Royal Gourmet vs Oklahoma Joe's: Grills Compared by Specs
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This royal gourmet vs oklahoma joe s grill comparison focuses on two distinct charcoal cooking setups. Both units use charcoal fuel and include adjustable heat controls for temperature management. The main difference lies in their scale and intended use. The Royal Gourmet is a large, stationary grill with an offset smoker, while the Oklahoma Joe's is a compact, portable tabletop grill. You should choose based on whether you need high-volume cooking capacity or easy transport for smaller gatherings.
Key differences
| Aspect | Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Area | 823 Square Inches | 218 sq. in. |
| Form Factor | Grill | Portable Tabletop |
| Features | Offset Smoker | Cast Iron Grates |
| Placement | Outdoor | not listed |
| Application | Camping | not listed |
| Weight | 45.2 pounds | 48.5 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker if
- You need a large cooking surface for big families or large gatherings.
- You want to use an offset smoker for low-and-slow barbecue cooking.
- You prefer a stationary unit with side tables and bottom storage for tools.
Choose Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill if
- You need a compact grill that fits on a table or travels easily.
- You want thick cast-iron grates for strong sear marks on smaller portions.
- You are cooking for a small group of up to six burgers or steaks.
Verdict: The Royal Gourmet is the better choice if you prioritize cooking volume and the versatility of an offset smoker. The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler is ideal for users who value portability and a compact footprint for tailgating or camping. Your decision depends on whether you need a permanent outdoor station or a movable grill.
Royal Gourmet vs Oklahoma Joe Specs
Cooking Capacity
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S offers 823 square inches of total cooking space. This includes 475 square inches of porcelain-enameled steel wire grates, 151 square inches of chrome-plated warming rack, and 197 square inches in the offset smoker. In contrast, the Oklahoma Joe's Rambler provides 218 square inches of cooking area. It is designed to fit up to six burgers or steaks. The Royal Gourmet is better for large gatherings or feeding a crowd, while the Rambler suits small groups or solo cooking.
Portability
The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler is built as a portable tabletop grill. It measures 26.8 inches wide, 19.5 inches long, and 21.8 inches high. It weighs 48.5 pounds and features sturdy side handles for easy carrying. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is much larger, measuring 51.7 inches wide, 28.6 inches long, and 46.9 inches high. It weighs 45.2 pounds. Despite being lighter, the Royal Gourmet is too bulky to be considered portable. The Rambler is the clear choice for camping or tailgating.
Smoking Capability
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S includes a dedicated offset smoker section. This 197-square-inch chamber is firmly attached to the main grill to ensure good circulation of heat and smoke. It features an easy-to-open side door for adding charcoal and removing ashes. The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler does not have an offset smoker or any separate smoking chamber. It is a direct-heat tabletop grill only. If you want to smoke meats using the offset method, the Royal Gourmet is the only viable option here.
Grate Material
The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler uses thick cast-iron grates. These heavy-duty grates retain heat well to deliver strong sear marks and even grilling results. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S uses porcelain-enameled steel wire grates for the main cooking surface and chrome-plated steel for the warming rack. Cast iron retains heat differently than enameled steel wire. The Rambler offers superior searing potential, while the Royal Gourmet provides a larger, varied surface area with different grate types.
Temperature Control
Both grills offer adjustable heat control via a height-adjustable charcoal tray or pan. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S features a two-level adjustable charcoal pan to change the distance between food and heat. It also includes a lid thermometer for monitoring temperature. The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler has a height-adjustable charcoal tray and a professional temperature gauge with glow-in-the-dark accents. Both provide reliable manual temperature management. The Royal Gourmet offers a thermometer, while the Rambler features a glow-in-the-dark gauge for low-light visibility.
Choose your grill by size
You need large family cooking space
The Royal Gourmet offers 823 square inches of total cooking area. This includes 475 square inches of main grates and 197 square inches in the offset smoker. You get ample room for large cuts of meat or multiple dishes at once. The side tables provide extra workspace for prep. This setup handles big gatherings without crowding your food on the grates.
You want portable tabletop convenience
The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler is a compact tabletop unit designed for portability. It measures 19.5 inches long and 26.8 inches wide, fitting easily on standard tables. You can carry it using the sturdy side handles. The heavy-duty steel construction ensures durability during travel. This grill is ideal for camping trips, tailgates, or small backyard spots where space is limited.
You prefer cast iron heat retention
The Rambler features thick cast iron grates that retain heat effectively. This material helps deliver strong sear marks and even grilling results. You benefit from consistent temperature distribution across the 218 square inches of cooking space. The glow-in-the-dark temperature gauge allows you to monitor heat levels accurately. This setup prioritizes searing performance and reliable heat management for smaller portions.
The products compared
Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
Best for: Large capacity charcoal cooking and smoking
- 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 charcoal grill combines an 823-square-inch cooking area with an offset smoker. It features 475 square inches of porcelain-enameled steel grates, a 151-square-inch warming rack, and a 197-square-inch smoker box. The adjustable charcoal pan lets you control heat distance. A lid thermometer helps you monitor temperatures. The unit measures 51.7 inches wide and weighs 45.2 pounds. It includes side tables and a bottom shelf for storage.
Pros
- 823 total square inches of cooking space
- Offset smoker for added smoke flavor
- Adjustable lifting rack for heat control
- Built-in lid thermometer for monitoring
- Side tables and bottom shelf for storage
Cons
- Bottom shelf holds only 20 pounds
- 45.2 pounds weight limits portability
- No digital temperature monitoring included
Good fit if
- You need extra space for large cuts
- You want to add smoke flavor easily
- You have room for a 51-inch wide unit
Skip if
- You need a compact tabletop grill
- You prefer electric or gas fuel
- You require digital temperature controls
Verdict: Royal Gourmet Offset Smoker Grill offers ample cooking space and an offset smoker for flavor. It suits you if you prioritize capacity and traditional charcoal cooking over compact portability.
Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill
Best for: portable charcoal grilling for small groups
- Fuel Type
- Charcoal
- Cooking Area
- 218 sq. in.
- Form Factor
- Portable Tabletop
- Primary Material
- Heavy-duty steel
- Features
- Cast Iron Grates
- Dimensions
- 19.5 × 26.8 × 21.8 inches
View on Amazon: Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill Affiliate link
The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler is a portable tabletop charcoal grill with 218 square inches of cooking space. It uses heavy-duty steel construction and cast iron grates for heat retention. The adjustable charcoal tray allows you to control heat intensity. A temperature gauge with glow-in-the-dark accents helps you monitor cooking conditions. It fits up to 6 burgers or 6 steaks, making it suitable for smaller gatherings.
Pros
- 218 sq. in. cooking area
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Adjustable charcoal tray for heat control
- Cast iron grates for even searing
- Glow-in-the-dark temperature gauge
Cons
- Small cooking capacity limits large gatherings
- Heavy at 48.5 pounds
- No lid handle temperature indicator
Good fit if
- You need a compact grill for tailgating or camping
- You prefer authentic charcoal flavor
- You cook for small groups of up to six people
Skip if
- You require a large cooking surface for big parties
- You want a gas grill for instant heat
- You need a lightweight grill for easy carrying
Verdict: Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Portable Charcoal Grill is a durable, compact option for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize portability and charcoal flavor over large cooking capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | Oklahoma Joe's Rambler Tabletop Charcoal Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Charcoal |
| Cooking Area | 783 sq. in. | 218 sq. in. |
| Form Factor | not stated | Portable Tabletop |
| Primary Material | not stated | Heavy-duty steel |
| Placement | Outdoor | not stated |
| Application | Camping | not stated |
| Material | not stated | Cast Iron |
| Features | Thermometer, Side Shelf, Offset Smoker | Cast Iron Grates |
| Style | Barrel | not stated |
| Compatible Appliance | Smoker | not stated |
| Dimensions | 28.6 × 51.7 × 46.9 inches | 19.5 × 26.8 × 21.8 inches |
| Weight | 45.2 pounds | 48.5 pounds |
| Size | Grill | Portable |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | CC1830S | 19402088 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Royal Gourmet offset smoker grill suitable for large family gatherings?
Yes, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S provides ample cooking space for large groups. It offers 823 square inches of total cooking area. This includes 475 square inches of main grates and 197 square inches in the offset smoker. You can cook multiple items simultaneously. The unit weighs 45.2 pounds and measures 51.7 inches wide. It is designed for outdoor placement and charcoal fuel.
Does the Oklahoma Joe's Rambler fit in a small car trunk?
The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler is a portable tabletop grill designed for compact storage. It measures 26.8 inches in width and 19.5 inches in length. The height is 21.8 inches. Although it is portable, it weighs 48.5 pounds. This weight may be heavy for some vehicles. It uses charcoal fuel and features cast iron grates for durability.
Which grill is better for camping trips?
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S lists camping as a specific application. However, it is a large unit measuring 51.7 inches wide and weighing 45.2 pounds. The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler is explicitly labeled as portable. It measures 26.8 inches wide and weighs 48.5 pounds. Both use charcoal. The Rambler is more compact, but the Royal Gourmet is marketed for camping use despite its size.
What is the difference in height between the two grills?
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S stands 46.9 inches tall. The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler is significantly shorter at 21.8 inches tall. This makes the Rambler a low-profile tabletop option. The Royal Gourmet is a full-sized outdoor unit. Both are black in color. The height difference affects how you interact with the cooking surface and storage requirements.
Are the cooking grates made of cast iron on both models?
The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler explicitly features cast iron grates. The Royal Gourmet CC1830S uses porcelain-enameled steel wire grates for the main cooking surface. It also includes a chrome-plated warming rack. The offset smoker section provides additional cooking space. Both units utilize charcoal as their fuel source. The grate material affects heat retention and seasoning requirements.
Can I use the offset smoker on the Royal Gourmet grill?
Yes, the Royal Gourmet CC1830S includes an offset smoker feature. It provides 197 square inches of cooking space in the smoker chamber. You can use it for smoking foods or maintaining low temperatures. The main grill offers 475 square inches of space. The total cooking area is 823 square inches. This setup allows for versatile charcoal cooking and smoking simultaneously.
Which model is lighter to move around?
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S weighs 45.2 pounds. The Oklahoma Joe's Rambler weighs 48.5 pounds. The Royal Gourmet is slightly lighter by 3.3 pounds. However, the Rambler is designed as a portable unit. The Royal Gourmet is a larger outdoor appliance. Both are heavy for their respective categories. The Royal Gourmet is easier to move only by weight, not by design.
What are the dimensions of the Royal Gourmet grill?
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S measures 51.7 inches in width. It is 28.6 inches in length and 46.9 inches in height. The unit weighs 45.2 pounds. It is black in color. These dimensions make it a substantial outdoor cooking appliance. It requires significant space for placement. The size supports its role as a large capacity charcoal cooking unit.