As someone who’s always chased that authentic smoky flavor, the yearning for a proper charcoal grilling experience was a constant backdrop to my summer days. relying on smaller, less capable grills or even trying to adapt gas setups just didn’t cut it. That deep, satisfying char and the ability to truly control the heat through charcoal placement felt missing. If I didn’t solve this longing, those backyard barbecues would remain merely adequate, lacking the soul that only charcoal can provide, potentially leaving guests (and myself) less than impressed.
- Included Grill Cover: This charcoal grill comes with a durable fabric cover, shielding your charcoal bbq grill from rain, dust, and debris. It preserves the grill's condition, extends its life, and...
- Ample Cooking Space & Precise Monitoring: This charcoal grill offers a 490 sq. in. total cooking area, with 384 sq. in. porcelain-enameled grates and a 106 sq. in. warming rack, holding up to 22...
- Superior Heat Control: The charcoal grill features a height-adjustable charcoal pan—simply rotate the crank to adjust its height, controlling the charcoal-food distance for ideal heat. Plus, its...
Considering Your Next Charcoal Grill Purchase
The desire for a great steak or perfectly smoked ribs often leads folks down the path of charcoal grilling. It’s about more than just cooking; it’s about the ritual, the aroma, and the unparalleled flavor. If you’re someone who savors that distinct taste, enjoys spending time outdoors managing the fire, and wants versatility in cooking methods – from searing hot to low-and-slow smoking – a charcoal grill is likely for you. The ideal customer appreciates flavor over speed and isn’t afraid of a little charcoal dust. However, if you’re strictly looking for quick weeknight meals, minimal cleanup, or struggle with heat management, a gas or electric grill might be a better fit. Before you buy, think about the cooking area you need (how many people do you typically feed?), the features that matter most (ash cleanup? side tables? built-in thermometer?), the materials and expected durability, and importantly, your budget. Consider also where you’ll store it and if portability is a factor.
- 811 Square Inches: Includes 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, 184 sq. in. chrome-plated warming rack and 184 sq. in. offset smoker
- This Weber kettle grill has space to hold up to 13 burgers made with a Weber burger press; The durable-plated steel cooking grate, crafted from premium steel, offers a resilient surface that stands up...
- Main Smoking Area: 443 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates with 184 sq. in. chrome-plated steel wire warming rack offer enough space to cook large cuts of meat.
Introducing the Royal Gourmet CD1824EC
Stepping into the world of dedicated charcoal grilling without breaking the bank led me to the Royal Gourmet CD1824EC 24-Inch Movable Charcoal Grill with Cover. This movable charcoal grill positions itself as a convenient and capable option for the home griller. It promises a solid charcoal experience with features designed for ease of use and decent capacity. When you get this outdoor barbecue grill, it comes with the main grill body, cooking grates, a warming rack, the adjustable charcoal pan system, side tables, wheels, and a fitted cover. While it’s not meant to compete with high-end, heavy-gauge steel grills, it offers a feature set often found on more expensive models, aiming squarely at the casual to moderately frequent griller who wants authentic charcoal flavor with some modern conveniences. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized families and gatherings but might not be the best choice for someone planning daily grilling or seeking heirloom quality construction.
Pros:
* Generous 490 sq. in. total cooking area.
* Height-adjustable charcoal pan provides excellent heat control.
* Collapsible side tables offer useful prep and tool space.
* Removable ash tray makes cleanup significantly easier.
* Includes a fitted grill cover for protection.
* Built-in thermometer for temperature monitoring.
Cons:
* Assembly instructions can be challenging.
* Some components (side tables, handles) feel less robust.
* Paint may not be as durable as higher-end grills under high heat.
* Potential for rust over time, even with the cover, if not properly maintained or in humid climates.
Exploring the Grill’s Practical Elements
Having used the Royal Gourmet CD1824EC extensively, I can delve into the details of how its various components perform in the real world and why they actually matter when you’re standing over a hot fire.
Spacious Cooking Real Estate
The 490 square inches of total cooking area, split between the 384 sq. in. porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and the 106 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack, has been more than sufficient for my needs. The main grates provide ample room to lay out a good number of burgers (they say up to 22, and while I haven’t counted exactly, it handles enough for a family gathering easily) or several racks of ribs laid flat. The porcelain-enameled coating is a common feature on grills in this range, and I’ve found it helps with preventing sticking if you ensure the grates are clean and well-oiled before each use. They retain heat reasonably well for searing marks. The upper warming rack, being stainless steel, is great for keeping cooked food warm without drying it out, or for slow-cooking items like corn on the cob away from the direct heat. This two-tier system really expands your cooking options, letting you manage different foods at different temperatures simultaneously – a key benefit when hosting.
Dynamic Heat Control via Adjustable Pan
One of the standout features of this charcoal grill is the height-adjustable charcoal pan. Operated by a crank handle on the front, this mechanism allows you to easily raise or lower the bed of hot coals. This is crucial for controlling the heat reaching your food. Want a fierce sear on steaks? Crank the pan up close to the grates. Planning to slow cook chicken or indirect heat ribs? Lower the pan down. This variable distance means you have much better control over the cooking temperature than with a fixed-height pan. It takes some getting used to, learning how pan height interacts with vent adjustments and the amount of charcoal, but once you get the hang of it, it offers a level of precision that makes a real difference in your results. It directly addresses the core problem of charcoal grilling – inconsistent or uncontrollable heat – by giving you a tangible way to manipulate it. The crank itself feels sturdy enough for regular use, though like any mechanical part exposed to heat and weather, it’s something to keep clean.
Handy Collapsible Side Tables
Having workspace right next to the grill is incredibly convenient, and the two collapsible side tables on the Royal Gourmet CD1824EC deliver on this. They provide a spot for platters of food, seasonings, tools, or a cold drink. Being able to fold them down is a huge plus for storage, especially if you have limited space on a patio or deck. While some user reviews mention they feel a bit thin or flimsy compared to the main body, in practice, they hold a decent amount of weight for typical grilling necessities. I wouldn’t put anything excessively heavy on them, but for tongs, brushes, sauce bottles, and a plate, they work perfectly. Their primary benefit is organization and keeping everything you need within easy reach, minimizing trips back and forth to the kitchen.
Simplified Ash Management
Let’s face it, cleaning up ash is probably the least favorite part of charcoal grilling. The grill tackles this with a large, removable ash tray situated below the charcoal pan. After the grill has cooled down completely, you can slide out this tray and easily dump the collected ash. This is a significant improvement over grills where you have to scoop ash out of the bottom of the firebox. It makes the cleanup process much faster and cleaner, which means you’re more likely to actually do it regularly, keeping your grill in better shape. While some ash inevitably collects in the firebox itself, the bulk of it lands in the tray.
Integrated Temperature Monitoring
The built-in thermometer on the lid is a simple but very useful feature. While it measures the air temperature under the lid, which can be different from grate level, it gives you a good indication of the overall heat inside the grill without having to constantly lift the lid (which lets heat and smoke escape). For recipes that require maintaining a specific temperature range, like smoking or roasting, this is invaluable. You can monitor the temperature and make adjustments using the vents and the height of the charcoal pan. It’s not a professional-grade thermometer, but for general grilling, it provides the essential information you need to manage your cook effectively.
Protection with Included Cover
A great addition that often costs extra with other grills is the included heavy-duty fabric cover. This charcoal grill comes standard with one. Leaving any outdoor grill exposed to the elements will shorten its lifespan, so having a cover that fits well is important. It helps protect the steel body from rain and sun, which can contribute to rust and degradation over time. While some users have reported rust issues regardless of the cover, proper cleaning and perhaps storing the grill under an additional overhang or in a shed when not in use, combined with the cover, will offer the best protection. It adds value right out of the box and helps keep your investment looking decent for longer.
Easy Mobility
Mounted on wheels, this grill is relatively easy to move around. Whether you need to shift it for storage, bring it out for a cookout, or just reposition it on the patio, the wheels make it manageable. Given its weight (around 48 pounds), it’s not overly heavy, making the mobility feature truly practical. While one user mentioned wishing for a second handle for easier maneuvering, I’ve found it reasonably easy to tilt and roll with the existing handle and leg. This portability is a key benefit for smaller spaces or for tucking the grill away when not in use.
What Others Are Saying About the Grill
I checked out reviews from other users online, and the general sentiment seems quite positive for its price point, though a few common complaints popped up. Many people rave about the great charcoal flavor they achieve and appreciate the adjustable heat control offered by the crank. The easy ash cleanup feature is frequently highlighted as a major plus. However, some users expressed concerns about the material quality, noting that parts like the side tables and handles feel less durable than expected. There were also comments about the assembly process being frustrating due to unclear instructions, and a few reports of paint peeling or rust appearing sooner than anticipated, even with the cover. Overall, it appears to be a well-liked grill for casual users who value its features and performance for the price, understanding it may not be built for heavy-duty, long-term use.
Wrapping Up the Charcoal Experience
The quest for authentic, smoky barbecue flavor often leads to the sometimes messy and finicky world of charcoal grilling. Getting that perfect cook requires heat control and easy management, and without the right tools, it can be a frustrating endeavor. The Royal Gourmet CD1824EC 24-Inch Movable Charcoal Grill with Cover offers a solid solution for those seeking this experience. Its adjustable charcoal pan provides crucial heat control, the large cooking area handles meals for family and friends, and the convenient ash tray simplifies the clean-up process, tackling some of the biggest headaches of charcoal grilling. For a capable grill that delivers on flavor and includes helpful features at an accessible price point, this model is a strong contender. To see more details and purchase this charcoal grill for yourself, click here.
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API