Royal Gourmet vs Ooni Grills: Which Brand Fits You?
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When you compare the royal gourmet vs ooni grill options, you see two very different approaches to outdoor cooking. Royal Gourmet offers a dedicated charcoal grill with an offset smoker for traditional smoking and grilling. Ooni provides a portable propane burner attachment designed to convert a pizza oven for quick, high-heat cooking. One is a standalone cooking station, while the other is a modular accessory for existing equipment. Your choice depends on whether you need a complete grill or a versatile oven upgrade.
Key differences
| Aspect | Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Propane |
| Form Factor | Grill | Portable Burner |
| Placement | Outdoor | not listed |
| Application | Camping | Pizza Oven |
| Compatible Appliance | Smoker | Pizza Oven |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker if
- You want a standalone charcoal grill with an attached offset smoker for traditional smoke flavor.
- You need a dedicated outdoor cooking station with ample workspace and storage shelves.
- You prefer adjustable temperature control via a two-level charcoal pan and air vents.
Choose Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner if
- You already own an Ooni Karu 2 Pro and want to add gas power for convenience.
- You need a portable burner that attaches directly to your existing oven for quick setup.
- You want to cook at high temperatures up to 950°F with minimal soot and cleanup.
Verdict: Choose the Royal Gourmet if you are building a dedicated charcoal grilling and smoking setup from scratch. Pick the Ooni burner if you already have a compatible pizza oven and want a clean, fast gas option. The right choice depends entirely on whether you need a new grill or an oven accessory.
Royal Gourmet vs Ooni Comparison
Fuel Type
Royal Gourmet uses charcoal for its CC1830S grill, requiring you to manage fire and ash manually. This method provides a classic smoky flavor profile that many traditionalists prefer. In contrast, the Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner utilizes propane gas. This fuel source offers immediate ignition and consistent heat without the need for kindling or charcoal management. You get cleaner combustion with less soot and residue to clean up after cooking. The choice depends on whether you prioritize authentic smoke flavor or convenient, fuss-free operation.
Cooking Area
Royal Gourmet provides a substantial 823 square inches of total cooking space. This includes 475 square inches of porcelain-enameled steel wire grates, a 151 square inch chrome-plated warming rack, and a 197 square inch offset smoker. This large footprint allows you to cook entire meals, such as ribs or multiple burgers, simultaneously. Ooni does not list a total cooking area because it is a burner attachment for a separate pizza oven. The cooking capacity is determined by the specific Ooni oven model you attach it to, which is typically sized for individual pizzas rather than large batches of food.
Temperature Control
Royal Gourmet features an adjustable lifting rack with a two-level height-adjustable charcoal pan. You control temperature by changing the distance between the food and the heat source. An easy-to-read lid thermometer helps you monitor the internal heat for various foods. Ooni offers a heat control dial on its gas burner, allowing you to cook across a range up to 950°F. It includes a low power function for low and slow cooking. While Ooni reaches higher peak temperatures ideal for pizza, Royal Gourmet provides mechanical control over heat intensity through physical adjustment of the grate height.
Form Factor
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S is a large, stationary unit measuring 51.7 inches wide, 46.9 inches high, and 28.6 inches long. It weighs 45.2 pounds, making it a permanent fixture in your outdoor space. It includes front and side tables for workspace and a bottom shelf for storage. Ooni’s gas burner is highly portable, measuring only 7.6 inches wide, 4.2 inches high, and 11.4 inches long. It is designed to attach to the back of an oven. This compact size means it does not occupy significant floor space when not in use or when attached to a larger unit.
Application
Royal Gourmet is designed for camping and general outdoor grilling and smoking. Its attributes list camping as a primary application, and the offset smoker is built for traditional smoking techniques. It is suitable for a wide range of foods, from vegetables to large cuts of meat. Ooni is specifically compatible with pizza ovens. Its application is focused on converting wood-fired ovens to gas power for pizza and other dishes. It is not a standalone cooking appliance but an accessory to enhance the versatility of an existing Ooni oven, targeting users who want pizza oven convenience.
Choose based on cooking style
You want traditional charcoal smoke
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S uses charcoal fuel to deliver authentic smoky flavor. Its 823 square inches of cooking space includes an offset smoker. You control heat by adjusting the charcoal pan height. This setup is ideal for low and slow cooking with classic smoke circulation.
You need quick high heat
The Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner reaches up to 950°F with propane. It attaches directly to your oven for fast heating. The heat control dial allows precise temperature management. You get quick results with minimal soot and no ash cleanup required for consistent cooking.
You need ample workspace
This grill provides front and side tables for seasoning and tools. The bottom shelf holds up to 20 pounds of accessories. The 823 square inches of total area includes a warming rack. You have plenty of room to organize your cooking process and store gear nearby.
You prefer low maintenance cooking
Using gas means you avoid managing charcoal and ash. The burner attaches easily to convert your oven. You benefit from quick ignition and consistent heat. There is minimal soot to clean up after cooking. This option saves time and effort compared to manual fuel management.
The products compared
Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
Best for: Smoke lovers who enjoy manual charcoal control
- 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 designed for outdoor use. It offers 823 square inches of total cooking area, split between main grates, a warming rack, and the smoker chamber. The unit features a height-adjustable charcoal pan for temperature control and includes a lid thermometer. Its dimensions are 51.7 inches wide, 28.6 inches long, and 46.9 inches high, weighing 45.2 pounds. This setup suits those seeking smoke flavor alongside standard grilling.
Pros
- 823 square inches of total cooking space including offset smoker
- Two-level adjustable charcoal pan for temperature control
- Built-in lid thermometer for monitoring heat
- Front and side tables for workspace
Cons
- Limited bottom shelf weight capacity of 20 pounds
- Requires manual charcoal management and ash removal
- No digital temperature display or smart features
Good fit if
- You want to combine grilling with smoking capabilities
- You prefer manual control over cooking temperatures
- You have outdoor space for a 51.7-inch wide unit
Skip if
- You need rapid heat-up times for quick meals
- You require digital monitoring or app connectivity
- You have limited storage space for bulky equipment
Verdict: Royal Gourmet CC1830S Offset Smoker Grill is a solid option for cooks who value smoke-infused flavors and manual temperature adjustment. It fits well in backyards where space allows for its substantial footprint and dedicated smoking setup.
Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner
Best for: Ooni Karu 2 Pro owners wanting gas power
- Fuel Type
- Propane
- Form Factor
- Portable
- Temperature Range
- Up to 950°F
- Compatible Appliance
- Pizza Oven
- Dimensions
- 11.4 × 7.6 × 4.2 inches
View on Amazon: Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner Affiliate link
This propane burner attaches to the back of your Ooni Karu 2 Pro pizza oven. It converts the oven to gas power for quick, low-maintenance cooking. The unit reaches temperatures up to 950°F and includes a heat control dial for precise adjustments. It also features a low power setting for slow cooking. The portable design measures 11.4 inches in length and 7.6 inches in width.
Pros
- Reaches high heat up to 950°F
- Includes heat control dial for temperature range
- Features low power cooking function
- Minimal soot and easy cleanup
Cons
- Compatible only with Ooni Karu 2 Pro
- Requires separate propane tank
- No smart connectivity or remote control
Good fit if
- You want to convert your Karu 2 Pro to gas
- You need precise temperature control up to 950°F
- You prefer low-maintenance cooking with minimal soot
Skip if
- You own a Karu 2 or Karu 12
- You want to use this burner with other oven brands
- You prefer wood or charcoal fuel exclusively
Verdict: Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner is a direct conversion kit for the Karu 2 Pro, offering high heat and precise control. It fits owners of that specific oven who want gas convenience without buying a new unit.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker | Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Charcoal | Propane |
| Cooking Area | 783 sq. in. | not stated |
| Form Factor | not stated | Portable |
| Temperature Range | not stated | Up to 950°F |
| Placement | Outdoor | not stated |
| Application | Camping | not stated |
| Features | Thermometer, Side Shelf, Offset Smoker | not stated |
| Style | Barrel | not stated |
| Compatible Appliance | Smoker | Pizza Oven |
| Dimensions | 28.6 × 51.7 × 46.9 inches | 11.4 × 7.6 × 4.2 inches |
| Weight | 45.2 pounds | not stated |
| Size | Grill | Karu 2 Pro |
| Color | Black | Silver |
| Model | CC1830S | UU-P2E600 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Royal Gourmet a grill or a smoker?
Royal Gourmet offers the CC1830S, which is a charcoal grill featuring an offset smoker. This design allows you to manage direct heat for grilling while using the side chamber for indirect smoking. It combines both functions in one unit, making it suitable for cooks who want manual control over smoke infusion.
Can I convert my Ooni oven to gas?
Yes, if you own the Karu 2 Pro, you can use the Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner. This accessory acts as a conversion kit, allowing you to switch from wood or charcoal to propane. It provides high heat and precise control without requiring you to purchase a completely new oven unit.
What size is the Royal Gourmet offset smoker?
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S measures 51.7 inches in width, 28.6 inches in length, and 46.9 inches in height. It weighs 45.2 pounds. This substantial footprint requires adequate outdoor space, but it offers a large cooking area suitable for backyard gatherings and extended smoking sessions.
Does the Ooni gas burner come with the oven?
No, the Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner is sold separately as an accessory. It is designed specifically for owners of the Karu 2 Pro pizza oven. You must already have the main oven unit to attach this silver, propane-powered burner for convenient gas cooking.
Is Royal Gourmet good for camping?
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S lists camping as a compatible application. However, its dimensions and 45.2-pound weight suggest it is best suited for permanent outdoor placement or large patios. While portable in concept, its size makes it more practical for fixed backyard use than frequent travel.
What fuel does the Ooni Karu 2 Pro burner use?
The Ooni Karu 2 Pro Gas Burner uses propane gas. It connects to standard propane sources to provide a consistent flame. This fuel type eliminates the need to manage charcoal or wood, offering a cleaner and more immediate heat source for your pizza oven.
How do I control temperature on the Royal Gourmet grill?
You control the temperature on the Royal Gourmet CC1830S by adjusting the charcoal pan height. This manual method allows you to manage the intensity of the fire directly. It requires active monitoring but provides traditionalists with precise control over the cooking environment and smoke levels.