Imagine the smoky, irresistible aroma of perfectly grilled burgers wafting through your backyard. Or maybe you’re dreaming of that quick sear on a gas grill for weeknight dinners. What if you didn’t have to choose between the best of both worlds? For many grill masters, the decision between charcoal and gas can feel like a culinary crossroads. You want the deep flavor charcoal brings, but you also crave the convenience and speed of gas. It’s a common dilemma, and sifting through all the different grill combos can feel overwhelming.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re here to cut through the confusion and help you find the charcoal gas grill combo that will transform your outdoor cooking. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes these hybrid grills so special, what to look for when you shop, and how to pick the perfect one for your backyard. Get ready to fire up your taste buds and elevate your grilling game!
Our Top 5 Charcoal Gas Grill Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Charcoal Gas Grill Combo Detailed Reviews
1. Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner & Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grate
Rating: 8.7/10
The Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo is a versatile cooking machine for any outdoor event. It lets you choose between the quick convenience of propane or the smoky flavor of charcoal. This grill is built for serious backyard chefs, perfect for parties and family gatherings. You get a massive cooking area to handle all your barbecue needs.
What We Like:
- You can grill with propane or charcoal, or both at the same time!
- It has a huge 690 square inch cooking space for large groups.
- The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates heat evenly and are easy to clean.
- Cleaning up is simple with the slide-out grease and ash trays.
- Captiva Designs offers great customer service to help you out.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be clearer for first-time grillers.
- Assembly might take a little time and an extra pair of hands.
This dual-fuel grill offers fantastic flexibility for any barbecue master. It’s a solid choice for anyone who loves to entertain outdoors.
2. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal and Gas Smoker & Grill
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to become the ultimate backyard pitmaster with the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal and Gas Smoker & Grill. This versatile powerhouse lets you smoke low and slow with charcoal or grill up a feast with propane, all in one unit. Its rugged black finish looks great and is built to last, making it the centerpiece of your outdoor cooking adventures.
What We Like:
- Dual functionality lets you smoke and grill on the same unit.
- Generous cooking space for all your barbecue needs.
- Thoughtful features like tool hooks and a removable ash pan make cooking and cleanup easy.
- Adjustable dampers give you great control over heat and smoke.
- Sturdy wheels help you move it around your yard with ease.
- Cool-touch handles keep your hands safe.
- Convenient shelves provide ample space for your cooking essentials.
- Comes with a 2-year parts warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Hardwood splits & chunks for smoking are sold separately.
- 20-pound propane tank for the gas grill is not included.
The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo offers incredible flexibility for any outdoor cook. Whether you’re a smoking novice or a grilling guru, this combo grill is a fantastic addition to your patio.
3. Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner
Rating: 9.1/10
The Grills House ZH3005Y-SC is a versatile outdoor cooking machine. It combines gas and charcoal grilling with an offset smoker and a side burner. This grill offers a massive 1020 square inches of cooking space, enough to grill up to 36 burgers at once! Whether you crave the quick convenience of gas, the smoky depth of charcoal, or the slow-cooked goodness of smoked meats, this grill handles it all.
What We Like:
- Dual Fuel Powerhouse: You get the best of both worlds – gas for speed and charcoal for flavor.
- Massive Cooking Area: 1020 sq. in. means you can feed a crowd or try multiple cooking methods at once.
- Integrated Offset Smoker: Easily add that delicious smoky flavor to your ribs, brisket, or chicken.
- Convenient Side Burner: Perfect for making sauces, boiling corn, or sautéing veggies while the main event cooks.
- Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Fine-tune your heat for everything from searing steaks to slow and low smoking.
- Easy Ignition: The piezo ignition system gets you grilling fast without needing batteries.
What Could Be Improved:
- Assembly Might Take Time: Like many combo grills, putting it together could be a project.
- Smoker Capacity: While functional, the smoker’s 1.5 lb charcoal capacity might be small for very long smoke sessions.
This Grills House combo grill is an excellent choice for anyone who loves to cook outdoors and wants serious flexibility. It’s a grill that truly does it all.
4. Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24
Rating: 9.2/10
The Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker is a versatile powerhouse for any backyard chef. This grill lets you cook with gas or charcoal, giving you the best of both worlds. It boasts a massive 870 square inches of total cooking space, with 606 square inches for your main dishes. This means you can cook for a big crowd or prepare a feast for yourself.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It’s a gas grill and a charcoal grill in one! You can also use a side fire box for smoking.
- Plenty of Space: With 870 square inches of cooking area, you can grill burgers, steaks, and veggies all at once.
- Easy Cleanup: The easy dump ash pan makes cleaning up after grilling simple.
- Durable Build: It’s made of heavy-duty steel and has a tough powder coating finish.
- Great Grates: The porcelain-coated cast iron grates heat evenly and give you nice grill marks.
- Temperature Control: The built-in temperature gauge helps you keep an eye on your cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Assembly: Some users found putting it together a bit tricky.
- Smoker Performance: While it can smoke, it might not be as good as a dedicated smoker for serious BBQ enthusiasts.
This Char-Griller grill offers a lot for its price. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who loves to grill and wants the flexibility to try different cooking styles.
5. Propane Gas Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo Flat Top Griddle W/Dual Lids & 2 Side Shelves Dual Fuel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Barbecue
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the ultimate grill for any backyard chef: the Propane Gas Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo Flat Top Griddle W/Dual Lids & 2 Side Shelves Dual Fuel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Barbecue. This grill lets you choose between the quick convenience of propane or the smoky flavor of charcoal, making it perfect for any cookout.
What We Like:
- Dual Fuel Fun: You get the best of both worlds! Switch between propane gas and charcoal to get the exact flavor and cooking style you want. The gas side has a powerful 12,000 BTU U-shaped burner for precise heat control.
- Plenty of Space: Grill up to 20 burgers at once on the generous 327 square inches of cooking area. This includes a 140 square inch grill grate and a 187 square inch cast-iron griddle.
- Prep Like a Pro: Two sturdy side shelves give you lots of room for your grilling tools, plates, and ingredients. Three hooks on each side keep your spatulas and tongs handy. A middle shelf holds your spice bottles and oil.
- Easy to Move and Use: The grill has a large handle for lifting the lid and strong wheels, including lockable ones. You can easily move it wherever you want to grill.
- Cleanup is a Breeze: Both the gas and charcoal sides have large, slide-out trays. The gas side has a grease trap, and the charcoal side has an ash tray. Cleaning up after grilling is quick and simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, the initial setup might require a bit of time and effort.
- The large size, while great for cooking, means it takes up a significant amount of space for storage.
This grill offers amazing flexibility and space for all your outdoor cooking adventures. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who loves to grill and wants options for flavor and convenience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Perfect Charcoal Gas Grill Combo
So, you’re looking for a grill that can do it all? A charcoal gas grill combo is a fantastic choice. It gives you the best of both worlds: the smoky flavor of charcoal and the quick convenience of gas. Let’s break down what makes a great combo grill.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind.
Multiple Burners
A good gas side usually has at least two to three burners. This lets you control different heat zones. You can sear a steak on high heat and cook veggies at a lower temperature.
Cooking Grates Material
The grates are where your food sits. Look for grates made of cast iron or stainless steel. They hold heat well and give you those nice grill marks. Porcelain-coated cast iron is also a good option.
Warming Rack
A warming rack is a handy shelf above the main cooking area. It keeps your food warm without overcooking it. This is great for buns or finished burgers.
Side Burner (Optional but Nice!)
Some combo grills have a side burner. This is like a stovetop burner on the side. You can use it to make sauces or sauté onions while your main grill cooks.
Temperature Gauge
A built-in thermometer helps you keep track of the grill’s temperature. This is super important for cooking food safely and perfectly.
Ignition System
For the gas side, a reliable ignition system is key. Piezo igniters are common and work well. They create a spark to light the gas.
Storage and Shelving
Think about how much space you need. Look for side shelves to hold your tools and platters. Some grills also have storage cabinets underneath for your propane tank and accessories.
Important Materials
The materials used in your grill affect how well it cooks and how long it lasts.
Stainless Steel
This is a popular choice for the grill body and grates. It’s durable, rust-resistant, and looks good. Higher grades of stainless steel are even better.
Cast Iron
Cast iron grates are excellent for heat retention and searing. They can rust if not cared for properly, but they create fantastic grill marks.
Porcelain-Coated Steel
This coating protects steel from rust and makes it easier to clean. It’s a good balance of durability and affordability.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a grill great or just okay.
Good Quality Increases:
- Thicker Gauge Metal: A heavier grill body means better heat retention and durability. It won’t warp as easily.
- Well-Sealed Lid: A lid that seals tightly helps maintain consistent temperatures. This is crucial for both gas and charcoal cooking.
- Even Heat Distribution: Good burner design and heat deflectors ensure your food cooks evenly across the grill.
Quality Can Be Reduced By:
- Thin, Flimsy Metal: This can lead to hot spots and a grill that doesn’t last long.
- Poorly Made Burners: Uneven flames or burners that clog easily will frustrate you.
- Cheap Ignition Systems: An unreliable ignition means struggling to get your grill started.
User Experience and Use Cases
A charcoal gas grill combo is super versatile.
For the Flavor Seeker
If you love that smoky, authentic charcoal taste, you’ll use the charcoal side often. It’s perfect for ribs, briskets, and anything you want to slow-cook with smoky goodness.
For the Weeknight Warrior
When you need dinner fast, the gas side is your best friend. Burgers, hot dogs, and chicken breasts cook quickly and easily. You can have a meal on the table in minutes.
The Entertainer’s Dream
Hosting a party? This combo grill lets you do it all. Grill steaks on the gas side while smoking chicken on the charcoal side. You can keep a variety of foods warm on the warming rack.
Easy Cleanup
Most gas sides have drip pans that make cleaning simpler. For the charcoal side, you’ll need to ash out the coals after they cool. Overall, a combo grill offers a good balance of cooking options and manageable cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a charcoal gas grill combo?
A: You should look for multiple burners on the gas side, quality cooking grates (like cast iron or stainless steel), a warming rack, a temperature gauge, and a reliable ignition system.
Q: What are the important materials used in these grills?
A: Key materials include stainless steel for the body and grates, cast iron for grates, and porcelain-coated steel for durability and rust resistance.
Q: How do materials affect the quality of a grill?
A: Thicker gauge metal and well-sealed lids improve quality by retaining heat and ensuring consistent cooking. Thin metal and poor construction reduce quality.
Q: What are some common use cases for a charcoal gas grill combo?
A: It’s great for achieving smoky charcoal flavor, cooking quick meals on the gas side, and entertaining guests with various grilled foods.
Q: Is a side burner a necessary feature?
A: A side burner is not essential, but it’s a very convenient feature for making sauces or sautéing ingredients while you grill.
Q: How do I maintain cast iron grates?
A: You need to season them regularly and clean them after each use to prevent rust. A light oil coating after cleaning helps.
Q: Can I convert a gas grill to a charcoal grill?
A: No, a gas grill cannot be converted into a charcoal grill. Combo grills are designed with separate sections for each fuel type.
Q: How much space do I need for a combo grill?
A: Combo grills are often larger than single-fuel grills. Measure your patio or deck space to ensure it fits comfortably.
Q: Are combo grills harder to clean than single-fuel grills?
A: The gas side is generally easy to clean with drip pans. The charcoal side requires ash removal, but overall, they are manageable.
Q: What is the advantage of having both gas and charcoal options?
A: The main advantage is versatility. You get the convenience and speed of gas for everyday grilling and the authentic smoky flavor of charcoal for special occasions or specific recipes.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.