Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grills: Which Model Is Which?

On this page (8 sections)

1. Which Royal Gourmet charcoal grill model fits your needs?
2. How do the Royal Gourmet charcoal grill models compare?
3. What makes the CC1830S different from other Royal Gourmet grills?
4. Is the CD2030AN a good choice for charcoal control?
5. Should you choose the CC1830V or CC1830 barrel grill?
6. How should you set up and use a Royal Gourmet charcoal grill?
7. What common buying and grilling mistakes should you avoid?
8. Which Royal Gourmet charcoal grill should you choose?

Royal Gourmet charcoal grills range from straightforward barrel grills to a model with an attached offset smoker. The right royal gourmet charcoal grill depends on how much main-grate space you need, how you want to adjust the coals, and whether you want a separate smoking chamber.

The model names look similar, but the layouts differ. Compare the main cooking grate, charcoal access, work surfaces, and room each grill needs before you choose.

Which Royal Gourmet charcoal grill model fits your needs?

Choose the CC1830S for its offset smoker, the CD2030AN for a crank-adjusted pan, or a CC1830 model for barrel-style grilling. The CC1830V and CC1830 each have adjustable charcoal grates, while their tables and cooking areas differ.

Before deciding, compare your expected cooking load with the main grate rather than total advertised area. Our full-size charcoal grill guide covers other backyard layouts, and charcoal grill sizes can help you estimate the space you need.

How do the Royal Gourmet charcoal grill models compare?

The CC1830S has the largest stated total area, while the CC1830 has the smallest. The totals include warming racks, and the CC1830S total also counts the offset smoker chamber.

The CD2030AN has the largest main grate among these four, even though its total area is below the CC1830S. Use the main grate figure to compare direct grilling space, then consider the warming rack or smoker chamber as extra capacity for different tasks.

A warming rack is useful for keeping cooked food away from direct heat or holding smaller items while the main grate is busy. It does not replace main-grate space when you need to cook many pieces at once.

What makes the CC1830S different from other Royal Gourmet grills?

The CC1830S is the only model here with an attached offset smoker. It suits cooks who want a separate chamber for smoking and a main grate for grilling at the same time.

Its charcoal pan has 2 height settings, letting you change the distance between food and heat. A side door gives access for adding charcoal and removing ash, while a lid thermometer helps monitor the temperature inside the grill.

The front and side tables provide work space for tools and seasonings. Its bottom shelf holds up to 20 lb. when weight is spread evenly, so keep heavier gear within that limit.

The smoker chamber adds flexibility, but it also makes the grill larger and calls for attention to airflow between chambers. If you only grill burgers, vegetables, or steaks over charcoal, skip the added smoker layout and choose a barrel model instead.

If an offset chamber is the deciding feature, our guide to charcoal grills with offset smokers explains what to consider. The built-in lid thermometer tracks the grill's internal reading; our charcoal grill thermometer guide explains when a separate grate-level reading can help.

Is the CD2030AN a good choice for charcoal control?

The CD2030AN is the clearest choice when you want to raise or lower the charcoal pan with a crank. Its front access door also lets you tend charcoal without opening the upper lid.

The pan holds up to 7.5 lb. of charcoal, and the crank changes the distance between the coals and food. That makes it a practical fit for cooks who expect to adjust heat during a session and want access without lifting the lid.

The collapsible side tables offer work space that can fold away after cooking. Utensil hooks and a large bottom shelf provide places for tools and accessories.

This grill weighs 73.2 lb. and measures about 58.66 in. wide, so plan its parking spot and route before assembly. Skip it if you want a lighter, narrower setup or don't expect to use the crank and front door.

Should you choose the CC1830V or CC1830 barrel grill?

Choose the CC1830V for its front table and larger warming rack, or the CC1830 for utensil hooks and a more compact overall area. Both are barrel grills with adjustable charcoal grates.

The CC1830V has 443 sq. in. of main grate space and a 184 sq. in. warming rack. Its fire grates lift to 2 heights, and the grill has a front table and a wood-painted side table.

The CC1830 has 434 sq. in. of main grate space and a 151 sq. in. warming rack. Its side shelf has utensil hooks, and 2 wheels support movement around a patio or yard.

The CC1830V's fire grate also serves as an ash pan for dumping ash after cooking. On the CC1830, the side air vent and smoke stack provide airflow adjustments, and closing the vent cuts off oxygen to help extinguish coals.

Neither model has the CC1830S's separate smoker chamber or the CD2030AN's crank. Pick the CC1830V if a front work surface will help your routine; pick the CC1830 if you prefer hooks on the side shelf and a smaller total cooking area.

How should you set up and use a Royal Gourmet charcoal grill?

Set the grill on a stable outdoor surface with enough clearance for its full footprint, then keep tools and fuel close without crowding the cooking area. Assemble it according to its instructions before lighting charcoal, and check that the lid, vents, charcoal access, and ash parts move as intended.

Measure the intended space and the route to it before assembly. The models vary in width and weight, and side tables need room to open; the CD2030AN's tables fold, while the other models include fixed front or side work surfaces.

Use the charcoal adjustment that matches your model. On the CD2030AN, turn the crank to raise or lower the pan; on the CC1830S, CC1830V, and CC1830, use the lifting handles or rack settings to change the distance from coals to food.

Start with a manageable charcoal load and adjust airflow gradually. Open vents support a stronger fire, while restricting airflow lowers oxygen; avoid making several changes at once if you are trying to understand how the grill responds.

The lid thermometer is a useful guide to the temperature inside the grill, but food placement and airflow can make grate temperatures vary. Arrange food with a cooler zone away from the hottest coals so you can move items when they need more or less heat.

What common buying and grilling mistakes should you avoid?

The most common buying mistake is choosing by total cooking area alone. Check the main grate area and decide whether the warming rack or smoker chamber will be useful to you.

A second mistake is buying more grill than your patio can fit. Check the full width, depth, and height, plus room to stand at the tables and open the lid, before choosing a model.

Avoid paying for a feature you won't use. The CC1830S's separate chamber makes sense for smoking alongside grilling, while the CD2030AN's crank and front door suit cooks who plan to adjust or tend coals often.

During cooking, don't keep opening the lid to check food or add charcoal if your model has another access point. The CD2030AN's front door and CC1830S's side door provide ways to tend the fire with less disruption to the main chamber.

After cooking, close the air vent to limit oxygen and let the coals cool fully before handling ash. Clear ash from the grill after it has cooled, and keep the grill dry between sessions to help protect its metal parts.

Which Royal Gourmet charcoal grill should you choose?

Choose the CC1830S if an attached offset smoker is central to your plans, the CD2030AN if you want crank-adjusted charcoal control, or a CC1830 barrel model for straightforward grilling. The best royal gourmet charcoal grill for your yard is the one whose main grate, controls, and work surfaces match how you cook.

For a smoking chamber, choose the CC1830S and allow space for its wider layout. For adjustable coals and front access, choose the CD2030AN, provided its size and weight fit your setup.

For simpler grilling, choose the CC1830V if you want the front table and larger warming rack. Choose the CC1830 if you want a side shelf with hooks and a smaller total area.

Compare the dimensions and main grate area against your patio and usual cooking load before you buy. Then use our Royal Gourmet CC1830S review for a closer look at the offset-smoker model, or return to the full-size charcoal grill guide to compare other layouts.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Royal Gourmet CC1830 and CC1830S?

The CC1830 is a barrel charcoal grill with a 585 sq. in. total area, adjustable charcoal pan, warming rack, side shelf, and wheels. The CC1830S adds an attached offset smoker and has 824 sq. in. across its main grates, warming rack, and smoker chamber.

Choose the S if you want a separate chamber for smoking.

Which Royal Gourmet charcoal grill has a crank-adjusted charcoal pan?

The CD2030AN uses a crank handle to raise or lower its charcoal pan. It also has a front charcoal access door and collapsible side tables.

The CC1830S, CC1830V, and CC1830 use adjustable pans or grates, but not a crank.

How much cooking space do these Royal Gourmet grills have?

Their stated total areas range from 585 sq. in. for the CC1830 to 824 sq. in. for the CC1830S. The CC1830V has 627 sq. in., while the CD2030AN has 719 sq. in.

Compare the main grate areas if you mainly cook food directly over the coals.

Is the Royal Gourmet CC1830V the same as the CC1830?

No. The CC1830V is a 30-inch barrel grill with 627 sq. in. total space, a front table, and a wood-painted side table.

The CC1830 is a 28-inch barrel grill with 585 sq. in., an adjustable lifting rack, and utensil hooks on its side shelf.

Check the model number before choosing.