grease to clean thoroughly. I found it best to heat up the grill for a few minutes, then scrape off the food debris with a grill brush. The loose-fitting grates can be a bit noisy during cleaning, which made me feel slightly self-conscious when grilling late at night.

Temperature Control

Temperature control on this grill is fantastic. The built-in thermometer on the lid provides a reliable reading, so I always knew what was going on inside. I tested it with a digital thermometer, and the readings were pretty accurate. However, I did notice that high temperatures (above 500°F) were easier to achieve than maintaining lower, steady heat for slow cooking. Despite this, I successfully slow-cooked ribs using just two burners on low heat and was thrilled with the results.

Portability & Storage

Moving this grill around my patio is a breeze due to the two durable wheels. At 62 pounds, it’s not overly cumbersome, and I was able to relocate it single-handedly when rearranging my outdoor setup. Storage is also decent, though I wish there was an enclosed cabinet to protect the propane tank from the elements. The compact design allows it to fit neatly in a corner when not in use, which is a bonus for those short on space.

Drawbacks

• Uneven heat distribution, especially with hotter flames at the front.
• No enclosed cabinet for propane tank storage.
• Grates can be noisy and tricky to clean thoroughly.

Durability

The Royal Gourmet GA4400T feels solidly built for the most part. The steel frame, powder-coated finish, and stainless steel lid seem capable of withstanding the elements. I left it uncovered during a light rain once (oops!), and it didn’t show any signs of rust. However, the warming rack felt a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the grill. I’d recommend investing in a good grill cover to extend its lifespan, especially if you plan to leave it outdoors year-round.

Warranty

The grill comes with a one-year warranty, which is fairly standard but not overly generous. I haven’t had to use it yet, but knowing it’s there gives some peace of mind. Make sure to register the product right after purchase to avoid any potential hassles down the line.

Features

This grill is packed with functional features. The double-layer stainless steel lid provides excellent heat retention, which is ideal for cooking in windy conditions. The built-in thermometer, while not groundbreaking, is a nice touch for tracking temperatures without lifting the lid. The warming rack, though not massive, is perfect for toasting buns or keeping cooked food warm. I also appreciated the thoughtful addition of tool hooks on the side shelves, which kept my spatula and tongs within easy reach.

Competitive Options

When comparing this grill to others in its price range, it holds its own quite well. For example, models from Weber and Char-Broil offer similar features but often come with a higher price tag. Weber grills are known for their durability and even heating, but they lack the generous side shelves that this grill provides. On the other hand, Char-Broil grills tend to have slightly better heat distribution but often sacrifice cooking space. The Royal Gourmet GA4400T strikes a good balance between performance, features, and cost, making it a strong contender in the mid-range category.

Bang for the Buck

This grill offers solid value for its price. It’s not the cheapest option, but it delivers a lot of bang for the buck with its four burners, large cooking area, and user-friendly design. Compared to other grills with similar features, it’s reasonably priced, especially considering the quality of materials and the cooking performance. If you’re looking for a reliable grill that doesn’t break the bank, this one is worth considering.

Additional information