If you want the flexibility of gas with the flavor of charcoal, a charcoal-gas grill combo is the right choice. This guide highlights five top options ideal for backyard cooks, weekend grillers, and small outdoor parties. Each product blends dual-fuel versatility with practical features like side burners, warming racks, and ample cooking area. Read on to find which combo fits your space, hosting needs, and preferred cooking style.
Buyer types commonly seeking these grills include:
– The entertainer who hosts frequent gatherings and needs quick heat plus smoky flavor.
– The charcoal enthusiast who values authentic flavor but wants faster startup.
– The space-conscious griller who benefits from a single, multi-function unit.
– The beginner who appreciates simple control with versatile cooking options.
Summary table of selected products:
- Grills House ZH3005 2-Burner: 823 sq in total, 34,000 BTU, side burner, offset smoker.
- Grills House Grills House (ZH3005) variant: similar capacity, dual fuel balance.
- Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo: 1031 sq in, 36,000 BTU, three burners, charcoal and gas combo.
- Captiva Designs Combo: 690 sq in, porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, dual fuel with side burner.
- Char-Griller E5030: 870 sq in, dual main burners, plus charcoal option, 2-burner setup.
Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo with Offset Smoker & Side Burner
The Grills House ZH3005 blends charcoal flavor with gas convenience in a compact, 1020 sq. in. cooking area. It includes a dedicated offset smoker and a side burner, making it suitable for entertaining and weeknight grilling alike. Best for: cooks who want a full charcoal-smoker experience alongside gas speed, in a single unit. Caution: the dual zone heat management can require careful monitoring to maintain even temperatures across the charcoal and gas sections.
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill
This setup on a 1031 sq. in. cooking area pairs a 36,000 BTU 3-burner gas side with a charcoal smoker. It’s best for cooks who need crowd-ready capacity and the option to smoke and grill with one unit. Choose this if you want dense smoking alongside fast, high-heat grilling. Limitation: the listed BTU is for the gas side, so overall heat management depends on charcoal usage and airflow.
Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo
Captiva Designs offers independent gas and charcoal grilling with a large 690 sq in total area. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates on the charcoal side and stainless components on the gas side optimize heat distribution. Best for: groups that want separate control over each fuel type and a long cooking counter for sides and prep. Caution: ensure adequate space for the long cooking counter and ensure stable ash management with the charcoal side.
Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Combo Grill
Char-Griller’s E5030 emphasizes dual-fuel versatility with two main burners and integrated charcoal capability, totaling 870 sq. in. of cooking space. It’s best for cooks who want precise gas control on one side and smoky charcoal flavor on the other. Limitation: the two-burner configuration may limit wide, multi-zone heat when cooking large batches simultaneously.
3 Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
This 3-burner dual-fuel unit offers 37230 BTU total output and a large combined cooking area with a side burner. The gas side supports quick meals, while the charcoal side delivers smoky flavors. Best for: families that host meals with a mix of quick-cook items and longer-smoke dishes. Caution: ensure adequate airflow for the charcoal side to prevent uneven temperatures.
Propane Gas Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo Flat Top
This grill combo combines a flat top griddle with a charcoal grilling surface, plus a propane gas side. The cooking area totals 327 sq in, including a 140 sq in griddle and a 187 sq in cast-iron surface. Best for: cooks who want a versatile flat-top experience alongside charcoal flavor. Caution: the middle cart area offers prep space but may limit leg room on smaller patios.
Grills House ZH3005 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo with Side Burner
Grills House’s ZH3005 integrates charcoal and gas with a side burner in a 823 sq. in. total area. It heats with two main burners (12,000 BTU each) and a 10,000 BTU side burner, delivering 34,000 BTU overall. Best for: cooks who want a compact yet capable dual-fuel grill with fast heat and a handy warming rack. Limitation: the offset-smoker-style feature is not a separate chamber, so heat distribution relies on venting and airflow management.
Buying Guide: Charcoal Gas Grill Combos
- What to consider: cooking area, BTU distribution, number of burners, presence of a side burner, and whether a separate offset smoker is included.
- Fuel balance: decide if you want full charcoal flavor with gas backup, or primarily gas with occasional charcoal use.
- Heat management: two-zone cooking is common; look for independent controls or clearly separated sections for gas and charcoal.
- Durability: enamel-coated grates, stainless steel components, and robust fireboxes improve longevity in outdoor environments.
- Maintenance: ash management for charcoal sections and easy-clean grates save time after cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a charcoal gas grill combo?
It combines both charcoal and gas grilling on one unit, offering flavor from charcoal and convenience from gas. - Who should buy a dual-fuel grill?
Cooks who want flexibility for different menus, weather, and guest counts, or who want to minimize space by avoiding two separate grills. - Is more BTU always better on a combo grill?
BTU indicates heat potential but does not tell the full story. Zone control and heat distribution are equally important. - Do these grills require more maintenance?
Yes, charcoal areas require ash removal and airflow management, while gas areas need regular ignition and burner checks. - Can I smoke with these grills?
Many include an offset smoker or smoker-friendly features; verify smoker capability in product specs before purchasing. - Are dual-fuel grills easy for beginners?
They can be, if the design provides clear control zones and straightforward ignition, but some setups may require more learning to balance heat.