Imagine this: you’re craving that smoky, char-grilled flavor only charcoal can deliver, but you also love the quick, easy heat of gas for weeknight dinners. Juggling two grills can be a hassle, and choosing a combination model feels like a puzzle with too many pieces.
Many backyard chefs face this very dilemma. You want the best of both worlds – the rich taste of charcoal and the convenience of gas – but navigating the market for a grill that does both well can feel overwhelming. You might worry about sacrificing performance for versatility, or perhaps you’re unsure which features truly matter.
This post is here to clear the smoke. We’ll break down what makes a great charcoal gas grill combination and guide you through the options so you can pick the perfect one for your patio. Get ready to unlock a new level of grilling freedom and delicious meals.
Our Top 5 Charcoal Gas Grill Combination Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Charcoal Gas Grill Combination Detailed Reviews
1. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal and Gas Smoker & Grill
Rating: 8.9/10
The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal and Gas Smoker & Grill is a versatile cooking machine. It lets you smoke low and slow with charcoal or grill quickly with gas. This grill is perfect for backyard barbecues and serious pitmasters alike.
What We Like:
- It’s a combo unit. You get both a smoker and a gas grill in one.
- The smoker uses charcoal and wood chunks for amazing flavor.
- The gas grill has three burners and heats up fast.
- You have a lot of cooking space: 750 square inches on the main grates and 281 square inches on the firebox grate.
- It has handy tool hooks to keep your grilling tools close by.
- The removable ash pan makes cleaning up after smoking easy.
- You can control the heat and smoke with adjustable dampers.
- It has big wagon wheels for easy moving, even on rough ground.
- The cool-touch handles stay safe when the grill is hot.
- A bottom shelf holds your fuel and accessories.
- Front and side shelves give you extra space for food and tools.
- It comes with a 2-year warranty on all parts.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy hardwood splits and chunks separately for smoking.
- The propane tank for the gas grill is not included.
This Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Grill offers amazing flexibility for any outdoor cook. Get ready to impress your friends and family with delicious smoked meats and perfectly grilled favorites.
2. Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner & Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grate
Rating: 9.3/10
The Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo is a versatile powerhouse for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. It offers the best of both worlds, letting you choose between the quick convenience of propane or the smoky flavor of charcoal for your backyard BBQs and special events. With its generous cooking space and thoughtful features, this grill makes entertaining a breeze.
What We Like:
- Dual Fuel Flexibility: You can easily switch between propane and charcoal, giving you options for different meals and tastes.
- Huge Cooking Area: With a total of 690 sq.in. of cooking space, you can grill for a big crowd. The primary and secondary racks give you plenty of room.
- Quality Grates: The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are heavy-duty. They heat evenly and resist rust, making your food cook perfectly and cleaning easier.
- Easy Cleanup: Built-in grease and ash trays slide out, making it simple to clean up after your grilling session.
- Helpful Service: Captiva Designs offers good customer support, ready to help if you have any questions or issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- Assembly: Some users might find the initial assembly takes a bit of time and effort.
- Side Burner Placement: While it has a side burner, its placement might not be ideal for everyone’s workflow.
This grill is a fantastic option for anyone who loves to entertain and enjoys a variety of grilling styles. It provides great performance and flexibility for all your outdoor cooking needs.
3. Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Offset Smoker & Side Burner
Rating: 8.6/10
The Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill is a backyard chef’s dream. It brings together the best of both worlds: the smoky flavor of charcoal and the quick convenience of gas. Plus, it has a handy smoker box and a side burner for all your cooking needs. This grill is designed to make your outdoor cooking experience fantastic, whether you’re grilling burgers for a crowd or slow-smoking ribs.
What We Like:
- It’s a true dual-fuel grill, offering both gas and charcoal cooking options.
- The attached offset smoker is perfect for infusing food with that delicious smoky taste.
- You get a massive 1020 square inches of total cooking space, enough for about 36 burgers at once.
- The side burner is great for cooking sauces or side dishes while your main course is grilling.
- The adjustable charcoal pan lets you control the heat for different cooking styles.
- The Piezo ignition system makes starting the grill super easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers a lot of versatility, managing both gas and charcoal at the same time might take some practice.
- The charcoal capacity for both the grill and smoker is relatively small, meaning you might need to add more charcoal during longer cooking sessions.
If you love to grill and want a versatile tool for your backyard, this Grills House combo grill is an excellent choice that offers a lot of value.
4. Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24
Rating: 9.5/10
The Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker is a versatile cooking machine. It lets you grill with propane or smoke with charcoal, giving you lots of options. This grill is made of strong steel and has a sleek black powder coating finish. It’s designed to make cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone.
What We Like:
- You get a huge 870 square inches of total cooking space. That’s enough room for a big party!
- It offers both propane gas and charcoal grilling, so you can choose your favorite way to cook.
- The 24,000 BTUs mean it heats up fast and cooks food evenly.
- The porcelain-coated cast iron grates are durable and give your food great grill marks.
- It’s easy to clean up thanks to the easy dump ash pan.
- The adjustable grate height lets you control the cooking temperature precisely.
- It has a built-in temperature gauge to help you keep an eye on the heat.
- It is compatible with a side firebox, which opens up more smoking possibilities.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s heavy-duty, assembly can take a bit of time and effort.
- Some users might wish for more advanced digital controls for precise temperature management.
If you love to grill and smoke, this Char-Griller combo grill is a fantastic choice. It’s built to last and gives you the flexibility to create delicious meals, no matter your cooking style.
5. Propane Gas Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo Flat Top Griddle W/Dual Lids & 2 Side Shelves Dual Fuel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Barbecue
Rating: 9.4/10
This Propane Gas Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo Flat Top Griddle W/Dual Lids & 2 Side Shelves Dual Fuel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Barbecue offers amazing grilling power for any outdoor cookout. It lets you choose between gas and charcoal, so you get the best of both worlds. This grill is built for versatility and convenience.
What We Like:
- Dual Fuel Flexibility: You can use propane for quick meals or charcoal for that classic smoky flavor.
- Spacious Cooking Area: It has enough room to cook up to 20 burgers at once on its 327 square inches of grilling surface, including a griddle.
- Extra Preparation Space: Two side shelves hold your tools, and hooks keep them handy. A middle shelf holds your spices and oils.
- Flexible Design: The stainless steel burner lets you control heat precisely. It also has sturdy wheels to move it easily.
- Easy to Clean: A grease trap and an ash tray slide out for simple cleanup after you’re done grilling.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers dual fuel, managing both at the same time might require some practice for beginners.
- The 12,000 BTU burner is good, but some might desire higher heat output for very fast searing on the gas side.
This grill combo is a fantastic option for anyone who loves to grill and wants flexibility. It makes outdoor cooking enjoyable and manageable for any occasion.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Perfect Charcoal Gas Grill Combination
Why Choose a Charcoal Gas Grill Combination?
Do you love the smoky flavor of charcoal grilling but also enjoy the quick convenience of gas? A charcoal gas grill combination gives you the best of both worlds! You can cook with charcoal for that authentic taste or switch to gas for speedy weeknight meals. This guide will help you pick the perfect grill for your backyard adventures.
Key Features to Look For
1. Dual Cooking Zones
The most important feature is having separate areas for charcoal and gas. This means you can cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time. Some grills have these as completely separate units, while others have them side-by-side.
2. Cooking Grates
Look for durable grates made from good materials. Cast iron grates hold heat well and give great sear marks. Stainless steel grates are rust-resistant and easy to clean.
3. Burner Power (Gas Side)
Check the total British Thermal Units (BTUs) for the gas burners. Higher BTUs mean the grill heats up faster and can reach higher temperatures. Aim for at least 20,000 BTUs for good performance.
4. Charcoal Grate and Ash Catcher
A sturdy charcoal grate holds your coals evenly. An easy-to-empty ash catcher makes cleanup much simpler after a charcoal cook.
5. Lid and Thermometer
A well-fitting lid helps control temperature. A built-in thermometer is super helpful for monitoring the heat without lifting the lid too often.
6. Side Burner (Optional)
Some grills have a side burner. This is great for warming sauces or cooking side dishes while your main food grills.
Important Materials
The materials used in your grill affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice for outer shells and grates. It looks nice, resists rust, and is easy to clean.
- Cast Iron: Often used for cooking grates, cast iron holds heat very well, giving you excellent searing. It needs a bit more care to prevent rust.
- Porcelain-Enameled Steel: This material is used for cookboxes and lids. It’s durable and helps spread heat evenly.
- Aluminum: Sometimes used for side shelves or burner boxes, aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Grill Great
- Heavy-Duty Construction: A grill that feels solid and well-built will last longer.
- Even Heat Distribution: Good design and materials ensure your food cooks evenly on both sides.
- Easy Temperature Control: Being able to adjust the heat precisely is key to great grilling.
- Simple Cleanup: Removable ash catchers and easy-to-clean grates make a big difference.
What Can Make a Grill Less Good
- Thin or Flimsy Metal: This can warp or rust quickly.
- Poorly Designed Burners: Uneven heat can lead to burnt spots and undercooked areas.
- Difficult Assembly: If it’s a struggle to put together, it might not be built well.
- Hard-to-Clean Components: Grills that are a pain to clean are less likely to be used often.
User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Grilling
For busy families, the gas side is perfect for quick dinners like burgers and hot dogs. You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Weekend Feasts
On weekends, you can fire up the charcoal side for ribs, brisket, or whole chickens. The smoky flavor is unbeatable for special meals.
Entertaining Guests
With two cooking methods, you can cook a variety of foods for a crowd. Grill steaks on one side and vegetables on the other. Or, use the gas for appetizers while the charcoal cooks the main course.
Learning and Experimenting
If you’re new to grilling, the gas side offers an easier learning curve. As you get more comfortable, you can explore the art of charcoal grilling and its unique flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I clean my charcoal gas grill combination?
A: For the gas side, clean the grates with a grill brush and wipe down the exterior. For the charcoal side, wait for coals to cool completely, then empty the ash catcher and brush the grates. Regular cleaning keeps your grill working well.
Q: Can I use both the charcoal and gas sides at the same time?
A: Yes! That’s the beauty of a combination grill. You can cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously.
Q: Is a charcoal gas grill combination more expensive than a regular grill?
A: They can be a bit more expensive because they offer two cooking styles in one unit. However, they often save you money compared to buying two separate grills.
Q: How much space do I need for a charcoal gas grill combination?
A: These grills can be larger than single-fuel grills. Measure your patio or deck space carefully before buying.
Q: Which is better, charcoal or gas?
A: It depends on what you’re looking for! Charcoal offers superior smoky flavor. Gas provides convenience and faster cooking. A combination grill lets you enjoy both.
Q: Do I need special tools for a combination grill?
A: You’ll need standard grilling tools like tongs, spatulas, and a grill brush. For charcoal, you’ll also want a charcoal chimney starter and heat-resistant gloves.
Q: How long does charcoal take to heat up?
A: Using a chimney starter, charcoal usually takes about 15-20 minutes to get hot and ready to cook.
Q: How long does gas take to heat up?
A: Gas grills typically heat up much faster, often within 5-10 minutes.
Q: Are combination grills good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! The gas side is very beginner-friendly. The charcoal side is a great way to learn and expand your grilling skills.
Q: Where should I place my combination grill?
A: Always place your grill on a stable, flat surface away from any flammable materials like fences, trees, or overhanging structures. Ensure good ventilation.
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.