There was a time when hosting a large backyard BBQ meant juggling multiple smaller grills or settling for less variety in what I cooked. Trying to smoke a brisket while grilling burgers for a crowd just wasn’t feasible on my old setup. This limitation wasn’t just inconvenient; it meant compromising on the kind of cookout experience I wanted to provide for friends and family. Finding a solution that could handle volume and versatility was essential to elevate my outdoor entertaining.
- Tremendous Cooking Space: Caters for 8-10 gathering with 668 sq. in. cooking grates, 260 sq. in. warming rack and 272 sq. in. offset smoker. All are made of heavy gauge porcelain-enameled steel wire
- Offset Smoker: Firmly attached to the main body for good circulation of heat and smoke. And it can also provide additional grilling or smoking cooking space for small side dishes
- Adjustable Charcoal Pan: 3-level height adjustable charcoal pan creates better heat control and energy efficiency. It can hold up to 3.5kg/7.7 lb. of coal which is enough for large events
Factors to Weigh Before Acquiring a Charcoal Grill with Smoker
When you’re looking to step up your outdoor cooking game, especially if you plan on feeding more than just your immediate family or you’re dreaming of smoky ribs and briskets, a charcoal grill with a smoker attachment is a compelling option. This type of unit solves the problem of limited cooking space and offers the ability to cook low-and-slow, infusing food with that unmistakable smoky flavor that charcoal provides. The ideal customer for a large barrel charcoal grill with an offset smoker is someone who loves hosting larger gatherings, enjoys the process of charcoal cooking, and wants the flexibility to grill steaks quickly or smoke a pork shoulder for hours on end. They don’t mind the effort involved in managing charcoal and temperature, which is part of the charm for many BBQ enthusiasts.
However, this kind of grill isn’t for everyone. If you only cook for one or two people, have limited patio space, or prefer the instant on/off convenience of gas and aren’t interested in smoking, a smaller grill or a gas grill might be a better fit. The upkeep, temperature management learning curve, and size of a large charcoal smoker require a certain level of commitment.
Before diving in, think about the size of your typical gatherings, the types of cooking you enjoy (grilling, smoking, or both), your available space, and your budget. Also, consider the build quality and materials, as a grill needs to withstand the elements and high temperatures. Features like ease of ash cleanup, temperature control mechanisms, and cooking grate material are all important points to ponder.
- 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 CC2036F
Enter the Royal Gourmet CC2036F Barrel Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker. This unit promises massive cooking capacity and the dual functionality of grilling and smoking, designed specifically for large events and gatherings. When you purchase the Royal Gourmet CC2036F, you get the main grill barrel, the offset smoker box, cooking grates, warming rack, charcoal pans, and the necessary hardware for assembly. Compared to smaller, basic charcoal grills, the CC2036F offers significantly more real estate and the dedicated offset smoker chamber, which is a step up from just adding wood chips to a standard grill. It’s geared towards the home cook who wants to expand their capabilities beyond simple grilling and tackle serious BBQ projects for a crowd.
This specific Royal Gourmet grill is ideal for those who frequently host medium to large groups or enjoy cooking large cuts of meat low and slow. It’s less suited for someone needing a compact grill for occasional use or those who aren’t prepared for the temperature management involved in charcoal cooking, particularly smoking.
Pros:
- Vast cooking surface area
- Integrated offset smoker for authentic BBQ
- Adjustable charcoal pan for heat control
- Convenient side door for adding charcoal/wood
- Removable parts aid in cleanup
Cons:
- Some concerns about build quality and thin metal
- Assembly can present challenges (e.g., misaligned holes, poor bolts)
- Potential for smoke leaks
- Paint may peel over time, especially on the firebox
Getting to Know the Capabilities and Advantages
Having spent considerable time using the Royal Gourmet CC2036F, I can attest to how its features translate into practical benefits for backyard cooking.
Expansive Cooking Real Estate
The sheer size of the Royal Gourmet CC2036F is arguably its biggest selling point. With a combined total of over 1200 square inches of cooking area – 668 sq. in. on the main grates, 260 sq. in. on the warming rack, and another 272 sq. in. in the offset smoker – this grill is built for volume. I’ve comfortably fit multiple racks of ribs, large briskets, and still had space for sausages or vegetables on the main grate. The warming rack is incredibly useful for keeping cooked food warm or slow-finishing items like corn on the cob. This tremendous cooking space means you’re not doing multiple small batches; you can cook for 8-10 people, or even more, all at once. For someone who loves hosting big family dinners or game day parties, this capacity is a game-changer, eliminating the stress of staggered cooking and serving.
Dedicated Offset Smoker Performance
The firmly attached offset smoker box is where the magic happens for low-and-slow BBQ. This design encourages heat and smoke to travel from the firebox through the main chamber, enveloping the food in smoky flavor. It’s this feature that allows you to venture into smoking briskets, pork butts, or even cheese. The offset design provides good circulation, crucial for even smoking. While the main chamber grates are porcelain-enameled steel wire, making them decent for grilling, the smoker adds that extra dimension. It can also serve as a small grill itself for searing individual items. The benefit here is achieving authentic smoked flavors that are difficult, if not impossible, to replicate on a standard grill. It opens up a whole new world of BBQ possibilities right in your backyard.
Flexible Heat Management with Adjustable Charcoal Pan
Controlling temperature is key in charcoal grilling and absolutely essential in smoking. The CC2036F features a 3-level height adjustable charcoal pan in the main barrel. This is a practical feature that allows you to move the heat source closer to or further away from the cooking grates. Lowering the pan is great for low-and-slow cooking or smoking (using the main barrel as a second chamber with the offset), while raising it provides high heat for searing steaks or direct grilling burgers. This adjustability gives you fine-tuned control over the temperature profile in the main chamber, helping you achieve optimal results for different types of cooks. The charcoal pan is also quite substantial, holding up to 7.7 lbs of coal, which is sufficient for extended grilling or smoking sessions without needing to refuel constantly.
Convenient Side Charcoal Access
One of the realities of long smoking sessions is the need to add more fuel periodically. The Royal Gourmet CC2036F addresses this with a side charcoal door on the offset smoker. This door, featuring a heavy-duty handle, makes it easy to add more charcoal or wood chunks to the firebox without having to open the main lid. Opening the main lid lets out valuable heat and smoke, disrupting your cook and extending cooking times. The side door minimizes this disruption, allowing you to maintain a more stable temperature and consistent smoke flow. It’s a small but significant feature that makes managing a long cook much more convenient, holding up to 2.6 lbs of fuel at a time.
Streamlined Post-Cook Cleanup
Let’s be honest, cleaning a charcoal grill isn’t the most glamorous part of BBQ. However, the design of the Royal Gourmet CC2036F incorporates features to make cleanup less of a chore. It includes a removable grease drip cup underneath the main barrel to catch rendering fats and juices. There’s also a removable ash pan beneath the charcoal grate in the main chamber and the offset firebox has its own access for ash removal. These removable components make it easier to dispose of grease and ash, which are the messiest byproducts of charcoal cooking. While you still need to brush the grates and wipe down surfaces, these features certainly help in collecting the bulk of the residues, streamlining the hassle-free cleanup process.
Potential Downsides and What to Expect
While the Royal Gourmet CC2036F offers great features for its price point, it’s important to set realistic expectations regarding its construction. The metal is somewhat thin, which can lead to temperature fluctuations, especially in windy conditions, and may affect the grill’s longevity compared to heavier gauge steel models. Assembly can be a bit finicky; some users have reported issues with misaligned screw holes or poor-quality bolts that strip easily during assembly. Smoke leaks are also a common complaint, particularly around the lid and where the smoker attaches. While this is fixable with high-temperature sealant, it’s an extra step you might need to take to optimize smoking performance. Some users have also noted that the paint on the firebox can peel over time due to the high heat, which is primarily cosmetic but worth mentioning. These points are typical trade-offs for a grill offering this much space and functionality at a more accessible price than professional-grade smokers.
Feedback from Other Users
Looking around at what others have said about the CC2036F, the sentiment is largely positive, especially concerning its value and capacity. Many reviewers highlight the ability to cook large quantities of food simultaneously, successfully tackling big cuts like briskets. Users appreciate that it provides both ample grilling space and dedicated smoking capabilities for a reasonable cost. However, some feedback echoes my own experiences regarding assembly quirks and potential build quality concerns like thin metal or needing to seal leaks for better smoking efficiency. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus leans towards satisfaction with the grill’s performance relative to its price point, making it a recommended option for budget-conscious hosts and aspiring pitmasters.
Bringing Your Backyard BBQ Dreams to Life
Ultimately, if you’re looking to host memorable backyard gatherings and explore the world of low-and-slow smoking alongside traditional grilling, you need a grill that can handle the scale and the heat. Not having adequate cooking space or the ability to effectively smoke meat can limit your menu and make large event cooking stressful. The Royal Gourmet CC2036F Barrel Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker stands out as a compelling option for several key reasons: its immense cooking capacity easily caters to large groups, its integrated offset smoker unlocks authentic BBQ flavors, and features like the adjustable charcoal pan and side door enhance control and convenience during long cooks. For a versatile, high-capacity charcoal grill and smoker without breaking the bank, the Royal Gourmet CC2036F is definitely worth considering. To learn more and check it out for yourself, Click here to view the Royal Gourmet CC2036F Barrel Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker .
Last update on 2025-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API