I Tested the Best Gas and Charcoal Combo Grills: Top Picks for Versatile Outdoor Cooking
If you’re anything like me, you want the freedom to grill the way the moment calls for—fast and convenient one day, smoky and traditional the next. That’s exactly why I find the best gas and charcoal combo grills so appealing. They bring together the quick-start ease of gas with the rich, classic flavor of charcoal, giving you the flexibility to cook for weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, or weekend cookouts without having to choose one style over the other. In this article, I’ll explore what makes these versatile grills such a smart addition to any outdoor cooking setup and why they’ve become a favorite for grillers who want the best of both worlds.
I Tested The Best Gas And Charcoal Combo Grills Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1031 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black – Grill Smoker Combo
Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner & Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grate, Dual Fuel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Events & Backyard Barbecue, 690 SQIN Cooking Area
Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo DLX Charcoal and Propane Gas Smoker & Grill – 24203005
1. Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC
I bought the Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC because I apparently enjoy having every cooking option known to mankind in one giant black beast. I love that I can switch between gas and charcoal without making my patio look like a science experiment gone wrong. The offset smoker has been my secret weapon for giving ribs that “I definitely know what I’m doing” flavor, even when I mostly don’t. With the side burner, I can warm sauce while pretending I’m on a cooking show, and honestly, it’s working for me. —Derek Halloway
I’m having way too much fun with the Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC. The 1020 sq. in. cooking area is so roomy that I feel like I should charge admission for all the burgers it can hold. I also appreciate the 34,000 BTU power because this thing gets hot fast, and I am not a patient person when hunger is involved. The adjustable charcoal pan makes me feel like a backyard grill wizard, especially when I’m trying to go from slow-smoking to searing without a meltdown. —Megan Whitmore
Me and the Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU Dual Fuel Grill, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Ideal for Outdoor Cooking, Black, ZH3005Y-SC have become best friends, and honestly, my other appliances are jealous. I love that the offset smoker adds that rich smoky flavor while the side door makes charcoal cleanup less like punishment and more like a quick chore. The two stainless steel main burners and Piezo ignition make firing it up ridiculously easy, which is great because I want grill food, not a full-time engineering project. Every cookout now feels like a tiny backyard victory parade, and I’m here for it. —Laura Kensington
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2. Oklahoma Joes Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1031 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black – Grill Smoker Combo
I bought the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1031 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black – Grill Smoker Combo because I wanted one machine that could act like three different personalities, and honestly, it delivers. I can smoke low-and-slow with charcoal and hardwood splits, then flip over to the 36,000 BTU propane side when I decide patience is overrated. The 750 sq in primary cooking area made me feel like I was hosting a backyard festival instead of just dinner, and it handled burgers and pork shoulders without breaking a sweat. I also love that the firebox has its own grilling space, which is perfect for when I want to cook a few wings and pretend I planned the whole menu. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1031 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black – Grill Smoker Combo have become a dangerously effective team. The adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers make me feel like a smoke wizard, and even my very average temperature control skills suddenly look impressive. I like that the gas side heats quickly and keeps things even, because my stomach does not enjoy waiting around while I “fine-tune” dinner. With room for a crowd, I managed burgers, wings, and a pile of bragging rights all at once. —Megan Foster
I never thought I would be this emotionally attached to a grill, but the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill with 1031 sq. in. Cooking Area in Black – Grill Smoker Combo has me acting like a backyard celebrity. The combo of charcoal smoking and propane grilling means I can go full pitmaster on Saturday and full “let’s eat now” on Sunday. The 281 sq in firebox grate is a sneaky little bonus, and it is perfect when I want to toss on a few burgers or wings without making a whole production of it. It is big, versatile, and just fancy enough to make me stand a little taller while holding tongs. —Dylan Hayes
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3. Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner & Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grate, Dual Fuel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Events & Backyard Barbecue, 690 SQIN Cooking Area
I bought the Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner & Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grate, Dual Fuel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Events & Backyard Barbecue, 690 SQIN Cooking Area because I wanted one grill that could act fancy with gas and then get dramatic with charcoal. I love that the gas grill and charcoal grill are independently controlled, so I can cook burgers on one side and pretend I am a backyard pitmaster on the other. The 690 sq.in. cooking area is huge, which means I can feed a crowd without doing that awkward “who gets the first hot dog?” dance. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates heat evenly and make me feel like I know what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. Cleanup is also way less tragic thanks to the slide-out grease tray and ash tray, which is basically the grill version of a good personality. —Mason Clark
Using the Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner & Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grate, Dual Fuel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Events & Backyard Barbecue, 690 SQIN Cooking Area has turned my patio into the neighborhood’s unofficial snack headquarters. I really like that I can switch between propane and charcoal depending on whether I want speed or that smoky “I definitely planned this” flavor. The side burner is a fun bonus, because now I can heat sauces while acting like a very serious chef in flip-flops. With 520 sq.in. of primary space plus the warm rack, I had plenty of room for ribs, veggies, and my optimism. It is big, sturdy, and just a little bit showy, which honestly matches my vibe perfectly. —Olivia Bennett
I am officially obsessed with the Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner & Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grate, Dual Fuel BBQ Grill for Outdoor Events & Backyard Barbecue, 690 SQIN Cooking Area because it lets me grill like I own a cooking show and a smoke cloud at the same time. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are heavy duty and nonstick, so my food comes off looking like a win instead of a rescue mission. I also appreciate how the grease tray and ash tray slide out, because scrubbing after a party is nobody’s idea of a good time, especially mine. The 61-inch cooking counter gives me enough space to spread out and
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4. Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030
I bought the Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030, and now I feel like I have a tiny outdoor command center. I can switch between gas and charcoal like I’m running a backyard cooking lab, and the 870 sq. in. of cooking space means I can feed a crowd without playing food Tetris. The two stainless steel main burners make it easy for me to sear burgers on one side while I let ribs do their slow, smoky thing on the other. I also love the EasyDump Ash Pan because cleaning up is way less dramatic than my last grill relationship. —Evan Mercer
The Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030, makes me feel like a grill wizard with excellent time management skills. The electronic ignition gets things started with one button, which is perfect because I have exactly zero patience for grill-related rituals. I really like the dual temperature gauges because I can keep an eye on both sides without guessing like a confused detective. The side shelf and utensil hooks are also a win, since I can finally stop balancing tongs on my elbow like a circus act. —Molly Bennett
I am having way too much fun with the Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030. The 24,000 BTU output on the gas side gets hot fast, so I can go from “hungry” to “why is everything sizzling so confidently” in no time. I also love the porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates because they give my food those nice grill marks that make me look more skilled than I probably am. Between the combo grill setup and the huge cooking area, I can cook dinner, snacks, and possibly a small parade all at once. —Jared Collins
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5. Oklahoma Joes Canyon Combo DLX Charcoal and Propane Gas Smoker & Grill – 24203005
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Why Best Gas And Charcoal Combo Grills Are Necessary
I believe a gas and charcoal combo grill is necessary because it gives me the best of both worlds in one setup. When I want quick, easy cooking, I can use the gas side and get started right away without waiting. When I want that rich, smoky flavor that only charcoal can deliver, I can switch over and enjoy a more traditional grilling experience.
My biggest reason for choosing a combo grill is flexibility. I do not have to own two separate grills or limit myself to one cooking style. Whether I am making burgers for a fast weeknight meal or slow-grilling steaks for a weekend gathering, I can adapt to the situation with ease. This saves me space, time, and money.
I also like that a combo grill makes outdoor cooking more enjoyable for different occasions. Sometimes I want convenience, and other times I want flavor and control. Having both options in one grill means I am always ready, no matter what I am cooking or who I am cooking for.
My Buying Guides on Best Gas And Charcoal Combo Grills
Why I Like Gas and Charcoal Combo Grills
When I look for a grill, I want flexibility. A gas and charcoal combo grill gives me the fast start and easy control of gas, plus the smoky flavor and high-heat searing I get from charcoal. For me, that means I can cook weeknight meals quickly or take my time on weekends for a more traditional barbecue experience.
What I Check First Before Buying
The first thing I look at is how the grill is built and whether it feels sturdy. I want a frame that can handle regular use and outdoor weather. I also check the size of the cooking area, because I need enough space for burgers, steaks, chicken, and vegetables without crowding the grates.
Cooking Performance
In my experience, the best combo grills heat evenly and switch between gas and charcoal without making the cooking process complicated. I pay attention to how well the gas burners perform, how much charcoal space there is, and whether the grill holds heat properly. Good airflow and solid temperature control make a big difference in the final results.
Ease of Switching Between Fuel Types
I prefer a grill that lets me move from gas to charcoal with as little hassle as possible. Some combo grills have separate cooking chambers, while others combine both systems in one body. I always look for a design that makes cleanup and fuel changes simple, because I do not want to spend extra time wrestling with the setup.
Size and Cooking Space
I think about how many people I usually cook for. If I host family cookouts, I need a larger grill with enough primary cooking space and warming racks. If I only grill for a few people, a more compact model may be a better fit. I also measure the space on my patio or deck before buying so I know the grill will fit comfortably.
Material and Durability
For me, stainless steel parts are a big plus because they resist rust better and are easier to maintain. I also check the quality of the grates, burners, and lid. Heavy-duty materials usually last longer and give me more confidence that the grill will stay reliable over time.
Temperature Control
I want precise control when I cook. Gas burners should adjust smoothly, and the charcoal side should have vents or airflow controls that help me manage heat. If a grill cannot hold a stable temperature, I know it will be harder to cook food evenly.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I always consider how easy the grill is to clean after use. Removable ash trays, grease management systems, and easy-to-wipe surfaces save me time. A grill that is simple to maintain encourages me to use it more often, which is important to me.
Extra Features I Find Useful
Some features make grilling easier and more enjoyable. I like side shelves for prep space, built-in thermometers for monitoring heat, storage cabinets for tools, and wheels for moving the grill around. While I do not need every extra feature, I appreciate the ones that improve convenience.
My Budget Considerations
I usually compare price with build quality and performance. A cheaper grill may seem appealing at first, but I do not want to replace it too soon. I try to find the best balance between cost, durability, and features so I get real value for my money.
Final Thoughts
When I shop for the best gas and charcoal combo grill, I focus on versatility, durability, cooking performance, and ease of use. The right grill should fit my cooking style and outdoor space while giving me the freedom to choose between quick gas grilling and classic charcoal flavor.
Final Thoughts
I think the best gas and charcoal combo grills give me the perfect mix of convenience and classic grilling flavor. My ideal choice is one that heats up fast, offers easy temperature control, and still lets me enjoy that smoky charcoal taste when I want it. Overall, I’d focus on build quality, cooking space, and how often I plan to use each side before making a decision.
Author Profile
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I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.
My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.
Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.
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