Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill Review: The Budget Barrel Grill That Punches Way Above Its Weight

There’s a moment every summer when the craving hits. It’s not just for a burger, but for that burger—the one kissed by smoke, with a perfectly seared crust that only real charcoal can deliver. For years, I relied on the convenience of gas, but something was always missing. The ritual, the aroma, the deep, smoky flavor that’s the very soul of backyard barbecue. The problem? Making the leap to charcoal often feels like a choice between a flimsy, unstable kettle grill that can barely hold a dozen burgers, or a professional-grade smoker that costs more than my first car. I wanted a middle ground: a spacious, reliable, classic barrel grill that could handle a family feast without demanding a hefty investment. The search for that perfect balance of size, function, and value is what led me to the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill, a contender that promises a premium grilling experience on a real-world budget.

What to Consider Before Buying a Charcoal Grill

A charcoal grill is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking authentic, smoky flavor in your outdoor cooking. It’s about taking direct control of the fire, mastering heat, and engaging in a more hands-on, rewarding culinary process. Unlike the set-it-and-forget-it nature of gas, a charcoal grill invites you to be part of the cooking experience, from lighting the coals to managing airflow for that perfect temperature. The main benefits are unparalleled flavor infusion, the ability to achieve higher searing temperatures, and the versatility to both grill hot-and-fast or smoke low-and-slow.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone transitioning from gas, a beginner eager to learn the art of charcoal, or a seasoned griller who needs a spacious, no-frills workhorse for their backyard or patio. It’s for the person who hosts neighborhood cookouts and wants to grill a dozen burgers and a rack of ribs simultaneously. However, it might not be suitable for those who live in apartments with strict fire regulations, prioritize speed and convenience above all else, or have no interest in the learning curve of managing a live fire. For those needing extreme portability for camping or tailgating, a smaller, more compact model might be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A barrel grill has a significant footprint. Before you buy, measure your patio or deck space to ensure a proper fit, leaving at least three feet of clearance around the grill for safety. The Royal Gourmet CC1830, at 42.56″ wide and 22.74″ deep, requires a dedicated spot, but its two wheels offer a good degree of mobility for repositioning or storage.
• Capacity/Performance: Cooking area is king. The 627 square inches offered here is substantial. Think about your typical gathering—are you cooking for two or twelve? This grill’s 443 sq. in. primary grate can handle large quantities, making it ideal for parties, while the 184 sq. in. warming rack adds crucial versatility for keeping food ready or toasting buns.
• Materials & Durability: At this price point, you’ll typically find powder-coated alloy steel, as is the case here. This is a lighter-gauge metal than premium grills, which use heavy-duty steel or ceramic. While perfectly functional, it won’t retain heat like a Kamado and will be more susceptible to rust if left uncovered in the elements. Proper care, like using a grill cover and seasoning the grates, is essential for longevity.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify the charcoal grilling process. The Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill includes an adjustable charcoal pan, side air vents, and a smokestack for temperature control. Crucially, it features a removable ash pan, which is a non-negotiable feature for us—it turns a messy, dreaded chore into a simple task.

While the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill is an excellent choice, 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 CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill

Upon arrival, the first thing we noticed was the thoughtful packaging. As one user noted, the grill was “meticulously packaged,” and we were particularly impressed by the clever, compartmentalized box for all the screws and hardware. It’s a small detail, but it prevents the usual frantic search for that one missing bolt and sets a positive tone for the assembly process. The instructions are clear and largely graphical, making the process straightforward. One user even shared that their 12-year-old son assembled it as a Father’s Day gift, which speaks volumes about the clarity of the manual. We did, however, find that you’ll need your own tools—a Phillips head screwdriver and a wrench or pliers will do the trick.

The overall look is classic and sleek; the powder-coated black finish and stainless steel handle give it an appearance that belies its budget-friendly price tag. Many users commented on how impressed their guests were, unable to believe the low cost. Assembling the main barrel and legs was a breeze, but as many have pointed out, attaching the curved lid can be a bit of a challenge for one person. We recommend having a second pair of hands to help align the lid with the barrel, which will save you some of the “swearing like a sailor” moments some users humorously reported. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of the assembly process. Once built, the grill feels sturdy enough for its purpose, and at just under 38 pounds, it’s remarkably easy to move around the yard thanks to its durable wheels.

A Deep Dive Into the Royal Gourmet CC1830’s Real-World Performance

A grill’s true worth isn’t determined on the showroom floor, but over the hot coals on a Saturday afternoon. We spent several weeks putting the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill through its paces, testing everything from high-heat searing to low-and-slow cooking. We wanted to see if its performance could live up to the promise of its impressive specs. From assembly to cleanup, we evaluated every aspect to give you a complete picture of what it’s like to own and operate this popular backyard grill.

Assembly and Build Quality: An Honest Trade-Off

Let’s start with putting it together. Our experience mirrored the consensus of many users: for the most part, it’s a walk in the park. The instructions are clear, the parts are well-labeled, and the initial frame and barrel construction is intuitive. We had the base assembled in under 30 minutes. The challenge, as we mentioned, is the lid. The curve of the barrel requires a bit of finesse and pressure to align the hinges correctly, and we can confirm that an extra set of hands makes this step infinitely easier. One user noted they had to “work the metal with a hammer to have the lid fit properly,” and while our experience wasn’t that extreme, we did have to apply firm pressure to get everything lined up. It’s a one-time inconvenience in an otherwise smooth setup.

Once assembled, we turned our attention to the build quality. The frame is made of alloy steel with a powder-coated finish. This is where you see the trade-off for the incredible price. The metal is noticeably thinner than what you’d find on a premium, multi-thousand-dollar grill. Does this affect performance? To some degree, yes. It won’t hold heat as efficiently as a thick-walled ceramic Kamado, especially on a windy day. However, we found it more than adequate for typical backyard grilling. The porcelain-enameled steel wire grates are a nice touch, offering a decent non-stick surface that’s easy to clean. The stainless steel handle remains cool to the touch, and the wheels feel robust enough for rolling across a patio. For a grill in this price category, the build quality is not just acceptable; it’s surprisingly good, a fact that’s a feature that really sets it apart in the budget market.

Cooking Capacity and Grilling Performance

This is where the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill truly shines and earns its place in the backyard. The sheer amount of cooking real estate is staggering for the price. The 443 square inch primary grate is cavernous. To put that into perspective, we easily fit two whole racks of ribs, a half-dozen large sausages, and a boat of corn on the cob, with room to spare. One user enthusiastically reported grilling “20 dogs, 16 burgers, and 2 tomahawks” for Mother’s Day, and based on our tests, we believe it. This grill is built for parties.

For our first test, we did a classic cookout: burgers and hot dogs. We arranged a two-zone fire, piling coals on one side for high-heat searing and leaving the other side empty for indirect cooking. The grill responded beautifully. We achieved a fantastic crust on the burgers over the direct heat, then moved them to the cool side to finish cooking without flare-ups. The spacious warming rack was perfect for toasting buns and keeping the finished hot dogs ready to serve. In another test, we slow-cooked a pork shoulder for pulled pork. By managing the vents, we were able to hold a steady temperature around 250°F for several hours. While it required more attention than a dedicated smoker, the results were fantastic—juicy, tender pork with a deep, smoky flavor. This grill’s versatility is a major selling point, easily handling both direct and indirect cooking methods for a wide variety of foods.

Heat Control and User-Friendly Features

Mastering charcoal grilling is all about controlling airflow, and this grill gives you the necessary tools to do it effectively. The system is simple but works well. An adjustable air vent on the side of the barrel allows you to control the amount of oxygen feeding the coals from below—open it wide to get the fire roaring for searing, or close it down to lower the temperature for smoking. Complementing this is the smokestack on the lid, which controls how quickly heat and smoke exit the cooking chamber. We found the interplay between these two vents to be intuitive, allowing for precise and responsive temperature adjustments. Many users praised this feature, with one stating, “Heat is perfect and open and closing the air vents a plus.”

The lid-mounted thermometer provides a general idea of the internal temperature, which is a great starting point for beginners. While we always recommend a digital probe thermometer for true accuracy, the built-in gauge is reliable for monitoring heat changes in real-time. Cleanup, often the worst part of charcoal grilling, is made remarkably simple by the removable charcoal pan. After the coals have completely cooled, you can lift the entire pan out and dump the ash, a process that takes seconds. This feature alone makes the Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill a top contender for anyone who dreads post-grill maintenance. The combination of easy temperature management and effortless cleanup makes the entire experience more enjoyable and accessible.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from other users is overwhelmingly positive, centering on a single, powerful theme: incredible value. Many, like one who said, “I can’t believe it cost me only a $100 bucks,” are pleasantly surprised by the quality and performance they get for such a modest investment. The spaciousness is a recurring point of praise, with comments like “It is a very spacious roaster, it is the ideal size for a weekend roast” and “You can grill a multiple things at once.”

The ease of assembly is another highlight, though it comes with a consistent caveat. While many found the instructions “very clear” and the process “super easy,” the difficulty of attaching the curved lid is a common minor complaint. One user’s advice to “make sure that the kids are not in the room” during that step provides a humorous but honest picture of the potential frustration. A few isolated incidents were reported, such as a missing thermometer, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. The most critical feedback focuses on the thinness of the metal, but even those who point it out, like the user who called it “a very thin metal grill,” often conclude that it “does hold temp well” and is ultimately “a good grill” for the price. You can check the latest price and availability to see if this value holds up.

How Does the Royal Gourmet CC1830 Compare to the Competition?

The Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill occupies a sweet spot in the market, but it’s important to understand the alternatives. Depending on your specific needs for portability, cooking style, or budget, one of these other options might be a better fit.

1. Char-Griller Portable Charcoal Grill & Side Fire Box

The Char-Griller E82424 is a different beast entirely. With just 250 square inches of cooking space, it’s significantly smaller than the Royal Gourmet. However, its strength lies in its versatility and portability. It’s an excellent choice for campers, tailgaters, or those with very limited space. Its most unique feature is its ability to double as a side firebox, attaching to a larger Char-Griller barrel grill to create a true Texas-style offset smoker. If your primary goal is portability or you plan to eventually get into offset smoking, the Char-Griller is a compelling and flexible alternative.

2. Gas One 14-inch Portable Barbecue Grill

If the Char-Griller is portable, the Gas One 14-inch grill is the epitome of grab-and-go. This is a small, compact grill designed for ultimate portability—think beach cookouts, picnics, or grilling for one or two people on a small balcony. Its dual venting system and locking lid are nice features for a grill this size, but its cooking area is minimal compared to the Royal Gourmet. This isn’t a grill for hosting a party; it’s a personal grill for adventures away from home. Choose this if portability is your absolute number one priority.

3. Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II 18-inch Ceramic Grill

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Kamado Joe Classic Joe II. This is a premium, high-end ceramic grill that represents a significant step up in both performance and price. Its thick ceramic walls offer unparalleled heat retention and efficiency, making it a master of both high-temperature searing and low-and-slow smoking that can hold temperatures for 12+ hours. While its primary cooking area is smaller than the Royal Gourmet’s, its performance is in a different league. This is the grill for the dedicated barbecue enthusiast who sees grilling as a serious hobby and is willing to invest in top-tier equipment.

The Final Verdict: Is the Royal Gourmet CC1830 Worth Your Money?

After extensive testing and careful consideration, our verdict is a resounding yes. The Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill delivers an incredible amount of value and performance for its price. It successfully bridges the gap between small, unstable kettle grills and expensive, professional-grade smokers. Its massive cooking capacity makes it an ideal centerpiece for backyard parties and family gatherings, while its user-friendly features like effective air vents and an easy-clean ash pan make the art of charcoal grilling accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

To be clear, this is not a heavy-duty, heirloom grill you’ll pass down for generations; the thinner steel construction is a necessary compromise to achieve its accessible price point. But for what it is—a budget-friendly, spacious, and highly capable barrel grill—it excels. If you’re ready to embrace the authentic flavor of charcoal grilling, host memorable cookouts, and do it all without emptying your wallet, then this grill is one of the smartest purchases you can make for your backyard. We wholeheartedly recommend it to beginners and seasoned grillers alike who are looking for maximum grilling space on a minimal budget. If you’re ready to elevate your summer cookouts, you can find the best deal on the Royal Gourmet CC1830 today.