Royal Gourmet vs Megamaster: Grills Compared by Specs
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This guide compares the royal gourmet vs megamaster grill for outdoor cooking needs. Both units are designed for portable use, but they serve different purposes. The Royal Gourmet is a large charcoal grill with an offset smoker, while the Megamaster is a compact tabletop propane grill. You need to decide between high-capacity smoking and quick, portable gas cooking based on your space and fuel preferences.
Key differences
| Aspect | Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | Megamaster Tabletop 1-Burner Gas Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Propane |
| Cooking Area | 823 Square Inches | 360 sq. in. |
| Form Factor | Grill with Offset Smoker | Tabletop |
| Weight | 45.2 pounds | 14.4 pounds |
| Heat Output | not listed | 11,000 BTUs |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker if
- You want to smoke meats using charcoal flavor.
- You need space for large cuts of meat or multiple items.
- You prefer adjusting heat by moving the charcoal pan height.
Choose Megamaster Tabletop 1-Burner Gas Grill if
- You need a grill that fits on a small table or in a car.
- You want to start cooking quickly without lighting charcoal.
- You prioritize portability and easy storage for camping trips.
Verdict: The Royal Gourmet suits those who prioritize cooking capacity and the ability to smoke food with charcoal. The Megamaster is better for users who need a lightweight, portable option for quick meals on the go. Choose based on whether you value volume and flavor or convenience and size.
Royal Gourmet vs Megamaster Specs
Fuel Type
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S uses charcoal as its primary fuel source. This requires you to manage charcoal and ash manually. The Megamaster Tabletop Grill runs on propane gas. This allows for instant ignition and precise flame control without dealing with ash. Propane is generally cleaner and faster to start. Charcoal offers a traditional smoky flavor that many grillers prefer. Your choice depends on whether you value convenience or flavor profile. The fuel type significantly changes how you prepare and clean up after cooking.
Cooking Area
The Royal Gourmet offers a massive 823 square inches of total cooking space. This includes 475 square inches of main grates, a 151 square inch warming rack, and a 197 square inch offset smoker. The Megamaster provides 360 square inches of cooking space. This is sufficient for small family meals or camping trips. The Royal Gourmet is designed for large gatherings and serious smoking sessions. The Megamaster is compact and fits on smaller tables. If you need to cook large cuts of meat or multiple items at once, the Royal Gourmet has a clear advantage in capacity.
Portability
The Royal Gourmet weighs 45.2 pounds and measures 51.7 inches in width. It is a stationary unit designed for a specific outdoor spot. The Megamaster weighs only 14.4 pounds and features foldable legs. It is designed for tabletop use and easy transport. You can pack the Megamaster into a car trunk or backpack. The Royal Gourmet is not intended for frequent movement. Its size and weight make it suitable for a backyard or patio. If you plan to take your grill camping or to the park, the Megamaster is the practical choice.
Smoking Capability
The Royal Gourmet includes a dedicated offset smoker section. This allows you to smoke meats at low temperatures while grilling on the main grate. The smoker is firmly attached to ensure good heat and smoke circulation. The Megamaster does not have a smoker attachment. It is a direct-heat grill designed for fast cooking. If you want to make smoked brisket or ribs, the Royal Gourmet is the only option here. The offset design provides versatility that the tabletop grill cannot match. This feature adds significant value for barbecue enthusiasts.
Heat Output
The Megamaster features a stainless steel burner with 11,000 BTUs of heat output. This provides fast and efficient heating for quick meals. The Royal Gourmet relies on charcoal heat, which varies based on how much fuel you add. It includes an adjustable lifting rack to control temperature by changing the distance between food and heat. The Royal Gourmet also has air vents to stoke the fire. The Megamaster offers consistent, high heat for searing. The Royal Gourmet offers more control over indirect heat and low-and-slow cooking. Each grill excels in different cooking styles.
Which Grill Fits Your Needs
You want charcoal smoke flavor
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S uses charcoal fuel to create authentic smoky flavors. Its offset smoker design ensures good circulation of heat and smoke. You get 823 square inches of cooking area, including a 197 square inch offset smoker. The adjustable lifting rack lets you control temperature by changing the distance between food and the heat source. This model is ideal for traditional grilling enthusiasts who value flavor depth.
You need quick portable cooking
The Megamaster Tabletop Grill runs on propane gas for instant ignition. It delivers 11,000 BTUs from a single burner for fast heating. Weighing only 14.4 pounds, it features foldable legs for easy transport and storage. The 360 square inch cooking space fits well on tables. This compact unit is perfect for tailgating, camping, or small patios where you need efficient, reliable heat without the hassle of managing charcoal.
You have limited storage space
The Megamaster measures 19.7 inches wide and 12.9 inches high, making it highly compact. Its lightweight design at 14.4 pounds allows for simple handling. The locking lid and foldable legs enhance portability. In contrast, the Royal Gourmet weighs 45.2 pounds and requires more floor space. If you live in a small apartment or travel frequently, the Megamaster’s tabletop form factor offers superior convenience and easier storage solutions.
The products compared
Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
Best for: smoke flavor and adjustable charcoal heat
- 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
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is a charcoal grill and offset smoker combo. It offers 823 square inches of total cooking area, split between 475 square inches of main grates, a 151 square inch warming rack, and a 197 square inch offset smoker. Weighing 45.2 pounds, it measures 51.7 inches wide. The adjustable charcoal pan and lid thermometer help you manage heat. This setup suits those who want smoke flavor and extra space for outdoor camping or backyard cooking.
Pros
- 823 total square inches of cooking space
- 197 square inch offset smoker for smoke flavor
- Two-level adjustable charcoal pan for heat control
- Built-in lid thermometer for temperature monitoring
Cons
- Charcoal fuel requires manual lighting and ash cleanup
- Bottom shelf holds only 20 pounds of accessories
- No digital temperature controls or remote monitoring
Good fit if
- You want dedicated smoke flavor from an offset smoker
- You need extra warming rack space for side dishes
- You prefer manual temperature control with an adjustable pan
Skip if
- You want quick ignition without charcoal
- You need more than 20 pounds of bottom shelf storage
- You prefer digital temperature readouts over analog thermometers
Verdict: Royal Gourmet CC1830S Offset Smoker Grill delivers substantial cooking capacity and dedicated smoking space for enthusiasts who value manual heat control. It fits buyers who prioritize smoke flavor and versatile grilling zones over digital convenience.
Megamaster Tabletop 1-Burner Gas Grill
Best for: Small groups needing portable, efficient heat
- Fuel Type
- Propane
- Cooking Area
- 360 sq. in.
- Heat Output
- 11,000 BTU
- Burner Count
- 1
- Form Factor
- Tabletop
- Primary Material
- Steel
View on Amazon: Megamaster Tabletop 1-Burner Gas Grill Affiliate link
The Megamaster tabletop grill is a compact, propane-powered unit designed for portable cooking. It features a 11,000 BTU stainless steel burner and 360 square inches of cooking space. The steel frame includes foldable legs and a locking lid for easy storage. Weighing 14.4 pounds, it offers a stable base for patio or garden use. This model suits those needing a small, efficient grill for two.
Pros
- 11,000 BTU stainless steel burner for consistent heat
- 360 square inch porcelain steel cooking area
- Foldable legs and locking lid for compact storage
- Durable steel frame with heat-resistant finish
Cons
- Single burner limits cooking versatility
- 360 square inch capacity is small for groups
- No side shelves or warming rack mentioned in specs
Good fit if
- You need a compact grill for two people
- You prioritize portability and easy storage
- You want a simple propane setup
Skip if
- You need to cook for more than two people
- You require multiple burners for different heat zones
- You prefer a large, stationary grill
Verdict: Megamaster 1-Burner Tabletop Gas Grill is a practical choice for solo cooks or couples who value portability. It delivers sufficient heat in a small footprint, making it ideal for patio use rather than large gatherings.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | Megamaster Tabletop 1-Burner Gas Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Propane |
| Cooking Area | 783 sq. in. | 360 sq. in. |
| Heat Output | not stated | 11,000 BTU |
| Burner Count | not stated | 1 |
| Form Factor | not stated | Tabletop |
| Primary Material | not stated | Steel |
| Placement | Outdoor | not stated |
| Application | Camping | Camping, Tailgating |
| Features | Thermometer, Side Shelf, Offset Smoker | Thermometer, Warming Rack |
| Style | Barrel | not stated |
| Compatible Appliance | Smoker | not stated |
| Dimensions | 28.6 × 51.7 × 46.9 inches | 28.4 × 19.7 × 12.9 inches |
| Weight | 45.2 pounds | 14.4 pounds |
| Size | Grill | 1-Burner |
| Color | Black | Red + Black |
| Model | CC1830S | 820-0065C |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Royal Gourmet grill suitable for serious smoking?
Yes, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S is designed for dedicated smoking. It features an offset smoker attachment that provides a separate space for wood chips. This setup allows you to generate authentic smoke flavor while grilling. The charcoal fuel source supports this manual heat control process effectively for enthusiasts.
Can I take the Megamaster grill camping?
Yes, the Megamaster Tabletop Grill is built for portability. Weighing only 14.4 pounds, it fits easily into vehicles or storage. Its compact tabletop form factor makes it ideal for patios, balconies, or camping trips where space is limited. The propane gas fuel ensures quick setup and reliable performance on the go.
Which grill offers more cooking surface area?
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S provides significantly more cooking space. It offers 823 square inches of total area, including a 197 square inch warming rack. This capacity suits larger families or gatherings. In contrast, the Megamaster is a single-burner unit with a much smaller footprint, designed for solo cooks or couples.
Do I need electricity to operate these grills?
No, neither grill requires an electrical outlet. The Royal Gourmet uses charcoal and wood for fuel, relying on manual airflow controls. The Megamaster runs on propane gas, which ignites instantly without external power. Both units are fully self-contained, making them suitable for locations without easy access to electricity.
How heavy is the Royal Gourmet offset smoker?
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S weighs 45.2 pounds. This weight reflects its sturdy construction and larger size. It measures 51.7 inches wide and 46.9 inches tall. While heavier than portable tabletop models, it remains stationary once placed. You will need a solid, level surface to support its structure safely.
Is the Megamaster grill good for large parties?
No, the Megamaster is not ideal for large groups. It is a 1-burner tabletop unit with a small cooking footprint. It is best suited for individual meals or small family dinners. If you frequently host large gatherings, the Royal Gourmet’s larger capacity and offset smoker would be a more practical choice.
What color options are available for these grills?
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is available in black. The Megamaster Tabletop Grill comes in a red and black color scheme. These finishes are standard for their respective models. The color choice does not affect performance but may help you match the grill to your outdoor decor or personal preference.