Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table Review: A Cautionary Tale of Features vs. Flaws

There’s a certain magic to charcoal grilling that gas simply can’t replicate. It’s a ritual. It’s the aroma of smoldering briquettes, the satisfying sizzle as steak hits the grates, and that unmistakable smoky flavor that elevates a simple meal into a memorable feast. As a team of passionate outdoor cooks, we’re always on the hunt for that perfect grill—one that combines thoughtful features, reliable performance, and a price tag that doesn’t make your eyes water. The challenge, however, is navigating a market flooded with options. You want the precision of adjustable vents and charcoal pans, the convenience of prep space, and enough cooking area for a family gathering. But often, these features come with a premium cost. Finding a model that promises all of this at a budget-friendly price point feels like discovering a hidden gem. This is the exact promise that led us to the Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table, but as we discovered, sometimes a promise on paper doesn’t always translate to performance on the patio.

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 barbecue flavor and creating a focal point for social gatherings. It solves the problem of bland, one-note outdoor cooking by introducing the variable of real fire, giving the user direct control over heat, smoke, and searing. The primary benefits are unparalleled flavor infusion, the ability to achieve higher searing temperatures than many entry-level gas grills, and a more engaging, hands-on cooking experience. It’s about mastering the flame, not just turning a knob.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a home cook who cherishes the process and the flavor that only charcoal can provide. They are patient, willing to learn the nuances of fire management, and prioritize taste over the push-button convenience of gas. They might be hosting backyard parties for 5-10 people and need a functional, dedicated station for their craft. Conversely, this type of free-standing grill might not be suitable for those living in apartments with strict balcony regulations, or for individuals who need to cook a meal in under 15 minutes on a weeknight. For them, a portable option like the Fire Sense Notebook Grill or an electric indoor grill might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A grill’s footprint is a critical, non-negotiable factor. Measure your patio, deck, or backyard space carefully, ensuring you have not only enough room for the grill itself (like the 40.63″ width of this Royal Gourmet model) but also at least 3-4 feet of clearance around it for safety and maneuverability. Consider storage as well; will it be covered in place, or do you need to move it into a garage or shed during the off-season?
• Capacity/Performance: Think about your typical gathering size. A primary cooking area of 384 sq. in., like the one offered here, is generally sufficient for about 8-10 burgers, making it ideal for a small family or a few guests. Performance is also tied to features like adjustable charcoal trays and air vents. These allow you to transition from a low-and-slow smoke to a high-heat sear, offering versatility that’s crucial for varied menus.
• Materials & Durability: This is arguably the most important consideration, especially at lower price points. Grills are exposed to extreme heat and the elements. Look for heavy-gauge steel, sturdy legs, and high-quality coatings. Thin, flimsy sheet metal, as we’ll discuss, can bend during assembly and burn through quickly. Porcelain-enameled grates are a good standard for being non-stick and relatively easy to clean, but the durability of the grill body itself is paramount.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Grilling should be a joy, not a chore. Features like a front-access door for adding charcoal mid-cook, a removable ash pan for cleanup, and side tables for prep space significantly improve the user experience. Long-term care involves regular cleaning to prevent rust and storing it under a cover. A grill that is difficult to assemble or clean will quickly become a piece of yard art rather than a cooking tool.

While the Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table is an intriguing choice on paper, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models we’ve tested, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Mix of Promise and Concern

The arrival of the Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table was met with a degree of cautious optimism. The box itself showed some signs of rough handling, a sentiment echoed by several users who reported receiving damaged components. Upon opening, the parts were laid out, and the assembly process began. The instructions were reasonably clear, with one user noting them as a positive point. However, our optimism quickly began to fade as we handled the individual components. The main body and legs are constructed from a very thin alloy steel, which felt alarmingly malleable. During assembly, we had to be extremely careful not to overtighten screws, as the metal showed a tendency to flex and bend around the connection points. This is a significant red flag for long-term stability.

On the positive side, the design incorporates some genuinely useful features. The adjustable charcoal pan, operated by a crank handle, is a standout concept typically found on more expensive models. The folding side table offers much-needed prep space, and the front access door for charcoal is a thoughtful touch. Aesthetically, it looks the part of a classic backyard grill. However, the initial tactile experience raised serious questions about its longevity and ability to withstand the intense heat it was designed to create. You can see the full list of features and components to get a sense of what’s included, but be prepared for the reality of the build quality.

A Deep Dive into the Royal Gourmet CD1824M’s Performance (or Lack Thereof)

A grill’s worth is ultimately determined by how it performs under fire. Does it hold heat? Can it sear properly? Is it built to last more than a single season? It was during our hands-on testing that the attractive feature list of the Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table collided with the harsh reality of its construction. Our experience was, to put it mildly, deeply disappointing and confirmed the most severe warnings we had seen from other users.

The Assembly Gauntlet: A First Test of Durability

Before you can even light a single briquette, you must build the grill, and this process served as a stark preview of the product’s fundamental flaws. The manual, while graphically clear, cannot compensate for poor manufacturing tolerances and materials. As we began attaching the legs, we immediately encountered the issue several users have furiously reported: the pressed-in nuts. These components are set into very thin sheet metal. When we applied even moderate torque with a screwdriver to secure a leg bolt, the nut didn’t just tighten; it started to pull right through the metal, warping the frame itself. This is not a case of over-tightening; it’s a critical design failure where the supporting material is not strong enough to handle the stress of its own assembly.

One user described it as “sheet metal junk that bends when assembling,” and we cannot disagree. We had to proceed with extreme caution to avoid completely stripping the connections. This lack of structural integrity is deeply concerning. A grill laden with hot coals needs to be absolutely stable. The wobbly foundation created during assembly left us feeling very uneasy about its safety, especially when imagining moving it even slightly while hot. The experience was frustrating and time-consuming, taking well over an hour not because of complexity, but because we were constantly trying to work around the material’s inherent weakness. This is where checking recent user feedback before purchasing becomes absolutely critical.

Design vs. Reality: The Adjustable Charcoal Pan and Air Vents

On paper, the star feature of the Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table is its height-adjustable charcoal pan. The ability to raise the coals for a hard sear on a steak and then lower them for gentle cooking of chicken is the hallmark of a versatile grill. The crank mechanism worked, allowing us to move the tray up and down. However, the tray itself is made from the same thin-gauge metal as the rest of the unit. We have serious doubts about its ability to withstand repeated, high-heat cooking cycles without warping significantly, a problem which could impede or jam the adjustment mechanism over time. One user review noted the charcoal surface was diagonal, suggesting warping or poor assembly fit right out of the box.

Similarly, the two adjustable air vents—one on the side of the lid and one near the base—are essential for controlling oxygen flow and, therefore, temperature. They are simple sliding dampers and are functional. When combined with the built-in thermometer, they theoretically provide the tools for effective smoking and grilling. The issue isn’t the concept but the overall construction. A grill that isn’t well-sealed due to flimsy construction and poor component fit will leak air and heat, making precise temperature management via the vents a frustrating exercise in futility. It’s a classic case of having features that are rendered ineffective by the poor quality of the foundation they’re built upon.

The First Cook: A Disappointing and Alarming Trial by Fire

This was the moment of truth, and frankly, it was an alarming failure. We loaded the pan with a standard 4.5 lb. capacity of charcoal, lit it, and closed the lid to let the grill come up to temperature. Within 15 minutes, as the built-in thermometer climbed past 350°F, a noxious smell of burning plastic and chemicals filled the air. We watched in disbelief as the black paint on both the *outside* of the lid and the *inside* of the cook box began to bubble, blister, and then flake off in large pieces. This wasn’t a small blemish; it was a catastrophic failure of the coating. Black flakes, carried by the heat and smoke, were drifting out of the vents and, more alarmingly, falling from the inside of the lid directly toward where our food would have been.

This experience, unfortunately, is not unique to our test. It is the single most common and critical complaint from users. One user stated, “Paint just starts falling off, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE GRILL,” while another reported, “all of the paint started to peel off and burn. It made a lot of smoke and smelled like burnt plastic.” This is not just an aesthetic issue; it’s a potential health and safety hazard. A product designed to contain fire and cook food must be coated with high-temperature, food-safe paint. The coating on the Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table is demonstrably not up to this basic, essential task. We immediately aborted the cook, as we would never consume food prepared in such an environment. The promise of a perfect grilling experience literally went up in toxic smoke.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align almost perfectly with the broader consensus of user feedback, which paints a very polarized but predominantly negative picture. While a handful of users expressed satisfaction, praising features like the clear assembly instructions and the temperature control crank, the vast majority of detailed reviews report critical failures. The most alarming and frequently cited issue is the paint. One customer who received it as a Christmas gift noted, “He fired it up on Christmas day and the paint was bubbling and peeling off.” Another was shocked, asking, “Weren’t grills supposed to be heat resistant?!?!”

Beyond the paint, the flimsy construction is a major point of contention. We saw numerous reports of damage during shipping (“Product came dented, box was destroyed”), difficulty with assembly due to poor quality (“bolt and screws pulling right through metal”), and general instability (“Not very sturdy.”). One of the most damning reviews called it “Total junk,” explaining how the pressed-in nuts pulled out and the metal bent during assembly, leading them to abandon the build and return the product. These real-world experiences confirm that our test unit was not an isolated lemon; these appear to be widespread, fundamental flaws in the product’s design and material selection.

Top Alternatives to the Royal Gourmet CD1824M

Given the significant issues we encountered with the Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table, we cannot recommend it. Fortunately, there are several other options on the market that may better suit your needs, whether you’re looking for better quality in the same category, more space, or true portability.

1. Royal Gourmet CD1824EC 24 Inch Movable Charcoal Grill with Cover

For those who like the general design and size of the CD1824M but are seeking a potentially more reliable option from the same brand, the Royal Gourmet CD1824EC is a compelling alternative. It shares a similar 24-inch platform and adjustable charcoal pan concept. However, it often comes bundled with a cover, adding value and protection. While it may share some materials, customer feedback for this specific model tends to be slightly more positive, suggesting potentially better quality control. If you’re set on the Royal Gourmet feature set but wary of the CD1824M’s specific flaws, the CD1824EC is worth investigating as a slightly different package.

2. Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Charcoal Grill

If your primary need is more cooking space, the Royal Gourmet CC1830 is a step up. This is a classic barrel-style grill that offers a larger 627 square inches of total cooking area, making it much better suited for larger parties. The barrel design is inherently sturdy and known for excellent heat retention and airflow, making it great for both grilling and smoking. While it forgoes the crank-adjustable charcoal tray for a more traditional fixed position, its robust, time-tested design is a favorite among barbecue traditionalists. This is the choice for someone who prioritizes capacity and classic performance over niche features.

3. Fire Sense Notebook BBQ Grill

If your grilling needs are centered on portability for camping, picnics, or tailgating, then a large, stationary grill is the wrong tool for the job. The Fire Sense Notebook BBQ Grill is a brilliantly designed, ultra-portable solution. As its name suggests, it folds completely flat like a notebook, making it incredibly easy to transport and store. Despite its small size, it provides enough grilling surface for 2-4 people. It’s the polar opposite of the Royal Gourmet CD1824M—it’s simple, durable, and built for a specific purpose: grilling on the go. This is the perfect choice for the adventurer or the person with very limited storage space.

Our Final Verdict: A Grill We Cannot Recommend

After a thorough and revealing testing process, our final verdict on the Royal Gourmet CD1824M 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table is unfortunately a negative one. While it boasts an impressive list of features for its price point—including the desirable adjustable charcoal pan, side table, and ample cooking space—these benefits are completely undermined by critical flaws in its fundamental construction and materials. The thin, flimsy metal makes assembly a frustrating exercise in caution and results in a wobbly, unstable final product. Most critically, the catastrophic failure of the paint under normal operating temperatures is an inexcusable defect that renders the grill unsafe for cooking food and unpleasant to be around.

It’s a stark reminder that features mean nothing without a solid foundation. We entered this review hoping to find a budget-friendly gem but instead found a product that compromises on the most essential qualities of a grill: durability and safety. For these reasons, we strongly advise you to look elsewhere. Your money would be better spent on one of the alternatives mentioned above or another model known for its build quality, even if it means sacrificing a feature or two. If you are still curious, you can check the latest price and user reviews for yourself, but based on our hands-on experience, this is one backyard investment to avoid.