Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grills That Save Space and Cook Faster

Maybe you already own a charcoal grill and are looking for an upgrade. Then why not move up the technological ladder and consider buying one of the best gas charcoal combo grills?

Cooking with charcoal gives you that perfect smoky flavor. And this part gets even better when you can also control the temperature. Plus, the gas grill combo offers a heating up process that is significantly faster as well.

Certainly a more efficient method of grilling that’s also low maintenance, easy, and versatile. But the many features these combo grills are equipped with make the selection process a bit harrowing. So how do you go about choosing one that can handle regular use? Or otherwise?

Our top recommendations are already shortlisted and reviewed for you below…

Review of the Best Gas and Charcoal Combo Grills

1. BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill

Once you get past the 4-6 hours of installation, you’re sure to have nothing but praises to shower over this dual-fuel charcoal and gas combination grill. That, just so you know, is also an incredible grill for the price.

The working or grilling surface is quite spacious (262 square-inch charcoal, 295 square-inch gas). And the side burner is that perfect additional convenience feature to prepare your most favorite sauces. Or just about any other dishes of your choice.

Key Features

  • Large cooking and warming rack space
  • 2 wheels installed for easy, convenient portability
  • Built-in ignition for all 3 stainless steel burners
  • Rubber grip control knobs and porcelain-coated heat plates
  • Adjustable charcoal tray height and removable ash tray

2. Char-Griller 5030 Gas & Charcoal Grill

Let us introduce you to the dreamiest dual-function grill. First things first, this Char-griller Gas & Charcoal Grill looks very attractive with its heavy-duty steel construction and powder-coated finish.

Even the factor of versatility is exceptional. Smoked chicken wings, smoked ribs, grilled steak with charcoal along with hamburgers and sausages on the gas portion. So how about you make your weekends and also your weekdays more enjoyable!

The cleaning part is a hassle-free undertaking too. The small grates are very easy to wash in the kitchen sink. And the porcelain coating on these grates prevents food from sticking. Not a waste of money at all we assure you!

Key Features

  • Dual function grill with an 870-square-inch cook area
  • Visually appealing, heavy-duty steel design
  • Cast iron grates are porcelain-coated to keep food from sticking
  • Temperature gauge and adjustable grate height

3. Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill

You’re most likely to love this combination grill so much you’ll be bragging about it every chance you get. The freedom to prepare charcoal-grilled steaks while also having the wonderful opportunity to use the propane whenever you like. So you can always cook something you actually enjoy, even when the power goes out.

And what’s even more alluring is that this gas + charcoal grill offers a cooking space of 1,260 square inches. Now that’s HUGE!

Key Features

  • Charcoal/gas combo grill with a heavy-duty steel construction
  • A total of 1,260 square-inch cooking area with a cast side burner
  • Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates for heat retention and easy cleaning
  • Electronic ignition for all 3 burners
  • Easy-dump ash tray, adjustable charcoal grate height, and grate lifter

4. Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1 LP Gas Charcoal Smoker

A superb grill for all grilling enthusiasts out there! This Pit Boss Memphis Gas Charcoal Smoker is a beast with its heavy-duty construction and the ability to cook food in different ways. Yes, a little bit of extra effort is indeed required for installation, but then that’s the case with nearly all such gas/charcoal grills.

The meat turns out well-finished and tender every single time. And there are plenty of adjustment options for the charcoal grill. As for the gas version, the efficiency of the heat or temperature is pretty practical. And also equally important, the grill is built to last!

Key Features

  • 4-in-1 LP gas charcoal smoker
  • The total cook area is 2,167 square inches (grilling is 1,327 sq in)
  • Air dampers and adjustable charcoal grate
  • Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates prevent food from sticking
  • Adjustable vents make way for cold or offset smoking

5. Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

Installation doesn’t always have to be such a task you know. And grills like these are proof of that. The Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill gets assembled in only an hour. Even the quality this brand offers is quite exceptional.

The work surface is huge with ample space for laying out plates to fill them with hamburgers, ribs, pork butt, brisket, and whatnot. So there’s no need to have a separate station for that. Plus, the grill is stable, which means no worries about the thing tipping over like a kettle.

Key Features

  • Charcoal grill with gas-powered ignition and extra workspace
  • Precision heat control and convenient charcoal storage
  • High-capacity, detachable, aluminum ash catcher
  • 3D interactive instructions for assembly
  • Integrated thermometer and removable LCD cook timer

6. Royal Gourmet ZH3002-S Gas Charcoal Grill Combo

For some, the assembling part is easy while for others it can be slightly complicated and time-consuming. But all that effort is definitely worth it once you realize the importance of using a heavy-duty gas charcoal grill like this.

742 square inches of cooking with unfolding side tables installed on both sides for extra working space. Moreover, the organic silicone-made firebox is highly heat resistant (up to 600 degrees). And you get 2 wheels and 2 casters for convenient movement.

Key Features

  • Combo grill made of double-layered stainless steel
  • Air vents and height adjustability on the charcoal grill
  • Easy clean-up due to the slide-out ash tray
  • 2 wheels and 2 casters offer portability and stability

7. Char-Broil Gas2Coal Liquid Propane and Charcoal Hybrid Grill

To be honest, not every such hybrid grill has to be a big deal, literally speaking. You can get a small and inexpensive one too that’s perfect for just 3-4 family members. In that case, for your quick meals, just use the gas and BOOM your dinner is ready. Just as commendable are those long, more fun smoky steak dinners using the charcoal tray.

It’s the epitome of convenience because the conversion from gas to charcoal takes place without the use of any tools. Plus, you get to enjoy the convenience and speed of gas grilling and the signature charcoal cooking flavors.

Key Features

  • Gas2Coal grill with a cooking surface of 420 square inches
  • Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and stainless steel burners
  • 3 main burners with an additional side burner
  • The well-engineered charcoal tray reduces flare-ups

8. Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo

Beyond the fact that the charcoal door on this combo grill doesn’t lineup, thus doesn’t close securely, you’re most likely to love everything else here. Such as the heavy-duty, durable construction, total 1,060 square-inch cooking surface, porcelain-coated cast-iron grates, and temperature gauge.

The propane/charcoal grill produces more heat than you might need. It’s certainly sturdier in comparison to entry-level smokers. Using the offset smoker, you can prepare a 12-pound Texas-style brisket the most conveniently, easily, and quickly.

Key Features

  • Charcoal and gas grill with an integrated offset firebox
  • Durable heavy-gauge steel construction
  • 750 sq-in primary cooking surface and 310 sq-in secondary cooking surface
  • Heat and smoke control with multiple dampers
  • Cool Touch handles and lid-mounted temperature gauges

9. Char Griller Dual 2 Burner Charcoal and Gas Grill

One of the very few easiest to assemble charcoal and gas combo grills. Then just throw in a piece of hickory, close the lid, and prepare the most delicious burgers.

The cooking surface is comparatively smaller, which is perfect for those cooking for 4 people or less. And if you’ve invited guests over, then simply fire up both sides. The heating process is very fast, quite surprisingly.

Key Features

  • Dual function grill made of heavy-duty steel
  • Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates prevent food from sticking
  • Attractive powder-coated finish and temperature gauge
  • Adjustable grate height and easy dump ash pan
  • Triple wall stainless steel insulation with a sturdy side shelf

10. Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP Gas Charcoal Smoker

You may have a love and hate relationship with this Smoke Hollow 4-in-1- combo grill. But hate is only in the beginning because of the tough, time-consuming assembly. Once the construction is done, one look at the gas charcoal smoker and you know it’s built to last.

Every section of this grill works like a monster. The heating capacity, in terms of temperature and speed, is praiseworthy. You can smoke, sear, and grill (both indirectly and directly). Cleaning is also pretty easy and quick, even when you cook large quantities for a large crowd (expensive prime steaks we’re thinking), which is very much possible with this unit.

Key Features

  • 4-in-1 combo grill with 4 burners and push-button ignition
  • Adjustable charcoal pan enables easier temperature control
  • Offset side smoker firebox for an authentic smoky flavor
  • Adjustable lift tray and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
  • A cooking surface of 1,100 square inches

Why Buy Gas Charcoal Combo Grills

Why would anyone, especially those who aren’t spendthrifts at heart, want to buy a grill with a combination of propane gas and charcoal? For the following reasons of course…

1. They Offer the Best of Both Worlds

The first world consists of the utterly delicious smokey flavor of charcoal. And the second best thing is the convenience and simplicity of gas cooking.

Based on the model you choose, you also get the option to cook using wooden chips for a barbecue or use the grill as a smoker.

2. They Save Lots of Space

Grillers and other cooking appliances are surely the best for preparing some of the most delicious foods. But then having a separate unit for each function ends up occupying just too much room in your kitchen or the patio area.

It’s not like you can get a built-in grill as in the case of these amazing built-in microwave ovens for small kitchens. But you can just as easily eliminate some of that mess by opting for a 2-in-1 or dual-function grill.

3. They Are Cost-Efficient

Once again, why spend money unnecessarily on two different appliances when you can just get the one grill. Agreed that a standalone charcoal grill is a lot less expensive than charcoal plus gas grills. But then with the latter, you also get the convenience and simplicity of gas cooking.

Keep in mind that small investments on individual units, no doubt, surely add up. And then you end up paying needless costs for the different grills you own. On the other hand, you’re most likely to save as much as at least 30-percent with a combo grill.

4. They Grill Larger Quantities of Food

How about paying attention to just one grill? Combination grills, more often than not, have a huge cooking, warming, and working surface. Thus, making your grilling experience incredibly time-efficient, which is just what’s needed for larger batches of food.

What to Look for When Buying Gas Charcoal Grills

Cooking Surface

What is the size of the cooking surface? This factor matters the most if you have a specific size in mind. Meaning if you cook for more people (in the case of a larger family or friends/family get-togethers), then a bigger cooking surface is the most practical.

Anything larger than maybe 1,000-1,200 square inches. This makes way for more quantities of food cooking at once. But then along with that, it also becomes slightly more challenging for maintaining an accurate temperature.

Cooking Chamber

Gas charcoal hybrid grills, some of them of course, feature 1-2 cooking chambers. In the case of one, you can use that single chamber for both charcoal and gas grilling. And when 2 chambers are installed, it means one is for charcoal while the other is for gas. And both can operate at one and the same time for quicker grilling of different kinds of food.

Power Output

This brings British Thermal Units (BTUs) into the picture. The power of any gas grill is the sum total of these units distributed throughout the burners. So a higher number of BTUs means a more powerful grill.

However, there should be a perfect balance between the burners and power output. For instance, if your grill is designed with more burners but has an average number of BTUs, then each burner is obviously going to be weaker. Also, the quality of the grill matters as well at this point. When that and heat retention are poor, then extra power makes no difference at all.

So the best thing to do would be to select a lower number of BTUs to preserve the heat levels more consistently with only minimal temperature fluctuations.

Construction Build

No need to get confused or overwhelmed anymore because of this particular factor. Allow us to break it down for you…

Cooking Grates - These should be made of cast-iron and then coated using porcelain. Such a construction is the most practical choice because it’s not only longer-lasting but also more high heat resistant. And the porcelain facilitates uniform heat distribution throughout the surface of the grill, thus preventing cold spots.

Burners - Go for infrared burners, which are better when it comes to spreading heat evenly below the cooking grates. Even though infrared burners are a more recent addition to such grills, they have become commonplace nevertheless because of the purpose they serve.

Smoker Box

Extra options are always a good idea, right? Particularly when it provides you the opportunity to cook more and faster. On that note, what a smoker box at the side of the grill does is cook as well as smoke your most favorite dishes very slowly. So feel free to use pine or hickory for producing that flavorful smoky taste.

But can you turn on the smoker box during the gas and charcoal grilling session? Many combo grills allow that, much like how they let you use 2 choking chambers at once.

Warming Rack

Who says you can’t use a lower heat setting to cook delicate foods? Someone who definitely doesn’t know much about indirect heating. Gas and charcoal cooking chambers both should have their separate warming racks to keep the prepared dishes warm and ready to serve.

Burners

Different foods demand different temperatures to cook, correct? In that light, it’s best to buy a combo grill with multiple burners. The side ones are good for soups, side dishes, and sauces while, at the same time, grilling ribs or smoking fish.

And it goes without saying that more burners make the grill more expensive.

Temperature Gauge

A temperature gauge is usually built into gas grills as well as hybrid grills. As you may already know that with standard charcoal grills, it’s not easy reaching a particular temperature and then using the installed vents for maintaining that temperature. So an easily accessible temperature gauge, at such times, makes the task of adjusting the temperature much easier.

Grates

Once again, but quickly this time, these should be made using cast-iron and then porcelain coated. So they can distribute and retain heat more evenly and efficiently. The porcelain coating is what prevents the sticking of food to the surface.

What about charcoal cooking chamber grates? Those that have a crank are better, so you can either lift or lower the grate depending on your cooking preferences. You raise the grates for grilling burgers while you place them nearer to the charcoal in the case of cooking steaks.

This form of adjustability, no doubt, means greater control over cooking temperatures.

Portability

Needless to say, gas charcoal combination grills are relatively heavier in comparison to standalone charcoal or gas grills. But then that’s normal. Just make sure the heavy-duty, bulky unit is outfitted with caster wheels. So moving the grill around isn’t impossible or even difficult.

The same applies to more compact, lightweight ones. Wheels are a must!

Cover

A waterproof cover that keeps your expensive grill safe and protected against external elements is what we’re talking about. Now keep in mind that not all combo grills come with a cover. So unless you’re okay with buying one separately, choose a brand that includes a cover with the whole package.

And if you can’t or don’t want to spend the extra cash, then store your grill in a covered area, like your garage, for keeping away damage often caused due to leaving the unit open all year round.

Dampers or Air Vents

These are a major part of the charcoal grilling section. One damper should be at the bottom of the charcoal cooking chamber and the other at the top. Together, they maintain the much-needed airflow for preserving the required temperature level.

But then not every hybrid grill features dampers. Instead, they are built with a different type of airflow system that may or may not be as good as dampers.

Tips for Cooking On A Combo Grill

Here’s how to become the ultimate authority on cooking on a gas charcoal grill…

  • Before grilling the meat, sear it first using the coals or burner. You can even make crosshatch marks.
  • At the time of grilling, make sure to shut the grill for proper heat circulation and even cooking.
  • Keep adding fresh charcoal for maintaining the heat when cooking larger cuts of meat or when cooking for a longer time.
  • You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your steaks, chops, and whatnot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a grill that is both gas and charcoal?

Due to the advancement of technology, there are hybrid grills that feature both charcoal grilling for an authentic smoky flavor and gas cooking merely for its simplicity and convenience. And we have reviewed all the top choices for you in this article.

This type of grill is built with either 1 or 2 chambers. If there’s one chamber, then it includes both gas and charcoal cooking. And when two chambers are installed, one is for gas and the other for charcoal. Both can be operated at the same time.

Can you put charcoal in a gas grill?

You cannot put charcoal in gas grills. Standard gas or propane grills work only on propane gas, and not charcoal fuel. But charcoal can be used in a gas/charcoal combination grill. Needless to say, just in the grill’s charcoal component.

What is a good BTU for gas grills?

Any good gas and charcoal grill offers a power output between 75 BTUs and 100 BTUs for every square inch of the cooking surface. This particular range is perfect for quick heating and also for preserving a good enough cooking power.

But with infrared grills, it’s better if the level of BTUs is slightly lower. That’s simply because these grills are outfitted with infrared burners that distribute heat more evenly. Also because of their higher energy efficiency.

Does gas grill taste like charcoal?

If you’ve used a charcoal grill before, then you already know that gas grilling results are nothing like charcoal. Even on a high heat setting. However, there is a way to include both forms of cooking into one with the help of a gas and charcoal combination grill.

Can you use a gas and charcoal grill at the same time?

It actually depends on the brand and model of the combo grill. But mostly, both can be used at once. The more recent gas charcoal grill designs have 2 separate chambers - one for charcoal, one for gas - that you can power on at the same time.

Is it healthier to cook with charcoal or propane?

First of all, charcoal grilling creates smoke each time the fat from your meat or food drips onto the burner flames. And that smoke contains carcinogens.

So does this mean that natural or propane gas doesn’t produce carcinogens at all? That is not true, but charcoal certainly gives rise to more smoke, hence a higher level of carcinogens. Greater smoke is precisely what’s responsible for the more flavorful charcoal-smoky taste.

For healthier charcoal grilling then, trim the fat to minimize dripping. You can also make it a point to flip the meat more frequently. And reduce toxins from the meat by soaking it in lemon juice or vinegar.

The End Of It All!

There’s no denying that combination grills can be tricky to buy and then to use as well. Outside of everything, they do seem like a perfect combination of the smokey charcoal flavor and simplicity of gas cooking.

Keep in mind that cooking, in this case, requires both charcoal and gas. So if you’re inclined to using just one type of fuel, then rather buy a standalone grill. For example, either a gas grill or a charcoal grill. It costs much less and occupies less space. But then you combine gas and charcoal if you want access to both forms of cooking.

For combination or hybrid grills like these, certain factors are more important. Such as the power output, total cooking surface, number of burners, and more. All of which are discussed at length in this post. So now all you have to do is go through it all once again if you like and then just pick your combo grill.

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