Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Charcoal Grill Folding Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It

What stands out

• 490 square inches of total cooking space, including a stainless steel warming rack.
• Height-adjustable charcoal pan controlled by a crank handle for precise heat regulation.
• Front access door with a heat-resistant spring handle for easy charcoal management.
• Built-in lid thermometer for real-time temperature monitoring during cooking.
• Two adjustable air vents to control airflow and enhance charcoal burning efficiency.

Who it fits

Key specs explained for this grill

Fuel Type: Charcoal

This grill uses charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal rather than gas or electricity. Charcoal provides a distinct smoky flavor that many outdoor cooks prefer for meats and vegetables. You need to buy and store charcoal separately. It also requires more time to light and reach cooking temperature compared to instant-start gas grills. This fuel type suits those who prioritize flavor over convenience.

Cooking Area: 490 sq. in.

The total cooking space is 490 square inches. This includes 384 square inches of main porcelain-enameled steel wire grates and a 106 square inch stainless steel warming rack. This capacity can serve up to 10 people. It is larger than many portable camping grills but smaller than large backyard smokers. You can fit several burgers or a whole chicken comfortably.

Size: 24-Inch

The grill is described as a 24-inch model, referring to the diameter of the cooking chamber. This size indicates a medium-to-large portable unit. It is wide enough to handle multiple items at once but compact enough to fit on standard patio tables or folding stands. You should verify that your outdoor space can accommodate this diameter along with clearance for the lid.

Weight: 40.1 pounds

The unit weighs 40.1 pounds. This is moderately heavy for a portable grill, suggesting a sturdy steel construction. It is not light enough for one person to carry long distances easily. However, it is stable enough to resist tipping in moderate wind. You will likely need two people to move it safely across uneven ground or up stairs.

Height: 41.1 inches

The grill stands 41.1 inches tall. This height allows you to cook without bending over excessively, reducing back strain. It is compatible with the included folding table for a counter-height cooking experience. If you plan to use a different table, ensure it matches this height for comfortable access. It is taller than standard low-profile camping stoves.

Design and build details

The Royal Gourmet CD1824M measures 40.6 inches in length, 23.4 inches in width, and 41.1 inches in height. It weighs 40.1 pounds. The listing describes the finish as black. The main body uses porcelain-enameled steel for the cooking grates and stainless steel for the warming rack. This combination supports the stated 490 square inches of total cooking space. You get 384 square inches on the main grate and 106 square inches on the warming rack above. These materials are chosen for durability and heat retention in outdoor environments.

The grill features a folding table design, which is available with either a wood or black folding table option. This structural choice allows for easier storage when not in use. The charcoal pan is height-adjustable via a crank handle. You can move the charcoal up or down to control the distance between the fuel and the food. This mechanism lets you fine-tune the cooking temperature without moving the grates. The pan holds up to 4.5 pounds of charcoal per use.

Airflow is managed by two adjustable vents that control circulation. A front access door with a heat-resistant spring handle allows you to add charcoal without lifting the lid. This minimizes heat loss during cooking. A lid-mounted thermometer gauge indicates temperature changes in real time. According to the listing, these controls help you maintain consistent heat levels for smoking or direct grilling.

Setup and everyday use

The Royal Gourmet CD1824M folds flat for storage, which simplifies setup and takedown. You place the unit on a level surface and unfold the legs. The wood or black folding table option provides a stable base. The grill stands 41.1 inches tall, which is a comfortable height for most users. You do not need to assemble complex parts beyond unfolding the structure.

Daily use centers on managing charcoal heat. The grill holds up to 4.5 pounds of charcoal per session. You load the charcoal into the pan beneath the cooking grates. To control temperature, you turn the crank handle. This adjusts the height of the charcoal pan relative to the food. Raising the pan increases heat intensity, while lowering it reduces cooking speed. This mechanical adjustment allows you to fine-tune the cooking environment without moving the food.

Airflow management is handled by two adjustable vents. You open or close these to control oxygen flow, which regulates how efficiently the charcoal burns. The lid-mounted thermometer shows real-time temperature changes, helping you avoid overheating. A front access door lets you add more charcoal without lifting the heavy lid. The heat-resistant spring handle on this door protects your hand. The 490 square inches of total cooking space, split between the main grates and the warming rack, accommodates meals for up to ten people. You can cook multiple items simultaneously by using different heat zones created by the adjustable pan height.

What You Need Before Buying

Owning this Royal Gourmet CD1824M requires a few extra items. You must purchase charcoal separately, as it is not included. The crank handle adjusts the charcoal pan height, allowing you to control heat precisely. You should keep a chimney starter and long-handled tongs nearby for safe fuel management. The front access door helps you add charcoal without lifting the lid, which preserves temperature. Regular cleaning of the porcelain-enameled steel grates and the stainless steel warming rack is necessary to prevent rust and maintain hygiene. The built-in thermometer helps you monitor internal heat, but you might want an oven thermometer for double-checking accuracy. This grill fits well in your outdoor cooking setup if you prefer charcoal flavor over gas or electric options. It complements other tools by providing a dedicated space for smoking or slow cooking. Ensure your storage area can accommodate its folded dimensions. Check that your table surface is level and stable before unfolding the legs. This model suits those who value adjustable heat control and portability.

Check before you buy

• Confirm you have charcoal and a chimney starter ready.
• Verify your storage space fits the folded grill dimensions.
• Ensure your table surface is level and stable.
• Check if you need additional long-handled grilling tools.

The product at a glance

1

Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table

Best for: portable charcoal grilling for small groups

Fuel Type

Charcoal

Cooking Area

490 sq. in.

Placement

Outdoor

Application

Backyard

Features

Thermometer

Compatible Appliance

Smoker

View on Amazon: Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Charcoal Grill with Folding Table Affiliate link

The Royal Gourmet CD1824M is a 24-inch charcoal grill with 490 square inches of total cooking space. It features a height-adjustable charcoal pan controlled by a crank handle, allowing you to fine-tune heat levels. A front access door simplifies adding fuel, while adjustable air vents and a built-in thermometer help manage temperature. This model sits on a folding table and weighs 40.1 pounds.

Pros

• 490 sq. in. total cooking area
• Height-adjustable charcoal pan for heat control
• Front access door for easy fuel addition
• Built-in lid thermometer for real-time monitoring

Cons

• Limited charcoal capacity of 4.5 lb per use
• No digital temperature display or remote control
• Requires manual adjustment of air vents and grate height

Good fit if

• You need a portable grill for tailgating or camping
• You prefer manual control over charcoal temperature
• You want a large cooking surface that folds flat

Skip if

• You require precise digital temperature monitoring
• You want to cook for more than 10 people
• You prefer gas or electric convenience over charcoal

Verdict: Royal Gourmet 24-Inch Folding Charcoal Grill suits outdoor cooks who value portability and manual heat management. It offers ample space for small gatherings but lacks the precision tools preferred by serious pitmasters.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• royal gourmet cd1824m 24 inch charcoal grill alternatives
• best royal gourmet gas grills
• bestfire 63 inch charcoal grill smoker review
• zomagas 24 inch range review