Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker Review: The Ultimate Budget Backyard Smoker?

There comes a point in every backyard cook’s journey when the convenience of gas just doesn’t cut it anymore. I remember that moment well. We’d mastered burgers and hot dogs, even dabbled in some decent grilled chicken, but something was missing. It was that deep, unmistakable, soul-satisfying flavor that only comes from wood and charcoal. The problem? Stepping into the world of offset smoking felt like applying for a second mortgage. The big-name brands commanded prices that were hard to justify for a burgeoning hobby. We were searching for a gateway, a machine that could deliver that authentic smoky taste and the versatility of a traditional grill without emptying our wallets. The challenge was finding a unit that offered the features of a serious smoker—a separate firebox, ample cooking space, and temperature control—at an entry-level price. This is the exact niche the Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker aims to fill, promising a world of flavor for a fraction of the cost. But does it deliver on that promise?

What to Consider Before Buying a Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker

A charcoal grill with an offset smoker is more than just a piece of outdoor cooking equipment; it’s a key solution for unlocking a new dimension of flavor and technique in your cooking. It’s an invitation to slow down, to tend a fire, and to transform tough cuts of meat into succulent masterpieces. The primary benefit is versatility. On one hand, you have a spacious charcoal grill for high-heat searing of steaks and quick weeknight meals. On the other, you have a dedicated firebox that allows you to cook “low and slow,” infusing everything from pork shoulder to brisket with rich, smoky flavor. This dual functionality saves space on the patio and offers a comprehensive barbecue experience in a single unit.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone transitioning from gas grilling or a beginner eager to learn the art of smoking without a massive initial investment. It’s for the home cook who values flavor over convenience and enjoys the hands-on process of fire management. However, it might not be suitable for those who need a “set it and forget it” solution or demand competition-grade precision out of the box. If you prioritize speed and simplicity above all, a gas or pellet grill might be a better fit. For those seeking the ultimate in portability or premium build quality from the start, other specialized grills may be more appropriate.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: An offset smoker has a significant footprint. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker measures over 53 inches wide. You need to ensure you have adequate, level space on your patio or in your backyard, with safe clearance from any structures. Also, consider the total cooking surface—at 811 square inches, this model offers ample room for hosting larger gatherings.
• Capacity/Performance: Think about how many people you typically cook for. The main 443 sq. in. grate can handle dozens of burgers or several racks of ribs, while the offset box and warming rack add valuable extra space. Performance is tied to heat control; look for features like adjustable charcoal pans and dampers, but be aware that entry-level models may require more attention to maintain consistent temperatures.
• Materials & Durability: This is the biggest differentiator in price. Premium smokers use thick-gauge steel for superior heat retention and longevity. Budget-friendly models like this one use thinner alloy steel with a powder-coated finish. While perfectly functional, it won’t hold heat as efficiently and may be more susceptible to dents and, over time, rust if not properly cared for. The porcelain-enameled steel wire grates are a nice touch, offering rust resistance and easier cleaning.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Charcoal grilling is inherently more hands-on than gas. Look for features that simplify the process. A removable ash pan is a massive quality-of-life improvement for cleanup. Side tables for prep space, tool hooks, and an easy-access door to the firebox for adding fuel during a long smoke are all features that make the experience more enjoyable.

After considering these factors, we felt the Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker presented a compelling package on paper. It seemed to have the right features to start our smoking journey, which you can see in its full feature set and user reviews.

While the Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker is an excellent choice for its category, 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:

Unboxing and First Impressions of the Royal Gourmet CC1830S

The grill arrived in a single, heavy box. It’s worth noting a recurring theme from other users: the packaging can sometimes show the scars of its journey. Our box was a bit battered, and upon opening it, we found a small dent on the edge of the main lid—cosmetic, but noticeable. This seems to be a common trade-off with budget-priced, heavy items shipped directly to consumers. Inside, the numerous parts were laid out and separated by cardboard. At first glance, the sheer number of components can be intimidating, a sentiment echoed by several first-time builders.

The assembly process is where you first truly understand the product’s price point. While the instructions are visual and generally clear, a significant number of parts were not labeled with corresponding stickers. This turned the build into a bit of a matching game, comparing each piece to the diagram. We spent about two and a half hours on assembly, which is consistent with other user reports. We encountered a few holes that didn’t line up perfectly, requiring a bit of gentle persuasion to get the bolts through. Overall, once assembled, the unit felt reasonably sturdy for what it is, though we wouldn’t describe it as rock-solid. The finished product looks impressive, a classic offset smoker design that promises great things to come. You can check the latest price and availability to see if this initial setup process is worth the value.

A Deep Dive into the Royal Gourmet CC1830S’s Performance

A grill’s true worth is only revealed by fire and food. We put the Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker through its paces over several weeks, testing everything from quick weeknight grilling to an all-day smoking session. This is where the unit’s personality—its strengths and its quirks—truly came to light.

Assembly and Build Quality: A Reality Check

Let’s talk more about the build. As we pieced the grill together, the compromises made to achieve its low price became clear. The sheet metal used for the body, lid, and firebox is noticeably thin. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it has direct performance implications we’ll discuss later. During assembly, we confirmed what many users report: some holes require finessing. The vent door on the firebox was a particular point of concern noted by others, with some stating it wouldn’t stay shut. We discovered a clever tip from one user who pointed out that the hinge must be installed on the *inside* of the box, not the outside as it might intuitively seem. Following this advice, our vent door operated correctly, though it never formed a perfect seal.

These minor frustrations are part of the package. We also recommend leaving all screws slightly loose until an entire section is fitted together, then tightening them all down at once. This gives you the wiggle room needed to align everything properly. Once fully assembled, the grill stands its ground but can feel a bit wobbly if you push on it. The powder-coated finish looks sharp out of the box, but we’ve seen reports that the paint on the firebox can blister and peel over time due to the intense, direct heat. This is a common issue with budget smokers and something to be prepared for. The bottom line is that you’re not buying heirloom quality, but you are getting a fully functional smoker for a fantastic price, and the value proposition is hard to ignore.

Grilling Performance: Searing, Sizzling, and Managing the Heat

As a standalone charcoal grill, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker is a capable performer. The 443-square-inch main chamber is spacious, easily accommodating enough food for a family of six or more. The porcelain-enameled grates are a highlight; they’re easy to clean and conduct heat well, giving us some respectable sear marks on our steaks. The standout feature here is the 2-level height-adjustable charcoal pan. This is a game-changer for controlling heat. For a hard sear, we cranked the pan all the way up, bringing the hot coals just inches from the grate. For more delicate items like chicken or sausage, we lowered the pan to create a gentler, more indirect heat zone.

The lid-mounted thermometer is, to be blunt, more of a general indicator than a precision instrument. It gives you a ballpark idea of the chamber’s temperature, but we found it could be off by as much as 50°F when compared to our digital probes placed at grate level. For simple grilling, this is fine. For smoking, an accurate thermometer is non-negotiable. Like other savvy users, we plan to add a second, more reliable thermometer to get a true reading where the food is actually cooking. Despite this, managing the heat for grilling is straightforward using the chimney and side-box dampers, and we were consistently pleased with the flavorful results that only charcoal can provide.

The Art of Smoking: Taming the Offset Firebox

This is the main event. The offset smoker is why most people will be drawn to this model. Our first long cook was an eight-pound pork shoulder, a forgiving cut perfect for a trial run. This is where we encountered the biggest challenge: temperature stability. The thin metal and the less-than-perfect seals around the lids and firebox mean the grill leaks smoke and heat. As one user aptly noted, “Smoke leaks a lot.” We found ourselves having to make frequent adjustments to the dampers and add fuel more often than you would with a heavier-gauge smoker. Maintaining a steady 225-250°F was a constant, hands-on process.

However, we viewed this not as a failure, but as a learning experience. This grill forces you to learn proper fire management. You learn how your fuel burns, how airflow affects temperature, and how to anticipate changes. To improve performance, we adopted a popular user modification: lining the lip of the main chamber with heat-resistant felt gasket tape and using a small amount of food-safe RTV silicone on the firebox seam. These simple, inexpensive mods dramatically reduced smoke leakage and made temperature control significantly easier. The side door on the firebox is fantastic, allowing you to add wood chunks or charcoal without opening the main lid and losing all your heat. After a nine-hour cook, the result was a tender, juicy, and incredibly smoky pulled pork that tasted every bit as authentic as one from a smoker costing three times as much. For those willing to tinker and learn, the rewards are delicious, making this smoker a feature-packed entry into the world of smoking.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our experience aligns closely with the consensus found in user feedback. The overwhelming sentiment is that the Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker offers exceptional value for its price. One happy user summarized it perfectly: “This is a great quality grill especially for the price… almost exactly like the pricey grills at Lowe’s for a 3rd of the price.” Many, like us, praise its versatility and the unbeatable flavor of charcoal cooking. The generous space and helpful side table are also frequently mentioned as major positives.

On the flip side, the criticisms are just as consistent. The most common complaints revolve around the assembly process, with “unlabeled parts” and “screw holes [that] don’t line up” being frequent refrains. Reports of shipping damage, such as dents and bent parts, are also common. Performance critiques focus on the thin metal and smoke leakage, with one user stating, “Smoker box lid doesn’t close flush.” However, it’s worth noting that even in cases of damaged parts, multiple users praised Royal Gourmet’s customer service for being responsive and sending replacements promptly, which adds a layer of confidence to the purchase.

How Does the Royal Gourmet CC1830S Compare to the Alternatives?

The Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker occupies a specific niche, but it’s important to understand the other options available. Depending on your priorities—portability, convenience, or premium quality—one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. Gas One 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill

If your primary need is portability for camping, tailgating, or small-patio grilling, the Gas One is a compelling choice. It’s a fraction of the size and weight of the Royal Gourmet, designed for quick setup and grilling on the go. Its focus is singular: simple, direct-heat charcoal grilling in a compact package. You lose the massive cooking area, the warming rack, the prep space, and most importantly, the ability to do any true offset smoking. This is the ideal pick for someone who values portability above all else and doesn’t need the versatility of a large smoker combo.

2. PIT BOSS PB440FB1 Pellet Grill

The Pit Boss represents a completely different approach to smoking. As a pellet grill, it offers automated, thermostat-controlled cooking. You simply set your desired temperature, and the grill’s auger feeds wood pellets into the firepot to maintain it. This is the “set it and forget it” option, perfect for those who want consistent smoking results with minimal effort. The trade-off is a higher price point, a reliance on electricity, and a different flavor profile that some purists argue is less intense than traditional charcoal and wood chunks. Choose the Pit Boss if your priority is convenience and precision over the hands-on, traditionalist experience of the Royal Gourmet.

3. Weber Master-Touch 22-Inch Charcoal Grill

The Weber Master-Touch is the icon of charcoal grilling, representing a step up in build quality and performance. It’s constructed from heavier-gauge, porcelain-enameled steel that offers superior heat retention and durability. While it lacks a dedicated offset firebox, its clever damper system and massive ecosystem of accessories allow for effective two-zone cooking and smoking. You are paying a premium for the Weber name, its legendary quality, and its refined design. It’s the better choice for someone who primarily wants a high-quality traditional grill and is willing to use accessories and techniques for occasional smoking, rather than having a dedicated offset unit.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Royal Gourmet CC1830S Worth Your Money?

After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker is an outstanding value proposition for a specific type of user. If you are a beginner looking to dive into the world of charcoal and smoking, or an enthusiast on a tight budget, this grill is arguably one of the best entry points on the market. It provides the full offset smoker experience and a large grilling surface for a price that is almost unheard of. You get the features you need to learn, experiment, and produce genuinely delicious barbecue.

However, that value comes with clear compromises. You must be prepared for a potentially finicky assembly, thinner materials that leak heat, and the need to be more hands-on with fire management than you would be with a premium, thick-walled smoker. If you see these as opportunities to learn and tinker, you will be rewarded. If you’re looking for perfection out of the box, you may be frustrated. For the aspiring pitmaster willing to embrace the journey, this grill is a fantastic and affordable first step. If its features and hands-on approach align with your backyard cooking goals, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can get the Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ Charcoal Grill Offset Smoker here and start your smoking adventure.