You’ll like the Royal Gourmet CC1624W if you want a no-frills barrel charcoal grill with an offset smoker that’s roomy and user-friendly. It gives 552 sq. in. cooking area for 6–8 guests, a two-height charcoal pan and vents for solid heat and smoke control, and practical shelves and wheels for everyday use. Build quality is serviceable rather than premium, and assembly takes two people; keep going to see detailed pros, cons, and use tips.
Some Key Takeaways
- Offers 552 sq. in. cooking area, suitable for 6–8 guests or about 22 burgers.
- Includes an offset smoker and two-height charcoal pan for controllable smoke and heat.
- Alloy steel body with porcelain-enameled grates, wooden shelves, and wagon wheels for practical use.
- Good value for casual weekend cooks, but thinner steel and modest warranty may affect long-term durability.
- Assembly is straightforward but requires two people for heavy steps; maintenance and proper care improve lifespan.
What the CC1624W Is and Who It’s Right For
The Royal Gourmet CC1624W is a straightforward, no-frills barrel charcoal grill with an offset smoker that’s built for outdoors cooks who want authentic charcoal flavor without a pro-level price tag. You’ll find 552 sq. in. total cooking area, a height-adjustable charcoal pan, and airflow controls that let you dial smoke and heat for ribs or brisket. It’s aimed at casual grillers hosting family gatherings and budget buyers who want capacity for 6–8 guests without complex features. Sturdy alloy steel, porcelain-enameled grates, wooden shelves, and wagon wheels make it practical, approachable, and easy to share. It’s a good option for freestanding-grill enthusiasts looking for outdoor cooking capacity on a budget.
Unboxing and Assembly: What to Expect Step‑by‑Step
Now that you know who the CC1624W suits, let’s walk through what to expect when you get it out of the box. You’ll find labeled parts, hardware packets, and an instruction manual—start with an unpacking checklist to confirm grills, smoker chamber, shelves, wheels, grates, and tools are present. Clear a flat workspace and follow numbered steps: assemble frame, attach wheels, mount shelves, fix smoker chamber, install charcoal pan and grates, and secure handles. Use basic tools and two people for heavier steps. Practical assembly tips: keep hardware organized, follow torque guidance, and test stability before first use. Many kamado grill owners recommend adding accessories for versatility to enhance cooking options and protect your investment.
Cooking Performance and Heat Control (Grilling, Smoking, Capacity)
Because you can adjust the charcoal pan to two heights and control airflow through the smoker door damper and stack, you’ll get precise heat management for both direct grilling and low-and-slow smoking. You’ll use the built-in thermometer and vents to dial temperature regulation, holding steady for ribs or cranking heat for searing steaks. The 552 sq. in. grill capacity handles 6–8 guests or about 22 burgers, so you won’t juggle batches. Offset smoker adds measurable smoke flavor without overpowering food. With two-level pan and sealed chamber, you’ll see respectable fuel efficiency, stretching charcoal during long cooks. For those mastering outdoor BBQ, proper maintenance and pellet or charcoal selection can significantly improve performance and flavor, especially when focusing on temperature control.
Build Quality, Features, and Daily Usability
Although it’s priced as an entry-level cart smoker, you’ll notice solid basic construction: alloy steel body and porcelain-enameled grates resist rust and hold heat well, wooden handles and shelves stay cool and add a cleaner look, and the sealed cooking chamber plus fitted lids reduce heat loss for consistent results. You’ll appreciate material durability in daily use: powder-coat finish and welded seams keep it dependable. User ergonomics show in the wooden shelves, tool hooks, and wagon-style wheels that simplify prep and movement. Assembly is straightforward, maintenance is manageable, and features match expectations for neighborhood weekend cooks. The site also offers a selection of water barrels useful for outdoor cooking setups and rainwater collection.
Verdict: Pros, Cons, and Should You Buy the CC1624W?
If you’re weighing the CC1624W, consider that it delivers strong value for weekend cooks who want a versatile charcoal grill with basic smoking capability. You’ll appreciate its 552 sq. in. cooking area, adjustable charcoal pan, and simple smoker integration. Pros: solid heat control, helpful shelves, and approachable price aligned with current pricing trends. Cons: thinner alloy steel, modest warranty, and assembly quirks. Customer testimonials praise ease of use but note paint and longevity concerns. For those seeking community-level backyard cooking, its resale value and long term durability are acceptable if you maintain it—buy if you want affordable versatility. Many users also find that following charcoal grilling tips improves performance and longevity.
Some Questions Answered
Does It Come With Replacement Parts Available From the Manufacturer?
Yes — you can get manufacturer parts directly from Royal Gourmet; they offer replacement parts and warranty support for the CC1624W. Check Royal Gourmet’s customer service or their parts department with your model and part numbers; they’ll confirm availability and ship components covered under the one-year limited warranty. If you need help steering the process, contact their support team and they’ll guide you so you feel included and confident in maintaining your grill.
Is There a Recommended Cover for Outdoor Storage?
Yes — you should use a heavy duty cover, ideally a custom fit cover sized for a 45″ width x 25.98″ depth x 44.72″ height grill. You’ll want weatherproof, UV-resistant material with breathable vents to prevent moisture buildup. Choose reinforced seams and tie-down straps for windy conditions. That way you’ll protect the finish, wood shelves and thermometer, and feel confident your grill’s ready when your group wants to cook together.
Can It Be Converted to Use Gas or Propane?
No, it isn’t designed for a propane conversion or gas retrofit as shipped, and you shouldn’t retrofit internal parts unless you’re skilled with gas systems. If you want gas, you can buy a dedicated propane burner insert or separate gas-side smoker/grill designed for conversion. If you still consider aftermarket gas retrofit kits, consult a certified technician, follow safety codes, and expect warranty voiding—your community of grillers will back cautious, code-compliant choices.
Are There Compatible Aftermarket Grates or Accessories?
Yes — you can find compatible aftermarket stainless grates and porcelain coated grates sized for the CC1624W’s 321 sq. in. primary area and 105 sq. in. warming rack. You’ll want to confirm dimensions (width/depth) and grate support spacing before buying. Look for OEM-fit or universal models labeled for 552 sq. in. grills, and join user groups to compare brands, coatings, and longevity so you’ll pick accessories that suit your cooking style.
What Is the Estimated Shipping Weight and Box Dimensions?
You can expect shipping estimates around 50–55 pounds, with packing dimensions approximately 48″ W x 26″ D x 12″ H. These shipping estimates reflect the boxed grill, protective padding, and accessories. The packing dimensions give you room for assembly components and manual. If you’re buying with others, check seller-specific details—some carriers add extra packaging—and request exact packing dimensions from the retailer for confident delivery planning.
