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Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker Review: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly BBQ Combo

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Want to grill and smoke without breaking the bank? The Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker delivers smoky flavor, big cooking space, and true versatility—all in one affordable backyard beast.

Double the Power, Half the Price

If you’re serious about backyard BBQ but don’t want to drop a grand on a dedicated smoker, the Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is the perfect way to get started. With a spacious grill and a functional offset box, this setup lets you smoke briskets low and slow or fire up burgers and dogs fast.

It’s affordable, easy to use, and built with enough features to help you develop your skills and wow a hungry crowd.

Key Specs and Features

  • Grill Type: Charcoal with offset smoker box
  • Primary Cooking Area: 438 sq. in.
  • Warming Rack: 179 sq. in.
  • Smoker Box Cooking Area: 183 sq. in.
  • Total Cooking Surface: 800+ sq. in.
  • Grates: Porcelain-coated wire
  • Other Features: Adjustable charcoal pan, smokestack, temperature gauge, side shelf, bottom storage rack, cool-touch handles

Why This Combo Setup is a Backyard Win

1. Grill and Smoke on the Same Rig

The best part of this grill? Flexibility. You can grill burgers, dogs, steaks, and veggies on the main grate—then fire up the offset smoker box to tackle ribs, pork butt, or whole chickens. The smoker box feeds smoke into the main chamber, allowing for true indirect heat and smoky infusion.

It’s like having two cooking systems in one compact setup.

2. Great for Beginners and Budget-Minded Pitmasters

This grill is a favorite for folks new to smoking because it gives you a taste of traditional pit-style cooking without the steep learning curve or huge investment. It’s user-friendly, lightweight compared to heavier smokers, and gets the job done with solid results.

If you’re just getting your feet wet with charcoal and smoke, this setup sets you up for success.

3. Adjustable Heat and Easy Airflow Control

The adjustable charcoal pan lets you raise or lower the coals to control cooking intensity, while the smokestack and dampers give you airflow control to manage temps during long cooks.

You can sear steaks with high heat or smoke ribs for hours at low temps—it’s all about how you manage the fire.

4. Smart Design for the Price Point

Despite its affordability, the Royal Gourmet offers thoughtful design features:

  • Side shelf for tools, plates, and prep
  • Bottom storage rack for charcoal or wood
  • Built-in thermometer so you can monitor heat at a glance
  • Cool-touch handles to safely lift the lid or adjust airflow during the cook

It may not have the heavy-duty feel of high-end smokers, but for the price, it delivers major value.

What BBQ Fans Are Saying

🔸 “This smoker/grill combo gave me my first real taste of low and slow BBQ, and it didn’t disappoint. Best decision I made on a budget.” – Verified Buyer

🔸 “Perfect for learning how to manage temps, wood, and smoke. Now I feel confident tackling bigger cuts of meat.” – Beginner Pitmaster

🔸 “I’ve cooked brisket, ribs, and even smoked wings on this thing. Great value for the backyard.” – Weekend Warrior Griller

Who This Grill-Smoker Combo is Best For

  • BBQ beginners ready to try smoking meat
  • Budget-conscious grillers who still want real wood flavor
  • Apartment or patio cooks with limited space
  • Tailgaters and RV users needing a compact dual-function unit
  • Anyone looking for a fun and forgiving learning platform

Pro Tips to Master the Offset Smoker

  • Use lump charcoal and wood chunks for clean, long-burning heat with bold flavor
  • Start with small cuts like chicken thighs or sausages before tackling brisket or pork shoulder
  • Invest in a wireless meat thermometer to monitor internal temps without constantly opening the lid
  • Line the charcoal pan with foil for easier cleanup
  • Add a water pan inside the main chamber to stabilize temps and keep food juicy during long smokes

What You Can Cook on This Thing

With over 800 square inches of space, you’ve got room for:

  • A full rack of ribs
  • A pork shoulder and some sausage
  • 20+ burgers
  • Grilled veggies and sides
  • Smoked chicken, wings, or turkey legs

The warming rack also helps hold food while you finish the rest, making it easier to time everything right.

Final Thoughts

The Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is one of the best entry-level combo units out there. It gives you the power to grill or smoke, works great for family cookouts, and doesn’t cost a fortune. Whether you’re just starting your BBQ journey or adding a budget-friendly smoker to your gear, this setup delivers solid performance and real wood-fired flavor.

It may be your first smoker—but it won’t be your last.