Royal Gourmet vs BLACKSTONE Grills: Which Brand Fits You?
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When you compare royal gourmet vs BLACKSTONE grill options, you are looking at two very different outdoor cooking tools. Both brands serve outdoor enthusiasts, but their product lines target distinct needs. The Royal Gourmet unit is a charcoal grill with an offset smoker designed for smoking and grilling meats. The BLACKSTONE item is a protective hood accessory for a 36-inch steel griddle. One is a primary cooking appliance, while the other is a cover for a flat-top surface.
Key differences
| Aspect | Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | Blackstone 36-Inch Omnivore Steel Griddle Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | Steel Griddle Hood |
| Fuel / Power | Charcoal | Not listed |
| Application | Camping, Outdoor | Griddle Protection |
| Weight | 45.2 pounds | 21 pounds |
| Dimensions | 51.7 x 28.6 x 46.9 inches | 38.5 x 25 x 8.5 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker if
- You want a charcoal grill that includes an offset smoker for low-and-slow cooking.
- You need a standalone outdoor appliance for camping or backyard use.
- You prefer adjustable heat control via a height-adjustable charcoal pan.
Choose Blackstone 36-Inch Omnivore Steel Griddle Hood if
- You already own a Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore griddle and need weather protection.
- You want a durable, tool-free cover to prevent dust and water pooling.
- You need a lightweight accessory that is easy to maneuver on and off your griddle.
Verdict: The Royal Gourmet is the right choice if you need a complete cooking system for smoking and grilling. The BLACKSTONE hood is only useful if you already have the compatible griddle and need a protective cover. These products serve entirely different roles in an outdoor kitchen setup.
Royal Gourmet vs Blackstone Comparison
Fuel type
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S uses charcoal as its primary fuel source. This choice allows for traditional smoky flavors and high-heat searing capabilities typical of charcoal grills. In contrast, the Blackstone product listed is a steel hood accessory, not a standalone cooking appliance. The data for this Blackstone item does not specify a fuel type because it is designed to fit over an existing griddle. You must already own a compatible gas-powered Blackstone griddle to use this hood. Therefore, the Royal Gourmet offers a complete, self-contained charcoal cooking system, while the Blackstone item is merely a protective cover for a different fuel system.
Cooking area
Royal Gourmet provides a substantial 823 square inches of total cooking space. This includes 475 square inches of main porcelain-enameled steel wire grates, a 151 square inch chrome-plated warming rack, and a 197 square inch offset smoker. This layout supports large gatherings and simultaneous cooking methods. The Blackstone entry is a 36-inch hood accessory. It does not provide any additional cooking surface. Its dimensions are 38.5 inches in length and 25 inches in width, but these measurements describe the cover, not a cooking zone. If you need immediate cooking capacity, the Royal Gourmet unit delivers significant space, whereas the Blackstone item contributes zero cooking area.
Weight and portability
Weight plays a major role in placement and stability. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S weighs 45.2 pounds. This mass helps stabilize the grill and offset smoker during use, reducing tipping risks in windy conditions. The Blackstone hood is significantly lighter at 21 pounds. This reduced weight makes it easier to lift and maneuver onto and off of the griddle thanks to the stainless steel front handle. However, the hood is only useful when attached to a heavy griddle base. For the complete setup, the Royal Gourmet is a single, moderately heavy unit, while the Blackstone hood is a light accessory that relies on another product for support.
Smoking capabilities
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S features an integrated offset smoker. This design allows for indirect heat cooking and smoke infusion directly into the main grill chamber. You can adjust the air vent to control the fire and smoke intensity. The Blackstone product is a steel hood designed for weather protection. It does not generate heat or smoke. It is intended to shield a griddle from rain and dust when not in use. If you want to smoke meats or cook with wood flavor, the Royal Gourmet provides this functionality natively. The Blackstone hood offers no smoking features and cannot be used for cooking.
Build material
Construction materials affect durability and maintenance. The Royal Gourmet uses porcelain-enameled steel wire for the cooking grates and chrome-plated steel for the warming rack. These materials resist rust and make cleaning easier by preventing food from sticking. The Blackstone hood is made from powder-coated steel. This finish provides strength and durability against weather conditions like rain and sun exposure. Both products utilize steel-based constructions. The Royal Gourmet focuses on food-contact surfaces that resist corrosion, while the Blackstone hood focuses on exterior protection against the elements. Both approaches serve their specific purposes effectively.
Which Royal Gourmet or Blackstone fits you?
You want charcoal smoke and smoking capability
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is a charcoal grill with an offset smoker. It offers 823 square inches of cooking space. This includes a 197 square inch offset smoker for smoke flavor. You get adjustable lifting racks for heat control. The lid thermometer helps you maintain ideal temperatures. This setup is designed for traditional grilling and smoking.
You need protection for a 36-inch griddle
The Blackstone 5856 is a steel hood for a 36-inch Omnivore griddle. It measures 38.5 inches long and weighs 21 pounds. The powder coated steel construction provides durability in all weather. It acts as a barrier against water and dust. The stainless steel handle allows for easy maneuverability. It installs quickly without tools for your specific griddle model.
You prefer traditional charcoal cooking over griddles
You should choose the Royal Gourmet CC1830S if you like charcoal. It features porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and a chrome-plated warming rack. The offset smoker is firmly attached for good heat circulation. You can adjust the charcoal pan height for temperature control. The front and side tables offer ample workspace for tools and seasonings.
The products compared
Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
Best for: charcoal smoking and large-capacity outdoor cooking
- Fuel Type
- Charcoal
- Cooking Area
- 783 sq. in.
- Placement
- Outdoor
- Application
- Camping
- Features
- Thermometer, Side Shelf, Offset Smoker
- Style
- Barrel
View on Amazon: Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker Affiliate link
This Royal Gourmet setup gives you 823 square inches of total cooking space, combining a charcoal grill with an attached offset smoker. You get 475 square inches of primary grates, a 197-square-inch smoker chamber, and a two-level adjustable charcoal pan for temperature management. It suits outdoor cooks wanting traditional charcoal smoking across multiple heat zones.
Pros
- 823 square inches of total cooking area across three zones
- Attached 197-square-inch offset smoker with side access door
- Two-level height-adjustable charcoal pan for direct heat control
- Built-in lid thermometer for monitoring chamber temperatures
Cons
- Bottom storage shelf is limited to 20 pounds of distributed weight
- Requires 51.7 inches of horizontal width for setup
Good fit if
- You want a dedicated offset smoker attached to your charcoal grill.
- You need over 800 square inches of combined cooking and warming area.
Skip if
- You prefer gas griddle cooking without charcoal and ash cleanup.
- You have limited outdoor space that cannot fit a 51.7-inch-wide unit.
Verdict: Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker fits backyard cooks who want large-capacity charcoal cooking and low-and-slow smoking capabilities in a single setup.
Blackstone 36-Inch Omnivore Steel Griddle Hood
Best for: Protecting Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore griddles
- Primary Material
- Powder coated steel
- Form Factor
- Built-In
- Compatible Appliance
- Griddle
- Cover
- Hood
- Dimensions
- 38.5 × 25 × 8.5 inches
- Weight
- 21 pounds
View on Amazon: Blackstone 36-Inch Omnivore Steel Griddle Hood Affiliate link
This is a protective hood designed for Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore griddles. It measures 38.5 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 8.5 inches high, weighing 21 pounds. The powder-coated steel construction resists weather damage and prevents dust buildup. A stainless steel handle allows for easy removal. It fits models with a rear-grease management system. You need this if you want to keep your cooking surface clean when not in use.
Pros
- Powder-coated steel construction for durability
- Stainless steel front handle for easy maneuverability
- Custom fit for Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore models
- Tool-free installation and removal
Cons
- Limited to Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore griddles only
- Does not fit models without rear-grease management
- Requires separate purchase for weather protection
Good fit if
- You own a Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore griddle
- You want to prevent water pooling on the surface
- You need a durable cover for outdoor storage
Skip if
- You have a different brand of griddle
- You prefer a soft vinyl cover
- You need a cover for a 22-inch model
Verdict: BLACKSTONE 36" Steel Griddle Hood is the correct accessory for owners of the 36-inch Omnivore series. It provides precise protection against dust and rain while remaining easy to handle.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | Blackstone 36-Inch Omnivore Steel Griddle Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | not stated |
| Cooking Area | 783 sq. in. | not stated |
| Primary Material | not stated | Powder coated steel |
| Placement | Outdoor | not stated |
| Application | Camping | not stated |
| Form Factor | not stated | Built-In |
| Material | not stated | Steel |
| Features | Thermometer, Side Shelf, Offset Smoker | not stated |
| Style | Barrel | not stated |
| Compatible Appliance | Smoker | Griddle |
| Cover | not stated | Hood |
| Dimensions | 28.6 × 51.7 × 46.9 inches | 38.5 × 25 × 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 45.2 pounds | 21 pounds |
| Size | Grill | 36 inches |
| Color | Black | Powder Coated Black |
| Model | CC1830S | 5856 |
Frequently asked questions
Can Royal Gourmet compete with Blackstone for outdoor cooking?
They serve different purposes. Royal Gourmet offers charcoal grills with offset smokers for smoking and grilling. Blackstone provides steel accessories like hoods for protecting gas griddles. You choose Royal Gourmet for charcoal flavor and Blackstone for griddle maintenance.
What is the Royal Gourmet CC1830S best used for?
It is best for charcoal smoking and large-capacity outdoor cooking. The unit features an offset smoker attachment. This setup allows you to cook large quantities of food while maintaining low-and-slow smoking temperatures simultaneously in one backyard setup.
Does the Blackstone 36-inch hood fit all griddles?
No, it is designed specifically for the 36-inch Omnivore series. The hood measures 38.5 inches in length and 25 inches in width. It provides precise protection against dust and rain for that specific griddle size and model.
How heavy is the Royal Gourmet charcoal grill?
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S weighs 45.2 pounds. Its dimensions are 51.7 inches wide and 46.9 inches high. This weight and size make it a substantial piece of outdoor equipment suitable for permanent backyard placement rather than portable camping.
What material is the Blackstone griddle hood made of?
It is constructed from steel with a powder-coated black finish. The hood weighs 21 pounds. This material choice ensures durability against weather elements while protecting your griddle surface from debris and moisture when not in use.
Is Royal Gourmet suitable for camping applications?
Yes, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S lists camping as an application. However, its large footprint and charcoal fuel type require careful planning. You need adequate space for the 51.7-inch width and safe storage for charcoal fuel during outdoor trips.
What is the primary difference between these two brands?
Royal Gourmet focuses on charcoal cooking equipment like grills and smokers. Blackstone focuses on flat-top griddle accessories and maintenance products. You select Royal Gourmet for traditional charcoal flavors and Blackstone for protecting and maintaining your gas griddle surfaces.