Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill Review: The Ultimate Party Machine or a Quality Control Gamble?

I remember the frustration vividly. It was my daughter’s graduation party, and I had proudly volunteered to handle the grilling. The guest list was long, the appetites were huge, and my trusty four-burner grill, a stalwart of countless family dinners, was suddenly and hopelessly outmatched. I spent the entire afternoon in a frantic relay: load the grill, cook, shuttle the finished food inside, and repeat. By the time the last batch of burgers was done, the first was already cold, and I had missed most of the conversations and laughter. That experience cemented a hard-learned lesson for anyone who loves to host: a standard backyard grill simply can’t handle a real party. The search for a solution leads to a very specific category of grilling behemoths, machines designed not just for a family, but for an entire event. This is where a grill like the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill enters the picture, promising a solution to the party host’s biggest bottleneck.

What to Consider Before Buying a Large-Format Propane Grill

A large-format propane grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for event hosting, large family gatherings, and community functions. It eliminates the stress of staggered cooking times, ensuring everyone can eat hot, freshly grilled food simultaneously. The main benefits are immense capacity, the ability to create different heat zones for cooking various foods at once, and the sheer power to get a massive amount of food cooked efficiently. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming your role as a host, allowing you to engage with your guests instead of being chained to a small cooking surface.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenge of cooking for 20, 30, or even 50+ people regularly. This includes organizers of church picnics, managers of office barbecues, volunteer firehouse cooks, or simply the family that acts as the hub for every holiday and celebration. Conversely, this grill might not be suitable for those with limited patio space, small families, or individuals who only cook for a few people at a time. For them, the massive footprint and fuel consumption would be overkill, and a more compact, portable grill would be a much better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is not a subtle patio accessory. With a width stretching over 90 inches, the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill demands a significant footprint. Before you even consider purchasing, measure your intended space carefully, accounting for clearance on all sides for safety and maneuverability. You need a large deck, patio, or dedicated outdoor cooking area to house this beast comfortably.
• Capacity/Performance: The headline feature here is the staggering 104,000 BTU output spread across eight burners and a massive 969 square inches of cooking space. This translates to raw power and volume. Consider what you’ll be cooking; this capacity means you can sear dozens of steaks on one side while gently grilling vegetables on the other, a feat impossible on smaller grills.
• Materials & Durability: The grill is constructed from powder-coated alloy steel with stainless steel burners and handles. While this is a common construction for grills in this price range, it’s essential to understand its limitations. Powder coating provides decent weather resistance, but scratches can lead to rust. The long-term durability, especially of the internal components like burner covers and walls, is a critical factor to investigate, as this is often where budget-friendly models can falter over time.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like dual electronic ignition systems and a comprehensive grease management system with a draw-out drip tray are designed for convenience. For a grill this size, easy cleanup is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Consider how easy it will be to access and clean these components after cooking for a large crowd, as this will impact your overall satisfaction with the product long-term.

While the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill is an excellent choice for its specific niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Project in a Box with Powerful Potential

Unboxing the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill is an event in itself. The box is immense and heavy, weighing over 120 pounds, and it’s immediately clear that this is a two-person job from start to finish. Our initial feeling was one of anticipation mixed with a bit of intimidation. Laying out all the pieces confirmed that assembly would be a significant project. As one user noted, you should set aside a solid two to three hours for the build. The instructions were adequate, but the process is involved.

Unfortunately, our experience mirrored that of several other users. Upon inspection, we found a few components, including a corner of the main frame and one of the side tables, were slightly bent. While we were able to straighten them enough to complete the assembly, it was a concerning first sign. This appears to be a common issue, suggesting packaging or handling problems during shipping are a significant risk when you choose to buy this particular model. Once assembled, however, the grill’s sheer scale is impressive. The two distinct cooking zones, each with its own lid and controls, make it look more like a professional catering setup than a typical backyard grill. The locking casters felt sturdy, a crucial feature for a grill of this size and weight.

Deep Dive: Performance, Pitfalls, and Power of the Royal Gourmet GB8001-B

A grill’s worth is ultimately determined by how it cooks and how it holds up over time. We put the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill through its paces, hosting a large neighborhood cookout to test its capabilities under real-world pressure. The results were a mix of impressive performance and nagging concerns about its construction.

Unmatched Cooking Capacity: The 104,000 BTU Beast

Let’s be clear: the single greatest strength of this grill is its colossal cooking capacity. The 969-square-inch primary cooking area is genuinely massive. During our test, we comfortably fit 40 large hamburger patties on the grates at once, with room to spare. This is the kind of volume that changes the entire dynamic of hosting a large event. There was no batch cooking, no awkward waiting, and no cold food. One user perfectly captured this sentiment, stating, “you can cook 20lbs of chicken in 20 min. It is a great event grill.” We found this claim to be entirely plausible.

The raw power from the eight 13,000 BTU stainless steel burners is equally impressive. With all burners on high, the grill preheats rapidly, and the heat output is intense enough for a beautiful, deep sear on steaks and chops. The heat distribution was reasonably even across each four-burner section, though we did notice some minor hot spots directly over the burners, which is typical for most gas grills. The sheer thermal energy this unit produces makes quick work of any task. If your primary need is to cook a vast amount of food quickly and efficiently, the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill delivers on that promise in a way few other residential grills can.

Dual-System Versatility: A Grill with Two Personalities

Perhaps the most intelligent design choice is the implementation of two completely independent cooking systems. This isn’t just one big grill; it’s essentially two four-burner grills fused together. Each side has its own electronic ignition, its own set of four control knobs, its own propane hose connection, its own lid, and its own grease management system. This design is brilliant and offers a level of versatility that is hard to overstate. During our cookout, we dedicated one side to high-heat searing for burgers and hot dogs. Simultaneously, the other side was set to a gentle, low heat for grilling delicate items like vegetable skewers and pineapple slices, and later, for keeping the cooked food warm without overcooking it.

This dual-system approach also provides redundancy and fuel flexibility. You can run the entire grill off a single 20lb propane tank using the included T-connector, or you can connect two separate tanks, one for each system. This is a fantastic feature for very long cooking sessions, ensuring you don’t run out of fuel mid-event. For smaller family meals, you can simply use one four-burner side, saving fuel and reducing cleanup time. This ability to scale its operation up or down is a feature that really sets it apart in the large-format grill category and significantly enhances its overall value proposition.

The Elephant in the Room: Assembly, Build Quality, and Durability

While the performance is impressive, we cannot ignore the significant concerns regarding build quality and longevity. Our assembly experience, marked by the need to correct bent parts, was not an isolated incident. An alarming number of user reviews describe receiving units with bent frames, broken welds, and cosmetic damage like chipped paint, even when the shipping box appeared intact. One user noted, “the main grill portion was bent… 2 welds were broken that hold the removable debris trays,” a sentiment echoed by another who said, “The main frame of the grill was bent to the point that it was too wide for two of the grills to fit correctly.” This indicates a potential problem with either factory quality control or the product’s ability to withstand the rigors of shipping.

Beyond the initial setup, there are legitimate questions about how the materials will fare over the long term. The alloy steel construction and powder-coated finish feel adequate, but not exceptionally robust. The most damning evidence comes from a user who reported that after a year and a half of weekly use, the grill “completely deteriorated. The grill completely fell apart. Not just the burners and the burner covers, but the actual inner walls of the grill.” This suggests that if the grill is left exposed to the elements, its lifespan could be distressingly short. To maximize its life, we strongly recommend purchasing a high-quality, heavy-duty cover and storing it in a sheltered location whenever possible. This is a grill that offers incredible functionality for its price, but it appears that the trade-off is in the quality and durability of the core materials, something every potential buyer must consider before making a purchase.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment among users forms a clear and divided picture. On one hand, those who receive an undamaged unit and need its massive capacity are often thrilled. They praise it as an “awesome to cook on” event grill that offers capabilities far beyond what’s available in standard big-box stores for a similar price. The ability to cater large parties with ease is a recurring theme among positive reviews.

On the other hand, a significant and vocal group of buyers report a deeply frustrating experience. The core of the negative feedback centers on two major issues: shipping damage and poor manufacturing quality. Reports of bent frames, broken welds, and punctured panels are common. One user summarized the sentiment, stating the metal was “flimsy and very poorly made.” The other major concern is longevity, with a detailed account of the grill essentially disintegrating after less than two years of moderate use. This creates a high-risk, high-reward scenario for potential buyers.

How Does the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill Compare to Alternatives?

It’s important to understand that the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill occupies a unique niche. Its primary selling point is maximum capacity for a minimal price. The alternatives listed here cater to a completely different user: one who prioritizes portability, compactness, and established brand reliability over sheer size.

1. Coleman RoadTrip 225 2-Burner Gas Grill

The Coleman RoadTrip 225 is the antithesis of the Royal Gourmet grill. It is designed for maximum portability, making it ideal for camping, tailgating, or grilling in a small space like an apartment balcony. With 11,000 BTUs and a much smaller cooking surface, it’s perfect for cooking for 2-4 people. It features collapsible legs and a compact design that’s easy to transport and store. If your grilling needs involve taking your grill on the go, or if you simply don’t have space for a behemoth, the Coleman is a far more practical and logical choice.

2. PIT BOSS 75275 Two-Burner Portable Grill

The Pit Boss portable grill steps up the material quality with a full stainless steel body, offering better durability and rust resistance than the powder-coated steel of the Royal Gourmet. Its two independently controlled 10,000 BTU burners provide excellent heat control for a portable unit. While still much smaller than the Royal Gourmet, it’s a robust and reliable option for small-group grilling, RVing, or as a secondary grill for a larger household. Someone might prefer this over the Royal Gourmet if they value build quality and longevity in a compact, easy-to-clean package.

3. Masterbuilt MB20030819 Portable Propane Grill

The Masterbuilt portable grill offers a great middle ground with 288 square inches of cooking space and folding legs for easy transport and storage. It’s a solid, no-frills option that gets the job done for small families or couples. Its key advantage over the Royal Gourmet is its sheer simplicity and convenience. There’s no lengthy assembly, it heats up quickly, and it can be stored in a garage or shed with minimal fuss. A user who finds the size and complexity of the Royal Gourmet intimidating would find the Masterbuilt to be a welcome and user-friendly alternative.

The Final Verdict: Is the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill Worth It?

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict on the Royal Gourmet 8-Burner Propane Gas Grill is a conditional recommendation. This grill offers an almost unbelievable amount of cooking power and capacity for its price point. The dual-zone cooking system is a genuinely brilliant feature that provides incredible versatility for hosting large events. If you need to feed an army on a budget and are willing to accept a significant gamble, this grill could be an absolute game-changer for your parties.

However, that recommendation comes with a heavy dose of caution. The widespread and consistent reports of shipping damage, bent parts, and questionable manufacturing quality cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the concerns about its long-term durability are serious. This is not a “buy it and forget it” grill; it’s a value-oriented tool that may require patience, some mechanical sympathy during assembly, and diligent care to maximize its lifespan. If you’re looking for impeccable build quality and long-term reliability, you should probably invest more in a grill from a more established brand. But if you understand the risks and your top priority is massive cooking volume for the lowest possible cost, you can check the latest price and see if this high-capacity grilling machine is the right choice for you.